Summer is the perfect time for family movie nights, where laughter, adventure, and heartwarming moments come to life on the screen. Whether you’re looking to escape into fantastical worlds, embark on epic journeys, or simply enjoy a good laugh together, animated movies offer something for everyone. To help you create unforgettable family memories, PopViewers has compiled a list of 17 animated movies that are sure to delight audiences of all ages. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these films promise to entertain, inspire, and bring your family closer together.
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1. “Shrek” (2001)
In a world where fairy tales take an unexpected twist, “Shrek” emerged as a game-changer, redefining the animated film industry. Mike Myers’ iconic voice breathed life into the lovable ogre, “Shrek”, who reluctantly embarks on a quest to rescue a princess alongside his wisecracking sidekick, Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy). With its irreverent humor, heartwarming storyline, and unforgettable characters, “Shrek” became an instant classic, earning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and securing a place in the Library of Congress for preservation. Shrek was followed by multiple sequels and spin-offs.
2. “Spirited Away” (2001)
From the visionary mind of Hayao Miyazaki and the renowned Studio Ghibli comes “Spirited Away,” a masterpiece that transports viewers to a captivating world of spirits and enchantment. Following the journey of young Chihiro, who finds herself trapped in a supernatural realm, this film weaves a spellbinding tale of courage, self-discovery, and the enduring power of love. With its amazing animation and important storytelling, “Spirited Away” stands as a timeless classic, earning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
3. “Finding Nemo” (2003)
“Finding Nemo” is an instant classic for the whole family. The movie follows Marlin who embarks on a journey across the ocean to find his lost son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Along the way, Marlin finds a blue fish named Dory who cannot stop talking. Together they encounter numerous adventures and challenges that makes for great laughs and even some tears! Finding Nemo was followed by a sequel in 2015, “Finding Dory”.
4. “Soul” (2020)
“Soul” is a heartwarming story of Joe Gardener, a middle school music teacher who finds himself transported out of his body and into the Great Before, where souls develop their personalities before being born. The movie has an amazing score and great characters. “Soul” teaches important lessons to kids about finding a passion for life and understanding the importance of a “Soul”. The movie is voiced by Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey who both deliver incredible performances. “Soul” was released on Disney+ during the Covid-19 pandemic but still found lots of love despite the restrictions.
5. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009)
Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a delightful stop-motion adventure that celebrates the power of family, friendship, and following one’s dreams. George Clooney lends his voice to the charismatic Mr. Fox, a cunning creature who risks everything to provide for his loved ones, leading to a whimsical clash with a trio of cantankerous farmers. With its meticulous attention to detail, quirky humor, and an all-star voice cast, this film is a true delight for audiences of all ages, showcasing the artistry and charm of stop-motion animation.
6. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” revolutionized the world of animated superhero films, introducing audiences to a dazzling visual style that seamlessly blends various comic book aesthetics. Follow Miles Morales, a young teenager who finds himself thrust into a multiverse teeming with different Spider-heroes, each with their unique personalities and abilities. With its innovative animation techniques, compelling storytelling, and a diverse cast of characters, this film not only entertains but also celebrates the rich tapestry of the Spider-Man universe, earning critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
7. “Coco” (2017)
Pixar’s “Coco” is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, family, and the enduring power of music. Follow the journey of young Miguel, who finds himself transported to the captivating Land of the Dead, where he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his family’s past and pursue his passion for music. With its stunning visuals, heartwarming storytelling, and an unforgettable soundtrack, “Coco” is a true masterpiece that honors cultural traditions while delivering a universal message about the importance of family and following one’s dreams.
8. “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (2021)
In a world where technology threatens to consume us, “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” offers a refreshing and heartwarming reminder of the importance of family and human connection. Follow the misadventures of the Mitchell family as they find themselves at the center of a robot uprising, forced to band together and navigate a chaotic world overrun by machines. With its vibrant animation, clever humor, and relatable characters, this film is a delightful adventure that celebrates the strength of family bonds and the power of embracing one’s quirks and individuality.
9. “Over the Moon” (2020)
From the visionary mind of Disney legend Glen Keane comes “Over the Moon,” a breathtakingly beautiful animated film that celebrates Chinese culture and the power of imagination. Follow the enchanting journey of Fei Fei, a young girl who builds a rocket ship to travel to the moon in search of the legendary goddess Chang’e. With its stunning visuals, captivating musical numbers, and a heartwarming story about grief, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of family, “Over the Moon” is a truly magical experience that will transport audiences to a world of wonder and enchantment.
10. “The Sea Beast” (2022)
Prepare to embark on a high-seas adventure like no other with “The Sea Beast,” a visually captivating animated film that blends stunning animation with classic storytelling. Follow the journey of Maisie, a young girl who stows away on a ship of legendary monster hunters, only to discover that the creatures they hunt may not be as monstrous as they seem. With its dazzling colors, fast-paced action, and a heartwarming tale of friendship and understanding, “The Sea Beast” is a cinematic treat that will transport viewers to a world of wonder, where the lines between myth and reality blur, and the true power of empathy and acceptance shines through.
11. “Moana” (2016)
Determined to save her island, “Moana” sets sail on a daring voyage across the ocean to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of her community. The movie is a musical with fantastic songs from “Hamilton” composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Moana” was a big box office success in 2016 making nearly 70o million dollars at the Box Office. A sequel is set to be released on Thanksgiving Week 2024 and a live-action remake is in development with Dwayne Johnson starring in both.
12. “IF” (2024)
John Krasinski is best known for his work on the sitcom “The Office” and for his directorial work in “A Quiet Place”. However, his next endeavor was directing a live action/animated movie about imaginary friends. With a star-studded cast, “IF” teaches important lessons about friendship and taking care of your family. Ryan Reynolds is cast in the lead role as Cal, the person who can see imaginary friends in real life. While not a traditional animated movie, the visual effects of bringing Imaginary Friends into the real world is done very well. “IF” will make the whole family laugh, cry, and even applaud at the end!
13. “The Incredibles” (2004)
“The Incredibles” is an instant classic that has transcended audiences worldwide. Anyone that has not seen “The Incredibles” needs to move it to the top of their watch list. “The Incredibles” follows a family with superpowers who hides their powers to fit into the real world. However, Bob’s (Mr. Incredible) want to help people makes for a sticky situation for the family. The film was a huge success and followed by a fantastic sequel in 2018: “The Incredibles 2”. It is considered to be one of the best superhero movies of all time and will be a great watch for the whole family!
14. “Frozen” (2013)
Anyone that has not seen “Frozen” must be living under a rock. The movie captured the zeitgeist in a way that was unfathomable in the early 2o10s. The songs turned into hits on the radio and are some of the most streamed soundtrack songs of all time! “Frozen” follows Anna and Elsa, two sisters who have been locked away in a castle all their life. Both sisters have different ideas of fun as one has superpowers and the other is an ordinary girl. Conflict ensues and they have to save the whole town from freezing to death! “Frozen” will leave you singing “Let It Go” for the rest of the night!
15. “Trolls” (2016)
Back in the summer of 2016, the song of the summer was “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. But what some people do not know is that the song was attached to the blockbuster, “Trolls”. “Trolls” follows Poppy, the optimistic leader and Branch, her polar opposite. Voiced by Anna Kendrick and Timberlake, they embark on a journey to save their friends from creatures who believe that the only happiness in life is by taking the trolls. Two sequels followed with “Trolls World Tour” in 2020 and “Trolls: Band Together” in 2023.
16. “The Garfield Movie” (2024)
Based on the classic Garfield cartoon, “The Garfield Movie” follows Garfield as he is captured from his home and is reunited with his long-lost father, Vic. Garfield now has to go on a crazy adventure before he can return home to his owner, Jon. The movie will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seats as you see how the famous cat goes through the trials and tribulations of his crazy journey! Voiced by Chris Pratt and Samuel L. Jackson, the movie grossed over 200 million dollars at the box office in the spring of 2024.
17. “Luck” (2022)
The Apple TV+ Original Movie, “Luck” follows the most unluckiest person, Sam Greenfield as she has to unite with a talking cat named Bob to turn her luck around. The best part of “Luck” is the amazing world building that takes place in the land of “Luck”. This underrated movie flew under the radar when it first released in 2022 and it is destined to entertain the whole family. With a stellar voice cast led by Grammy winner, Eva Noblezada, Jane Fonda, and Whoppi Goldberg, the performances shine in the movie. This fantasy feature will leave the whole family thinking about the luck they have been given.
With these 17 animated movies, your family movie nights are set to be a highlight of the summer. Each film on this list has been carefully selected to ensure a perfect blend of entertainment, storytelling, and valuable life lessons that will resonate with viewers of all ages. So, gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and let the magic of animation transport you to incredible worlds and unforgettable adventures. Here’s to a summer filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments shared through the power of animated films. Enjoy the show!
