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Best Animated Movies of All Time: Parent-Approved, Award-Winning & Nostalgic Favorites

written by REBECCA SMITH

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Best Animated Movies of All Time: Parent-Approved, Award-Winning & Nostalgic Favorites
Source: Alaina Kaz
Best Animated Movies of All Time: Parent-Approved, Award-Winning & Nostalgic Favorites
Source: Alaina Kaz

Even as an adult, rewatching my favorite animated films always brings a smile to my face. There’s something undeniably special about the best animated movies that makes them fun to watch over and over again, whether you’re 30 years old or 3 years old. Timeless movies like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King don’t just resonate with kids—their stories are cherished for generations. And those looking for animated movies from their childhood may be ready to share those stories with their kids.

If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. For parents in search of animated films to watch on family movie night, we’ve rounded up our picks for the best animated movies of all time. This list includes Oscar winners, parent-approved films, modern family-friendly picks, and—perhaps most importantly—nostalgic animated movies with vast cultural impacts. No matter your movie tastes, these 75+ animated films are timeless family picks that will be enjoyable for kids and parents alike.

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How we chose the best animated movies

1. Award-winning animated films

When making this list, we immediately flocked to films that have been recognized by the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and other major film critic groups. That includes Shrek, Beauty & the Beast, Finding Nemo, Up, and other favorite animated movies that viewers of all ages adore. The film’s award nominations are nods to its ability to blend kid-friendly characters and story arcs with moving emotional themes that resonate with adults.

2. Parent-approved picks

For parent-approved animated movies, we first turned to our editors with little ones of their own, asking what movies are on repeat in their homes. Then, we went to Common Sense Media to find films (and age ratings) with strong storytelling and family-friendly themes. These include movies like Frozen, Cars, Moana, and other animated features that are timeless and moving. Some of these kid-friendly films may even start a new “era” for your little one. After all, one can never have enough Elsa dresses or Cars-themed birthday parties.

3. Nostalgic animated classics

This is perhaps the best category of them all, and the easiest to put together. These animated movies are the picks that shaped childhoods across multiple generations, and still hold up today. Whether Ariel was your first Disney princess or Toy Story changed how you thought about your stuffed animals, these animated movies will resonate with you and your little ones.

best animated movies for kids and families The Lion King
Source: Disney

Quick list: Best animated movies of all time

The animated films below combine all the best features of family-friendly movies: emotional storytelling (with nostalgic rewatch potential), parent-approved for their age-appropriate themes, and have won their fair share of Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and more. Plus, they are some of the most searched animated movies across the internet. If you haven’t already watched the best animated movies of all time, make sure to add these to your list.

  1. Beauty and the Beast — G (1991)
  2. The Lion King — G (1994)
  3. Toy Story — G (1995)
  4. Shrek — PG (2001)
  5. Cars — G (2006)
  6. Up — PG (2009)
  7. How to Train Your Dragon — PG (2010)
  8. Despicable Me — PG (2010)
  9. Frozen — PG (2013)
  10. Coco — PG (2017)
  11. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — PG (2018)
  12. Encanto — PG (2021)

Movie preferences will inevitably shift with age for your kiddos. After consulting parent recommendations and Common Sense Media, we crafted a comprehensive guide to our favorite animated movies based on age. Whether you’ve got a toddler or a preteen, there’s a movie on this list perfect for your next family movie night.

Best animated movies for toddlers (ages 2-3+)

These animated movies have G-ratings and a few offer low-stimulation entertainment for little ones. Yet, even as a parent, you’ll want to watch these with your toddler.

Cars (2006)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 57m | Where to watch: Disney+

In a world where towns are populated with cars, a young, ambitious racecar named Lightning McQueen is a star obsessed with winning. One day, he stops in a small town called Radiator Springs on the way to another race. There, he’ll discover the power of community and friendship, and realize, once and for all, that there’s more to life than winning.

This is a great film for toddlers because it features vibrant animation and high-energy characters, while also exploring themes like community and humility. By watching, your little ones will begin to learn, alongside Lightning McQueen, that not everything in life is a competition. Plus, for kiddos obsessed with toy cars, not only can they also watch Cars 2 and Cars 3, but the Cars movies may even encourage them to engage in more imaginative play.

Best animated movies for toddlers
Source: Disney/Pixar

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Rated: TV-Y | Run time: 1h 15m | Where to watch: Disney+

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood in this collection of classic Winnie the Pooh moments, from the first meeting between Pooh and Tigger to the lovable animals’ flurry of activity on a windy day. These stories feature all the timeless songs and characters Pooh lovers adore, packaged in a series of episodes—so you can watch them as your toddler’s attention span allows.

There’s a reason these stories have delighted families for generations. They will capture not only first-time viewers, but also parents who appreciate a hefty serving of nostalgia. The stories are packed full of lessons on emotional intelligence, such as the importance of listening to your friends (Eeyore) and learning to be patient (Tigger).

Cinderella (1950)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 19m | Where to watch: Disney+

First released in 1950, this classic animated movie is a fairytale that has been told and retold for generations. Cinderella is a miserable maid under the control of her evil stepmother, but when her Fairy Godmother appears, swishes her wand, and gifts her one night at a Royal Ball, she may finally get her happily ever after.

What makes Cinderella so perfect for toddlers is its slower pace and lighter, happier feel compared to other early Disney hits, like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, that include scarier elements. Your kiddos will love the story’s elements of magic, as well as the wondrous transformation Cinderella undergoes. With the help of the movie’s characters (i.e., who doesn’t love Gus Gus the mouse?) and songs, your little one’s imagination will kick into overdrive.

Best for preschoolers and kindergarteners (ages 4-6+)

These animated films feature all the vibrant animation and engaging characters kiddos love, with storylines that blend gentle, lighthearted themes with more emotional reflection and depth. Plus, many of these films are part of larger franchises—perfect for little ones who love to rewatch the same films over and over again.

A note for parents, some do contain scary scenes (i.e., the evil queen in Snow White or the opening scene in Finding Nemo). You know your kids best, so be prepared to skip any parts that might be too much for them.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 32m | Where to watch: Disney+

This timeless tale follows Belle as she embarks on a journey to rescue her father, discovering an enchanted castle and a mysterious beast along the way. With unforgettable characters and music, this film is universally claimed as one of Disney’s finest features. It was even nominated for a “Best Picture” Oscar before “Best Animated Feature” was added as a category.

I could write an entire article about the meaningful lessons this film delivers to young viewers. Firstly, Belle is an intelligent and powerful young woman who is unapologetically herself—she loves to read and learn about the world, and won’t change, even for a man. When she meets the Beast, she has the insight to look beyond his exterior and see the beauty within, teaching children that true beauty is found in kindness and patience, not physical appearance.

The live-action Disney adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is also available to stream on Disney+!

The Lion King (1994)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 33m | Where to watch: Disney+

There’s a reason The Lion King has been so beloved since its release in the ’90s. Not only does its killer soundtrack and colorful animation engage young viewers from start to finish, but Simba’s journey from reckless cub to powerful leader teaches about growing up, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and facing the past, rather than running from it. Despite its kid-friendly dialogue and soundtrack, The Lion King grapples with complex emotions like grief and fear, storylines that will resonate with adults who grew up watching the movie and are now sharing it with their kids.

In 2019, a computer-animated reimagining of the film was released, starring Donald Glover as the voice of Simba. And in 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King delved into the backstory of the original movie. Both are available to stream on Disney+.

Toy Story (1995)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 24m | Where to watch: Disney+

Anyone who knows animated movies knows Toy Story. The magic of the film is in its premise: a world where toys come to life and play while their owners are away. Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the crew are beloved cultural icons whose significance has not yet faded—Toy Story 5 comes out this summer.

If there was ever a better film to encourage imaginative play, I haven’t seen it. Watching the Toy Story movies allows your kiddos to attach personalities as big as Woody’s and Buzz’s to their own toys, testing the limits of their imagination. Moreover, the storylines in all Toy Story films navigate common emotional battles kids face daily—jealousy over friends, fear for loved ones—and through the toys’ struggles, viewers learn how best to cope in their own lives. Each movie has a positive, uplifting ending that teaches little ones just how important friendship, community, and acceptance are in our day-to-day lives.

toy story animated movie
Source: Courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Finding Nemo (2003)

Rated: G | Run time: 1h 44m | Where to watch: Disney+

Finding Nemo is a cult classic, Academy Award winner, and possibly the most quoted film on this list. Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, goes on an unexpected journey when he’s accidentally captured from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and taken to a dentist’s office aquarium. Now, it’s up to his father, Marlin, to get him home safe.

Finding Nemo wraps a multitude of important life lessons into a runtime of less than two hours. The central plot of the film revolves around a parent’s unconditional love for their child, emphasizing the importance of family bonds. Nemo’s journey also teaches viewers that growing up and learning to be independent is a normal part of childhood, and that challenges—like Nemo’s “lucky fin”—can be overcome. Plus, the film’s engaging and vibrant animation introduces little ones to underwater life in a way they are unlikely to forget. Once I watched this film as a toddler, I begged my parents nonstop to take me to the aquarium. Plus, the sequel Finding Dory is equally endearing.

Despicable Me (2010)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 35m | Where to watch: Netflix and Peacock

A story of found family and unexpected connection, Despicable Me follows supervillain Gru after he adopts three orphaned girls, forcing him to choose between fatherhood and his previous life of crime. Despite the story’s villainous premise, Despicable Me is a gentle tale about the power of familial love to melt an icy exterior and warm the heart.

Plus, the film’s animation is engaging and absolutely adorable. Gru’s assistants are Minions, yellow, capsule-shaped henchmen who are known for their chaotic behavior, comedy, and love for bananas. Your little ones will finish the film, no doubt ready for more of these crazy sidekicks, and there’s plenty to choose from. On top of three sequels to the original films—Despicable Me 2 (2013), Despicable Me 3 (2017), and Despicable Me 4 (2024)—there are also two films about the Minions: Minions (2015) and Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022).

Frozen (2013)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 46m | Where to watch: Disney+

A cultural phenomenon, if there ever was one, Frozen follows the ever-optimistic Anna as she teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and loveable Olaf the snowman, to find and save her older sister, Elsa, whose ice powers have thrust their kingdom of Arendelle into eternal winter.

Frozen has had a lasting impact not only because of the excellent soundtrack and vibrant animation, but because of its commentary on the importance of sibling love, bravery, and self-acceptance. Unlike most Disney Princess movies, Elsa and Anna’s stories don’t revolve around romantic love, instead focusing on the sisters’ powerful leadership and unwavering loyalty to one another. By watching the film, your kiddos will learn that isolating oneself is never the answer—we need our closest family and friends to lift us up. Frozen 2 only adds to these lessons, teaching children to manage fear and accept change, even when it is difficult.

With two movies, multiple movie shorts, an endless amount of merchandise, and killer soundtracks, these movies have tons of rewatchability. Prepare to have it on repeat!

Source: Disney

Encanto (2021)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 42m | Where to watch: Disney+

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family nestled in the mountains of Colombia. Every child in the family is blessed with a special gift—except Mirabel. But when the magic around their casita starts to fail, Mirabel discovers she may be her family’s only hope of survival.

Encanto is one of the newer additions to this list. This 2021 film tackles the complexity of family dynamics in a kid-friendly way. Viewers begin to understand how intergenerational family bonds crumble without empathy and understanding. Most of all, Mirabel—condescended to for so long because of her lack of magical abilities—learns that she is valuable not for what she can do or produce, but for who she is. If there is any lesson more important for an impressionable child, I haven’t heard it.

This one also gets bonus points for the soundtrack! Lin-Manuel Miranda produced the bulk of the music, and after watching the movie, the songs are sure to become a staple in your household.

encanto best animated movies
Source: © 2021 Disney

More of the best animated movies for kids ages 4-6+

Best Disney and Pixar animated movies for ages 4-6+

best animated movies how to train your dragon
Source: Dreamworks

More animated movies for kids ages 4-6+

Best animated movies for elementary schoolers (7+)

These animated movies, while still kid-friendly, feature more mature themes, advanced humor, and intense sequences best suited for school-aged kids. If you’re in search of great options for a family movie night that even adults will enjoy, be sure to add these films to your list.

Shrek (2001)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 31m | Where to watch: Peacock or Amazon Prime Video

Winner of the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Shrek sparked a major shift in the animation industry for its mix of dark humor and family-friendly themes. The film follows a cynical ogre on his quest to rescue the feisty princess Fiona. While Shrek often gets a bad reputation for its adult humor, I can confidently say this is one of the funniest, wittiest animated films ever made. Plus, it holds plenty of engaging, important lessons for kids.

First of all, the show’s story flips typical fairy tale tropes on their head, focusing instead on the power of friendship, courage, and the importance of inner beauty. The film’s classic quest structure is also engaging and easy to follow for kids—it will surely keep them invested from start to finish. If you’re worried about all the adult jokes, don’t be. When I watched this as a kid, everything went right over my head. If anything, it will make the watching experience more entertaining for the parents.

The three sequels—Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After—are also appropriate for kids and available to stream from home!

Up (2009)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 36m | Where to watch: Disney+

Another Oscar winner, Up follows retired salesman Carl Fredricksen as he ties thousands of balloons to his house and takes to the skies in search of a faraway land. Unbeknownst to him, he has an unexpected stowaway in the form of an eager Wilderness Explorer named Russell.

Of all the films on this list, Up may be the one most likely to leave even adults feeling teary-eyed. The film’s story blends high-stakes adventure and comedy with the magic of an unexpected friendship between an elderly man and an awkward, eager little boy. What has stuck with me most since watching the film is the emphasis the story places on cherishing moments with the people we love. Carl is a widower who is on his own journey of grief and acceptance throughout the film. By the story’s end, even kids will have a deeper understanding of an important lesson: while grand, heroic adventure sounds nice, the real “adventures” of life are the small, in-between moments spent with those we love.

Inside Out (2015)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 35m | Where to watch: Disney+

Another one of my absolute favorites, Inside Out, is an animated film every young kid should watch at some point. The film follows 11-year-old Riley, along with the emotions who live inside her head, as she makes a sudden move to San Francisco and struggles to adjust.

Riley’s journey tackles themes that will resonate with all kids—adjusting to change, growing up—and does so in an easy-to-parse, engaging manner. But what sets Inside Out apart is its emphasis on emotional literacy. By personifying the emotions inside Riley’s head, Inside Out shows young viewers how to name and talk about how they’re feeling, the first step in proper emotional regulation. The film also teaches that negative emotions like fear and sadness are not something to bury or ignore, but are important to feel and help make us who we are. Watching with your kids will encourage open discussions about how to process our emotions and understand how we’re feeling.

The sequel, Inside Out 2, is also available to stream on Disney+ and tackles more complex emotions like jealousy and anxiety. Make sure to add it to your list as well!

inside out best animated movies
Source: Disney

KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

Rated: TV-Y | Run time: 1h 36m | Where to watch: Netflix

The most recent Academy Award Winner for Best Animated Feature—and a film that has been on a constant loop for families with elementary-aged children since its 2025 release—KPop Demon Hunters follows superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey as they sell out stadiums by day and protect their fans from supernatural threats by night.

With a killer soundtrack and colorful, engaging animation, it’s easy to see why KPop Demon Hunters has been such a hit for young kids everywhere. Even I can’t resist listening to some of those songs. But beyond the film’s catchy music, the movie’s story promotes powerful themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and courage in the face of adversity. While there are plenty of fantasy fight scenes, the show’s animation keeps graphic violence to a minimum, with many of the monsters simply disappearing. This makes it a great fit for younger viewers sensitive to scary themes. As parents, you’ll appreciate the way the film’s writing leans into age-appropriate humor, keeping kids engaged while avoiding mature topics.

The sequel is already in the works, so if you haven’t seen this one already, now’s the time!

Source: © 2025 Netflix

More of the best animated movies for elementary schoolers (7+)

zootopia 2
Source: © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Best for older kids (10+)

For older kids and preteens, these animated movies feature mature themes and a higher-scare factor, while still carrying plenty of lessons for growing kids, making sense of their place in the world.

Turning Red (2022)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 47m | Where to watch: Disney+

A 2022 Pixar film that tackles the aches and pains of growing up, Turning Red stars 13-year-old Mei Lee and her overbearing mother as they navigate the chaos of adolescence. To make things worse, every time Mei Lee gets too excited, she turns into a giant red panda.

While Turning Red has come under some fire for its rather direct approach to puberty and growing up, I think this is what makes the film so beneficial for older kids and preteens. Mei Lee’s journey includes references to periods, puberty-driven emotional changes, and all of the other universal—if also chaotic—changes that come with growing up. In watching the film, kids going through these shifts themselves will feel less alone and more comfortable to approach parents with questions.

On top of the changes that come with adolescence, Mei Lee’s desire to shed herself of her overprotective mother and be more independent gives voice to a struggle many preteens and teenagers face: balancing parental expectations with individuality. By watching, your kids will feel more comfortable voicing their concerns directly to you.

turning red best animated movies
Source: © 2022 Disney/Pixar

Soul (2020)

Rated: PG | Run time: 1h 50m | Where to watch: Disney+

A charming animated film about discovering one’s passion and purpose, Soul follows middle school band teacher Joe as he travels to “The Great Before” to help another lost soul find their passion. In doing so, he discovers what it means to live a full life. The movie won “Best Animated Feature” at the Oscars in 2021.

The magic of Soul shines through in the film’s main character, Joe, whose hard-working, kind spirit makes him a worthy role model for older kids watching. The film’s discussion of passion and purpose not only encourages viewers to explore the things they love as much as they can, but also reminds us that purpose is not just found through impressive accomplishments and accolades, but through our everyday lives with our friends and family. By watching with your kids, you’ll encourage important conversations about self-worth, acceptance, and being valued not for what we do, but for who we are.

More of the best animated movies for older kids (10+)

best animated movies for families
Source: Netflix © 2022

Award-winning animated movies that changed the genre

Animation has long been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, but it hasn’t always been made up of the complex CGI marvels we’re accustomed to today. Some of the most groundbreaking animated films started as nothing more than hand-drawn sketches, yet have set the tone for the award-winning animated features we love today.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first ever fully animated feature film released in 1937. While Disney took a major gamble with its production, it more than paid off, paving the way for animation as a powerful storytelling tool. In the years that followed, films like Fantasia continued to test the boundaries of animation. Then, in 1995, Toy Story was released by Pixar, marking the first film ever made entirely through computer animation. It was also the beginning of a long-standing franchise still releasing new content today.

Moving into the 21st century, animated films have continued to change the fabric of the entertainment industry. Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away was the first ever anime film to win an Academy Award. The same year, Shrek came out, winning the first-ever Academy Award for “Best Animated Feature” and pushing DreamWorks Animation to the forefront of the industry. Films like these set the stage for the cultural phenomena that were soon to come—Frozen, an instant global sensation and Academy Award Winner still talked about today, Up, a heartfelt animated story about friendship and loss, and even adult films like Avatar.

Aladdin OK for kids
Source: © Buena Vista/Courtesy of Everett Collection

FAQs

What is the most award-winning animated movie?

While there isn’t a single answer for this question, there are multiple critically-acclaimed animated films perfect for kids and families. In 2014, Frozen won two Academy Awards, as well as a BAFTA, three Annies, and a multitude of other accolades. Other animated features like Spirited Away have won multiple Academy Awards and Annie Awards. As for recent animated films, KPop Demon Hunters is by far the most critically acclaimed, with an Academy Award, Critics’ Choice Award, and Golden Globe already under its belt.

What animated movie is best for families?

While you can never go wrong with classic animated movies like Finding Nemo or Toy Story, a family’s preference may depend on their interests. If you’re an animal lover, try animated films like The Lion King, 101 Dalmatians, or Zootopia. For those after adventure and fantasy, try How to Train Your Dragon, Big Hero 6, The Wild Robot, or The Incredibles. And if you love to sing along to the movies you watch, films like Frozen, Trolls, or Sing may be more your style.

What is the Disney Renaissance of animated movies?

The “Disney Renaissance” is considered 10 years—from 1989 to 1999—when the company saw renewed success with musical-style films, improved animation styles, and films that audiences and critics loved. The key films of the Disney Renaissance are:

What animated movies do parents love the most?

For parents, the best animated movies to watch are the ones that are nostalgic for our own childhoods. Classics like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Toy Story carry memories that we may want to pass on to our own children. Plus, their stories and characters still hold up today and can be easily enjoyed by adults.

Another factor to consider is rewatchability. Kids love to watch the same movies over and over again. This can get tiring as a parent, so it’s best to have some movie franchises up your sleeve with multiple films to choose from. These include Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Frozen, How to Train Your Dragon. Plus, all the Disney Renaissance movies, animated musical movies, and more.

What was the first animated movie to win an Oscar?

There are multiple milestone animated films that have won Academy Awards. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was the first ever animated feature film to be nominated for an Oscar in 1991, before the “Best Animated Feature” category was even introduced. Shrek won the inaugural award for “Best Animated Feature” in 2001, while Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was given an honorary award for an animated feature in 1939.

What makes animated movies unique is their multigenerational impact. Films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King combine excellent storytelling, nostalgia, and emotional depth to create a watching experience that isn’t just rewarding for kids, but also adults. Next time you’re making a pick for family movie night, add an animated movie into the mix.

Rebecca Smith
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern

As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.