Pixar’s Turning Red took the world by storm when it was released earlier this year, as its heartwarming story and stunning visuals underscore just how much animated movies have improved. It’s not surprising that it’s at the top spot of Letterboxd’s ranking of the most popular animated movies of 2022 so far.
Viewers who are looking to explore similar animated films from the past decade can use the social media platform for film buffs to see which ones have garnered the most views or prompted enough discussion to warrant the number one position in each of the last ten years.
Frozen (2013) – Rating: 3.4, Fans: 1.1k
Available to stream on Disney+.
It’s not an overstatement to say that Disney’s Frozen is one of the most culturally influential films of the decade. The animated blockbuster revolves around the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are forced to be apart as kids. When Anna thinks she has found true love at Elsa’s coronation years in the future, she sets off a disastrous chain of events that leaves the kingdom of Arendelle frozen.
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Anna’s journey teaches her and young audiences the value of love, courage, and friendship. With a powerful narrative and unforgettable companions like Olaf and Sven in tow, it’s not surprising that both kids and adults today would still recognize both the movie’s characters and iconic songs like ‘Let It Go.’
Big Hero 6 (2014) – Rating: 3.8, Fans: 1.7k
Available to stream on Disney+.
When robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada develops an unexpectedly close bond with his older brother’s inflatable robot Baymax, they go on a wild adventure to uncover an evil conspiracy in Big Hero 6. Along the way, the protagonist works with a group of friends who eventually become known as the titular superheroes.
The star of the animated movie is undoubtedly the cuddly Baymax, who steals fans’ hearts the first moment he’s shown onscreen. Things become even more entertaining when Hiro begins training the adorable robot, which was originally designed to be a healthcare provider. Despite the charming characters, the film tackles some serious themes like loss, revenge, and morality.
Inside Out (2015) – Rating: 3.9, Fans: 2.8k
Available to stream on Disney+.
After11-year-old Riley’s family moves to San Francisco in Inside Out, she has trouble accepting several aspects about her new home. The Pixar film depicts how five personified emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust – work inside her mind to help her adjust to her new surroundings.
The central conflict of the movie comes from how the emotions can’t agree on how best to help Riley. The animated movie deals with serious issues like mental health, highlighting the role and value of emotions in processing changes. It leaves audiences with important lessons about communication and kindness.
Zootopia (2016) – Rating: 3.7, Fans: 1.3k
Available to stream on Disney+.
Disney introduces the astonishing animal world in Zootopia through the perspective of Officer Judy Hopps, who wants nothing more than to prove that she’s worthy of being the first bunny in the titular city’s police force. When she gets her chance to do this through a challenging first case, she reluctantly works with the scam artist Nick Wilde to uncover a shocking criminal conspiracy.
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The box office hit has something to offer for viewers of all ages. Its immersive sprawling urban setting is incredible to see for the first time, and its heartfelt story hits all the right emotional marks. The movie also sends a thoughtful message about prejudice and inclusivity, which is just as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Coco (2017) – Rating: 4.2, Fans: 4.9k
Available to stream on Disney+.
Often cited alongside the best Pixar films ever made, Coco follows the story of 12-year-old Miguel, who dreams of becoming a famous musician like the legendary Ernesto de la Cruz. This goal is complicated by his family’s bizarre ban on music, but everything changes when a strange chain of events ends with him in the Land of the Dead.
The award-winning animated film has gorgeous visuals, especially as its protagonist further explores the Land of the Dead. It’s the tear-jerking narrative that steals the show, though, as Miguel finds that his family’s messy history is inextricably linked with his experiences in the present.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) – Rating: 4.4, Fans: 37k
Available to rent on Apple TV.
Miles Morales’ life is turned upside down when he goes from struggling with homework to meeting other Spideys from across the multiverse in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Together, they must devise a plan to stop the evil Kingpin and his super collider before it’s too late.
The animated film is known for its jaw-dropping visuals that look like they were taken straight from the pages of the Marvel comics they’re based on. Every riveting action sequence is flawlessly choreographed and designed to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. It’s still one of the most entertaining portrayals of the superhero’s adventures today.
Toy Story 4 (2019) – Rating: 3.6, Fans: 245
Available to stream on Disney+.
Set one year after the heartbreaking events of Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4 continues the story arcs of characters fans know and love from the iconic franchise. The Pixar film depicts Woody’s misadventures after Bonnie’s new toy, Forky, decides to escape. As his friends like Buzz Lightyear eventually decide to look for them, Woody’s already in the process of making a difficult decision that will change his life.
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There was understandably a lot of doubt about the sequel, as the last Toy Story movie seemed to already cap off the long-running film series in a perfect way. However, the latest entry soon became just as renowned as the first three, as it brilliantly tells a thought-provoking narrative about identity, compassion, and responsibility.
Soul (2020) – Rating: 4.0, Fans: 2.5k
Available to stream on Disney+.
Just when middle school teacher Joe Gardner begins fulfilling his dreams in Soul, he gets into an accident that promps a series of events that lands him in the You Seminar, a place where new souls gain passions before being matched with an infant on earth. There, he meets 22, who is his key to returning to life on earth and making it to his gig on time.
The Pixar film soon makes it clear through some of Joe’s most profound lines that there is more to life than the big things he desires. The development of his complicated friendship with 22 becomes the focal point of the movie, as it’s through her perspective that Joe makes some deep realizations about the meaning of life and his place in the universe.
Encanto (2021) – Rating: 3.7, Fans: 1.8k
Available to stream on Disney+.
The story of the powerful Madrigal family is told in the critically-acclaimed Disney film Encanto. Each member of the family is blessed with a unique gift by the titular place when they come of age, with the gifts ranging from super strength to making flowers grow. The only exception is Mirabel, who soon finds that her lack of magical ability could be a gift in itself.
From its artistic animation and catchy songs to its likable characters and emotionally complex story, there’s more than one reason to fall in love with the critically-acclaimed movie. Mirabel’s arc is particularly memorable, as it speaks volumes about acceptance, self-love, and the quiet strength of empathy.
Turning Red (2022) – Rating: 3.8, Fans: 973
Available to stream on Disney+.
Turning Red tells the wacky story of 13-year-old Mei Lee, whose already messy early experiences as a teenager are made even harder by the arrival of her red panda. Whenever Mei is embarrassed or feels other strong emotions, the red panda appears. This unsurprisingly results in some awkward situations in school and back at home.
The popular Pixar film is as much about Mei learning to accept herself as it is about her navigating her increasingly difficult relationship with her mother. It teaches crucial lessons about independence, change, and friendship in a thoughtful and often emotional way. The movie also has a unique art style and vibe that perfectly captures what it was like to be a kid in the early 2000s.
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