Discover the Top 8 Western Animated Movies of the 2020s You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • The animation industry showcases creativity and impact with new projects from both well-known and newcomer western studios.
  • New animated films like Transformers One, Soul and Inside Out 2 offer engaging stories and stunning animation.
  • Innovative projects like Flow, The Wild Robot and Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio redefine animation excellence.

Among all art forms, animation stands out as the most enchanting, and luckily for those who admire it, a multitude of top-notch animated movies have graced our screens in the past five years. What’s particularly thrilling is that both established studios (such as Disney and Pixar) and lesser-known ones have produced remarkable projects. These underdogs, though less famous or operating with smaller budgets, have still managed to leave a significant mark on the industry.

Due to this surge, the majority of the global animation market, particularly in the West, has managed to mesmerize viewers from all corners of the world with their stunning visuals, captivating narratives, emotional scenes, and remarkable soundtracks. Notably, numerous top-tier animated films have been unveiled by Western studios during the 2020s; however, the eight highlighted below stand out as the most exceptional offerings of the decade thus far.

8. Transformers One

An Intense Action Movie About Two Best Friends Slowly Growing Apart

Many modern animated movies are either comedies or dramas, yet the format also suits action quite well. One of the rare exceptions from this decade that falls into this genre (excluding superhero adaptations) is “Transformers: One”, a unique reimagining of Hasbro’s venerable franchise about robots in disguise. Initially appearing as an engaging action film with exciting fight sequences and some good humor, it gradually improves with each subsequent scene.

At the core of “Transformers One” lies the friendship between Orion Pax and D-16, two comrades whose divergent perspectives lead them down separate paths. Though viewers know they’ll eventually become Optimus Prime and Megatron, their gradual estrangement carries an unexpected depth and poignancy. The film’s third act is a brilliant blend of compelling narrative and thrilling action sequences, making “Transformers One” stand out as one of the finest animated productions from the last ten years.

7. Soul

An Existential Film That Resonated More With Adults Than With Children

Despite the common perception, Pixar has been producing a number of top-notch films in this decade, such as Luca, Turning Red, and Elemental. However, one of their most intriguing productions is undeniably the 2020 release, Soul – a thought-provoking tale that delves into complex concepts about life, death, destiny, and aspirations. Although it may resonate more with adults, young viewers can appreciate it just as well.

Absolutely, Soul maintains Pixar’s distinctive, visually stunning animation and a family-friendly humor, but it delves into profound and intricate philosophical themes regarding life and the afterlife. The story of Joe Gardner and 22 unfolds in an imaginative, ever-creative depiction of the hereafter. It is no wonder that this Pixar masterpiece won the Best Animated Feature award at the 92nd Academy Awards.

6. Inside Out 2

An Incredible Sequel That No One Expected Would Be So Good

Initially, when Disney and Pixar disclosed they were developing an Inside Out follow-up, many fans expressed skepticism, viewing it as superfluous. However, their reservations were squashed upon the release of Inside Out 2 in 2024, which swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of the standout films of the year. This sequel not only fulfills its purpose but surpasses expectations, as it builds upon the groundbreaking concepts that made the initial film so impactful and explores them in creative and enjoyable ways.

Riley, who’s now a teenager, finds herself grappling not just with the challenges of adolescence, but also with an array of fresh emotions: Anxiety, Envy, Lethargy, and Embarrassment. The sequel to ‘Inside Out’, boasting a captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and clever humor, culminates in a heart-tugging finale that leaves viewers emotionally stirred. Unlike ‘Soul’, ‘Inside Out 2’ appears to have struck a chord with both children and adults, making it a family-friendly movie that offers something for everyone.

5. Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

An Unexpectedly Amazing Sequel That Reinvigorated The Shrek Franchise

The 2011 film “Puss in Boots,” originally perceived as one of DreamWorks Animation’s least impressive works due to its bland and commonplace nature as a spin-off, left fans unimpressed with little expectation for its 2022 sequel. Surprisingly, however, the sequel, titled “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish,” has revitalized the seemingly dormant Shrek franchise by being remarkably well-received. What made this film a standout for the studio was its innovative shift in animation style, drawing inspiration from the “Spider-Verse” films while still fostering a distinct new identity of its own.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish” is an animated gem, brimming with side-splitting humor and pulse-pounding action sequences. What sets it apart is its compelling narrative that ingeniously explores the concept of Puss having nine lives, subtly fleshing out his character. To add to this masterpiece, the two main antagonists, the Wolf and Jack Horner, are standout performances. The Wolf’s eerie and intense portrayal is quite chilling, while Jack Horner’s unrelenting wickedness steals every scene he’s in. If DreamWorks maintains this level of dedication for “Shrek 5,” it could indeed be something extraordinary.

4. Flow

A Minimalistic Adventure That Says A Lot With Very Little

Spectators were taken aback when the relatively obscure animated film Flow, from Latvia, clinched the Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards. But those who seized this opportunity to watch it soon discovered why it earned the accolade, as it is one of the most unique and invigorating animated films of the entire last decade. Flow follows the journey of a charming black cat navigating what appears to be a post-apocalyptic landscape, encountering various animals along the way who turn out to be unlikely allies.

Each primary character in this movie is an ordinary animal, making it a silent film that communicates profoundly about life, death, nature, and humanity. It’s a simple yet thought-provoking tale, remarkable given its modest production and budget from a small studio. The visual effects of Flow are equally noteworthy as the entire animation was crafted using Blender, a free and accessible 3D animation tool, creating scenes that are nothing short of stunning.

3. The Wild Robot

DreamWorks’ Best Animated Project Of The Entire Decade

During the 2020s, DreamWorks Animation’s body of work has been quite diverse, ranging from exceptional to mediocre films over the past five years. Yet, this diversity is insignificant compared to the remarkable achievement they made in 2024: “The Wild Robot”, a film that swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of DreamWorks’ finest animated productions ever. Based on Peter Brown’s eponymous novel, this movie follows Roz, an advanced robot, who finds herself stranded on an uninhabited island and must navigate life alongside its animal residents.

In the initial part of the film, minimal dialogue is utilized to effectively portray Roz’s character development as she forms bonds with the animals, particularly a small orphan goose named Brightbill. The second half of the movie adopts more conventional storytelling techniques (with increased dialogue) yet continues to preserve its somber tone and powerful themes such as family, wildlife, and harmony among species. By the end, Roz, Brightbill, and Fink have formed an unusual but heartwarming “found family,” leaving many viewers misty-eyed. Notably, The Wild Robot showcases a distinctive animated style unlike anything DreamWorks has previously produced, as well as an outstanding soundtrack that amplifies every emotional moment.

2. Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio

A Stop-Motion Masterpiece, Fourteen Years In The Making

Since 2008, visionary director Guillermo del Toro has been striving to create his unique take on the classic tale of Pinocchio. With Netflix’s assistance, he finally realized this dream in 2022. Notably, del Toro is one of the rare figures in Hollywood who truly values and comprehends animation. This reverence for the artform shines through in every frame of this outstanding film. To begin with, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a stop-motion animated production, which required an entire team of skilled and dedicated individuals to invest considerable time and resources to bring it to life. The effort was undoubtedly worthwhile, as the final product boasts a visually stunning appearance.

In this film, every character, ranging from Pinocchio and Geppetto to Count Volpe and even Death, exudes an extraordinary blend of style, vitality, and individuality. This level of authenticity might not have been achievable through traditional 3D animation. However, the stop-motion technique is just one of the many impressive features of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. The story it tells is a heartwarming and emotional journey that cleverly exploits the idea of an immortal wooden puppet, infusing fun and creativity into the narrative. Interestingly enough, this movie also subtly criticizes Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime during wartime. This masterpiece is a contemporary gem, and it truly deserved to win Best Animated Feature at the 95th Academy Awards.

1. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

An Ambitious Superhero Sequel That Surpassed All Expectations

The groundbreaking animation film by Sony Pictures, titled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, revolutionized the animation industry, inspiring numerous other studios to emulate its unique animating techniques. As a result, viewers had lofty expectations for its follow-up, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. When it premiered in 2023, not only did it meet those expectations, but it exceeded them significantly. This is due to the fact that Beyond the Spider-Verse is an exceptional sequel, seamlessly building upon every thrilling and imaginative concept from its predecessor.

The adventure of Miles Morales in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” offers an enjoyable and thrilling ride, yet it also presents a deeply emotional storyline that poses thought-provoking questions about the essence of being Spider-Man. Characters such as Spider-Gwen, Peter B. Parker, and antagonist Miguel O’Hara complement Miles with rich character development. However, what truly stands out in this animated series is its stunning animation. Each dimension the characters traverse boasts unique art styles and color palettes, with the dramatic chase scene involving the Spider-Society through New York City being one of the most spectacular animated sequences of the past decade, made even more impactful by Daniel Pemberton’s exceptional music score. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is a remarkable blend of the superhero genre and animation, so it’s no wonder that fans are eagerly anticipating the third film in this trilogy, “Beyond the Spider-Verse.

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2025-05-28 18:39