Must-Watch Animated Adventures: A Curated List
Looking for your next animated movie fix? Here’s a hand-picked selection of animated adventures that promise laughter, heartwarming moments, and stunning visuals. From classic tales to modern masterpieces, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is a groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation. Starring Bob Hoskins and featuring the voice talents of Christopher Lloyd and Joanna Cassidy, this comedy-adventure follows private detective Eddie Valiant as he reluctantly teams up with the cartoon superstar Roger Rabbit to solve a murder mystery. Adapted from Gary K. Wolf’s novel, this film remains a unique and entertaining cinematic experience.
2. Puss in Boots (2011)
Directed by Chris Miller and featuring the voices of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, “Puss in Boots” tells the swashbuckling tale of the feline hero. This family-friendly fantasy follows Puss as he embarks on an adventure to steal magic beans from the infamous Jack and Jill. Expect plenty of action, humor, and heart in this delightful spin-off.
3. Open Season (2006)
“Open Season,” co-directed by Roger Allers, Jill Culton, and Anthony Stacchi, is a hilarious comedy-adventure featuring the voices of Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher. The film centers on Boog, a domesticated grizzly bear, who finds himself stranded in the woods with Elliot, a one-antlered mule deer. Together, they must rally the forest animals to defend their home from hunters.
4. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Directed by Peter Sohn, “The Good Dinosaur” offers a heartwarming story of friendship and adventure. Featuring the voices of Raymond Ochoa and Jack Bright, the film follows Arlo, a young Apatosaurus, who befriends a human boy named Spot. Despite their differences, they embark on a journey together, learning valuable lessons about courage and companionship.
5. Rio (2011)
“Rio,” directed by Carlos Saldanha and featuring the voices of Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, is a vibrant and colorful adventure set in Brazil. The film tells the story of Blu, a domesticated macaw from Minnesota, who travels to Rio de Janeiro to find a mate and save his species from extinction.
6. Shark Tale (2004)
Directed by Bibo Bergeron, Vicky Jenson, and Rob Letterman, “Shark Tale” is a comedic adventure featuring the voices of Will Smith and Robert De Niro. The film follows Oscar, a small fish who becomes an unlikely hero when he takes credit for killing a shark. However, his newfound fame comes with a price, as he becomes the target of the shark mafia.
7. Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)
“Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie,” co-directed by Mike Nawrocki and Phil Vischer, is a family-friendly animated film that retells the biblical story of Jonah. Featuring the voices of Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki, the film follows a group of traveling vegetables who find themselves in a conflict with a group of “clothes,” leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events.
8. ParaNorman (2012)
“ParaNorman,” co-directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell, is a stop-motion animated adventure with a spooky twist. Featuring the voices of Kodi Smit-McPhee and Anna Kendrick, the film tells the story of Norman, a young boy who can see ghosts. When an ancient curse threatens his town, Norman must use his abilities to save the day.
9. Brave (2012)
“Brave,” directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell, is a visually stunning and empowering tale set in the Scottish Highlands. Featuring the voices of Kelly Macdonald and Emma Thompson, the film follows Merida, a rebellious princess who defies tradition and seeks to forge her own destiny.
10. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” directed by Dean DeBlois, is the epic conclusion to the beloved trilogy. Featuring the voices of Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera, the film follows Hiccup and Astrid as they lead their Viking village into a new era of peace between humans and dragons. However, a new threat emerges, forcing them to embark on a perilous journey to the Hidden World.
11. Coco (2017)
“Coco,” co-directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure set in Mexico. Featuring the voices of Gael García Bernal and Anthony Gonzalez, the film tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician. On Día de Muertos, he embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Dead, where he uncovers the secrets of his family history.
