Animated movies have only gotten better through the decades, with the best ones continuing to push the limits of the form. Fans on Letterboxd have awarded exemplary animated films from the 2010s with the highest ratings on the site, which serves as an ideal guide for audiences looking to watch great movies from the previous decade.
From the haunting story of Bill in It’s Such a Beautiful Day to the epic adventures of the friendly neighborhood hero in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, there’s a wide array of narratives and visual styles for viewers to choose from. It’s never too late to look back at some of the best animated films that have contributed to and shaped the genre today.
Wasteland (2019) – 4.2
The enigmatic and sometimes terrifying world portrayed in director Jonni Phillips’s Wasteland is as engrossing as it is puzzling. Fans who don’t really enjoy quirky movies may not know what to make of the five-part film, but those who do get into it will likely find that it’s easy to fall in love with.
The characters’ struggles around their mental health, mundane lives, and questionable realities are portrayed in seemingly unrelated short films. They all make sense when watched as a whole, though, as they tell a story that’s oddly relatable for anyone who has ever felt comfortable in isolation.
Coco (2017) – 4.2
Pixar’s Coco is often considered the most emotional movie from the studio so far, with Miguel’s touching story likely making even adults tear up a little bit. His determination to pursue music despite his family’s mysterious aversion to it is inspiring.
Everything he uncovers along the way in Coco makes fans feel like they’re discovering bits and pieces of the family’s history together. With heavy themes like death and abandonment, the gorgeous film is something kids can look back at when they’re older to better understand the gravity of the narrative.
Your Name (2016) – 4.2
When Miki and Taki inexplicably find themselves randomly switching bodies, they discover that they can help improve each other’s lives in Your Name. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film may seem like it has a plot that’s already been done before on the surface, but the story turns into something more complex and mind-bending as the movie progresses.
The moving romantic fantasy movie explores themes of memory and time, all packed in a visually stunning way. The anime is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a tear-jerking love story with a touch of magic.
Infinity Train (2016) – 4.2
Infinity Train is well-known today for being a popular animated series, but some fans may not know about its origins as a one-off short film. Director Owen Dennis introduces viewers to some of Infinity Train’s many likable characters in its now non-canon pilot from 2016.
In it, Tulip struggles to find a way home onboard the wacky titular Infinity Train. She travels from one strange room to another and even finds one full of farts until she reaches the king of corgis. It’s a wild adventure that signals the beginning of a zany show. They even remade the pilot into an episode on the series, aptly titling it “The Corgi Car.”
World Of Tomorrow (2015) – 4.2
World of Tomorrow is the first part of director Don Hertzfeldt’s strange and wonderful short-film trilogy. Told from the perspective of a little girl named Emily, viewers are transported to a weird future where clones of the protagonist explain how they’ve discovered the secret to immortality.
Emily’s innocence is jarring when contrasted with her technologically advanced adult counterparts. The animated movie delivers a powerful, if not an eccentric message about the fleeting nature of life and the value of the present. Its moving conclusion may move, confuse, and leave viewers wanting more, which is why it’s a good thing there are two other films that follow what happens next.
The Final Exit Of The Disciples Of Ascensia (2019) – 4.2
Director Jonni Philips transports viewers to the outlandish world of a woman named Celisse. She deals with a massive change in her life when she encounters a UFO cult that invites her to join the Disciples of Ascensia. Audiences watch her learn about her new friends’ troubled pasts and problematic goals, all while attempting to understand her own identity and desires.
The movie is creatively animated, using a variety of materials like construction paper and watercolor to demonstrate the different stages of Celisse’s journey. The Final Exit of the Disciples of Ascensia is as much about a bizarre cult as it is about what it’s like to feel lost and in need of acceptance in one’s life, making it a moving film in a peculiar but welcome way.
World of Tomorrow Episode Two: The Burden of Other People’s Thoughts (2017) – 4.3
The continuation of Emily’s story is portrayed in one of the best adult animated movies, The Burden of Other People’s Thoughts. The young girl’s clones are the focus of the film directed by Don Hetzfeldt, as they travel through time and space to relive and discover both old and new memories.
The avant-garde film tackles themes like youth, memory, and death, which are contrasted with its bright and childlike art style. It’s a must-see for fans of bizarre narratives that make viewers think hard about what they have just watched.
Joe Pera Talks You To Sleep (2016) – 4.3
Director Kieran O’Hare’s Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep is exactly what it sounds like: a relaxing film made for audiences to fall asleep to. Its simple animation style and is meant to eliminate any distractions, helping viewers focus on the narrator’s soothing and monotonous voice.
Joe talks about everything from barns and dog names to Stephen Hawking’s affair and big breakfasts. Its only shortcoming is that it may actually be hilarious and interesting enough to pay attention to, which isn’t the best thing for viewers who are just trying to get some sleep.
It’s Such A Beautiful Day (2012) – 4.3
In director Don Hertzfeldt’s first and arguably best feature film, It’s Such a Beautiful Day, he tells the tear-jerking story of Bill, a stick-figure man afflicted with an unknown neurological illness. Fans see the confusing world through Bill’s eyes, as he attempts to piece bits and pieces of his reality together, despite everything feeling as if it’s slipping away.
Viewers can’t be blamed for shedding a tear or two as they learn about the protagonist’s tragic past, complicated relationship with his mother, and perplexed doctors. It’s an emotional film that’s meant to stick in audiences’ minds long after they’re done watching it.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) – 4.4
The overwhelmingly positive reviews Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse received upon its initial release are all well-deserved. The thrilling origin story introduces fans to the exciting adventure of Miles Morales as he goes on a multiverse-breaking adventure.
Each Spider-person has their own fascinating backstory, not to mention unique worlds with a gorgeous animation style. The film is a great example of an animated superhero movie done right, as it masterfully weaves together action-packed sequences, a compelling plot, unforgettable characters, and striking locations, pushing fans to the edge of their seats and keeping them entertained from start to finish.
