Despite the slow flow of releases in the United States in 2025, international animation studios proved that getting beyond the one-inch barrier of subtitles is well worth the investment. Asian studios dominated our Top Animated Movies of 2025 list and with good reason. But this year’s animation showcased that the medium is there for the small moments and the grand epics alike.
From films that retold sweeping mythologies from China, to a futuristic Seoul, a family movie that is the best Mission Impossible this year, intimate slice of life stories around parenthood and sports, and so much more, the top animated movies of 2025 were easy to love, even if their theater schedules sometimes needed a second go-around to get butts in seats.
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For our Top Animated Movies of 2025, we looked across IP, genre, studio, and release methods. We do have some stipulations for making our list, though we thought it best to celebrate all animated films regardless of style or the country they originated from.
To make the top animated movies list for 2025, the film had to have been released in the United States in 2024 and be available to audiences in theaters or on streaming platforms. This means that films with theater-only runs and not currently available can still make the list.
Anime fans may be surprised to see Jujutsu Kaisen, DanDaDan, and Demon Slayer absent from the list. We have decided not to include “films” comprised of television episodes packaged for audiences. Each film has to have been developed as a feature film first to be included on the list. This is to prioritize the medium and feature films created in it. Additionally, there was no rating or age-group-specific requirement to be on the Top Animation Movies of 2025 list.
However, because festival runs aren’t available to everyone, we are not counting some amazing animated films, including the long-awaited Scarlet from iconic filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda, and films on GKids’ 2025 slate, Another World and ChaO, which all screened at festivals this year.
Without further ado, here are our top animated movies of 2024.
10. Mononoke The Movie: Ashes of Rage
Director: Kenji Nakamura, Kiyotaka Suzuki
Writer: Yasumi Atarashi, Kenneth Pulgar-Vidal
Animation Studio: Toei Animation (creator), EOTA, Crew-Cell (distributed by Twin Engine and Giggly Box)
“Mesmerizing and sometimes overwhelming animation comes to life in Monoke The Movie: Ashes of Rage. Dubbed Mononoke The Movie Chapter 2: Ashes of Rage on Netflix, this sequel film blends haunting atmosphere and deep political intrigue to capture audiences. While the characters and their unique designs are memorable, the Ōoku is a morphing and terrifying character in and of itself.
The chambers where this takes place, the Ōoku watches the murder, the betrayal, the scheming, and stands vibrantly against it all. Beautiful and all-consuming, the animation of each sequence works to disorient the viewer until, in the final act, it all comes together in a thrilling way.”
Watch now on Netflix.
9. The Legend of Hei II
Director: Jie Gu, Mtjj
Writer: Fengxishenlei, Jie Gu, Mtjj, Kexin Peng
Animation Studio: HMCH
“The Legend of Hei II, like its main plot, focuses on balance. The balance of humor and heart, the balance of action and character-driven intrigue.
Through that balance and the film’s declarative passion regarding humanity’s need for coexistence, it finds its magic and narrative spark. But it’s the impeccable visuals and action that help even the flattest moments become lively and poignant.
A clear labor of love that harnessed a team of artists to beautifully combine the work of 2D animation with 3D models, The Legend of Hei II is both a rousing story about the fortitude of found families and the nimble and diverse stories animation can tell. With some breathtaking action sequences and a thunderous heart at its core, it’s a definitive triumph that champions a medium constantly deserving of more validation.” — Allyson Johnson
Was available in limited theatrical release and will be distributed by GKids.
8. Arco (2025)
Director: Ugo Bienvenu, Gilles Cazaux
Writer: Ugo Bienvenu, Félix de Givry
Animation Studio: Remembers, MountainA, France 3 Cinéma, Fit Via Vi Film Productions, Sons of Rigor
“Arco is a precious story about two kids from different times figuring out together how to grow up. The setting is a climate apocalypse, but Arco’s rainbow brings hope for a better future. Their parents don’t understand what Arco (Oscar Tresanini) or Iris (Margot Ringard Oldra) are going through, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t generational wisdom they can still pass down.
With a unique visual language and fantastical, sci-fi concept, Arco is a pleasantly distinct work of animation. It’s American voice cast puts heart into their performances, making the English version feel authentic and more than just a dub.” — Jason Flatt
Was available in limited theatrical release and will be distributed by NEON.
7. Little Amélie Or The Character Of Rain
Director: Mailys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han
Writer: Liane-Cho Han, Aude Py, Maïlys Vallade, Eddine Noël
Animation Studio: Ikki Films, Maybe Movies, Puffin Pictures, 2 Minutes, France 3 Cinéma
“The animation is spellbinding in its greatest moments. With 2D digital animation, the film achieves a timeless, picture-book aesthetic that helps blend reality with a sense of childlike, fairy-tale-esque fantasy. The lines of the characters are diluted, with broad swaths of color evoking the tactile effect of brushstrokes. But while the characters and interiors are charming in their rendering, it’s the exteriors and landscapes that truly come alive.
Little Amelie or the Character of Rain is a gorgeously adapted animated film that highlights the natural world and our place in it through its diminutive protagonist. Through her wandering, wonderful, perplexed eyes, the film captures the transfixing nature of the world, its mighty contrasts, and inexplicable miracles. For what it lacks in narrative, it makes up for with explosive, emotional depth. ” — Allyson Johnson
Was available in limited theatrical release and will be distributed by GKids.
6. 100 Meters
Director: Kenji Iwaisawa
Writer: Yasuyuki Muto, Uoto (based on the manga by)
Animation Studio: Rock ‘n’ Roll Mountain
“The contemplation, despite the kineticism of the animation and the sprints that dominate the story, is what makes 100 Meters such a masterwork. It’s not just a beautifully animated film (though that alone should be championed). But it’s a wonderfully meticulous character study that refuses overt emotional pulls or big, declarative moments. It echoes the spirit of the sport it follows – one where the most minute of details can change the course of a ten-second race.
100 Meters, in its quiet heartbreaks and subtle humor, is tremendous. A breathless and breathtaking example of the limitless possibilities for animation. A meditative look at how running represents the trials of life and our ongoing efforts to find meaning in what we love and excel at. We tackle what’s tough and hone the skills that come easily for us, all for the sake of progressing forward, regardless of how many times we have to run the same stretch to achieve the momentum.” — Allyson Johnson
Was available in limited theatrical release and will be distributed by GKids.
5. K-Pop Demon Hunters
Director: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang
Writer: Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, Bo Yeon Kim
Animation Studio: Sony Animation Studios
“Kpop Demon Hunter’s animation shines through in how it captures complex movement. This is clear in the action sequences that are absolutely gorgeous. The acrobatics and complexity of scenes that feature Huntrix and hordes of demons are just as fluid and detailed as those where the three of them fight a smaller number of enemies. What sets this animated film apart, however, is the dance choreography.
Kpop Demon Hunters continues Netflix Animation’s winning streak and is yet another film where Sony Animation is able to showcase the diversity that can be found in 3D animation. A film that can pull in all ages and ultimately captures the look, feel, and love of K-pop, this Netflix Original is an immediate must-watch. Beautiful animation that is met with an even more important message, Kpop Demon Hunters is a near-perfect film.” — Kate Sanchez
Watch now on Netflix.
4. Lost In Starlight
Director: Han Ji-won
Writer: Kang Hyun-joo, Han Ji-won
Animation Studio: Climax Studio, Netflix Animation
“Lost In Starlight is a win not just for Korean animation but a win for the animation landscape as a whole. Hopefully, the beauty, intimacy, and strength of Jay and Nan-young’s love story can propel Netflix to keep expanding its animated films. Animation if global; it’s about time everyone has access to watch it.
Lost in Starlight is gorgeously animated. Its soundtrack is perfectly coordinated, but most importantly, its message to enjoy the side paths in life is its strongest achievement. While the film takes place in Seoul, its message is universal. In a failing late-stage capitalist dystopia, we seem to be spinning closer to every day, our default is to equate ourselves with our career goals and dreams. By making our work our lives, many in our generation miss out on the life and love they could have had if they had only taken a longer path.” — Kate Sanchez
Watch now on Netflix.
3. Chainsaw Man The Movie — Reze Arc
Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara
Writer: Hiroshi Seko, Tatsuki Fujimoto (based on a manga by)
Animation Studio: MAPPA
“Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc continues the series’ ability to subvert expectations, double down on action, and maintain the emotional core of the story. While it’s easy to think audiences are drawn to Chainsaw Man for its intense action or even its moments of fan service, Tatsuki Fujimoto‘s story resonates because it has heart.
Denji is deeply lonely, abused by the world, and yet, he doesn’t stop trying. He doesn’t stop trying to find love or a life worth living. His loneliness is as essential as his power as a devil; his happiness is as central to the story as are the devils he’s chasing. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc thrives because it’s just good storytelling.
Bloodfueled action balanced by romance in a way that captures the very best parts of Fujimoto’s story. While the use of certain manga panels or even covers of volumes is a great callout moment for fans, it’s all about the story in the end. It’s about Reze, Denji, Aki, and Angel. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc isn’t spectacle, it’s storytelling.” — Kate Sanchez
Was released in theaters nationwide and will be streaming on Crunchyroll.
2. The Bad Guys 2
Director: Pierre Perifel
Writer: Yoni Brenner, Etan Cohen
Animation Studio: Dreamworks Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks
“A big year for sequels, the bar was set high for The Bad Guys 2 to succeed. By embracing action, adventure, and the art of the heist, it shot past every other American animated film this year. Gorgeously animated, The Bad Guy’s most significant feat is that it somehow winds up being the best Mission Impossible film released in 2025. Yes, I said that.
When it comes to action, Dreamworks animators are students of the genre, making the homage to the classics and trendsetters always feel in conversation with, but never mimicking, them. Instead, this sequel makes the most of its crew, showcasing the power of ensemble casts in animated movies and understanding how to assemble personalities that work across ages.
A good time at the cinema and one of two animated movies from the United States this year that made me excited for what comes next, Dreamworks continues to highlight how to find originality in franchise works and electrify storytelling.”— Kate Sanchez
Watch now on Paramount+ and VOD.
1. Ne Zha 2
Director: Jiaozi
Writer: Jiaozi
Animation Studio: Chengdu Coco Cartoon, Beijing Enlight,, Chengdu Zizai, Jingjie Culture Media, Beijing Coloroom Technology
“…Because the film slowly transforms throughout its runtime, younger audiences are given everything they need to understand it. This is a coming-of-age story, a story about justice and rising up, and all of its narrative is thoughtfully constructed to ensure no one is left behind.
This is doubly effective through exposition moments and on-screen notes that detail to audiences the names and identities of the Immortals, allowing the mythology to be easily understood by audiences who aren’t familiar with it. And that’s where Chengdu Coco Cartoon succeeds as an animation studio, even more so than their talent for animation as an art.
The studio understands how to tell a culturally specific story that resonates beyond one country and taps into something we all need right now. The permission to be angry, the permission to not give up, and ultimately, the permission to change things and know that we don’t have to be alone while doing so.
Ne Zha 2 shows the depth and themes of Chinese mythology, and its complexity and large ensemble cast of characters pull it all together beautifully. This is what an epic looks like. This is the best animated film of the year, and there is no competition. ” — Kate Sanchez
Watch now on HBO Max and VOD.
