There’s a common misconception among adults that animated movies are for kids.
Today we’re here to clear that misconception with a list of animated movies that will make you smile, laugh, and in some places, even cry out, solely because of how well the script-writers developed the stories.
Whether you’re single, married, or a family person, these animated movies will surely entertain all age groups from start to end.
Stunning visuals, wholesome plotlines, beautifully composed original soundtracks, and nothing short of brilliant voice performances by the ensemble cast in these epic cinematic endeavors are just some of the reasons you need to dive into the lineup below.
Wall-E
Genre: Science-fiction, Romance.
The movie is set 700 years in a dystopian future depicting Wall-E. Wall-E is the last operational machine of his kind tasked with scooping up the heaps of garbage left behind by the planet’s previous inhabitants, constructing monumental skyscrapers out of it all.
This robust cubic robot grows wearied of his mundane routine until one fine day when he crosses paths with a sleek, white, feminine probe-droid. He instantly falls for her, considering how lonely he’s been for a large part of his time on the planet.
Wall-E is an outer space adventure movie that embarks on an interstellar quest to save humanity from itself while simultaneously restoring Earth to its former glory. This movie is a must-watch considering it has a 95 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and 8.4 on IMDb.
Up
Genre: Adventure, Family.
The movie is helmed by the two brilliant directors of Pixar Animation Studio (Pete Docter and Bob Peterson) behind hits like “Wall-E,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Finding Nemo.” ‘Up’ is adorned with skilled voices and a heart-warming original soundtrack that earned the film an Academy Award for Best Original Score that year.
Rather than dialogue exposition, a significant part of this film relies on visuals and emotions to narrate its story.
This Disney-Pixar team-up primarily won the audience’s hearts with its opening sequence, depicting the married lives of Carl and Ellie, the ups and downs, and their dreams of going on a grand adventure together one day.
However, the dream remains unfulfilled due to Ellie’s untimely demise.
How to Train Your Dragon
Genre: Action, Fantasy.
A Norse teenager, Hiccup hails from Berk island, where dragon-slaying is a way of life. Even though his father is the clan chief, his progressive views and peculiar sense of humor make him an outcast. After being catapulted into a dragon-fighting school, he strives to prove his Viking roots.
Though when he strikes an unlikely friendship with an injured dragon, he names Toothless, he gets the opportunity to chart a new path for the future of his people. This is among the top movies available on Hulu.
It explores courage, empathy, and the importance of understanding others different from us. It is a delightful story of friendship and bravery that has captivated viewers of all ages.
Ratatouille
Genre: Comedy-drama.
Despite being a rat in an undoubtedly rodent-phobic career, Remy aspires to be a brilliant chef. He relocates to Paris to pursue his passion. With the help of clean-up kid Linguini, he tests his culinary skills in the kitchen but having to remain hidden results in hilarious outcomes.
Eventually, Remy gets the chance to impress a renowned food critic with his cooking skills, but is the meal tasty? You’ll feel inspired and delighted after watching “Ratatouille,” a heartfelt film with spectacular visuals.
It’s a must-watch for everyone who appreciates delicious food and entertaining storytelling.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Genre: Superhero, Family.
A groundbreaking animated film that transcends the superhero genre is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
In the movie, Miles Morales, a teenager, is the Spider-Man in his universe. He must work with other Spider-People from their respective dimensions to defeat a menace that might wipe out all of reality.
This film stands out for its beautiful animation, which integrates 2D and 3D animation techniques to produce an eye-popping visual experience. The premise is also brilliant, fusing heart, wit, and action to create a superhero film that resonates with children and adults.
Grave of the Fireflies
Genre: War, Drama.
Consequent to the American firebombing of World War II in Japan, Seita, a teenager, is left in charge of looking after his younger sister Setsuko. Their story of survival is painful but realistic. The siblings depend entirely on one another and fight bravely to remain united and survive.
Grave of the Fireflies’ beautiful animation and breathtaking imagery effectively depict the tragedy of Japan during World War II. The storyline is also quite gripping, with heartbreaking and hopeful moments that significantly impact the audience.
The Lion King
Genre: Musical, Family.
One of the best-animated films of all time, The Lion King is a timelessly elegant classic. It is a must-see for every fan of animation or film because of its moving dialogue, magnificent animation, and memorable characters, which remain popular with audiences of all ages.
With a 93 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating, this animated movie is about a young lion prince named Simba. Simba must overcome tragedy and betrayal to restore his rightful position as ruler of the Pride Lands.
This visual and emotional masterpiece features a heartwarming soundtrack with classical music like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Paddington 2
Genre: Family, Adventure, Comedy.
Paddington 2 is one of those rare sequels that outperformed its predecessors. The film follows Paddington, a beloved bear who has to clear his name after he gets accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Paddington affects the lives of everyone he meets with his contagious optimism and a strong sense of integrity, which genuinely proves its message of compassion and acceptance.
With an engaging storyline, smart humor, colorful visuals, and a talented cast, this movie captivates audiences of all ages.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure.
An adaptation of the book of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, this Hayao Miyazaki’s movie is a visual feast that introduces audiences to another beautiful, magical world with a storyline that keeps them hooked until the end.
This film narrates about a young hatter girl named Sophie whose life gets turned upside down after she crosses paths with Howl, a mysterious yet handsome wizard.
After an evil witch casts an aging spell on Sophie, it’s up to Howl to find a way to defeat the evil Witch of Waste and return Sophie her former youth. With an 87 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating Howl’s Moving Castle is a romantic fantasy tale that captivates the heart and minds of the audience long after the credits roll.
The Prince of Egypt
Genre: Musical, Family.
This powerful story about faith, courage, and determination retells the famous story of the biblical prophet Moses, who leads his Hebrew brethren to salvation through a series of tests laid out by God, thereby freeing his people from centuries of Egyptian slavery.
The beautifully animated movie brings ancient Egypt to life with its vibrant colors and intricate details expertly created for the movie.
With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 79 percent, this animated classic musical will entertain audiences of all age groups while simultaneously depicting a tale of adventure that instills a strong sense of social change and justice in the hearts.
This movie is available on Netflix, but not sure if in every library or not. You can check out All Access Hub guides, which cover related things and may have a solution to stream this movie from your region.