The 7 Best Animated Movies in 2024 + Where to Stream Them

The Top 7 Greatest Animated Movies to Watch in 2024

Choosing the best-animated movies of the past year wasn’t easy, but these standout films have captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike:

7. Despicable Me 4

“Despicable Me 4” brings back the beloved characters we’ve come to adore, with Steve Carell once again voicing the iconic Gru.

This latest installment sees Gru facing his toughest challenge yet—his mischievous son, Gru Jr., and a revenge-fueled villain, Maxime Le Mal.

Directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage, the film continues the franchise’s tradition of humor and heart, though it has received mixed reviews, with an IMDb rating of 6.2.

Despite its moderate reception, “Despicable Me 4” managed to secure a solid box office return of $961 million, proving that the Minions still have a strong fan base.

Did You Know❓

Agnes, Gru’s youngest daughter, is recast once again because the original voice actor outgrew the role.

Also, the name of the school principal, “Übel Schlecht,” humorously translates to “Bad Bad” in German.

6. Kung Fu Panda 4

“Kung Fu Panda 4” sees Jack Black’s return as the voice of Po, who faces a dual challenge: accepting his new role as the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace and training a successor to take over as the Dragon Warrior.

Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine, the film introduces a new antagonist—the Chameleon, who can resurrect the franchise’s past villains.

Despite its action-packed storyline and a star-studded cast, including Viola Davis as the villainous sorceress, the movie received mixed reviews and has a 6.3 IMDb rating.

Nevertheless, it remains a fun and nostalgic ride for fans of the series.

Did You Know❓

This film marks the first time Po refers to himself as the “Kung Fu Panda.” Also, Viola Davis is the third Academy Award winner in a row to portray a villain in a Kung Fu Panda movie, following Gary Oldman and J.K. Simmons.

5. IF

“IF,” directed by John Krasinski, is a heartfelt blend of live-action and animation that explores the whimsical yet poignant world of forgotten imaginary friends.

The story follows a young girl, played by Cailey Fleming. A challenging event triggers her ability to see the imaginary companions of those around her—friends long abandoned as their creators grew up.

The film is beautifully animated and strikes a nice balance between humor and emotion.

Despite mixed reviews, “IF” is praised for its creative concept and the performances of its lead actors, including Ryan Reynolds and the director himself, John Krasinski.

Did You Know❓

In a playful marketing twist, promotional material for the movie featured Ryan Reynolds and Randall Park in a humorous “Behind the Scenes” segment. Mimicking a famous prank from “The Office,” Park pretends to be John Krasinski, much to Reynolds’ dismay.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” reintroduces the iconic Turtle brothers in a fresh and vibrant style, combining nostalgic elements with a modern twist.

Directed by Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears, this animated feature brings the beloved characters of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael back to the big screen, where they take on a new threat in the form of a mutant army.

With a strong voice cast and a dynamic storyline, the film has resonated well with both long-time fans and new audiences, earning a solid 7.2 on IMDb.

The movie’s blend of action, humor, and heart has made it a standout in the animated genre this year.

Did You Know❓

Jeff Rowe personally wrote a letter to Jackie Chan, persuading him to voice Master Splinter. Ice Cube took on the role of Superfly because the name amused him, and he enjoyed watching TMNT cartoons with his son.

3. The Boy and the Heron

“The Boy and the Heron” (originally titled “Kimitachi wa dō ikiru ka”) marks Hayao Miyazaki’s much-anticipated return to the director’s chair after a brief retirement.

This Studio Ghibli masterpiece tells the story of Mahito, a boy grappling with grief after his mother’s passing and his father’s remarriage. He embarks on an unforeseen journey through a magical world that blurs the lines between life and death.

The film is rich with Miyazaki’s signature blend of fantasy and emotion and has a very similar feel to his 2001 movie Spirited Away.

With an IMDb rating of 7.5 and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, the title has been lauded for its beautiful animation, deep storytelling, and hauntingly evocative atmosphere.

Did You Know❓

Hayao Miyazaki began working on “The Boy and the Heron” in 2016 without an official green light. Remarkably, the title became the first animated film ever to open the Toronto International Film Festival.

The meticulous production spanned several years, with Miyazaki directing only about one minute of animation per month, reflecting his dedication to crafting each scene with precision.

2. Inside Out 2

“Inside Out 2” continues Riley’s emotional journey as she navigates the tumultuous years of adolescence.

Directed by Kelsey Mann, this sequel delves deeper into Riley’s mind, where her familiar emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust must adapt to the arrival of newcomers like Anxiety.

The film explores how these new emotions impact Riley’s behavior and her interactions with the world around her.

With a solid IMDb rating of 7.8, “Inside Out 2” is praised for its thoughtful exploration of growing up while retaining the humor and heart that made the original film a beloved classic.

Did You Know❓

In “Inside Out 2,” Anger has a small “swear jar” on the shelf next to his bed, complete with coins, hinting at his struggles with controlling his temper.

Additionally, Joy and Sadness use binoculars modeled after Lenny, a character from the Toy Story movies.

1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is the highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking animated film that redefined the superhero genre.

Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, this installment sees a young and inexperienced Miles Morales navigating the complexities of the multiverse, where he teams up with other Spider-People to tackle a powerful new threat.

With stunning visuals, an engaging storyline, and a diverse cast of characters, the film has earned an impressive 8.6 rating on IMDb, cementing its place as one of the top animated movies to watch this year.

The film’s unique animation style and deep emotional core make it a must-watch for fans of all ages.

Did You Know❓

The Lego sequence on Earth-13122 was animated by 14-year-old Preston Mutanga, who was hired after impressing the film’s directors with a Twitter video where he recreated the trailer entirely with Lego.

Noteworthy Upcoming Animated Movies to Watch in 2024

Here’s a selection of anticipated animated movies set to captivate audiences this year. Whether you’re looking for epic adventures or heartwarming tales, these films are not to be missed:

1. The Wild Robot

📅 Release Date: September 27, 2024
🎦 Director: Chris Sanders
✒️ Synopsis: Based on the best-selling novel, The Wild Robot follows the story of Roz, a shipwrecked robot who must learn to survive on a deserted island. As Roz adapts to her new surroundings, she forms unexpected friendships with the island’s animals, including a parental bond with an orphaned gosling, leading to a touching tale of family and survival.

2. Spellbound

📅 Release Date: November 22, 2024
🎦 Director: Vicky Jenson
✒️ Synopsis: Spellbound introduces us to Ellian, a brave princess on a quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell turns her parents into monsters. This animated musical adventure, directed by Vicky Jenson, combines fantasy, humor, and heartfelt moments, promising an enchanting cinematic experience.

3. Moana 2

📅 Release Date: November 27, 2024
🎦 Directors: David Derrick, Jr., Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand
✒️ Synopsis: Moana ventures on a daring voyage across the vast oceans of Oceania. Guided by her ancestors, Moana starts a new adventure alongside Maui and a crew of unlikely seafarers, exploring treacherous, uncharted waters.

4. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

📅 Release Date: December 13, 2024
🎦 Director: Kenji Kamiyama
✒️ Synopsis: Set in the legendary world of Middle-earth, this anime fantasy film tells the story of Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, as he leads his people in a desperate battle against the vengeful Dunlending lord, Wulf. The film promises an epic tale of courage, betrayal, and honor, adding a new chapter to the Lord of the Rings saga.

5. Mufasa: The Lion King

📅 Release Date: December 20, 2024
🎦 Director: Barry Jenkins
✒️ Synopsis: This photorealistic animated film serves as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Directed by Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins, “Mufasa: The Lion King” explores the origins of Mufasa, delving into his journey from a young cub to becoming the legendary king of the Pride Lands.

Where Can I Watch The Best Animated Movies for Free?

Several streaming platforms, like Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and Fubo TV, offer free trials that let you enjoy some of the best-animated movies without paying. To make the most of these trials, try using one service at a time.

However, it’s worth noting that any movies released more recently are only available for rent or purchase.

For movies that might not be available in your region, using a VPN like Surfshark can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access them from anywhere.

Although torrenting is another option, we do not condone the illegal downloading of copyrighted content. Always use a VPN to safeguard your privacy and stay within legal boundaries.

Related:

What to Do if an Animated Movie isn’t Available in Your Region

Content availability varies significantly by region due to licensing agreements. For example, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is available on Netflix in the U.S. but not in the U.K.

If a specific animated movie isn’t accessible in your region, a VPN like Surfshark can help.

A VPN allows you to connect to a server in a country where the movie is available, masking your IP address in the process. This enables you to use any streaming service from anywhere in the world.

The Best VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Top Animated Movies

To bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy your favorite animated movies, here are the best VPNs for streaming and torrenting safely:

Final Thoughts

Animated movies have truly dazzled audiences with their creativity and storytelling this year. From heartwarming sequels like Inside Out 2 to epic adventures like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, there’s something for everyone.

You can find these two, plus the rest of our top picks, on Amazon Prime Video right now. If a movie or platform is unavailable in your region, remember you can also use a VPN like Surfshark to enjoy your favorite films securely and without restrictions.

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