The Top Animated Films of the 2010s

The 2010s were a golden age for animation; ‘Let It Go’, the hit song from ‘Frozen’ has more than three billion views on YouTube. So yes, golden indeed (parents of small children who grew up in this decade might not agree with us).

But there were other animated breakthroughs as well. 

In this article

1. ‘Frozen’ (2013)
2. Inside Out (2015)
3. ‘Zootopia’ (2016)
4. ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
5. ‘The Lego Movie’ (2014)
6. ‘Coco’ (2017)
7. ‘Moana’ (2016)
8. ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

With a wide variety of high-quality animated films being produced by both traditional animation studios and some newer players in the industry. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the top animation films of the 2010s and the voice actors behind these blockbusters.

‘Frozen’ (2013)

‘Frozen’ is perhaps the most iconic animated film of the 2010s, with its catchy songs, lovable characters, and heartwarming story. The film tells the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, and their journey to reconcile after Elsa’s ice powers accidentally put the kingdom of Arendelle in an eternal winter. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, and has become a cultural phenomenon.

Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), Josh Gad (Olaf), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff), Jennifer Lee (Queen Iduna), Santino Fontana (Hans), Alan Tudyk (Duke of Weselton) and Maia Wilson (Bulda) were some of the lead voice actors in this animated masterpiece.

Inside Out (2015)

‘Inside Out’ is a Pixar film that explores the inner workings of the human mind through the eyes of a young girl named Riley and her emotions, which are personified as characters inside her head. The film is a clever and insightful look at the complexities of human emotions, and it has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and animation.

Amy Poehler (Joy), Mindy Kaling (Disgust), Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers (Mind Worker), Bill Hader (Fear), Kyle MacLachlan (Dad) and Rashida Jones (The Cool Girl) all helped make this one a stand out.

‘Zootopia’ (2016)

‘Zootopia’ is a Disney film that takes place in a world where anthropomorphic animals live in a modern society. The film follows a bunny named Judy Hopps who becomes the first rabbit police officer in Zootopia, and her investigation into a missing mammal case. The film is praised for its commentary on prejudice and discrimination, and for its stunning animation that brings the animal world to life.

Jennifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps), Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde), Rich Moore (Doug), Byron Howard (Bucky), Jenny Slate (Bellwether), Shakira (Gazelle), Nate Torrence (Officer Clawhauser) and Idris Elba (Chief Bogo) all were voice actors in this one. 

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is a DreamWorks film that tells the story of a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon named Toothless. The film is praised for its strong character development, beautiful animation, and heartwarming story of friendship and acceptance. The film spawned two sequels, both of which were also critical and commercial successes.

Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), Gerrard Butler (Stoick), America Ferrera (Astrid), Kristen Wiig (Ruffnut), Jonah Hill (Snotlout), T.J. Miller (Tuffnut), Craig Ferguson (Gobber) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fishlegs) brought some serious comedic power to DreamWorks big animated hit.

‘The Lego Movie’ (2014)

Everything was awesome in 2014.

‘The Lego Movie’ is a Warner Bros. film that takes place in a world made entirely out of Lego bricks. The film follows a Lego minifigure named Emmet who is mistakenly identified as the “Special,” the most powerful person in the Lego universe. The film is praised for its clever humor, stunning animation, and innovative use of the Lego brand.

Will Arnett (Batman), Chris Pratt (Emmet), Will Ferrell (President Business), Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle), Chris Miller (TV Presenter), Morgan Freeman (Vitruvius), Charlie Day (Benny) and Jonah Hill (Green Lantern) combined for some big Hollywood starpower to surprise theatre-goers and deliver an animated movie for Warner Brothers that could compete with Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar.

‘Coco’ (2017)

‘Coco’ is a Pixar film that takes place in Mexico during the Day of the Dead. The film tells the story of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family’s disapproval. The film is praised for its beautiful animation, heartfelt story, and respectful depiction of Mexican culture and traditions.

Anthony Gonzalez (Miguel), Gael Garcia Bernal (Hector), Benjamin Bratt (Ernesto), Gabriel Iglesias (Departures Agent), Jaime Camil (Papa), Alanna Ubach (Mama), Renee Victor (Abuelita), Ana Ofelia Murguia (Mama Coco) brought an authentic latin flair to Pixar’s 2017 feature.

‘Moana’ (2016)

‘Moana’ is a Disney film that tells the story of a young girl named Moana who sets out on a journey to save her island from destruction. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui and learns about her ancestors and their connection to the ocean. The film is praised for its stunning animation, catchy songs, and strong female lead character.

Auli’i’ Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Jermaine Clement (Tamatoa), Alan Tudyk (Hei Hei), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui), Nicole Scherzinger (Sina) and Rachel House (Gramma Tala) all added a perfect island element to this one.

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ is a Sony Pictures film that tells the story of Miles Morales, a teenage boy who becomes the new Spider-Man in his universe. The film is praised for its groundbreaking animation style that combines traditional animation with comic book art, as well as its engaging story and diverse cast of characters from different dimensions.

Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfeld (Ghost-Spider), Jake Johnson (Spider-Man), Chris Pine (Spider-Man), Oscar Iscaac (Spider-Man 2099) and Nicolas Cage (Spider-Man Noir) combined to give Spider-Man more voices than we ever knew he had.

The 2010s were a great decade for animated films, with a wide variety of films that appealed to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. From Disney and Pixar classics like ‘Frozen’ and ‘Inside Out’, to newer players like ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, the animation industry produced some of its best stuff in this decade.

Can’t get enough of our best of decade lists? Read about The Best TV Commercials of the 2010s.