Animation is a difficult medium that demands mastery to subdue the human eye. Luckily, 2024 was an amazing year for animation. From small studios to industry giants, many have produced animated movies. But which ones are the greatest? Before you watch the Oscars, these four movies are the best animated movies of 2024:
4. Inside Out 2
After Pixar’s Inside Out, Riley struggles with her new and old emotions as she begins puberty. Pixar made a bold choice to literally progress the characters and putting them in new environments instead of relying on familiar elements for a sequel. This hit sequel portrays teenage struggles and difficulties while it also entertains with clever writing, popping colors and delivers with animation that leads the industry standard.
3. The Wild Robot
Based on a book series, this hard-hitter tells the story of a stranded robot who builds a relationship with the creatures in his environment, especially in looking after a baby goose. The Wild Robot tugs at the heartstrings with themes of family and dealing with loss. Dreamworks blends deep emotional themes with action and smooth, pretty animation.
2. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
In this installment of the beloved Wallace & Gromit story, a new invention is exploited by the duo’s adversary, Feathers McGraw. The charming world of Wallace & Gromit is always a delight to revisit. Vengeance Most Fowl has hilarious gags, gorgeous claymation, and endearing character. Aardman studio, behind productions such as Shaun the Sheep, Flushed Away, and Chicken Run, continues to amaze in the dwindling stop motion medium.
1. Flow
Flow tells the story of a cat in an abandoned society that has to get along with other animals to survive a drastic flood. The film tells a spectacular story and communicates very well with the audience – while not a word is spoken. With gorgeous art direction and lighting, Flow has changed the definition of stunning. The French independent studio Dream Well Studio created it with under $3 million budget and a free open source animation platform, Blender. The stunning visuals, great storytelling, and masterful animation by Dream Well Studio proved that a big name, team, or budget isn’t needed to make a great film. Flow is absolutely a must-watch.
