Hey animation lovers! Can you believe it's already been a whole bunch of months in 2021? Time flies when you're watching cartoons, right? The year has been packed with some seriously awesome animated flicks. I've been doing some very important research (aka watching a lot of movies with popcorn) and I'm here to share my totally unbiased, absolutely perfect, and probably unpopular opinion on the top 10 animated movies of 2021 so far.
So, grab your favorite snack and let's dive in! Get ready to nod your head, maybe scoff a little, and definitely add a few of these to your watch list.
The Top 10 Animated Movies of 2021 (According to Me!)
Coming in at number 10, we have Encanto. Okay, okay, I know what you're thinking. "But it came out at the end of the year!" Well, it's so good it deserves a spot. The songs are absolutely catchy. My brain is still humming "We Don't Talk About Bruno" on repeat. The family dynamics are so relatable, even if your family doesn't have magical powers. Plus, the animation is just chef's kiss.
At number 9, it's Raya and the Last Dragon. This one had everything: dragons, cool fight scenes, and a strong female lead. Sisu the dragon was hilarious. Seriously, I want a Sisu in my life. It was a visual feast and had a great message about trust. Definitely a strong contender.
Sliding into number 8 is Luca. Oh, Luca. This Pixar gem transported us to the Italian Riviera. The friendship between Luca and Alberto was so pure and heartwarming. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to eat pasta and explore hidden coves. Simple, sweet, and utterly charming. Who knew sea monsters could be so adorable?
Holding strong at number 7 is My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission. For all you anime fans out there, this one delivered. Deku and his friends are always up for saving the world, and this movie was no exception. The action was non-stop, and the stakes felt incredibly high. Plus, Hawks looked extra cool in this one. Just saying.
Creeping into number 6 is The Mitchells vs. the Machines. This movie is pure, unadulterated chaos in the best way possible. The animation style is so unique and vibrant. The story about a quirky family saving the world from a robot apocalypse? Sign me up! It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’s incredibly relevant in our tech-obsessed world. Katie Mitchell is my spirit animal.
Now for our top 5! At number 5, we have Paw Patrol: The Movie. Don't pretend you didn't enjoy it! Ryder and his pup pals are always there to save the day. This movie was pure, unadulterated fun for the younger crowd, and let's be honest, a nice little break for the parents too. The big-screen adventure was a hit!
Claiming the number 4 spot is Sing 2. This musical extravaganza brought back all our favorite singing animals. Buster Moon and his crew were back with even bigger dreams and even bigger performances. The soundtrack was amazing, and the animation was as dazzling as ever. It’s hard not to tap your feet along.
Just missing out on the top 3, at number 3, is Spirit Untamed. This heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure with a wild Mustang was beautiful. The animation captured the spirit of the wild west perfectly. It’s a story about finding your courage and the bonds you share. A real feel-good movie.
And now, the moment of truth! My incredibly important and totally not-up-for-debate silver medal goes to Wish Dragon. This animated flick is an absolute gem. It’s a modern take on the Aladdin story, set in Shanghai. The animation is stunning, the humor is on point, and the message about what truly matters in life is powerful. Din and Long were such a fun duo. This movie deserves way more hype!
And finally, the reigning champion, the absolute best animated movie of 2021 so far, in my humble, highly informed opinion… is Flee.
Wait, what? You haven't heard of it? That’s part of the magic! This isn't your typical kids' cartoon. Flee is a Danish animated documentary that tells the true story of a man’s escape from Afghanistan. The animation is breathtakingly beautiful, even while depicting incredibly difficult subject matter. It’s a powerful, moving, and important film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a masterpiece, plain and simple. Don't let the documentary aspect scare you; the animation makes it incredibly accessible and emotionally resonant. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates storytelling in its purest form.
So there you have it! My list of the 10 best animated movies of 2021 so far. I’m sure some of you will disagree, and that’s perfectly fine! The beauty of movies is that they speak to us all differently. But if I've convinced just one person to give Flee a chance, or to rewatch Luca with new appreciation, then my job here is done. Happy watching!
