Animation is one of the most influential and poignant art forms. It is also one of the most valuable, with the global market size reaching around $320 billion. Although you may associate Disney Studios with animated movies, there are many other studios that make equally impactful works.

In the recent past, Sony Animation and Netflix stunned the world with the global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters. That prompted us to take a look at the past for the most iconic animated movies of all time. We made this selection based on their cultural impact, audience reception, and critical reactions.

Shrek

It almost feels like an understatement to call Shrek one of the most iconic animated movies of all time. Shrek tells the story of an asocial ogre who accidentally stumbles into a life of heroism simply by seeking out peace and quiet. The moral of the story is to learn to love and accept exactly as you are! Loosely based on the children’s book Shrek! by William Steig, Shrek was the ugly stepchild of the studio.

In fact, DreamWorks animators who did badly on the Prince of Egypt had to work on Shrek as punishment. But then the premiere arrived, and Shrek earned $11.6 million on its first day and $42.3 million on its opening weekend. It even beat out The Mummy Returns for that year’s best-grossing movie domestically.

Mulan

Mulan is undoubtedly one of Disney’s most lasting and influential animated movies of all time. It tells the story of Fa Mulan, a young Chinese girl based on the legend of Hua Mulan. During the Mongol invasion of China, the Emperor gives out an order that conscripts one man per family into the army. After failing to impress potential suitors as a future wife, Mulan disguises herself as a man and joins the army to protect her aging father and bring honor to her family.

Mulan had a strong opening weekend, earning $22.8 million, before going on to earn $304 million globally. This movie still gets widely praised as one of the best-written and most progressive Disney works. It tackles themes of feminism, family duty, honor, gender roles, and the impact of war. It even boasts 91% on Tomatometer and 87% on Popcornmeter.

Anastasia

Anastasia is definitely the underrated gem on our list of the most iconic animated movies of all time. Don Bluth and Gary Goldman directed this 1997 animated musical historical fantasy film. It tells the story of Anastasia, or the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanova. Rasputin, the Romanovs’ former advisor, who has sold his soul for revenge, attacks the palace.

The Dowager Empress Marie and Anastasia escape, but they get separated, and Anastasia gets amnesia. This emotionally charged tale of identity and self-discovery, family and perseverance, may not be historically accurate, but it’s culturally significant. Some critics may have condemned it for its inaccuracies, but it remains one of the most delightful animated movies, even almost 30 years on.

My Neighbor Totoro

We cannot compile a list of the most iconic animated movies of all time without a movie by Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. In the 40+ years since its launch, Studio Ghibli has produced many masterpieces, but none as legendary as My Neighbor Totoro.

This animated movie tells the story of University Professor Tatsuo Kusakabe, and his daughters Satsuki and Mei, who move to a rural house. Mei befriends a large woodland spirit, whom she names Totoro. Totoro eventually reveals himself to Satsuki, too, and the spirit takes them on adventures, and helps them in their time of need. It is a heartfelt tale of family, love, friendship, and open-mindedness.

Finding Nemo

Pixar is one of those studios with a truly impressive repertoire of animated movie hits. From Toy Story in 1995 to Inside Out 2 in 2024, this studio has had some of the biggest animated movies of all time. Its long history includes The Incredibles, Cars, Brave, and Ratatouille. Even so, we decided to include Finding Nemo in our review of the most iconic animated movies of all time.

Finding Nemo grossed $871.0 million worldwide in 2003, second only to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. This movie weaves a thrilling underwater tale of an overprotective clownfish called Marlin searching for his son, Nemo. On the journey, Marlin learns to be braver and more trusting, with the help of his forgetful friend, Dory.