In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Spirited Away, followed by Toy Story and The Lion King.
The best animated movies prove that animation isn’t just for kids: they move us, innovate and stay with us for generations. We weighed the quality of the story, technical innovation, critical recognition and legacy.
Which is missing, or which would you put first? Vote below or add it.
Thanks. You voted for . Your vote counts.
We'll publish the readers' ranking once there are enough votes for it to be representative.
1. Spirited Away
2001 · Hayao Miyazaki · Studio Ghibli
It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Bear in Berlin. It is Miyazaki's masterpiece and one of the most beloved films in the world.
2. Toy Story
1995 · Pixar
The first feature film made entirely by computer. It changed the industry and showed that technology could tell stories with heart.
3. The Lion King
1994 · Disney
One of the great hits of Disney's 1990s renaissance, with songs by Elton John and a score by Hans Zimmer. Its Shakespearean story has moved several generations.
4. WALL-E
2008 · Pixar
It tells its first stretch almost without dialogue and still grips from the first minute. It is a fable about consumerism and loneliness that won the Oscar.
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
1937 · Disney
Disney's first feature, which many called 'Disney's Folly' before it opened. Its success founded animated film as we know it.
6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
2018 · Sony Pictures Animation
It revolutionised the look of computer animation by imitating the language of comics. It won the Oscar and opened the way to a new aesthetic.
7. Up
2009 · Pixar
Its opening minutes, which sum up a whole married life, are among the most moving in cinema. It was the second animated film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.
8. My Neighbor Totoro
1988 · Hayao Miyazaki · Studio Ghibli
A simple story about childhood and nature that became a classic. Totoro has been Studio Ghibli's emblem ever since.
9. Beauty and the Beast
1991 · Disney
It was the first animated film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. It combines classicism, memorable songs and groundbreaking animation in its ballroom scene.
10. Inside Out
2015 · Pixar
It turns a girl's emotions into characters and explains something very complex with simplicity. It is even used in classrooms to talk about mental health.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best animated movie of all time?
In our ranking, Spirited Away, for its quality, originality and international recognition. Toy Story and The Lion King complete the podium.
Which animated movie has won the most awards?
Spirited Away is one of the most awarded: it won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.
Would you change the order?
Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.