A List of the 25 Best Animated Movies of All Time

Trying to find a good animated/cartoon film to watch with your family or for your child?  Here are our picks of the 25 best animated movies of all time.

25 Best Animated Movies of All Time

#25 – Pinocchio

Grade: B+

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – I just remember this movie as a little kid and finding it a little scary at times. So I would probably not show this to younger children. But to this day I still remember the moral of the story; We shouldn’t lie and when we start lying it is harder to tell the truth.

Summary – On a magical starlit night , a blue fairy brings Geppetto’s beloved marionette Pinocchio to life, beginning a fantastic adventure that will test the puppet’s bravery, loyalty and honesty – virtues he must learn to become a real boy. Despite the warnings of his wise friend, Jimmy Cricket, Pinocchio gets entangled in one humorous predicament after another, leading to his valiant quest to save Geppetto, who’s trapped inside Monstro the whale!

#24 – The Flight of Dragons

Grade: B+

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – I have not personally seen this movie but I have a close friend who loves this movie. She says she likes it because it is cute, fun, and creative.

Summary – The sinister Red Wizard Ommadon (Jones) threatens to destroy nature. The world’s hope is a man of science and magic from the future. That man is Peter (Ritter), snatched from the 20th century by the Green Wizard Carolinus (Morgan) to capture Ommadon’s empowering Red Crown. With a fire-breathing dragon, an outlaw elf and a noble knight as comrades-in-arms, Peter applies modern-day logic to battling ages-old evil.

#23 – Ratatouille

Grade: B+

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – A little more for adults than children but my children still like it quite a bit.  They always seem to want to cook like a chef after they watch it, which is good.  It’s cute and clever and has a good overall message.

Summary – In one of Paris’ finest restaurants, Remy, a determined young rat, dreams of becoming a renowned French chef. Torn between his family’s wishes and his true calling, Remy and his pal Linguini set in motion a hilarious chain of events that turns the City of Lights upside down.

#22 –Monsters, Inc.

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – This movie is very funny and not even that scary.  There is peril in it but the monsters, for the most part, aren’t scary.  I highly recommend.  We laugh every time we watch it.

Summary – The main characters, monsters, generate power by making children scream so you are cool the better you are at getting children to scream.  In of the monsters evil plots a little girl gets out of her door and Sulley and Mike Wazowski find her and try to get her back in to her door.

#21 – The Lion King

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – The Lion King is a wonderful Disney classic and I was surprised to see it was not ranked higher. It is actually one of my favorite Disney movies. It has an excellent movie and a brilliant plot!

Summary – Embark on an extraordinary coming-of-age adventure as Simba, a lion cub who cannot wait to be king, searches for his destiny in the great “Circle of Life.” From the stunningly beautiful opening sequence over African vistas, to the hilarious escapades of “Hakuna Matata” with Timon and Pumbaa, to the awe-inspiring moment when Simba takes his rightful place atop Pride Rock, you will be thrilled by the breathtaking animation, unforgettable Academy Award(R)-winning music (1994: Best Original Score; Best Original Song, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”) and timeless story.

#20 – Sleeping Beauty

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Another well done Disney film but not my favorite. I really liked the fairies they are fun and cute. Another princess story with a happy ending!

Summary – When an enchanted kingdom and the most fair princess in the land falls prey to the ultimate mistress of evil, the fate of the empire rests in the hands of three small fairies and a courageous prince’s magic kiss. Their quest is fraught with peril as the fellowship must battle the evil witch and a fire breathing dragon if they are to set the Beauty free.

#19 – Tangled

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Our whole family likes this movie.  You can watch it over and over and not get tired of it.  Very clever and well-done.

Summary –When the kingdom’s most wanted – and most charming – bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower – 70 feet of magical golden hair! Together, the unlikely duo set off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense.

#18 – Cinderella

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Cinderella is a wonderful classic story and I love the lessons we can teach our children with this movie. It is a must see movie and I would be surprised to hear someone that has not already seen this.

Summary – With a wave of her wand and some “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transforms an ordinary pumpkin into a magnificent coach and Cinderella’s rags into a gorgeous gown, then sends her off to the Royal Ball. But Cinderella’s enchanted evening must end when the spell is broken at midnight. It will take the help of her daring animal friends Jaq and Gus and a perfect fit into a glass slipper to create the ultimate fairy tale ending.

#17- The Incredibles

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Lots of action and some funny parts.  I like how the family all has to work together in the end.

Summary – Bob Parr and his wife Helen used to be among the world’s greatest crime fighters, saving lives and battling evil on a daily basis. Fifteen years later, they have been forced to adopt civilian identities and retreat to the suburbs where they live “normal” lives with their three kids, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack. Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top secret assignment. He soon discovers that it will take a super family effort to rescue the world from total destruction.

#16 – How to Train Your Dragon

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review: This movie is so well done but it is scary.  My 3 year-old girl never wants to watch it because she says it’s too scary.  I would say you should be at least 6 to like this movie and not be scared by it, maybe even 8 depending on the child.  It has dragons and the main characters try to kill the dragons a lot of the movie.  It barely has any language problems though.  It is one of those movies made more for the parents than children’s movies used to be.

Summary – A winner with audiences and critics alike, DreamWorks Animation’s How To Train Your Dragon rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story. Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this “wonderful good-time hit!” (Gene Shalit, Today)

#15 – Toy Story 2

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – This is my and my children’s favorite Toy Story movie by far.  We have watched this one probably close to 100 times.

Summary – While Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is toynapped by Al, a greedy collector. Before you can say “to infinity and beyond,” Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Rex and Slinky Dog spring into action in a thrilling and hilarious rescue mission that will have everyone cheering!

#14 – Shrek

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review: My children love this movie and watch it and all the Shrek movies over and over.  It is not quite as wholesome as Disney movies but my children like the DreamWorks movies a lot more.  It does have a little crude humor, like toots and several bad words like I really wish they wouldn’t put in there.  Words like “jack ass,” “crap” and “shut up” that I won’t even say myself.  That’s why I wouldn’t recommend for younger children.  I would say you should be over 6 and the parent should at least explain that those words aren’t good to say.  It makes fun of several other franchises, but it’s all in good humor.  It is well done, has a great cast and plot though.

Summary – Relive every moment of Shrek’s (Mike Myers) daring quest to rescue feisty Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) with the help of his loveable loudmouthed Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Enchantingly irreverent and “monstrously clever” (Leah Rozen, People Magazine), Shrek is ogre-sized adventure you’ll want to see again and again!

#13 – WALL-E

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – I personally dislike this movie.  It is an original storyline but to me and my children, it’s slow and boring.

Summary – After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. Join them and a hilarious cast of characters on a fantastic journey across the universe.

#12 – Aladdin

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – This is an entertaining Disney movie with great music and lots of funny humor. The genie makes the movie that much better. It is a cute romantic comedy and one of my favorite Disney movies.

Summary – In the heart of an enchanted city, a commoner named Aladdin and his mischievous monkey Abu battle to save the free-spirited Princess Jasmine from the schemes of the evil sorcerer Jafar. Aladdin’s whole life changes with one rub of a magic lamp as a fun-loving, shape-shifting Genie appears and grants him three wishes, setting him on an incredible journey of discovery.

#11 – Princess Mononoke

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – This is my friend’s all time favorite. Although she loves all of these Japanese anime. She admires the main characters in this film a lot.

Summary – Inflicted with a deadly curse, a young warrior named Ashitaka (Billy Crudup – Without Limits) sets out to the forests of the west in search of the cure that will save his life. Once there, he becomes inextricably entangled in a bitter battle that matches Lady Eboshi (Driver) and a proud clan of humans against the forest’s animal gods…who are led by the brave Princess Mononoke (Danes), a young woman raised by wolves!

#10 – Kiki’s Delivery Service

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – A well-done movie that you won’t mind watching over and over while your children do the same.  It has a good message and an enjoyable storyline.

Summary – Kiki is an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her black cat, Jiji, Kiki flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service and begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world.

#9 – Toy Story

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Not my favorite Toy Story movie either.  The boy next door is just mean and it’s kind of slow.

Summary – Woody is Andy’s favorite toy until Andy gets a new toy for his birthday.  Buzz Lightyear is really cool and has batteries and buttons, etc.  Andy loves all his toys but Woody feels left out.  The toys get separated and try to find a way to get reunited before moving day.

#8 – The Little Mermaid 

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – This under the sea movie is brilliant. So much fun and clever. This is a wonderful movie and is one of my absolute favorite Disney films. It is so fun to see the transformation that happens in the world below.

Summary – Ariel, the fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, is enchanted with all things human. Disregarding her father’s order to stay away from the world above the sea, she swims to the surface and, in a raging storm, rescues the prince of her dreams. Determined to be human, she strikes a bargain with the devious seawitch, Ursula, and trades her fins and beautiful voice for legs. With her best friend, the adorable and chatty Flounder, and her reluctant chaperone Sebastian, the hilarious, reggae-singing Caribbean crab, at her side, Ariel must win the prince’s love and save her father’s kingdom – all in a heart-pounding race against time!

#7 – Up

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – It’s clever and fun to watch, just not over and over like some of the others.  Kind of slow and geared a little more towards adults.  It’s a very unique story though.

Summary – Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, is part rascal, part dreamer who is ready for his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell, an overeager 8-year-odl Wilderness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time – Carl’s front porch! The world’s most unlikely duo reach new heights and meet fantastic friends like Dug, a dog with a special collar that allows him to speak, and Kevin, the rare 13-foot tall flightless bird. Stuck together in the wilds of the jungle, Carl realizes that sometimes life’s biggest adventures aren’t the ones you set out looking for.

#6 – Finding Nemo

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Well done.  My children watch it kind of in the middle.  It’s very clever and has some memorable lines.

Summary – When Nemo, a young clownfish, is unexpectedly carried far from his home, his overprotective father, Marlin (Albert Brooks), and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish, embark on an epic journey that leads to encounters with vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish and hungry seagulls!

#5 – Nightmare Before Christmas

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review -This is not my style of movie but it is fairly popular. They did a pretty good job making the movie spooky but not so dark and evil that kids would be too frightened. This movie is supposed to be spooky so I would say younger children might not enjoy it as much.

Summary – THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS tells the heartfelt tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town and all things that go bump in the night. Bored with the same old tricks and treats, he yearns for something more and soon stumbles upon the glorious magic of Christmas Town. But as his dream to fill Santa’s shoes unravels, it’s up to Sally, the rag doll who loves him, to stitch things back together.

#4 – My Neighbor Totoro

Grade: A-

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – This has a wonderful, magical story with beautiful attention to detail.  Overall a good family movie I would recommend to children ages 4/5 and up.

Summary – Follow the adventures of Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei when they move into a new home in the countryside. To their delight, they discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro — who can be seen only through the eyes of a child. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters — including a cat that doubles as a bus! — and takes them on an incredible journey.

#3 – Beauty and the Beast

Grade: A

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – I love this movie so much!! This is a must own, and watched over and over. This is Disney at their best! One of my all time favorite movies for sure.

Summary – Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who’s been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all – that true beauty comes within.

#2 – Toy Story 3

Grade: A

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – Not my children’s favorite movie but apparently a lot of other people liked it and it has Disney-Pixar’s high box office sales.  I just thought it was quite scary in several parts.  I just don’t enjoy watching it as much as some other Pixar films.

Summary – As Andy prepares to depart for college, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of Andy’s faithful toys wonder what will become of them But when a mix-up lands them at Sunnyside Daycare, they meet a host of new toys and soon discover a wild new adventure is just beginning!

#1- Spirited Away

Grade: A

Mommy Bear’s Family Movie Review – A beautiful, well-done movie intended for girls. Although it is a cartoon, it is quite scary and violent and I would not recommend it until the pre-teen years.

Spirited Away is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world.