Remember rushing to the theater or begging your parents to rent that one animated movie that everyone was talking about? The 2000s were a golden era for animation, full of laughter, tears, and some seriously epic adventures. This decade didn’t just bring cartoons to life; it gave us stories and characters that stuck with us forever. From talking animals to superheroes and heartwarming tales, each year had that one animated movie that made everything unforgettable. Ready to take a nostalgic trip back and discover the best animated movie from each year of the 2000s? Buckle up, this ride is pure magic!
2000: The Emperor’s New Groove – Disney’s Comedic Gem
Forget the usual princess storylines. The Emperor’s New Groove brought humor, sass, and one of the most unforgettable llamas to the screen. Emperor Kuzco’s journey from a selfish ruler to a friend you root for was full of laugh-out-loud moments. Critics loved its fresh style, and audiences still quote Kronk’s hilarious lines. If 2000 was about comedy, this movie nailed it.
Did you know? Despite mixed initial reviews, The Emperor’s New Groove grew into a cult classic, showing how comedies can age like fine wine.
2001: Spirited Away – Studio Ghibli’s Magical Masterpiece
Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away didn’t just wow Japan, it conquered the world. This enchanting film about a girl trapped in a magical world won an Oscar and changed how people saw animation. The stunning visuals and mysterious characters pulled viewers into a spellbinding story about courage and friendship. A must-watch that defines 2001.
Fun fact: It remains Studio Ghibli’s highest-grossing film, enchanting audiences worldwide with its artistic beauty.
2002: Lilo & Stitch – Family and Chaos Hawaiian Style
2002 gave us one of Disney’s most original stories. Lilo & Stitch isn’t just about an alien wreaking havoc; it’s about the power of family ‘ohana. Stitch’s wild adventures mixed with heartwarming moments made this film a cult favorite. With catchy music and a unique setting, it stands out as a top pick for 2002.
Pro tip: The Hawaiian backdrop and Elvis-inspired soundtrack made this movie feel fresh and heartfelt.
2003: Finding Nemo – A Deep Dive into Adventure and Love
Who could forget Marlin’s epic ocean quest to find his son? Finding Nemo combined stunning underwater visuals with heartfelt storytelling that melted hearts. The diverse cast of aquatic characters brought joy and wisdom. It’s no wonder it’s Pixar’s top masterpiece of the decade, making 2003 a year for pure animation magic.
Fun note: This film was the highest-grossing animated movie of 2003, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
2004: Shrek 2 – Ogre’s Encore Steals the Show
The sequel that outdid the original, Shrek 2 brought even more fun, more fairy tale parodies, and a new dose of humor. It’s one of the highest-grossing animated movies ever, and for good reason. From the hilarious Fairy Godmother to Donkey’s antics, 2004 was all about embracing the unexpected in animation.
Trivia: The film became the fastest animated movie to reach $100 million at the box office.
2005: Corpse Bride – A Gothic Tale with Heart
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride blended spooky visuals with an unusual love story, giving 2005 a distinct animated flick everyone remembers. The stop-motion magic, haunting soundtrack, and quirky characters make it a must-watch for fans craving something different and a bit dark.
Behind the scenes: The painstaking stop-motion process took years, with each frame meticulously crafted for the haunting mood.
2006: Cars – Speed, Heart, and Small Town Charm
Pixar shifted gears in 2006 with Cars, a love letter to small-town America and the thrill of racing. Lightning McQueen’s journey was about finding what truly matters beyond fame. The movie’s vibrant animation and memorable characters made it a box office hit and our top pick for 2006.
Did you know? The film inspired real-life car culture events, showing its impact beyond the screen.
2007: Ratatouille – A Culinary Dream Comes Alive
Imagine a rat cooking gourmet meals in Paris! Ratatouille charmed the world with its unique premise, delectable animation, and heartfelt message about chasing dreams. It wowed critics and audiences alike, scooping numerous awards and cementing Pixar’s streak of amazing movies in 2007.
Fun fact: The film’s depiction of French cuisine inspired actual cooking trends post-release.
2008: WALL-E – A Robot’s Tale Tugging At Our Heartstrings
WALL-E showed us the future through the eyes of a little trash-compacting robot with big emotions. In 2008, this film was a masterpiece of storytelling without much dialogue. It tackled big themes like environmentalism while keeping viewers hooked with adorable characters and stunning visuals. A beautiful pick for 2008.
Trivia: The film’s minimal dialogue was a bold creative choice that paid off brilliantly.
2009: Up – Adventure Begins at Any Age
Up took viewers on an emotional ride from balloons to wild jungles. Carl and Russell’s friendship and adventure story resonated deeply across ages. With heartwarming moments and quirky fun, this 2009 classic secured its place as one of the decade’s best and a perfect capstone to the 2000s.
Interesting fact: The opening montage is considered one of the most emotional sequences in animated cinema.
Animation Evolution in the 2000s: From Hand-drawn to Cutting-edge CGI
This decade was a game-changer. It saw animation evolve from traditional hand-drawn styles to computer-generated magic. Studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Studio Ghibli pushed the limits, creating worlds and stories never seen before. The 2000s set standards still followed today, blending tech innovation with timeless storytelling.
The 2000s Magic: Why These Movies Still Matter
These animated marvels aren’t just childhood memories. They represent leaps in technology, creativity, and emotional depth. Each film taught us lessons, made us laugh, and sometimes even made us cry. Whether it was a talking rat or a lost fish in the ocean, these movies shaped the way we experience animation forever.
