The Best Animated Movies on Netflix Right Now
The phrase “best animated movie” means different things to different people. Some will automatically think of classic Disney movies or similar family-friendly feature-length cartoons from their childhood, while others will automatically gravitate toward adaptations of their favorite comic-book stories. Others still may consider the exotic appeal of anime or the avant-style of artists outside the mainstream as the “best” animation has to offer. The only thing these disparate features have in common is that they’re devoid of live-action components; anything else goes. With this broad range of animated movies in mind, we’ve combed through the available features streaming on Netflix to bring you the best of the best. There’s something here for everyone.
I Lost My Body (2019)
Image via Netflix
Run Time: 1 hr 21 min | Genre: Drama | Director: Jérémy Clapin
Cast: Hakim Faris, Victoire De Bois, Patrick d’Assumcao, Alfonso Arfi
One of the most stunning and imaginative works of animation of recent memory, I Lost My Body tells the strange yet deeply moving story of a severed hand that has escaped from where it is being held in a lab. This is only the beginning, as the hand must now go on a quest to find its body again. Flashing back and forth through time, we come to learn how this horrible injury happened while also following the hand’s perilous journey at the same time. What it becomes is a gorgeous fable whose beautiful animation takes on both a surreal and sentimental quality that is only further complemented by its amazing score and outstanding performances. It is a love story wrapped in the embrace of animated body horror that becomes something far more profound. It is a film that defies easy categorization and becomes all the better for it, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling to remarkable effect. — Chase Hutchinson
Trolls (2016)
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Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Director: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Zooey Deschanel
Trolls take the jewel-bellied dolls and creates a fleshed-out world of lore, music, and friendship. Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) stars as the ever-peppy Princess Poppy, along with Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) as the cynical survivalist Branch in an adventure to save their whole kingdom from being eaten by giant creatures called Bergens. This jukebox musical is bright and never takes itself too seriously, which strikes exactly the right tone while not being afraid to have a few darker moments to amp up the drama. Plus, the roster is filled with voice talent from all over Hollywood, including Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), James Corden (Peter Rabbit), and Gwen Stefani (Zoolander).
The Magician’s Elephant (2023)
Image via Netflix
Run Time: 1 hr 43 min | Director: Wendy Rogers
Cast: Noah Jupe, Mandy Patinkin, Brian Tyree Henry, Natasia Demetriou, Benedict Wong
The Magician’s Elephant is a beautiful animated film directed by Wendy Rogers and based on Kate DiCamillo’s book. With an enchanting tale of magic and whimsy, The Magician’s Elephant explores the ideas like courage, teamwork, and being yourself, along with a delightfully underrated exploration of problem-solving. Featuring an impressive voice cast, including Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride), Brian Tyree Henry (Eternals), and Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), The Magician’s Elephant stars Noah Jupe as a young boy given the chance to realize his destiny when he accepts three impossible challenges from the king. — Yael Tygiel
