Neslihan Kara · Published: January 2, 2026 · 4 min read

In recent years, animation has moved beyond familiar formulas, focusing more on grounded storytelling, richer worlds, and emotionally driven characters.
The period between 2024 brought together a diverse range of animated films that reflect this shift, often appealing to audiences looking for more than surface-level spectacle.
This list of best animated movies from that timeframe brings together titles that stood out through atmosphere, narrative direction, and overall cinematic presence.

1.The Imaginary (2024)

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Drama

Release: 2024

Director: Yoshiyuki Momose

Cast: Kokoro Terada, Rio Suzuki

Overview: Set in a fragile inner world, the narrative explores abandonment, imagination, and emotional resilience.

Why You Should Watch

• emotional symbolism
• quiet narrative flow
• introspective themes
• subtle visual language

Who Should Watch

• Viewers interested in emotional depth
• Those comfortable with slower pacing
• Fans of reflective anime
• Audiences seeking thoughtful animation

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2.Inside Out 2 (2024)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama

Release: 2024

Director: Kelsey Mann

Cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman

Overview: Set inside a teenage mind facing unfamiliar emotional states, the story reflects the pressure, confusion, and intensity of early adolescence.

Why You Should Watch

• emotional complexity
• adolescence-centered focus
• character-driven inner conflict
• reflective narrative tone

Who Should Watch

• Viewers interested in coming-of-age themes
• Those curious about emotional storytelling
• Fans of character psychology
• Audiences preferring animation aimed at older viewers

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3.The Boy and the Heron (2024)

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Drama

Release: 2024

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda

Overview: Set within a symbolic world shaped by loss, the story unfolds through metaphor rather than direct explanation.

Why You Should Watch

• symbolic narrative style
• introspective atmosphere
• mature emotional themes
• restrained pacing

Who Should Watch

• Viewers comfortable with abstract storytelling
• Those drawn to emotional symbolism
• Fans of reflective animation
• Audiences seeking contemplative cinema

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4.Transformers One (2024)

Genre: Animation, Action, Sci-Fi

Release: 2024

Director: Josh Cooley

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry

Overview: Set before familiar conflicts, the story focuses on origins, ideology, and the formation of opposing paths.

Why You Should Watch

• origin-focused storyline
• darker tonal approach
• character-based tension
• action-driven structure

Who Should Watch

• Viewers interested in origin narratives
• Those preferring action with depth
• Fans of sci-fi animation
• Audiences beyond preschool age

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5.Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Release: 2024

Director: Mike Mitchell

Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina

Overview: Set during a transition period, the narrative centers on responsibility, legacy, and personal limitation.

Why You Should Watch

• character maturity arc
• balanced humor approach
• legacy-driven theme
• familiar yet evolved tone

Who Should Watch

• Viewers who grew up with the franchise
• Those seeking light but thoughtful animation
• Fans of character development
• Audiences preferring all-ages but not infantile films

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6.Ultraman: Rising (2024)

Genre: Animation, Superhero, Drama

Release: 2024

Director: Shannon Tindle

Cast: Christopher Sean, Gedde Watanabe

Overview: Set around inherited duty, the story reflects isolation, responsibility, and reluctant heroism.

Why You Should Watch

• identity-centered narrative
• responsibility-driven conflict
• restrained emotional tone
• modern superhero framing

Who Should Watch

• Viewers interested in hero identity
• Those preferring quieter narratives
• Fans of modern animated superheroes
• Audiences outside early-childhood focus

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7.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2024)

Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy

Release: 2024

Director: Jeff Rowe

Cast: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr.

Overview: Set in urban youth culture, the story uses fast dialogue and visual energy to reflect teenage perspective.

Why You Should Watch

• contemporary visual style
• youth-centered dialogue
• energetic pacing
• cultural references

Who Should Watch

• Viewers drawn to modern animation styles
• Those interested in teenage viewpoints
• Fans of fast-paced narratives
• Audiences seeking non-traditional tone

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8.The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, War

Release: 2024

Director: Kenji Kamiyama

Cast: Gaia Wise, Brian Cox

Overview: Set during a brutal historical conflict, the narrative focuses on leadership, loss, and survival.

Why You Should Watch

• dark fantasy atmosphere
• war-centered storytelling
• historical depth
• mature thematic framing

Who Should Watch

• Viewers interested in darker fantasy
• Those comfortable with serious themes
• Fans of epic world-building
• Audiences seeking adult-oriented animation

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9.Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure

Release: 2024

Director: Chris Renaud

Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig

Overview: Set within shifting family roles, the story balances humor with responsibility and change.

Why You Should Watch

• broad generational humor
• fast-paced structure
• familiar character dynamics
• accessible narrative flow

Who Should Watch

• Viewers seeking light but not baby-focused animation
• Those familiar with the franchise
• Fans of ensemble storytelling
• Audiences preferring easy engagement

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10.Flow (2024)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

Release: 2024

Director: Gints Zilbalodis

Cast: (no dialogue)

Overview: Set in a quiet, post-human world shaped by water and silence, the story follows a solitary animal navigating unfamiliar environments without dialogue or exposition. The narrative unfolds through movement, atmosphere, and observation rather than explanation.

Why You Should Watch

• wordless visual storytelling
• atmospheric world-building
• emotional tone without dialogue
• independent animated filmmaking

Who Should Watch

• Viewers interested in minimalist animated narratives
• Those drawn to visual-first storytelling
• Fans of independent animation films
• Audiences seeking animation beyond early themes

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Before You Go

If you would like to explore more lists in a similar format, you can continue browsing the Movies and TV Series sections, where different years and genres are brought together in the same clear, list-based structure.

For cast details and general film information, IMDb remains a practical reference.
For official release data, box office performance, and production-side insights, Box Office Mojo provides reliable, industry-backed information.