The Best Animated Movie Posters

Randolph Strauss
Updated February 5, 2021 38.0K views 20 items
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Behind every good animated movie is an equally impressive movie poster, but between the classic Disney movies to the newer CGI animated films, the battle for the best animated movie poster continues. You can be the judge on this list of the top animated movie posters of all time.

Movie posters for animated films evolved throughout the years just as the quality of the animation within each movie did as well. Older movies, such as the Disney flicks like Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first Disney production, came with basic posters, while the newest movies, complete with computer-generated animation, are detailed, crisp, and exciting.

But which is best? The classic or the new and improved?

  • How to Train Your Dragon
    1
    In the animated fantasy film How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a young Viking who, unlike his tribe, isn't keen on killing dragons. Stoick (Gerard Butler), Hiccup's father and village chieftain, struggles to understand his son's pacifist tendencies. During one of the dragon raids, Hiccup injures a Night Fury dragon named Toothless. Instead of finishing him off, he befriends him. This unlikely friendship challenges the village's draconian norms and leads to a shift in their way of life. The movie, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, won the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature.
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  • Toy Story
    2

    Toy Story

    75 votes
    In the animated adventure Toy Story, Woody (Tom Hanks), a cowboy doll, reigns supreme in the room of his young owner, Andy. Life takes an unexpected turn when spaceman action figure Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) becomes Andy's new favorite toy. Woody, consumed by jealousy, pushes Buzz out a window, sparking a thrilling journey of redemption and self-discovery. This Pixar masterpiece, winner of a Special Achievement Academy Award for its groundbreaking computer animation, weaves together comedy and drama to captivate audiences with its narrative on friendship and rivalry among toys.
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  • The Lion King
    3

    The Lion King

    108 votes
    In The Lion King, a young lion prince named Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas when young and Matthew Broderick as an adult) is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. His wicked uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), however, has other plans. The film, an animated musical drama produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, presents a tale of betrayal, exile and ultimately redemption. Aided by a meerkat Timon (Nathan Lane) and a warthog Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), Simba reclaims his birthright. It won two Academy Awards in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
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  • The Nightmare Before Christmas
    4
    In the hauntingly whimsical film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town. Enchanted by its stark contrast to his eerie homeland, Jack decides to replicate Christmas in Halloween Town. But he struggles to grasp the true spirit of this holiday. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated musical has won numerous awards for its unique blend of horror and holiday cheer. Sally (voiced by Catherine O'Hara), a rag doll smitten with Jack, adds a tender element to this dark yet enchanting tale.
  • Ratatouille
    5

    Ratatouille

    78 votes
    In the animated movie Ratatouille, Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), a rat with an exceptional palate, dreams of becoming a chef. Living in Paris, he stumbles upon Gusteau's restaurant and forms an unlikely alliance with Linguini (Lou Romano), a clumsy garbage boy. Together, they defy societal norms and culinary traditions to serve up delectable dishes that challenge the status quo. Directed by Brad Bird, this Pixar production is an Oscar-winning blend of comedy and adventure that explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the joy of cooking.
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  • Up
    6

    Up

    80 votes
    Up, an animation adventure film, spins a story of unexpected friendships and unforeseen journeys. Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner), a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a whimsical journey after he ties thousands of balloons to his house. Russell (Jordan Nagai), a young wilderness explorer, accidentally joins him in this airborne odyssey. The two navigate diverse landscapes and meet colorful characters, including the exotic bird Kevin and the talking dog Dug (Bob Peterson). This Pixar creation, directed by Pete Docter, won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a testament to its imaginative storytelling.
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  • WALL-E
    7

    WALL-E

    78 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic, deserted Earth of this film, WALL-E (Ben Burtt) is a robot with a singular task: clean up. His solitude is disrupted by EVE (Elissa Knight), a sleek reconnaissance robot. The plot unfolds as WALL-E's fascination with EVE leads him on an interstellar journey that will determine the fate of mankind. A Pixar creation directed by Andrew Stanton, this animated science fiction film has bagged an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, among other accolades. It's a captivating blend of romance and adventure, underpinned by profound environmental themes.
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  • Lilo & Stitch
    8

    Lilo & Stitch

    108 votes
    In the heartwarming animated film Lilo & Stitch, a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo (Daveigh Chase) adopts what she believes to be an unusual dog, unaware it's actually a mischievous alien named Stitch (Chris Sanders). As Lilo attempts to teach Stitch about 'ohana' - the Hawaiian tradition of family - they find themselves pursued by extraterrestrial bounty hunters. This Disney feature, with its unique blend of humor and sentimentality, won multiple awards for animation. It stands out for its vibrant depiction of Hawaiian culture and memorable exploration of unconventional family dynamics.
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  • Coraline
    9

    Coraline

    89 votes
    Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) is a dark, stop-motion animated fantasy movie adapted from Neil Gaiman's celebrated novel. Coraline, an adventurous girl, discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate world mirroring her own life but seemingly perfect. However, this parallel reality harbors sinister secrets. The 'Other Mother' (Teri Hatcher), who rules this realm, tries to keep Coraline forever. Directed by Henry Selick, the film received critical acclaim for its unique animation style and compelling narrative. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2009.
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  • Mulan
    10

    Mulan

    84 votes
    In the animated movie Mulan, Fa Mulan, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, takes center stage, breaking societal norms in a tale of courage and resilience. Set in ancient China, when Huns invade, Mulan's frail father (Soon-Tek Oh) is called to war. To protect him, she disguises herself as a man and goes in his place. Aided by her guardian dragon Mushu (Eddie Murphy), Mulan becomes an unlikely hero, earning honor for her family and proving that greatness can come from anyone. This film won several Annie awards, showcasing its technical prowess and narrative strength.
  • Toy Story 3
    11

    Toy Story 3

    78 votes
    In Toy Story 3, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of their toy companions face an uncertain future as their owner, Andy, prepares to leave for college. Unintentionally donated to a chaotic daycare center, they find themselves in a thrilling escapade to return home. Amidst the adventure, they encounter deceptively cuddly bear Lotso (Ned Beatty), who rules the daycare with an iron fist. The film, a delightful blend of comedy and drama, won two Academy Awards - Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
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  • The Little Mermaid
    12
    Immerse in the enchanting world of The Little Mermaid, a classic Disney animation. It's a tale of Ariel (Jodi Benson), an adventurous mermaid princess, captivated by the human world above. Ignoring the admonitions of her father, King Triton (Kenneth Mars), Ariel strikes a perilous deal with Ursula (Pat Carroll), the sea witch, trading her voice for legs. Aided by her friends, Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) and Flounder (Jason Marin), Ariel must win the love of Prince Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes) to regain her voice. This film won two Academy Awards, capturing hearts with its vibrant animation and memorable music.
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  • Finding Nemo
    13

    Finding Nemo

    81 votes
    Dive into the vibrant, underwater world of Finding Nemo, a Pixar-animated adventure brimming with humor and heart. Marlin (Albert Brooks), an overprotective clownfish, embarks on a daring rescue mission across the ocean when his son, Nemo (Alexander Gould), is captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank in a dentist's office. Alongside Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a forgetful but friendly blue tang, Marlin faces dangerous waters, meeting eccentric sea creatures along the way. This film, awarded the Best Animated Feature at the 76th Academy Awards, masterfully combines compelling storytelling with stunning visual artistry.
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  • The Incredibles
    14
    In The Incredibles, Bob Parr (Craig T. Nelson), once known as Mr. Incredible, is a superhero in hiding, tucked away in suburban monotony with his wife Helen (Holly Hunter), formerly Elastigirl, and their three children. When duty calls, the family must leave their ordinary lives behind to combat the nefarious Syndrome (Jason Lee). This Pixar animated film, a blend of action and comedy, takes us on an extraordinary journey of familial bond and heroism, while exploring themes like identity and societal expectations. Winner of two Academy Awards, The Incredibles is a testament to Pixar's prowess in storytelling and animation.
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  • Despicable Me
    15
    In the animated comedy Despicable Me, the life of Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), a world-renowned supervillain, takes an unexpected turn. Known for his grandiose plans to steal the moon, Gru's notorious reputation is threatened by Vector (Jason Segel), a young and ambitious rival. Meanwhile, Gru adopts three orphaned girls - Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher) - in a scheme to outwit Vector but finds himself entangled in the unpredictability of parenthood. The film, filled with hilarious minions and high-stakes heists, won the Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie.
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  • Aladdin
    16

    Aladdin

    65 votes
    Aladdin, a 1992 animated feature film, is a magical adventure packed with wit and warmth. Aladdin (voiced by Scott Weinger), a street-smart commoner, dreams of a life beyond the confines of his desert town. Enter Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin), who yearns for freedom from her royal obligations. The narrative escalates when Aladdin stumbles upon a magic lamp housing an all-powerful Genie (Robin Williams). As Aladdin navigates palace intrigue, love, and his own self-doubt, he must use this newfound power wisely. This Disney classic won two Academy Awards for its memorable music.
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  • Tarzan
    17

    Tarzan

    57 votes
    In the heart of the jungle, a child is raised by apes: meet Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn). This animated adventure film, produced by Disney, showcases Tarzan's struggle to reconcile his dual nature as both man and beast. His world shifts when he encounters Jane Porter (Minnie Driver), a curious human who opens his eyes to civilization. The story unfolds as Tarzan grapples with his identity, the threat of vicious hunter Clayton (Brian Blessed), and his love for Jane. Tarzan won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, marking a significant achievement in its genre.
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  • Cars
    18

    Cars

    67 votes
    In the animated film Cars, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), a brash racecar finds himself in a forgotten town, Radiator Springs. There, he meets an array of unique characters like Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) and Doc Hudson (Paul Newman). Through these interactions, McQueen learns the value of friendship and humility. Directed by John Lasseter, this film won the first Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. A blend of comedy, adventure, and drama, Cars is a heartwarming tale about slowing down to appreciate life's simpler pleasures.
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  • Monsters vs. Aliens
    19
    In the animated feature Monsters vs. Aliens, Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day, causing her to grow to an enormous size. Dubbed Ginormica, she's taken to a secret government facility where she meets a motley crew of fellow monsters: Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie), The Missing Link (Will Arnett), and B.O.B. (Seth Rogen). When an alien overlord named Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) threatens Earth, it falls to these unlikely heroes, under General W.R. Monger's (Kiefer Sutherland) command, to save humanity. This comedy-action film won the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film in 2009.
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  • Bolt
    20

    Bolt

    55 votes
    Bolt is a captivating animation film that takes the audience on an exciting journey. The movie revolves around its canine protagonist, Bolt (voiced by John Travolta), who fully believes he has superpowers due to his role in a television show. Things take a turn when Bolt finds himself lost in New York City, far from his co-star and owner, Penny (Miley Cyrus). As he navigates through the real world, Bolt befriends a cynical alley cat named Mittens (Susie Essman) and a hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton). Together, they embark on an adventure filled with unexpected challenges and discoveries. This film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and showcases an enchanting blend of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments.
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