32 Best English Animated Movies by Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks and More

1. “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” (2023)

Where to stream: YouTube | Apple TV | Google Play | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: DreamWorks Animation
Directed by: Kirk DeMicco
Starring: Annie Murphy (Chelsea), Lana Condor (Ruby Gillman), Jane Fonda (Grandmamah)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 65%

Ruby Gillman, is a 15-year-old kraken living among humans. When her mother’s dark past returns, Ruby must embrace her destiny, seek a way to unite krakens and mermaids and save her town from destruction. With bravery and newfound friendship, Ruby has to overcome monumental challenges… all while navigating the usual hardships of being a teenager.

2. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023)

Where to stream: Peacock TV | YouTube | Apple TV | Google Play | Vudu

Produced by: Illumination
Directed by: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Starring: Chris Pratt (Mario), Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach), Jack Black (Bowser)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 59%

Video game movies have a bad reputation, but this isn’t like any video game movie you’ve ever watched. Featuring a star-studded cast, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is an adaptation of the Super Mario video games. In this movie, the world is threatened by Bowser, and Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi must team up with Princess Peach and other beloved characters from the franchise to protect the world from conquest by everyone’s favorite armored-turtle baddie.

3. “Nimona” (2023)

Where to stream: Netflix

Produced by: Blue Sky Studios, 20th Century Studios
Directed by: Patrick Osborne
Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz (Nimona), Riz Ahmed (Ballister Blackheart), RuPaul (Nate Knight)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%

“Nimona” is an animated film based on the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name by Noelle Stevenson. It’s a fantasy adventure that follows Nimona, a young shapeshifter, who teams up with a villainous knight named Ballister Blackheart to challenge the kingdom’s status quo.

4. “The Bad Guys” (2022)

Where to stream: Netflix | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Universal Pictures
Directed by: Pierre Perifel
Starring: Sam Rockwell (Wolf), Richard Ayoade (Professor Rupert Marmalade IV), Zazie Beetz (Diane Foxington)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

Mr. Wolf is the cunning leader of a criminal gang known as The Bad Guys, in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist. After pulling off many daring and impressive heists, the gang is finally caught. Faced with the threat of a prison sentence, Mr. Wolf and his companions look to change their ways. But can they really transform themselves into law-abiding citizens, or are they predestined to be “bad guys” forever?

5. “DC League of Super-Pets” (2022)

Where to stream: Amazon Prime | Max | Hulu | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Directed by: Jared Stern
Starring: Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam), Kate McKinnon (Lulu), Kevin Hart (Ace the Bat-Hound)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 72%

This silly spin on the superhero genre doesn’t star Superman… it stars his pets. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are captured by a supervillain, it’s up to Superman’s dog Krypto and a ragtag group of animals from the animal shelter to save them.

6. “Wendell & Wild” (2022)

Where to stream: Netflix

Produced by: Netflix, Jordan Peele
Directed by: Henry Selick
Starring: Jordan Peele (Wild), Keegan-Michael Key (Wendell), Lyric Ross (Kat)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%

Created by the legendary duo, Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key, and directed by Henry Selick, of “Nightmare Before Christmas” fame, this stop-motion animation is full of personality and style. It centers around angsty 13-year-old Kat Elliot, who’s chosen by two demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, to bring them into the world of the living. Just another regular day!

7. “Turning Red” (2022)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Domee Shi
Starring: Rosalie Chiang (Mai)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Mai is a typical 13-year-old girl… until she gets overly excited. Whenever her emotions become overwhelming, Mai turns into a giant red panda! Join Mai’s adventures as she attempts to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence while managing her newfound condition.

8. “Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Vudu | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada
Starring: Kelly Marie Tran (Raya), Awkwafina (Sisu), Gemma Chan (Namaari)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

This Disney animated film is set in the fantasy world of Kumandra and follows Raya, a brave warrior princess. The movie follows Raya’s journey to find the last dragon, Sisu, and unite the divided kingdom to restore peace and defeat the evil forces known as the Druun.

9. “Encanto” (2021)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime | Vudu

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Byron Howard, Jared Bush, Charise Castro Smith
Starring: Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel Madrigal)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%

Magic runs through the Madrigal family, and every family member has a magical skill that makes them special… except for Mirabel. Set in a magical Colombian town, the film follows Mirabel’s journey to embrace her uniqueness and discover her own extraordinary gifts amid a family of extraordinary powers. The movie is a charming reminder of the value of family and belonging.

10. “Luca” (2021)

Where to stream: Disney+ | Vudu | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Enrico Casarosa
Starring: Jacob Tremblay (Luca), Jack Dylan Grazer (Alberto)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

Luca is a young sea monster who lives in a charming seaside town on the Italian Riviera. When Luca befriends Alberto, another sea monster, he discovers the wonders of the human world above the water. Unfortunately, the humans don’t necessarily share their wonder of the unknown. Join Luca as he experiences a life-changing summer!

11. “Onward” (2020)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime | Vudu

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Dan Scanlon
Starring: Tom Holland (Ian Lightfoot), Chris Pratt (Barley Lightfoot)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

“Onward” is set in a suburban fantasy world where magic has faded into the background of everyday life. Two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, embark on a quest to spend one more day with their deceased father using a magical staff, leading to an adventurous and heartwarming journey.

12. “Soul” (2020)

Where to stream: Disney+ | Vudu | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers
Starring: Jamie Foxx (Joe Gardner), Tina Fey (22)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

This Pixar masterpiece shows the life, or rather after-life, of Joe Gardner, a passionate jazz musician. Joe’s story really starts when he finds himself in the afterlife. Here, he discovers the true essence of life, passion and purpose. Alongside an unborn soul named 22, Joe embarks on a transformative journey to appreciate the simple joys that make life extraordinary.

13. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)

Where to stream: fubo | Sling | YouTube | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Sony Pictures Animation, Columbia Pictures
Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Starring: Shameik Moore (Miles Morales/Spider-Man), Jake Johnson (Peter B. Parker/Spider-Man), Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%

This groundbreaking animated film introduces audiences to the multiverse of Spider-People. When Miles Morales gains spider-like powers, he must team up with alternate versions of Spider-Man from different dimensions to stop a threat that could destroy all realities.

14. “Coco” (2017)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
Starring: Anthony Gonzalez (Miguel), Gael García Bernal (Héctor), Benjamin Bratt (Ernesto de la Cruz)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%

“Coco” is a vibrant and emotional Pixar film that celebrates Mexican culture and the importance of family. Miguel, a young aspiring musician, finds himself in the Land of the Dead during the Día de los Muertos celebration. From here, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his family’s history and reconcile his passion for music with their traditions.

15. “Zootopia” (2016)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy Hopps), Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde), Idris Elba (Chief Bogo)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%

“Zootopia” is set in a bustling metropolis where anthropomorphic animals live in harmony. The story follows Judy Hopps, a determined bunny police officer, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox. The unlikely pair team up to uncover a conspiracy that challenges the city’s harmony and exposes deep-rooted prejudices.

16. “Moana” (2016)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

Come on a musical adventure with the spirited Moana, the daughter of a Hawaiian chief. Moana sets sail on a daring voyage to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her island community. Along the way, she befriends the demigod Maui and discovers her true calling.

17. “Inside Out” (2015)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
Starring: Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Lewis Black (Anger)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%

“Inside Out” delves into the emotions residing within the mind of a young girl named Riley. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust work together as Riley experiences various life changes, guiding her through the complexities of growing up and understanding her emotions.

18. “The Lego Movie” (2014)

Where to stream: Tubi | Max | Hulu | Amazon Prime | YouTube | Vudu | Google Play | Apple TV

Produced by: Warner Bros. Animation, LEGO System A/S
Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Starring: Chris Pratt (Emmet), Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle), Will Arnett (Batman)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

This delightful animated comedy follows an ordinary Lego construction worker, Emmet, as he’s mistakenly identified as the “Special.” Shenanigans of epic proportions ensue, and he becomes embroiled in an epic quest to stop the evil Lord Business from gluing the Lego universe together.

19. “Frozen” (2013)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Starring: Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

This beloved Disney hit is a story of the bond between two sisters, Elsa and Anna, and the magical kingdom of Arendelle. When Elsa’s ice powers accidentally plunge the kingdom into eternal winter, Anna sets out on a journey to find her and bring back summer.

You’ll definitely sing along to the songs in this movie, too! Is there anyone left who hasn’t heard the fantastic “Let It Go” at least 100 times?

Even the songs are great learning tools! Singing makes it easier to remember things, including sentence structure and vocabulary words. For further learning through songs, movie clips, trailers and other authentic English videos, you can use the FluentU program.

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20. “Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

Where to stream: Hulu | YouTube | Vudu | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime

Produced by: Sony Pictures Animation, Columbia Pictures
Directed by: Genndy Tartakovsky
Starring: Adam Sandler (Dracula), Selena Gomez (Mavis), Andy Samberg (Jonathan)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 45%

In this family-friendly comedic look at “Dracula,” the titular Count Dracula operates a lavish resort exclusively for monsters. However, his world turns upside down when a human stumbles upon the hotel and falls for Dracula’s daughter, Mavis.

21. “The Adventures of Tintin” (2011)

Where to stream: Pluto | YouTube | Paramount+ | Amazon Prime | Vudu

Produced by: Amblin Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, WingNut Films
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jamie Bell (Tintin), Andy Serkis (Captain Haddock), Daniel Craig (Sakharine/Red Rackham)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 74%

This motion-capture adventure animation is based on the beloved comic book series by Hergé. The movie follows intrepid young reporter Tintin as he teams up with Captain Haddock to solve the mystery of a sunken ship and uncover hidden treasure.

22. “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)

Where to stream: Amazon Prime | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: DreamWorks Animation
Directed by: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
Starring: Jay Baruchel (Hiccup), Gerard Butler (Stoick), America Ferrera (Astrid)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 99%

“How to Train Your Dragon” is a thrilling fantasy adventure that follows a young Viking named Hiccup, who befriends a wounded dragon named Toothless. Despite their species’ longstanding rivalry, Hiccup and Toothless team up to defy tradition and forge an unlikely friendship, changing their world forever.

23. “Tangled” (2010)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime | Vudu

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Starring: Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Rider/Eugene)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%

This modern retelling of the classic fairy tale “Rapunzel” follows the adventurous Rapunzel, a young woman with long magical hair. When she’s approached by the charming thief, Flynn Rider, Rapunzel finds the courage to escape from her prison, and discovers that there’s a whole big, beautiful world beyond her confinement.

24. “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Plus | Apple TV | Amazon Prime | Vudu

Produced by: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Prince Naveen), Keith David (Dr. Facilier)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85%

Unlike most of the other recent Disney films, “The Princess and the Frog” isn’t a 3D animation. Instead, it uses the traditional cartoon animation of Disney’s older films. The movie follows New Orleans resident Tiana, a young woman who dreams of owning her own restaurant. Through a magical mishap, she transforms into a frog and embarks on a journey to reverse the spell, encountering adventure and romance along the way.

25. “Coraline” (2009)

Where to stream: Hulu | Amazon Prime | Vudu | Max | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV

Produced by: Laika
Directed by: Henry Selick
Starring: Dakota Fanning (Coraline), Teri Hatcher (Other Mother), Keith David (Cat)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%

“Coraline” is a stop-motion animated dark fantasy film based on Neil Gaiman’s novel. The movie follows Coraline, a young girl who discovers a mysterious parallel world behind a hidden door in her new home. Initially, the Other World seems enticing, but she soon realizes its sinister intentions and must find her way back to her real family.

26. “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” (2009)

Where to stream: Max | Amazon Prime | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: Sony Pictures Animation, Columbia Pictures
Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Starring: Bill Hader (Flint Lockwood), Anna Faris (Sam Sparks)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%

This hilarious animated comedy is based on the children’s book of the same name. Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that converts water into food, but when it spirals out of control, it causes food to rain from the sky, leading to a chaotic and food-filled adventure.

27. “Batman: Gotham Knight” (2008)

Where to stream: Max | Amazon Prime | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Comics
Directed by: Various directors (anthology film)
Starring: Kevin Conroy (Batman), Gary Dourdan (Crispus Allen), David McCallum (Alfred Pennyworth)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%

“Batman: Gotham Knight” is an anthology of animated short films that explores Batman’s crime-fighting adventures in Gotham City. The interconnected stories provide a bridge between “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” live-action films.

If you don’t like so much darkness, another option is the much lighter “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.” 

28. “Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005)

Where to stream: Peacock | Amazon Prime | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: Aardman Animations, DreamWorks Animation
Directed by: Nick Park, Steve Box
Starring: Peter Sallis (Wallace), Helena Bonham Carter (Lady Tottington)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 95%

In this stop-motion animated comedy, eccentric inventor Wallace and his loyal canine companion, Gromit, are hired to protect the town’s vegetables from a mysterious were-rabbit that threatens their annual harvest festival.

29. “The Incredibles” (2004)

Where to stream: Disney+ | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Amazon Prime | Vudu

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: Brad Bird
Starring: Craig T. Nelson (Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr), Holly Hunter (Elastigirl/Helen Parr)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%

“The Incredibles” follows the lives of the Parr family, a family of undercover superheroes forced into retirement by a government ban on their activities. When a new threat arises, they must come together to save the world while also reconciling their individual family dynamics.

30. “Shrek” (2001)

Where to stream: Peacock | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Prime

Produced by: DreamWorks Animation
Directed by: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Starring: Mike Myers (Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%

This funny fantasy animation that follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower. Along the way, he befriends a talkative donkey named, creatively, Donkey. Along the way, Shrek learns the value of true love and self-acceptance.

31. “The Iron Giant” (1999)

Where to stream: Max | Amazon Prime | YouTube | Google Play | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: Warner Bros. Animation
Directed by: Brad Bird
Starring: Eli Marienthal (Hogarth Hughes), Vin Diesel (The Iron Giant), Jennifer Aniston (Annie Hughes)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96%

This classic, beloved science fiction animation that tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a gigantic robot from outer space. As the government pursues the Iron Giant, Hogarth must protect his new friend and teach him about the power of choice and compassion.

32. “Toy Story” (1995)

Where to stream: Disney+ | Amazon Prime | Apple TV | Vudu

Produced by: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Directed by: John Lasseter
Starring: Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%

“Toy Story” is the first feature-length film entirely animated by computer graphics, and it revolutionized the animation industry. The movie follows Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, as they navigate their rivalry and form a lasting friendship in the world of toys. And if you enjoy this one, you’re sure to love the sequels, too!

How to Learn English with Animated Movies

You might already know that movies are an excellent way to learn English. But you may not realize that animated movies make great learning tools, too!

Animated movies are great for learning English because…

• The pronunciation and speech are both very clear.
• Voice acting (putting the voices in the animation) is a type of acting, so there is usually a lot of emotion and variety in the speech. You can really hear the different ways of saying something in English by watching animated movies.
• Like many other movies, they usually have conversations, vocabulary words and just a general exposure to the language.
• You’re not limited to English animated movies. You can train your reading skills through animations in different languages, like Japanese animated movies, French animations, Spanish animations… or any other language you want!
• You can learn to pronounce words by watching the animation. Why? Because animated characters can show you how people move their mouths!

When we speak, we move our mouths in very specific ways to make certain sounds. Knowing what shapes to form with our mouths leads to making the right sound. So if you’re having trouble with English pronunciation, animated films can help you.

Just watch the characters talk! Their simplified mouth shapes can make it easier for you to get the shape right when you are talking.

Of course, there are other things that go into making a sound (like the position of your tongue and teeth), but getting the correct mouth shape is a good start.

You can find a list and explanation of the few simple mouth shapes animators use in this article written by a professional animator.

Now you know all the best English animated movies! Grab the pen, paper and popcorn—it’s time to watch and learn English!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

And One More Thing...

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials, as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

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FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

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FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

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Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)