20 Top animated movies or shows released in 2024

Mariam
Despicable Me 4 ; Kung Fu Panda 4 ; Inside Out 2 ; Moana 2,; Mufasa: The Lion King; Arcane; X-Men ’97; Memoir of a Snail
Despicable Me 4 ; Kung Fu Panda 4 ; Inside Out 2 ; Moana 2,; Mufasa: The Lion King; Arcane; X-Men ’97; Memoir of a Snail

Animated movies, with their vibrant characters and striking storylines, find a way of making it into the audience’s heart. They exhibit a variety of characters who, along with their sprightly exterior, possess a host of qualities that enrich them profoundly. The year 2024 has been successful in terms of animated endeavors.

Here is a list of the top 20 animated movies or shows, which released this year.

20) Watchmen: Chapter 1

Watchmen: Chapter 1, Image Source - Prime Videos
Watchmen: Chapter 1, Image Source - Prime Videos

Watchmen is an adaptation of DC Comics of the same name. It is set in 1985 about the murder of a superhero. This murder is part of a wider conspiracy that encompasses not only the personal lives of those concerned but has mass global effects. The two-chapter series was much loved by the audience and has garnered a wide appeal.

19) Memoir of a Snail

Memoir of a Snail, Image Source - Prime Video
Memoir of a Snail, Image Source - Prime Video

Memoir of Snail is a movie about the life of a pet snail, as narrated by its owner. It's about an emotionally disturbed young girl who, as a way of evading the grief and isolation around her, becomes obsessed with snails. This profound movie is a moving tale with a heartwarming message.

18) Secret Level

Secret Level, Image Source - Amazon MGM Series
Secret Level, Image Source - Amazon MGM Series

Secret Level is based on a video game of the same name. It is a unique take on classic arcade games, knitting unique perspectives and storylines around each. Each episode is an independent tale and tells nostalgic stories. With a star voice cast including Keanu Reeves and Kevin Hart, it is a must-watch.

17) Flow

Flow, Image Source - UFO Distribution
Flow, Image Source - UFO Distribution

This animated movie about a cat is a story about Climate Change, Survival, and Adaptation. It is about a cat venturing into a world where humans have suddenly disappeared. It makes friends with other animals and embarks on a journey to find civilization. It gives an insight into the dire effects of environmental neglect and collaboration between animals.

16) Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, Image Source - Netflix
Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, Image Source - Netflix

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory is an animated take on the classic Jurassic World Franchise. It is about a paleontologist and the challenges he encounters after discovering dinosaurs in California. They pose a threat to humans, similar to human threats to them. This story about these dangerous predators is a complex narrative loved by kids and adults.

15) If

If, Image Source - Paramount Pictures
If, Image Source - Paramount Pictures

If is an animated comedy about a young girl and her unique ability, through which she can interact with imaginary friends of other people. Through these interactions, she can help emotionally distant adults connect with their childhood selves. It is a story about loss and grief and how our personality is shaped by our childhood.

14) Spellbound

Spellbound, Image Source - Paramount Pictures / Apple TV+
Spellbound, Image Source - Paramount Pictures / Apple TV+

Spellbound is an animated musical set in the fictional kingdom of Cumbria. It is about a young princess who is on a journey to save her parents, who have been transformed into monsters. As she embarks on her mission, she is brought face to face with a ton of challenges and adversaries. It’s a story about family, love, courage, and self-discovery. Released in November of 2024, this charismatic movie is a beautiful take on the true power of love.

13) WondLa

WondLa, Image Source - Skydance Animation / Apple TV+
WondLa, Image Source - Skydance Animation / Apple TV+

WondLa is a movie with its roots in the sci-fi genre. It is about Eva, who is brought up by a robot. Together, Eva and the robot live in a safe and sound sanctuary, but when outside forces destroy her haven, she is forced to face the darkness exhibited by the earth. The dark world outside is littered with dangerous creatures, and with unexpected friendships, Eva is on a mission to save the earth and, in the process, also unravel mysteries about her past.

12) The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot, Image Source - Prime Videos
The Wild Robot, Image Source - Prime Videos

The Wild Robot took the theatres by storm when it was released. It is adapted from a famous children’s novel and is about an intellectually sharp robot who, by some unexpected means, finds himself on a deserted island. Now, in isolation, this robot known as Roz has to survive within this uninhabited wilderness. Usually, survival movies are about nature vs humans, but this is a unique tale about nature vs technology.

11) Orion and the Dark

Orion and the Dark, Image Source - Netflix
Orion and the Dark, Image Source - Netflix

The 2024 Netflix movie - Orion and the Dark is another much-loved animated story. It is about a young boy named Orion who has a very scared demeanor and is afraid of a lot of things, especially the darkness. His entire life takes a wild turn when his greatest fear- darkness himself comes to visit him. Now that he is forced to face the things he is scared of, he faces a significant transformation which helps him grow as a person.

10) Batman: Caped Crusader

Batman: Caped Crusader, Image Source - Warner Bros. Animation
Batman: Caped Crusader, Image Source - Warner Bros. Animation

The Batman series is highly popular in different forms and with different generations. One unique take on this dark knight superhero comes in the form of the series Batman: The Caped Crusader. Set in the classic Gotham City with a 1940s nostalgic appeal to it, this is a story about Batman’s war against evil trying to step into his realm. In its classic Batman fashion, this movie deals with the themes of corruption, crime, and human complexities.

9) The Legend of Vox Machina

The Legend of Vox Machina, Image Source - Amazon Studios / Amazon Prime Video
The Legend of Vox Machina, Image Source - Amazon Studios / Amazon Prime Video

Another great animated production released in 2024 is the latest season of the series- The Legend Of Vox Machina. It is about a group of adventurers based on the characters of the game Dungeons and Dragons. This group, consisting of many unique and quirky characters, is on a mission to fulfill a quest to stop some sinister forces from taking power. Through its narrative, it delves into themes of friendship, redemption, and more.

8) X-Men ’97

X-Men ’97, Image Source - Marvel Studios / Disney+
X-Men ’97, Image Source - Marvel Studios / Disney+

The X-Men franchise has been highly popular among people who appreciate superhero comics. An animated take on this was in the form of the series X-Men ’97 produced by Disney+. It is about these mutants trying to deal with challenges all around with their internal struggles in a world where they are feared. Featuring iconic characters like - Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops, and others, it is a hit both commercially and critically.

7) Arcane

Arcane, Image Source - Riot Games / Netflix
Arcane, Image Source - Riot Games / Netflix

Another animated series based on a classic video game - ‘League of Legends.’ The final season is a take on the lives of the sisters - Piltover and Zaun. With its focus on the Duality of human nature and the disparity in social surroundings, this story tells an intriguing tale with family and loyalty at its core. It shows how ambition and the hunger for power can lead to dire consequences.

6) Transformers One

Transformers One, Image Source - Paramount Pictures
Transformers One, Image Source - Paramount Pictures

Transformers is a highly popular series - quite a hit amongst people of all age groups. Transformers One is the background story of Orion Pax (Optimus Prime) and D-16 (Megatron). It gives an insight into the past relationship of these two iconic characters, who used to be quite close before their eminent enmity. With voice acting from Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree, and Scarlet Johansson, it has received wide appreciation.

5) Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa: The Lion King, Image Source - Walt Disney Studios
Mufasa: The Lion King, Image Source - Walt Disney Studios

One of the most anticipated releases of 2024 was Mufasa: The Lion King. This Disney production is an insight into the life of the famous king Mufasa, the father of Simba. The 1994 movie- The Lion King was the first one to introduce us to this character, but we weren’t able to know much about him. This sequel delves into his life and experiences and how he came across the path to rule the jungle.

4) Moana 2

Moana 2, Image Source - Walt Disney Studios / Disney+
Moana 2, Image Source - Walt Disney Studios / Disney+

Moana 2 has been one of the biggest commercial successes of 2024. This Disney production takes place 3 years after the events of the first film. Moana is now on a mission to discover the island of Motufetu. Her journey is not easy and comes with challenges and conflicts, both internal and external. But Moana has established a name for herself with her courage, and she will stop at nothing to save her people.

3) Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4, Image Source - Universal Pictures
Kung Fu Panda 4, Image Source - Universal Pictures

The Kung Fu Panda franchise is a beloved animated series. The fourth installment focuses on the background of Po, the warrior when he was on a quest to select his successor. Featuring Chameleon, the villain who challenges Po throughout his journey, this movie features themes of legacy, succession, self-discovery, and, most importantly, teamwork and friendship.

2) Despicable Me 4

Despicable Me 4, Image Source - Universal Pictures / Peacock, Netflix (after theatrical release)
Despicable Me 4, Image Source - Universal Pictures / Peacock, Netflix (after theatrical release)

In the realm of animated productions, one of the most beloved names is that of the minions. Despicable Me 4 is one of the latest editions of the franchise, which was released in July of 2024. It focuses on the life of Gru and Lucy and now their 3 daughters- Margo, Edith, and Agnus. The film is humorous, vibrant, and has an adventurous air to it.

1) Inside Out 2

Inside Out 2, Image Source - Walt Disney Studios / Disney+
Inside Out 2, Image Source - Walt Disney Studios / Disney+

One of the most anticipated and biggest releases of 2024 was the movie - Inside Out 2. This profound movie about human emotions showcases the life of a teenager named Riley. As Riley encounters everyday events she comes across new facets of emotions which she had never experienced before. These emotions include that of embarrassment, anxiety, envy, and some quite new. It is a must-watch movie not only because of its clever cinematography but also because of its important message about mental health.

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Edited by Debanjana