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10 Genuinely Perfect Animated Movies
Collider has published a listicle naming ten animated films the outlet considers "genuinely perfect," spanning both 2D hand-drawn and 3D/CGI productions from studios including DreamWorks and Pixar. The piece argues that the best animated films combine broad family appeal, standout visual craft, and lasting emotional resonance, while acknowledging no single work is flawless.
Only the top two entries of the ranked list are detailed in the extract: DreamWorks' The Prince of Egypt (1998), praised for its detailed 2D animation, Hans Zimmer and Stephen Schwartz's score, and mature, non-condescending storytelling; and Pixar's Up (2009), highlighted for its acclaimed screenplay by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson and its famously emotional opening sequence following Carl Fredricksen and young scout Russell.
– Collider lists ten animated films it deems "genuinely perfect," mixing 2D and 3D/CGI titles. – The Prince of Egypt (1998) is praised for its detailed animation, score and mature story. – Up (2009) is singled out for its screenplay and emotionally powerful opening.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Critical examination can identify films that demonstrate exceptional excellence across multiple dimensions—animation technique, narrative craftsmanship, emotional impact—in ways that justifiably stand out from the broader landscape. When such works achieve their artistic ambitions with consistent mastery and resonate deeply across diverse audiences, describing them as 'genuinely perfect' reflects genuine achievement in the medium's craft. This kind of critical consensus helps audiences identify works genuinely worth their time.
The case against
Declaring any film 'genuinely perfect' is fundamentally problematic in a medium where response is inherently subjective and every work contains artistic choices some viewers legitimately reject. Using absolutist language misrepresents critical opinion as objective fact and can discourage viewers from trusting their own reactions if they find fault. More intellectually honest criticism would celebrate exceptional achievement whilst respecting that excellence and limitation coexist, even in the finest films.
Explained simply
Animated films are made using various techniques, from hand-drawn 2D methods to computer-generated 3D imagery. Major studios including Pixar and DreamWorks create these films for wide audiences, and animated works have become increasingly prominent in cinema and popular culture.
Film critics and publications regularly rank and assess films based on artistic achievement and cultural impact. For animated films, reviewers often consider factors such as visual craftsmanship, storytelling quality, and emotional resonance when evaluating which works represent the medium's finest achievements. Such lists help viewers understand which films are regarded as particularly significant.
A film publication has released a ranked list of ten animated films it considers to represent the highest standards of the medium. The list spans different eras and animation styles, demonstrating the range of techniques and creative approaches that have emerged across the field's history.