Top 10 Animated Films Every Aspiring Animator Should Watch
The world of animation is an ever-evolving landscape that is changing on a daily basis, a realm where imagination takes tangible form and stories come to breathtaking life.
When we were young, we used to watch a lot of animated movies in our childhood. All the animated movies that have come after 2000 are which every animator should watch. In this blog you will also get career insights as well. We will get to learn a lot about the world of animation, and those who are interested in it can go ahead with a B.Sc. in animation and VFX, a diploma in animation & VFX animation course.
What is an Animation Course?
An Animation course is a creative program that equips students with technical and storytelling skills to bring visuals to life. Whether it’s 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or VFX-based storytelling, animation professionals shape the worlds we see in movies, games, and OTT shows.
Direct Summary
Not only do aspiring animators need to understand about theory, but they also need to watch great animated movies. These movies highlight how wonderful animation can be in terms of technique, emotion, and creativity. At the same time, enrolling in a structured course like B.Sc in Animation at AAFT can give you the industry exposure and mentorship needed to master the craft.
Who Should Take an Animation Course?
- Creative thinkers interested in storytelling, sketching, gaming, or filmmaking
- Students who want to turn their love for animated films into a profession
- Beginners seeking a career in film, gaming, AR/VR, or OTT content creation
- Artists and techies looking to work with advanced animation software
Top 10 Animated Films Every Aspiring Animator Should Watch
Here are 10 must-watch animated titles that every animation student or enthusiast can learn from:
- Toy Story 3 – Emotional depth + polished 3D animation (Pixar)
- The Lion King – Iconic 2D work with timeless storytelling (Disney)
- How to Train Your Dragon – Stunning aerial scenes and creature design (DreamWorks)
- The Incredibles – Stylized action animation with strong family dynamics (Pixar)
- Up – Mastery of silent visual storytelling and emotional design (Pixar)
- Ratatouille – Detailed environments and character expressiveness (Pixar)
- WALL·E – Near-silent animation with rich textures and emotional arcs (Pixar)
- Cars – A lesson in animating reflective surfaces and world-building (Pixar)
- Monsters, Inc. – Breakthrough in fur and environment rendering (Pixar)
- The Legend of Hanuman – An Indian animated epic powered by cutting-edge visuals and mythological storytelling (Available on Disney+ Hotstar)
Source :- Wikipedia , Wikidata
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1. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Lee Unkrich
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Synopsis: As Andy heads to college, his childhood toys face abandonment and end up at a daycare center, testing their loyalty and purpose.
Why Watch: Masterclass in emotional storytelling, character animation, and closure in sequels.
2. The Lion King (1994)
Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
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Synopsis: A coming-of-age epic where Simba, a lion prince, overcomes betrayal and loss to reclaim his rightful place.
3. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Based on: Book series by Cressida Cowell
Synopsis: A young Viking, Hiccup, befriends a dragon and changes the dynamic between humans and dragons forever.
4. The Incredibles (2004)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Brad Bird
Synopsis: A family of undercover superheroes is forced to save the world while navigating domestic life.
Why Watch: Excellent use of stylized animation and character design with sharp social commentary.
Read Also: Top 12 Basic Principles of Animation with Examples
5. Up (2009)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Pete Docter
Synopsis: 78-year-old Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house to fulfill a lifelong dream, only to find unexpected adventure.
Why Watch: Iconic for its emotional opening, visual metaphors, and unique storytelling.
6. Ratatouille (2007)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Brad Bird
Synopsis: A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a chef in Paris, proving that “anyone can cook.”
Why Watch: A perfect blend of imagination, culinary art, and character animation.
7. WALL-E (2008)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Andrew Stanton
Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future, a lonely robot cleans Earth and discovers love and hope for humankind.
Why Watch: Minimal dialogue, rich in visual storytelling, and deeply philosophical themes.
Read Also: How to Build a Career in VFX: Beginner to Pro Explained
8. Cars (2006)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Directors: John Lasseter, Joe Ranft
Synopsis: A race car ends up in a forgotten town and learns the value of slowing down and relationships.
Why Watch: Great for animation of motion, metallic textures, and moral lessons.
9. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
Directors: Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich, David Silverman
Synopsis: Monsters generate energy by scaring kids—until a child enters their world and flips everything.
Why Watch: Innovative concept, dynamic character animation, and world logic.
10. The Legend of Hanuman (2021–)
Studio: Graphic India
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Creators: Sharad Devarajan, Jeevan J. Kang, Charuvi Agrawal
Synopsis: Follows Lord Hanuman’s spiritual journey and epic deeds, rooted in Indian mythology.
Why Watch: A benchmark in Indian mythological animation with global-standard visuals and storytelling.
Read Also: Mastering Motion Graphics: Animation for Social Media & Ads
Why Should Aspiring Animators Watch These Films?
These animated films are not just entertaining—they’re masterclasses in storytelling, character development, lighting, movement, and emotional arc creation. Whether it’s the fluid motion in How to Train Your Dragon or the heartfelt silence in WALL·E, each film teaches vital animation principles. Studying these helps students understand timing, frame composition, dialogue integration, and style variety—skills essential for success in animation careers.
Special Mention: Doraemon – A Timeless Classic in Animation
No list of influential animated films would be complete without Doraemon—one of the most beloved animated franchises across Asia. Originating from Japan, Doraemon has been a part of childhoods for generations. The first feature film, Doraemon: Nobita’s Dinosaur, was released in 1980, kicking off a long legacy of annual animated movies.
The franchise continues to evolve, with Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony released in 2024 and another exciting installment, Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales, set for release in 2025.
For aspiring animators, Doraemon offers valuable lessons in character consistency, visual simplicity, emotional storytelling, and cultural relevance. Its longevity proves that great storytelling and relatable characters can transcend borders.
About the B.Sc in Animation
The B.Sc in Animation program at AAFT – School of Animation is a 3-year UG degree crafted for students aiming to become professional animators, VFX artists, or motion designers.
Read Also: Top 10 Animation Studios in India You Should Know About
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 3 Years | 5 Days/Week
- Financial Aid: Easy EMI Options
- 100% Placement Assistance
- Live studio projects, masterclasses, and mentoring by Charuvi Agrawal, co-creator of The Legend of Hanuman
Skills You Will Learn:
- Basics of Animation Filmmaking
- 2D & 3D Animation
- Graphic Design & Storyboarding
- Scripting & Visual Communication
- Specialization in VFX, Character Animation, or Motion Graphics
- Final Portfolio & Graduation Project
Learn from the Best: Meet Industry Dean – Charuvi Agrawal
AAFT have Charuvi P. Agrawal as the Industry Dean for School of Animation. A trailblazing digital artist and filmmaker, Charuvi is known for co-creating The Legend of Hanuman and for her globally celebrated works like Shri Hanuman Chalisa.
With her mentorship, students receive insights from someone who has redefined the Indian animation landscape across OTT platforms and international exhibitions.
B.Sc in Animation: Career Paths & Opportunities
| Category | Details |
| Top Job Roles | – 3D Animator – VFX Artist – Character Designer – Motion Graphics Designer – Compositing Artist |
| Career Options | – Animator (2D/3D) – Character Designer – Storyboard Artist – VFX Artist – Motion Graphics Designer – Game Designer/Animator – Graphic Designer – Compositor – 3D Modeler – Art Director – Production Designer – Sound Designer – CGI Specialist – Visual Development Artist – Interactive Media Designer – Animation Educator – Freelancer |
| Further Study Options | – M.Sc. in Animation – M.Design in Multimedia – Other Master’s degrees in Game Design, Visual Effects, Multimedia |
| Industries You Can Work In | – Entertainment (Films, TV, OTT) – Gaming – Advertising/Marketing – Education – Healthcare |
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