Voice Acting

The Best Animation Voice Overs of 2010s

Keaton Robbins | July 6, 2023

An animated image that says 'The Best Animation Voice Overs of the 2010s'

The 2010s marked a significant period in the evolution of animation, fueled by advancements in technology and emerging trends, and these years witnessed the rise of various innovative animation styles and techniques such as computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop-motion, and motion graphics combined with captivating visual effects.

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In this article

  1. Animation in the 2010s 
  2. What Were the Big 2010s Animation Movies?
  3. Blockbuster Animated Films of the Early 2010s
  4. The Mid-2010s: Continuing Successes and Surprising Hits
  5. The Late 2010s: Innovations and New Directions in Animated Films
  6. Who Were the Leading Voice Actors in 2010 Era Animation?
  7. What Were Some of the Best Voice Over Animation Performances in the 2010s?
  8. Memorable Performances: Standout Roles in the 2010s
  9. Honorable Mentions: Other Noteworthy Voice Acting Performances in the 2010s
  10. Final Thoughts

Let’s look at the best animation voice overs of the 2010s.

Animation in the 2010s 

In the 2010s, animated films became more prominent than ever before, with the development of cutting-edge technology and digital animation techniques. This decade was a golden era for animation, from blockbuster hits like ‘Toy Story 3 and 4 and ‘Inside Out’ 

This transformative decade for animation is characterized by remarkable technological advancements, the emergence of new storytelling techniques, and an ever-increasing emphasis on diversity and representation.

What Were the Big 2010s Animation Movies?

The 2010s saw the release of several big animation movies, including Disney’s ‘Toy Story 3’, ‘Inside Out’, and ‘Zootopia’, as well as critically acclaimed films such as ‘Coco’.

Blockbuster Animated Films of the Early 2010s

The early 2010s witnessed a surge of blockbuster animated films that captivated audiences and broke box office records. Innovation in animation techniques, coupled with an ever-growing appetite for visually stunning storytelling, laid the foundation for the success of these movies.

In this vibrant era of animation, other studios continued producing successful and memorable works. For instance, Illumination Entertainment introduced the following:

  • ‘Despicable Me’ (2010) – This film would eventually spawn one of the most beloved characters in recent memory: Minions.

And Nickelodeon produced:

  • ‘Rango’ (2011) – This movie starred Johnny Depp as a chameleon who becomes sheriff in a Wild West town full of animals and proved to be another hit at the box office.

The Mid-2010s: Continuing Successes and Surprising Hits

The mid-2010s saw the animation industry continue its success, with numerous box office hits and critically acclaimed movies. Iconic animated films such as Disney’s ‘Zootopia’ and Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ delighted viewers of all ages while receiving solid reviews from critics.

In addition to these major successes, several surprising hits captivated audiences worldwide. For instance, Disney managed to strike gold again with ‘Moana’ in 2016 featuring an empowering Polynesian princess on a quest to save her people.

Furthermore, ‘Coco’ gave a captivating portrayal of Mexican culture and family values paved new ground for representation in popular animated movies – not only did it win multiple awards, but it also resonated deeply with many moviegoers across the globe.

The Late 2010s: Innovations and New Directions in Animated Films

In the late 2010s, animated films saw a surge of innovation and experimentation. With advancements in technology and storytelling capabilities, animators could push boundaries and create new types of animation that had never been seen before.

Another standout film from this era was ‘Klaus’, which utilized traditional hand-drawn animation to tell a heartwarming Christmas story with stunning visuals.

Who Were the Leading Voice Actors in 2010 Era Animation?

The 2010s animation scene featured renowned voice actors, including:

  • Tom Hanks
  • Tim Allen
  • Kristen Bell
  • Idina Menzel
  • John Ratzenberger

The 2010s saw a wave of celebrities taking over cartoon voice acting, with actors like Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek providing the voices for the beloved characters in ‘Puss In Boots’.

While traditional voice actors still had prominent roles in animated films, big names started to dominate the scene as studios aimed to attract wider audiences. 

The 2010s saw the emergence of several new voice actors who significantly impacted the animation industry. One of these breakout stars is Awkwafina, whose distinctive husky voice can be heard in films like ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ and ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’.

Another newcomer is Jacob Tremblay. who has voiced roles including Flounder in ‘The Little Mermaid Live!’ and Luca in the Netflix film ‘The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids In Space’.

Other rising talents include the voices of:

  • Auli’i Cravalho as Moana
  • Sam Lavagnino as Young Gumball from Cartoon Network’s ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’
  • Erica Lindbeck in ‘Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures’

What Were Some of the Best Voice Over Animation Performances in the 2010s?

Discover the standout voice acting performances of the decade, from established stars like Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lawrence to breakout talents like Phyllis Smith and David Thewlis, in our comprehensive list of the best animation voice overs of the 2010s.

Memorable Performances: Standout Roles in the 2010s

The 2010s saw exceptional voice acting performances in animated films and TV shows. Mark Hamill’s portrayal of The Joker in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ remains one of the most celebrated voice acting performances of all time, earning him critical acclaim and cementing his status as a legendary voice actor.

Comedic voice acting also played a significant role in creating memorable characters, with talented actors like John Mulaney, Kristen Bell, and Will Arnett delivering standout comedic performances.

Other noteworthy voiceover performances came from big names such as:

  • Dwayne Johnson as Maui in ‘Moana’ 
  • Tom Hanks as Woody in theToy Story’ franchise
  • Ellen DeGeneres as Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’

Honorable Mentions: Other Noteworthy Voice Acting Performances in the 2010s

In addition to the standout voice acting performances in animation films during the 2010s, several honorable mentions deserve recognition. These performances may not have been top of the list, but they contributed immensely to their respective characters and movies.

Another noteworthy mention is John C. Reilly’s performance as Ralph in ‘Wreck-It-Ralph’. Despite being primarily known for his on-screen roles, Reilly brought a genuine warmth and humor to his animated character, making him relatable; even though he was technically a video game villain.

Final Thoughts

The 2010s saw advancements in animation technology and blockbuster hits accompanied by celebrity voice overs and breakout talent. From the Academy Award-winning ‘Frozen’ (2013) to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s memorable performance as Maui in ‘Moana’, many actors and actresses have seen success providing their voice acting skills for 2010 animation movies.

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