Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
WeirdThe 20 Best Animated Films On Netflix
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
July 4, 2017, 9:00 p.m. ET
1 of
21
Disney classics, Tim Burton's top titles, and family-friendly fare are among the best films available to watch on the platform.
Photos: Everett Collection ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
2 of
21
Zootopia
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
This fresh take on the buddy flick follows a con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop as they team up to uncover a dark secret plaguing their mammal metropolis. Witty, important, and gorgeously animated, the relevant messages of inclusivity at this flick's core are delivered in a manner that makes it fun for every age group.
[Stream Zootopia]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
This fresh take on the buddy flick follows a con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop as they team up to uncover a dark secret plaguing their mammal metropolis. Witty, important, and gorgeously animated, the relevant messages of inclusivity at this flick's core are delivered in a manner that makes it fun for every age group.
[Stream Zootopia]
Photo: Everett Collection
3 of
21
Kubo & The Two Strings
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This gorgeous stop-motion animation adventure follows a young boy named Kubo as he seeks out a magical suit of armor that belonged to his late father so that he may defeat a vengeful spirit. Heartwarming, strangely melancholy, and beautifully told, this dazzling tale is bound to provide enjoyment for the whole family.
[Stream Kubo & The Two Strings]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This gorgeous stop-motion animation adventure follows a young boy named Kubo as he seeks out a magical suit of armor that belonged to his late father so that he may defeat a vengeful spirit. Heartwarming, strangely melancholy, and beautifully told, this dazzling tale is bound to provide enjoyment for the whole family.
[Stream Kubo & The Two Strings]
Photo: Everett Collection
4 of
21
Moana
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Disney's latest animated triumph tells the story of the eponymous Moana, the young daughter of the chief of a Polynesian tribe who sets out with legendary demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to become a master wayfinder and save her island's people. Beautifully animated and stocked with songs you won't be able to get out of your head for weeks, this sweeping adventure film is fun for the whole family.
[Stream Moana]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Disney's latest animated triumph tells the story of the eponymous Moana, the young daughter of the chief of a Polynesian tribe who sets out with legendary demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to become a master wayfinder and save her island's people. Beautifully animated and stocked with songs you won't be able to get out of your head for weeks, this sweeping adventure film is fun for the whole family.
[Stream Moana]
Photo: Everett Collection
5 of
21
Fantasia
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This experimental 1940 film finds Disney animators setting iconic images and characters to sweeping classical music, and it changed the landscape of animation forever. Perhaps one of the flicks that started it all and made Mickey Mouse a household name, this gorgeous, innovative piece of art is necessary viewing for music, animation, and history lovers alike.
[Stream Fantasia]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This experimental 1940 film finds Disney animators setting iconic images and characters to sweeping classical music, and it changed the landscape of animation forever. Perhaps one of the flicks that started it all and made Mickey Mouse a household name, this gorgeous, innovative piece of art is necessary viewing for music, animation, and history lovers alike.
[Stream Fantasia]
Photo: Everett Collection
6 of
21
The Iron Giant
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This animated Cold War-set adventure follows a young boy who strikes up a friendship with a massive, kind-hearted robot from outer space. Unfortunately, the incredibly paranoid government is determined to destroy him - so the two band together to evade the destruction of this friendly giant. This heart-wrenching, thrilling film will move you in unexpected ways.
[Stream The Iron Giant]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This animated Cold War-set adventure follows a young boy who strikes up a friendship with a massive, kind-hearted robot from outer space. Unfortunately, the incredibly paranoid government is determined to destroy him - so the two band together to evade the destruction of this friendly giant. This heart-wrenching, thrilling film will move you in unexpected ways.
[Stream The Iron Giant]
Photo: Everett Collection
7 of
21
Finding Dory
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Your favorite forgetful fish is back in this worthy sequel to the beloved Finding Nemo as she begins a search to find her long-lost family no matter where it takes her. Full of just as many heartwarming and funny moments as the first, this sequel will not disappoint.
[Stream Finding Dory]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Your favorite forgetful fish is back in this worthy sequel to the beloved Finding Nemo as she begins a search to find her long-lost family no matter where it takes her. Full of just as many heartwarming and funny moments as the first, this sequel will not disappoint.
[Stream Finding Dory]
Photo: Everett Collection
8 of
21
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This stunning stop-motion flick introduces us to the iconic Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and confuses the demented residents of his own spooky home while trying to integrate the sparkling holiday cheer into their everyday darkness. Stocked with classic, entirely too catchy songs and wicked humor, this revolutionary film leaves no question as to why Tim Burton remains the legend he is today.
[Stream The Nightmare Before Christmas]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This stunning stop-motion flick introduces us to the iconic Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and confuses the demented residents of his own spooky home while trying to integrate the sparkling holiday cheer into their everyday darkness. Stocked with classic, entirely too catchy songs and wicked humor, this revolutionary film leaves no question as to why Tim Burton remains the legend he is today.
[Stream The Nightmare Before Christmas]
Photo: Everett Collection
9 of
21
The Little Prince
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
This beautiful adaptation of the classic children's book does it justice in every way possible. Gorgeously animated and full of heart, the story of a pilot who crashes into the Sahara desert and encounters a little boy claiming to be an extraterrestrial prince is a total delight for the whole family.
[Stream The Little Prince]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
This beautiful adaptation of the classic children's book does it justice in every way possible. Gorgeously animated and full of heart, the story of a pilot who crashes into the Sahara desert and encounters a little boy claiming to be an extraterrestrial prince is a total delight for the whole family.
[Stream The Little Prince]
Photo: Everett Collection
10 of
21
Coraline
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
This stunning stop-motion film follows a curious young girl named Coraline who finds herself lonely and bored when her family moves to a new state. Luckily, she soon discovers a secret door in their new home that leads to an alternate version of her life as she knows it.
[Stream Coraline]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
This stunning stop-motion film follows a curious young girl named Coraline who finds herself lonely and bored when her family moves to a new state. Luckily, she soon discovers a secret door in their new home that leads to an alternate version of her life as she knows it.
[Stream Coraline]
Photo: Everett Collection
11 of
21
TinkerBell
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Peter Pan's beloved sidekick gets her own story in this adorable animated film, and it's more charming than anyone could have imagined. She's enjoyable, gutsy, and independent, and given much more autonomy than we ever see when she's with Peter Pan. The colorful animation and fun music are bound to be entertaining for children of all ages.
[Stream TinkerBell]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Peter Pan's beloved sidekick gets her own story in this adorable animated film, and it's more charming than anyone could have imagined. She's enjoyable, gutsy, and independent, and given much more autonomy than we ever see when she's with Peter Pan. The colorful animation and fun music are bound to be entertaining for children of all ages.
[Stream TinkerBell]
Photo: Everett Collection
12 of
21
Kung Fu Panda 3
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
The third installment of this hilarious hit franchise finds Po (Jack Black) in a new stage of growth as he reunites with his long-lost father and must transition from student to teacher and teach a group of lazy pandas to become fighters like him. Featuring an all-star cast of voices, the film is just as fun, thrilling, and beautifully animated as the first in the series.
[Stream Kung Fu Panda 3]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
The third installment of this hilarious hit franchise finds Po (Jack Black) in a new stage of growth as he reunites with his long-lost father and must transition from student to teacher and teach a group of lazy pandas to become fighters like him. Featuring an all-star cast of voices, the film is just as fun, thrilling, and beautifully animated as the first in the series.
[Stream Kung Fu Panda 3]
Photo: Everett Collection
13 of
21
Kung Fu Panda
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
China's fate somehow falls into the hands of a mildly obese panda voiced by Jack Black in this adorable animated comedy from Dreamworks. This unsuspecting furry hero with a love of kung fu embarks on a journey of struggle, friendship, and fighting for what's right while training with the masters of his beloved martial art.
[Stream Kung Fu Panda]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
China's fate somehow falls into the hands of a mildly obese panda voiced by Jack Black in this adorable animated comedy from Dreamworks. This unsuspecting furry hero with a love of kung fu embarks on a journey of struggle, friendship, and fighting for what's right while training with the masters of his beloved martial art.
[Stream Kung Fu Panda]
Photo: Everett Collection
14 of
21
Lilo & Stitch
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86
There are few other ways to describe this wonderful animated story than "magical", because it is exactly that. The story of a young girl who takes home a strange pet and soon discovers that he's not what he seems is layered with more messages and emotion than initially meets the eye, and the beautiful accompanying animation makes this worth several rewatches.
[Stream Lilo & Stitch]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86
There are few other ways to describe this wonderful animated story than "magical", because it is exactly that. The story of a young girl who takes home a strange pet and soon discovers that he's not what he seems is layered with more messages and emotion than initially meets the eye, and the beautiful accompanying animation makes this worth several rewatches.
[Stream Lilo & Stitch]
Photo: Everett Collection
15 of
21
The Emperor's New Groove
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85
When the colorful Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his evil ex-administrator Yzma, he is forced to befriend a humble llama herder named Pacha to help him escape this predicament. Hilarious for viewers of all ages, this flick should rank among some of the best animated films that Disney has ever put out.
[Stream The Emperor's New Groove]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85
When the colorful Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his evil ex-administrator Yzma, he is forced to befriend a humble llama herder named Pacha to help him escape this predicament. Hilarious for viewers of all ages, this flick should rank among some of the best animated films that Disney has ever put out.
[Stream The Emperor's New Groove]
Photo: Everett Collection
16 of
21
Anastasia
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This family-friendly, beautifully animated film imagines the journey of the last surviving daughter of the Russian Royal Family (voiced by Meg Ryan) as she is aided by two con men (with hearts of gold) in finding her long-lost grandmother, the Dowager Empress. Featuring songs you won't be able to get out of your head for weeks and lots of hidden humor, Anastasia is an enduring crowd pleaser.
[Stream Anastasia]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This family-friendly, beautifully animated film imagines the journey of the last surviving daughter of the Russian Royal Family (voiced by Meg Ryan) as she is aided by two con men (with hearts of gold) in finding her long-lost grandmother, the Dowager Empress. Featuring songs you won't be able to get out of your head for weeks and lots of hidden humor, Anastasia is an enduring crowd pleaser.
[Stream Anastasia]
Everett Collection
17 of
21
The Brave Little Toaster
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This adorable animated comedy finds everyday kitchen appliances brought to life and absolutely endearing. When a group of dated appliances are left in a cabin in the woods, the band together on a journey to the city to find their master and call somewhere home again.
[Stream The Brave Little Toaster]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This adorable animated comedy finds everyday kitchen appliances brought to life and absolutely endearing. When a group of dated appliances are left in a cabin in the woods, the band together on a journey to the city to find their master and call somewhere home again.
[Stream The Brave Little Toaster]
Photo: Everett Collection
18 of
21
Corpse Bride
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Simultaneously whimsical and macabre, this stop-motion musical from Tim Burton was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Burton's mysterious world (featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp) is an imaginative, ghoulishly romantic feat - add this to the queue to watch right after The Nightmare Before Christmas.
[Stream Corpse Bride]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Simultaneously whimsical and macabre, this stop-motion musical from Tim Burton was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Burton's mysterious world (featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp) is an imaginative, ghoulishly romantic feat - add this to the queue to watch right after The Nightmare Before Christmas.
[Stream Corpse Bride]
Photo: Everett Collection
19 of
21
Fantasia 2000
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
This update of the original 1940 film restores the gorgeous images from the first and puts them to new interpretations of stunning classical music with the help of a slew of stars (including Steve Martin!). It's a beautiful reminder of the impact of the first film and the lasting power of these influential images, enduring tunes, and the talented artists behind them.
[Stream Fantasia 2000]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
This update of the original 1940 film restores the gorgeous images from the first and puts them to new interpretations of stunning classical music with the help of a slew of stars (including Steve Martin!). It's a beautiful reminder of the impact of the first film and the lasting power of these influential images, enduring tunes, and the talented artists behind them.
[Stream Fantasia 2000]
Photo: Everett Collection
20 of
21
Happy Feet
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Featuring the vocal talents of Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, and more, this delightful flick follows a young Emperor Penguin who is born without the talent of song (a skill they all use to find their soulmates) but can instead perform a helluva tap dance. Adorable, endearing, and moving in more ways than one, Happy Feet is fun for the whole family.
[Stream Happy Feet]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Featuring the vocal talents of Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, and more, this delightful flick follows a young Emperor Penguin who is born without the talent of song (a skill they all use to find their soulmates) but can instead perform a helluva tap dance. Adorable, endearing, and moving in more ways than one, Happy Feet is fun for the whole family.
[Stream Happy Feet]
Photo: Everett Collection
21 of
21
The Secret Life of Pets
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%
On a very basic level, you could call this flick Toy Story with pets instead of toys, but it's so much more than that. This fast-paced, hilarious film features the vocal talents of Louis C.K., Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, and a ton more stars, and focuses on the upending of one dog's life when his owner brings home a new addition to the family.
[Stream The Secret Life of Pets]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%
On a very basic level, you could call this flick Toy Story with pets instead of toys, but it's so much more than that. This fast-paced, hilarious film features the vocal talents of Louis C.K., Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, and a ton more stars, and focuses on the upending of one dog's life when his owner brings home a new addition to the family.
[Stream The Secret Life of Pets]
Photo: Everett Collection
