Toy Story is one of the greatest films of all time, not just among animated movies. The 1995 Pixar animated film was groundbreaking and completely changed the game for animated movies. And while many still think Toy Story is one of the best animated films of all time, a handful of other animated films stand just above it.
Toy Story remains an animated classic, and nostalgia plays a huge factor for many fans when talking about the film. It’s also impossible to deny Toy Story’s legacy and impact on modern animation. But throughout the years, other animated films managed to build upon what Toy Story created or forge a new path within the animated film genre.
Spirited Away Is One of the Deepest Animated Films
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Animated films can be light-hearted and fun, but 2001’s Spirited Away proved that they can also be deep and full of meaning, exploring themes that might require multiple viewings to understand. Spirited Away is a coming-of-age film, but it’s also a commentary on consumerism, capitalism, Japanese culture, and its change over time, Western influence, and more.
Spirited Away follows Chihiro, a young girl who accidentally enters the world of spirits, and who must save her parents after they are turned into pigs. Spirited Away is a groundbreaking film, and the surreal and supernatural elements help the story explore deeper themes, making the Hayao Miyazaki film just a little bit better than films like Toy Story.
Up Is Still One of the Most Heartbreaking Disney Films
While most animated movies are known for their comedy, the 2009 Disney and Pixar film Up is mostly remembered for its heartbreaking and famous opening sequence. Anyone who’s seen the film can instantly recall its first few minutes, and some might even shed a few tears just thinking about it. That’s the impact of Up.
Up is a heartbreaking yet uplifting story about a grumpy old man, Carl, who decides to embark on one final adventure to honor his late wife’s wish. But he accidentally takes a young kid, Russell, with him. Up has a lot of adventure, but it’s Carl and Russell’s unexpected bond that makes Up so heartwarming and memorable in the end.
WALL-E Feels Even More Relevant Today
Some animated films have a strong message or social commentary, which is what makes them even better than films like Toy Story. And such is the case with WALL-E, a 2008 Disney and Pixar film that feels even more relevant today. The film follows the titular robot WALL-E, tasked with cleaning up the garbage left on the now-uninhabitable Earth.
The future version of Earth and humanity in WALL-E is bleak yet sadly realistic. It’s a look at what Earth could turn into due to consumerism and waste. And even though WALL-E was released almost twenty years ago, it feels even more relevant today. WALL-E is more than just an animated film; for many, it also feels like a scary cautionary tale.
Shrek Proved Animated Films Could Also Be for Adult Audiences
Shrek is currently the second-highest-grossing animated franchise, and one of the reasons why is the film’s appeal to an older audience. Most animated films from studios like Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar cater to children with their projects. But the 2001 animated film Shrek proved that animated films could find success among viewers of all ages.
Shrek is irreverent and meta, making fun of other animated films and tropes, delivering a more mature version of the classic animated fairy tale. At the same time, Shrek was a hit with children as well, proving the film had something for everyone. This is a testament to the film’s clever writing, which was able to juggle different jokes with hidden meanings.
Like many animated films, Shrek also stands out for its stellar cast. The film stars SNL alumni Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy as Shrek and Shrek’s sidekick, Donkey, with Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. With such a talented cast, known for their comedic talent, it’s easy to see how many might find Shrek better than Toy Story.
date: 2026-02-08 03:06:00
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