My Top 25 Favorite Animated Movies of All Time

#1 - Coraline (9.5/10)

I made the mistake of watching Coraline for the first time when I was about 11 years old, and I was not ready for how disturbing this children's movie truly is.

Now that I am older, I have fallen in love with this film and am forever fascinated by how incredible it looks for being stop-motion animation. The imagination and wonder this film invokes while building suspense and a looming sense of dread is unprecedented.

I have seen other films created by LAIKA Studios like ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings, etc., but Coraline tops them all.

#2 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (9/10)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an amazing yet often overlooked Disney film for its dark themes and religious metaphors.

The complexity of each character is intriguing. The hypocrisy and "righteousness" of one of Disney's most vile villains Claude Frollo, the selfless and courageous spirit of Esmeralda, the inquisitive and gentle bell-ringer Quasimodo and the sarcastic and fiercely loyal Captain Phoebus all help lead the audience to answer the film's main question: Who is the monster and who is the man?

#3 - Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (9/10)

A brilliant film that combines stop-motion animation and live action footage, Marcel the Shell With Shoes On tells a heartwarming tale about a tiny shell named Marcel and his journey to find his family in the chaotic, loud and at times digital world of human beings. It brings tears to my eyes every time I watch and serves to remind us all to take a step back from time to time and focus on what is truly important in our lives.

#4 - The Incredibles (9/10)

I included this film in My Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time list, and for good reason: It's The Incredibles for crying out loud, no explanation needed!

#5 - Klaus (8.5/10)

It is my hope that someday Klaus is regarded as a timeless Christmas classic right alongside films like 'Twas the Night Before Christmas from 1974 and Santa Claus is Comin' to Town from 1970. Klaus feels like a film pulled directly from Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment with its bright colors, nostalgic animation style, loveable characters and impressive storytelling.

If I could pick one word to capture the essence of this film: Wonderous.

#6 - Beauty and the Beast (8.5/10)

A tale as old as time I've loved ever since I can remember. Belle will always be my favorite Disney princess and Gaston's bar song will never not be hilarious.

#7 - The Wild Robot (8.5/10)

A recently-released film directed by Chris Sanders (yes, THAT Chris Sanders, the one who also directed How to Train Your Dragon), The Wild Robot is a beautifully illustrated story that invokes a strong sense of familiarity. In fact, it explores many inherently human feelings through the perspectives of robots and animals. The rewarding challenge of motherhood, the desire to belong and the importance of understanding those who are different from us are depicted in unique ways that will inspire viewers from every generation.

#8 - The Prince of Egypt (8/10)

While I do not consider myself a religious person, I still have a deep-rooted appreciation for The Prince of Egypt. While its main purpose lies in retelling the biblical story of Exodus, it dives deeper into the story, depicting Moses' and Ramses' divided struggles as adopted brothers and later adversaries.

#9 - Spirited Away (8/10)

While I did not grow up with this film, I am so happy to say I finally watched it as an adult. It is so beautifully weird and whimsical, I am kicking myself for not giving it the time of day sooner. I highly recommend it!

#10 - The Lego Movie (8/10)

I remember seeing The Lego Movie with my family in theaters years ago and having the time of my life. You might think it's light-hearted and simple...I mean, it's just Legos, right? Wrong!

The Lego Movie is an incredibly fun, feel-good film that also serves to convey a powerful message: You can be whatever you want to be.

Fun fact, this movie does not utilize traditional stop-motion animation, it actually uses computer-generated animation to bring the characters and brick worlds to life. Could've fooled me!

#11 - Corpse Bride (8/10)

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is fantastic, a haunting yet whimsical tale of love and loss. The stop-motion animation helps create a creepy atmosphere, but also perfectly suits the quirky personalities of each of the characters. In my opinion, this is Tim Burton's best work.

#12 - Finding Nemo (8/10)

When we weren't watching The Incredibles for family movie night, Finding Nemo was always the runner-up. Such an awesome childhood classic.

#13 - Shrek (8/10)

As you'll find out if you continue to scroll, I do like Shrek more than Shrek 2. While many of my friends and family enjoy the sequel more, and of course I love the sequel too, something about the original Shrek just wreaks of comedic and cinematic gold. All the jokes land, the personalities and goals of the characters are established in a clever way that sets the tone for the rest of the franchise. And I'm sorry, everything about Lord Farquaad is priceless.

#14 - Shrek 2 (8/10)

One of the best animated movie sequels ever created. I have a lot of respect for this film and consistently watch it every summer with my siblings and cousins.

#15 - The Nightmare Before Christmas (8/10)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is incredibly charming and easy to fall in love with. My partner and I dressed up as Jack Skellington and Sally a few years ago for Halloween. Such adorable characters, beautifully composed songs and enchanting stop-motion animation depicting holidays so different from each other.

#16 - Megamind (8/10)

Megamind is HILARIOUS and needs to be talked about more. Setting aside the star-studded cast, this film's clever writing and wittiness make it an instant classic. Will Farrell is the king of improv.

#17 - Kung Fu Panda 2 (8/10)

While I like Kung Fu Panda, I love Kung Fu Panda 2. Gary Oldman plays the sinister, complex villain Lord Shen, and absolutely nails it. The laughs and action sequences are lots of fun, but the darker imagery and themes revealed as we dive deeper into Po's backstory are haunting.

This carefully constructed balance between light-hearted mayhem unfolding and traumatic memories bubbling to the surface is expertly done. A great way to write a villain and a story that goes out with a bang.

#18 - Wall-E (8/10)

Wall-E always leaves me with a mix of emotions. It is a touching love story, yet also an eye-opening cautionary tale for the human race. Relatable in a frightening way, and honestly, I think most of us relate to the robots more than the humans in this film. That's saying something.

#19 - Treasure Planet (7.5/10)

Whenever I get the itch to watch Treasure Planet, I skip right over Disney+ and turn to my VHS player. I can't quite describe how nostalgic it is to see the teaser trailer for Bionicle: Mask of Light in the opening credits for Treasure Planet. If you know, you know.

A steampunk, intergalactic sci-fi movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time (and keep the tears flowing).

#20 - Atlantis: The Lost Empire (7/10)

I was obsessed with this movie growing up. Kida was a badass, and Milo's book-smart personality and ambition as a historical underdog made him one of my favorite animated characters of all time. Like Treasure Planet and The Iron Giant, the use of both 2-D and 3-D effects made it a fascinating watch. Such a cool sci-fi Disney movie!

#21 - The Iron Giant (7.5/10)

Apart from the name "Hogarth," I love everything about this film. Never realized Vin Diesel was the voice of the giant, but now I can't unhear it. The Iron Giant will always hold a special place in my heart.

#22 - Brave (7.5/10)

I really appreciate how well this film focuses on a mother-daughter relationship and the importance of hearing each other's sides.

In any familial relationship, opposing perspectives, differing experiences and divides in age can either create tension between parents and children, or help lay the foundation to bridge the gap.

I love my mother dearly, and the two of us walked away from Brave with newfound understanding of each other's concerns as I entered my teenage years. Merida truly resonated with me, and her refusal to keep quiet while learning to effectively communicate and find common ground with her mother helped me feel seen.

#23 - Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (7.5/10)

A western for all ages, told from the perspective of a horse living on the last frontier. One of DreamWorks' best and a beautiful story of freedom and courage.

#24 - Brother Bear (7/10)

Critics didn't love Brother Bear, but audiences sure did. The use of color in this film is breathtaking: The reds in the furs and tree trunks, the blues and purples of the mountains, the intense yellows that glow when the great spirits emerge are spectacular. The underlying themes of brotherhood, love and understanding. Overall, a heart-felt story of how one's world can change after seeing through another's eyes.

#25 - The Road to El Dorado (7/10)

I still find it hard to believe this movie is meant for kids, but it was always a blast to watch anyway. It is no wonder it has become a cult classic over the years, such a fun, nostalgic film.

***Honorable Mentions***

Soul (8/10)

Not my favorite out of all the Disney Pixar films I've seen, but a very sweet story and lovely animation style.

Monsters VS. Aliens (7.5/10)

Funniest depiction of a U.S. president I've ever seen on-screen. Such a great movie and an even greater cast.

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (6.5/10)

Not an inherently great movie, but has lots of heart and memorable moments. Eris' cunning yet playful demeanor in her crusade to impede the characters' journey across the world is fabulously entertaining.