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The 15 Best Netflix Original Animated Movies, Ranked
Netflix has built a strong portfolio of original animated films that successfully compete with established studios like Disney, with several earning major award nominations and wins.
– Hilda and the Mountain King: A bridge film between seasons 2 and 3 where protagonist Hilda is transformed into a troll, featuring an expanded animation budget and dynamic cinematography to explore both troll and human perspectives of the conflict.– Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood: A rotoscope-animated nostalgic piece about a boy in the 1960s selected for a secret moon mission, ambiguously blending childhood memories with reality to explore how time shapes recollection.– Wish Dragon: An underrated gem following a boy reuniting with a childhood friend using a wish-granting dragon, distinguishing itself through strong character dynamics between optimism and cynicism rather than relying on fame and fortune themes.
In short
- Netflix's animated films rival Disney through high production values and creative storytelling
- Recent releases blend nostalgia and fantasy with character-driven narratives
- Improved animation budgets allow greater visual sophistication and expanded storytelling
Explained simply
Netflix has produced a growing number of original animated films in recent years, expanding beyond its traditional focus on live-action television and films. These productions represent the streaming platform's effort to establish itself in the animation industry, which has long been the territory of major Hollywood studios.
Traditionally, major studios like Disney have dominated theatrical animated film releases, and most viewers would expect animated movies to come from these established producers. Netflix's original animated films have begun to challenge this pattern, with several receiving major award nominations and critical recognition alongside films from traditional studios.
The emergence of Netflix as an animation producer reflects broader changes in how films reach audiences, with streaming services becoming increasingly important in entertainment distribution. This shift is changing the competitive landscape, as streaming platforms now invest significantly in original animated content to draw viewers and establish their credentials in the medium.