Best Animated Movies 2023

The top of the Best Animated Movie category for 2023 is a fairly packed field, with new entries from Hayao Miyazaki, Makoto Shinkai, Pixar, Aardman Animations, and even a surprisingly outstanding Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. But it was the superhero sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse that, like its predecessor, came out on top, and now it just remains to be seen if it will also dominate the rest of the awards landscape like Into the Spider-Verse did.

#1

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
95%

#1

Critics Consensus: Just as visually dazzling and action-packed as its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse thrills from start to cliffhanger conclusion.

Synopsis: Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn's full-time, [More]

Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Jake Johnson

Directed By: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

#2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
95%

#2

Critics Consensus: With its unique visual style and a story that captures the essence of the franchise's appeal, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated treat for the whole family.

Synopsis: After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New [More]

Starring: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Hannibal Buress, Rose Byrne

Directed By: Jeff Rowe

#3

The Boy and the Heron (2023)
96%

#3

Critics Consensus: Soulfully exploring thought-provoking themes through a beautifully animated lens, The Boy and the Heron is another Miyazaki masterpiece.

Synopsis: From the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) comes a new critically-acclaimed fantasy adventure. After [More]

Starring: Luca Padovan, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan

Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki

#4

Suzume (2022)
96%

#4

Critics Consensus: Suzume sees director Makoto Shinkai falling just a bit short of the bar set by previous outings -- but when the results are this visually thrilling and emotionally impactful, it's hard to find much fault.

Synopsis: 17-year-old Suzume's journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu when she encounters a young man who tells her, "I'm [More]

Starring: Nanoka Hara, Hokuto Matsumura, Eri Fukatsu, Hakuo Matsumoto II

Directed By: Makoto Shinkai

#5

The First Slam Dunk (2022)
100%

#5

Critics Consensus: A heart-pumping, breathtaking, wonderfully crafted manga adaptation, The First Slam Dunk shoots and scores.

Synopsis: Shohoku's "speedster" and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while [More]

Starring: Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Shinichiro Kamio, Subaru Kimura

Directed By: Takehiko Inoue

#6

Nimona (2023)
92%

#6

Critics Consensus: Tapping a rich emotional vein with its splendid animation and thoughtful allegory, Nimona is a deeply lovable animated adventure.

Synopsis: When Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn't commit, [More]

Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Jordan Gubian

Directed By: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane

#7

Elemental (2023)
73%

#7

Critics Consensus: Elemental may not satisfy as fully as the greatest Pixar pictures, but it remains a solid story told with dazzling visual flair.

Synopsis: Disney and Pixar's "Elemental," an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live [More]

Starring: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi

Directed By: Peter Sohn

#8

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)
83%

#8

Critics Consensus: Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget offers more of the easy laughs and eye-catching animation that fans of the original enjoyed, although there's a general feeling of diminishing returns.

Synopsis: Having escaped from the farm, Ginger and Rocky welcome a new little adventurer into their lives. Back on the mainland, [More]

Starring: Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Romesh Ranganathan

Directed By: Sam Fell

#9

Leo (2023)
84%

#9

Critics Consensus: Slick animation, catchy songs, and some winning voice work from a cast led by Adam Sandler help Leo strike an uneasy balance between satirical and sweet.

Synopsis: Actor and comedian Adam Sandler (Hotel Transylvania, The Wedding Singer) delivers signature laughs in this coming-of-age animated musical comedy about [More]

Starring: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Jason Alexander, Cecily Strong

Directed By: Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim

#10

The Inventor (2023)
76%

#10

Critics Consensus: A beautifully animated history lesson, The Inventor seems somewhat uncertain as to which audience it's trying to reach, but it remains amusing and often engaging.

Synopsis: "The Inventor" follows famed inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci after he leaves Italy for France. In his new country, [More]

Starring: Stephen Fry, Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, Matt Berry

Directed By: Jim Capobianco, Pierre-Luc Granjon