Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film — Full List

What movie won the first Best Animated Feature Oscar? That would be Shrek, the animated movie that introduced us to the lovable and grumpy ogre that captured our hearts. It is a true trailblazer in the world of animation. It was the first film to win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2002, cementing its place in cinematic history. 

The film, with its unforgettable humor and heartwarming story, changed the game of animated storytelling and set the standard for the years to come. Its influence can still be seen in modern animated films today, making it a beloved classic that continues to be cherished.

Spirited Away is a masterpiece of animation that ranks among the best Hayao Miyazaki films ever made. This beautifully crafted film, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, tells the story of an adventurous young girl named Chihiro who stumbles upon a magical world of fantastic creatures and spirits. 

The movie, with its stunning hand-drawn animation and deeply moving storyline, captivates audiences of all ages and has garnered a devoted cult following around the world. It's a true testament to the power of animation to transport and captivate in ways that few other mediums can.

The Incredibles is a thrilling and action-packed animated movie that won the Best Animated Feature Oscar in 2004. Directed by Brad Bird, the film tells the story of a family of superheroes forced to hide their powers and live a normal life until they are called into action to save the world. 

With its exhilarating action sequences, witty humor and memorable characters, The Incredibles quickly became a fan favorite and an instant classic. In fact, the movie was so popular that it took 14 years for the sequel to come out, with Incredibles 2 releasing in 2018 to great success. 

Directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, Wallace & Gromit follows the adventures of eccentric inventor Wallace, and his ever-loyal dog Gromit as they aim to save the town's annual giant vegetable contest from a mysterious beast. 

The film's unique stop-motion animation style which took years to produce, combined with its humorous storyline and quirky characters made it an instant classic. Wallace & Gromit had previously won three Oscars for Best Animated Short Film, and audiences and critics warmly received their transition into a feature-length film.

Ratatouille was nominated for a whopping five Academy Awards. This included the Ratatouille screenplay for Best Original Screenplay and a win for Best Animated Feature in 2008. The Pixar film follows the chaotic yet heartwarming journey of a rodent-turned-chef on more than just a delightful tale of culinary adventures. It's a nuanced exploration of what it truly means to follow your passions, even when doing so feels risky or even impossible.

Beyond its technical achievements, the film also tackled weighty themes such as prejudice, passion, and the power of imagination, elevating it to the level of a true cinematic masterpiece.

WALL-E, this Pixar masterpiece charmed audiences with its lovable protagonist and unique environmental message. It is a testament to the power of animation to deliver a thought-provoking, socially relevant message. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where humans have abandoned the planet, WALL-E follows the eponymous robot as he diligently goes about his trash-compacting duties, dreaming of something more.

With its vivid storytelling, captivating visuals, and timely message about the importance of environmental stewardship, WALL-E is more than just a beloved animated film — it's a socially conscious work of art that has earned its place as one of the greatest animated films of all time.

The opening scene of Up has become a masterpiece of storytelling, using visual and musical language to convey a powerful and emotional story. It sets the tone for the rest of the film and establishes its unique blend of humor, heart, and adventure. The scene is a perfect example of why the film was so successful — it's emotional, visually stunning, and sets up the story in a powerful way. 

It's no wonder the film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. And, for many, it's one of the best Pixar movies to date.

Toy Story 3's Oscar win was the ultimate validation for Pixar's beloved animated franchise about a group of toys that come to life when humans aren't around. Fun Fact: The film was so good that it made grown adults cry in the theatres, which was a clear indication of its emotional potency.

Be prepared to grab some tissues if you opt to relive the tear-jerking moments with Woody, Buzz, and the gang, as they prove that true friendship and loyalty never go out of style.

Rango was a rare gem in the world of animation. It was not only visually stunning but also boasted an all-star cast of voice actors who brought the quirky characters to life in a way that was both entertaining and unforgettable.

Johnny Depp, who voiced the titular character, actually recorded his lines by acting them out with the other actors in a studio. This approach allowed Depp to fully embody Rango's eccentric personality and make the character his own.

Brave is a timeless tale that celebrates courage, family, and self-discovery. We accompany the fierce Scottish princess Merida on her journey to undo a terrible curse and find her place in the world. With breathtaking visuals that capture the enchanting Scottish landscape and an empowering message that speaks to audiences of all ages, Brave capture your heart and inspire you to follow your dream.

Frozen was a groundbreaking animated film that made history by becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. It also becoming a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences around the world with its empowering themes of sisterhood, self-acceptance, and the power of true love. 

With catchy songs, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, Frozen inspired a whole generation of fans and solidified its place as one of the greatest animated films ever made.

Big Hero 6 is a delightful combination of heart, humor, and high-tech action. It tells the story of a young boy named Hiro who, with the help of his lovable robot companion Baymax and a team of brilliant friends, sets out on a mission to save the city of San Fransokyo from a dangerous threat. 

With stunning animation, endearing characters, and a thrilling adventure that packs an emotional punch, Big Hero 6 is a charming family-friendly movie that will leave you feeling inspired and entertained.

Inside Out delves into the complex world of emotions and teaches us that it's okay to feel a wide spectrum of emotions. And that they are all important in shaping who we are and how we experience the world. 

Relatable characters, expert storytelling, and stunning animation brings the inner workings of the mind to life. Inside Out is a powerful movie that has touched the hearts of audiences around the world and revolutionized the way we think about our own emotions.

Zootopia is a socially-conscious animated film that explores themes of prejudice, diversity, and acceptance through the lens of a bustling metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. We follow the ambitious bunny Judy Hopps and the cunning fox Nick Wilde on their journey to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to tear the city apart. 

With clever writing in the Zootopia screenplay, stunning animation, and a message that is both timely and timeless, Zootopia is a captivating movie that will entertain, educate, and inspire viewers of all ages.

Coco is a breathtakingly beautiful movie that takes us on an epic adventure through the vibrant and colorful world of Mexican culture. The Coco screenplay follows Miguel, an aspiring musician, who embarks on a journey that bridges the gap between the living and the dead, and ultimately teaches us the power of family, tradition and following our dreams. 

Stunning animation, heartfelt performances, and an unforgettable soundtrack that paid homage to the rich musical heritage of Mexico. Coco is not only a technical marvel, but also a cultural landmark that celebrates the beauty and diversity of a people and a country.

It invites us to reflect on the importance of cherishing our roots and honoring our loved ones who have passed away.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse defies convention and pushes the boundaries of what animation can do. The Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse script takes us on a thrilling and visually stunning ride through the multiverse with an eclectic cast of Spider-People. 

Its unique art style blends computer-generated imagery with traditional hand-drawn animation. It also creates a dynamic and immersive experience that truly captures the spirit of the comic book genre. 

Similarly, the music, which features an eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock, and Latin influences, perfectly complements the bold and innovative visuals, creating a synergy that amplifies the film's themes of diversity, identity, and heroism.

Toy Story 4's Oscar win for Best Animated Feature is a testament to the enduring legacy of the beloved franchise, and a remarkable achievement that solidifies its place as one of the greatest animated movie series of all time.

It's incredible to think that, over two decades since the first film's release, Toy Story still manages to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers to tell compelling and heartfelt stories about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of cherishing the ones we love.

Soul is a mesmerizing film that tells a poignant and thought-provoking story about purpose, passion, and the meaning of life. We follow the journey of a middle school music teacher named Joe, who embarks on a quest to find his true calling and unlock the secrets of the universe. 

The beauty of Soul's story lies in its ability to make us reflect on the purpose of our own lives. It reminds us that although the pursuit of success and achievement is important, it's equally important to value the simple joys of life and find fulfillment in the everyday moments that make life worth living.

Encanto is a heartwarming animated musical film that tells the story of a magical Colombian family in the town of Encanto. The Madrigal family has been blessed with a special power that has kept their community safe for generations. However, when their magic begins to fade, the family must come together to save it before it's too late.

One of the things that make Encanto so special is the way it celebrates and honors Colombian culture. The film is filled with vibrant colors, lively music, and beautiful animation that brings the town to life. The characters are all lovable, and their struggles and triumphs will warm your heart.

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is a stop-motion animation film that delivers unique and visually stunning retelling of the classic tale. The film is directed by del Toro, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for his unique vision and genre blending style. 

Del Toro's Pinocchio is a dark and imaginative reimagining of the familiar story, filled with richly detailed visuals and a compelling storyline.