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The last decade has been a transformative one for animated films. Technology has evolved, storytelling has become more daring, and the boundaries of animation itself have expanded. From awe-inspiring visual achievements to emotionally resonant narratives, animated films have been at the forefront of cinematic innovation. This article highlights the most groundbreaking animated films of the past ten years—those that have redefined the genre and made an indelible mark on both audiences and critics alike.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Studio: Sony Pictures Animation
Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Awards: Academy Award for Best Animated Feature

Perhaps the most visually daring film of the decade, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse shattered expectations and redefined what animated films could be. The film’s groundbreaking animation style, which blends traditional hand-drawn techniques with cutting-edge CGI, creates a dynamic, comic book-inspired visual experience. Characters move in a way that mimics the feel of flipping through a comic book, with bold lines, halftone dots, and vibrant colors that seem to leap off the screen.

But it wasn't just the animation that made the film revolutionary. Into the Spider-Verse introduced audiences to Miles Morales, a new Spider-Man who quickly became a beloved character. The film's inclusive approach, blending diverse cultures and backgrounds, was both timely and necessary, pushing the boundaries of representation in mainstream animated films. The narrative, which explores themes of identity, heroism, and the multiverse, elevated it from a typical superhero movie to a cultural touchstone.

2. Coco (2017)

Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
Awards: Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Song

Pixar's Coco is a masterpiece of storytelling, animation, and cultural sensitivity. The film, which explores the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), is both visually stunning and deeply emotional. The vibrant depiction of the Land of the Dead, with its dazzling colors and intricate details, marks a significant leap forward in animation. Every frame feels alive, each element painstakingly crafted to transport viewers into a world of wonder.

Beyond its visual brilliance, Coco also broke new ground by featuring an all-Latino cast and telling a story deeply rooted in Mexican culture. Its focus on family, memory, and the celebration of ancestors struck a universal chord, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. The film's unforgettable music, including the Academy Award-winning song "Remember Me," cemented Coco as not just one of the most groundbreaking animated films of the decade, but also one of the most culturally significant.

3. Toy Story 4 (2019)

Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Josh Cooley
Awards: Academy Award for Best Animated Feature

While the Toy Story franchise had already cemented its place in animation history, Toy Story 4 brought an evolution in both animation techniques and narrative depth. The film’s stunning visuals—particularly the realistic textures of everyday objects like dirt, wood, and fabric—set a new standard for Pixar’s already exceptional animation. Characters like Forky, a new addition to the ensemble, were brought to life with such detail that the distinction between CGI and reality seemed to blur.

What made Toy Story 4 groundbreaking, however, wasn’t just its visual mastery, but its daring narrative choices. The film introduced themes of purpose, self-worth, and moving on, which resonated with both younger and older audiences. The emotional payoff was both surprising and poignant, as it explored what it means to grow up, let go, and embrace new experiences. The story’s maturity added layers to the Toy Story saga that surprised fans and critics alike.

4. The Lego Movie (2014)

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Awards: Nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards

The Lego Movie was one of the most surprising animated hits of the decade. Created by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film broke new ground by combining stop-motion animation techniques with computer-generated imagery to create a hyper-realistic world made entirely of Lego bricks. The result was a visually spectacular and incredibly imaginative film that pushed the boundaries of what animated films could do.

Beyond its animation, The Lego Movie also revolutionized the genre with its self-aware, meta-humor and sharp cultural commentary. The film was more than just a toy commercial; it was a satire on creativity, conformity, and corporate control, while offering a message of individuality and empowerment. Its impact can still be seen in the proliferation of Lego-based media, from films to video games, proving that animation can transcend its traditional forms and tackle complex themes in a playful way.

5. Klaus (2019)

Studio: Netflix Animation
Directors: Sergio Pablos
Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards

In a decade where most animated films leaned heavily on CGI, Klaus took a bold step backward—opting for hand-drawn animation, but with a revolutionary twist. The film utilized cutting-edge technology to simulate the depth, lighting, and 3D effects that are typically reserved for CGI animation, giving the hand-drawn characters and environments a rich, textured feel. The result is a visually stunning film that looks both modern and timeless.

Klaus reimagines the origin story of Santa Claus, blending humor, heart, and holiday magic into an enchanting narrative. The film’s inventive animation and narrative style offer a fresh take on the genre, making it one of the most unique animated films of the decade. With its holiday spirit and universal themes of kindness and generosity, Klaus became an instant classic, setting a new benchmark for 2D animation in the digital age.

6. Your Name (2016)

Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards

Though it might not have received an Oscar nomination, Makoto Shinkai's Your Name became a worldwide phenomenon, breaking records at the box office and attracting a global fanbase. The film's breathtaking animation, particularly its attention to natural landscapes and atmospheric effects, elevated the medium to an art form. Shinkai's mastery of light and color, coupled with his emotional storytelling, made Your Name a stunning visual experience.

Beyond its beauty, Your Name explored themes of love, fate, and memory, combining elements of romance, science fiction, and Japanese cultural traditions. Its universal themes of longing and connection resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of the most groundbreaking and beloved animated films of the decade.

7. The Breadwinner (2017)

Studio: Cartoon Saloon
Directors: Nora Twomey
Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards

The Irish animated film The Breadwinner is one of the most visually distinct and thematically daring films of the decade. The story, set in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, follows an 11-year-old girl named Parvana who disguises herself as a boy to support her family. The film's unique hand-drawn animation style, coupled with the emotional depth of its story, captured the struggles of a society under oppression while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

The Breadwinner broke new ground in both its bold, realistic storytelling and its portrayal of female empowerment in a region where such narratives are often underrepresented in mainstream media. Its critical success underscored the power of animation to tackle serious global issues and shed light on marginalized voices.

Conclusion

The last decade has seen animated films evolve in ways that few could have predicted. Whether it’s through revolutionary animation techniques, groundbreaking narratives, or bold cultural representation, these films have pushed the boundaries of what animation can achieve. As technology continues to evolve and global audiences demand more diverse and sophisticated storytelling, it’s clear that the future of animation will continue to be as exciting and transformative as the past ten years.