The Top Animated Films of the 2000s

The 2000s was the decade of computer animated feature films.

With advancements in technology and the rise of computer animation, the industry saw a flood of inventive and visually stunning films that captured audiences’ hearts. 

In this article

1. The Dominance of Computer Animation in the 2000s
2. With the creation of much more powerful computers and sophisticated editing software, animators were able to create complex and detailed worlds that seemed impossible to achieve.
3. The Impact of Pixar and DreamWorks
4. Advancements in Animation Technology
5. Iconic Animated Films of the Decade
6. ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)
7. ‘Shrek’ (2001)
8. ‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
9. ‘WALL-E’ (2008)
10. Up (2009)

In this article, we’ll explore the top animated films of the 2000s, their impact on the industry, and the studios behind them.

The Dominance of Computer Animation in the 2000s

As we mentioned in our blog, ‘The Top Animation Films of the 1990s’, computer animation technology had been around since the 1970s, it was experimented with in the 1980s, started to get traction in the 1990s but it wasn’t until the 2000s it became the dominant force in animation. 

If the 1990s were defined by the “Disney Renaissance” and the birth of the first feature-length computer animated movie, the 2000s were defined by the computer revolution; almost every major animated movie was computer animated.

With the creation of much more powerful computers and sophisticated editing software, animators were able to create complex and detailed worlds that seemed impossible to achieve.

The rise of computer animation in the 2000s is largely thanks to Pixar Animation Studios. The studio had led the charge in the 1990s with groundbreaking films like ‘Toy Story’ (1995) and ‘A Bug’s Life’ (1998), but it was in the 2000s that computer animation became the norm.

The Impact of Pixar and DreamWorks

Pixar continued to innovate in the 2000s with hits like ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003), ‘The Incredibles’ (2004), and ‘WALL-E’ (2008), while DreamWorks Animation entered the fray with films like ‘Shrek’ (2001) and ‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008). 

These studios competed with each other and pushed the boundaries of what was possible with computer animation, creating visually stunning and emotionally-rich films that captivated audiences of all ages.

The success of these films paved the way for other studios to invest in computer animation technology, leading to a proliferation of animated films in the 2000s.

Advancements in Animation Technology

The use of motion capture technology allowed for more realistic movement in computer animated characters, while improvements in lighting and shading made them look even more lifelike. 

These advancements, combined with the boundless imagination of the filmmakers behind them, resulted in some of the most visually stunning films ever made.

In addition to these technical advancements, the 2000s also saw an incredible shift in deep and meaningful storytelling. Animated films were no longer just for children, but were increasingly being made for audiences of all ages. 

Films like ‘Ratatouille’ (2007) and ‘Up’ (2009) tackled complex themes and emotions, proving that animation could be just as powerful and thought-provoking as live-action films.

The rise of computer animation in the 2000s marked a major turning point in the history of animation. With its ability to create rich, immersive worlds and tell compelling stories, computer animation has become an integral part of the film industry and a beloved art form in its own right.

Iconic Animated Films of the Decade

From a heartwarming tale of finding a lost fish to a green ogre and his best friend (who’s a talking donkey), these films were simply game changers:

‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)

‘Finding Nemo’ is the story of a clownfish named Marlin who sets out to find his son Nemo after he is captured by divers and taken to an aquarium in a dentist’s office. 

Along the way, Marlin meets a forgetful fish named Dory who helps him on his journey. The film grossed over $940 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Marlin and Dory encounter a group of sea turtles who give them a ride on the East Australian Current. 

‘Shrek’ (2001)

‘Shrek’ tells the story of an ogre named Shrek who goes on a quest to rescue a princess from a tower. Along the way, he makes unlikely friends including a talking donkey named Donkey and learns the true meaning of beauty. The film was a massive hit, grossing over $480 million worldwide and spawning three sequels.

One of the things that set ‘Shrek’ apart from other animated films is its use of pop culture references and satire. The film pokes fun at fairy tales and Hollywood stereotypes, making it a hit with both kids and their parents.

‘The Incredibles’ (2004)

‘The Incredibles’ follows a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their powers and live a normal life. When a villain threatens their city, they must come out of retirement to save the day. The film was a box office success, grossing over $633 million worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘WALL-E’ (2008)

‘WALL-E’ is about a lonely robot who falls in love with another robot named EVE and follows her into space on a mission to save humanity. The film grossed over $532 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

One of the most impressive things about ‘WALL-E’ is how much emotion is conveyed despite only a handful of words throughout the entire film. 

Up (2009)

‘Up’ is another emotional and tear-jerking masterpiece.

It follows an elderly man named Carl who sets out on a journey to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling to South America. Along the way, he befriends a young boy named Russell and the two have a series of adventures together. 

The film grossed over $735 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

One of the most touching moments in the film is when Carl reflects on his life with his late wife Ellie. The sequence, which is told entirely through visuals and music, is a testament to the power of animation to tell deeply human experiences.