Animation Across Decades: The Must-See Films from Every Era

Related Movies:

Related Movies:

Related Movies:

Zootopia (2016) – A Fun, Thought-Provoking Animated Adventure 

Zootopia is a 2016 animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore. Known for its vibrant world, engaging characters, and clever social commentary, Zootopia combines humor, heart, and a compelling mystery to explore themes of prejudice, diversity, and personal growth. The film is set in a world populated by anthropomorphic animals, where different species coexist in the modern city of Zootopia.

Plot Overview:

The story follows Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), the first rabbit to become a police officer in the city of Zootopia. Eager to prove herself, Judy is assigned to a seemingly insignificant case involving the disappearance of small animals. She teams up with a street-smart con artist fox, Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), who reluctantly becomes her partner. The two work together to uncover a larger conspiracy involving the mysterious disappearances of predators in the city.

As they dig deeper, they encounter several obstacles and meet a variety of colorful characters, including Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba), a water buffalo police chief, and Gazelle (voiced by Shakira), a famous pop star. Along the way, Judy and Nick learn valuable lessons about trust, friendship, and the assumptions they have about each other’s species.

The film also addresses issues of prejudice and stereotyping, with predators and prey facing societal divisions. Judy, as an optimistic and determined character, tries to break down barriers, while Nick, who has been shaped by years of discrimination, has a more cynical view of the world. Their partnership grows as they uncover the truth, proving that cooperation, understanding, and empathy are key to overcoming societal challenges.

“Coco 2” (2026)

The heartfelt musical adventure continues with “Coco 2” (2026), the much-anticipated sequel to the beloved 2017 Pixar film. Set in the vibrant world of the Land of the Dead, Coco 2 delves deeper into the life of Miguel Rivera (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez) and his musical journey, exploring the power of family, memory, and music in new and emotional ways.

Plot:
In Coco 2, Miguel has become a rising star in the music world, but his success has strained his relationship with his family. Despite his triumphs, he feels torn between his love for music and his family’s wishes for him to follow a more traditional path. Meanwhile, Héctor (voiced by Gael García Bernal) and Mama Imelda (voiced by Alanna Ubach) are adjusting to the changes in the Land of the Dead, where Héctor’s once-forgotten memory is becoming a celebrated part of history.

When an unexpected event in the Land of the Dead puts Miguel’s family in danger of being forgotten forever, Miguel must journey back to the Land of the Dead to save them. Along the way, he uncovers forgotten memories, musical legacies, and a hidden chapter of his family’s history that changes everything he thought he knew about the Rivera family and their connection to music.

With the help of Héctor and other beloved characters like Ernesto de la Cruz, Miguel will face a new set of challenges that test the power of family bonds, tradition, and self-expression. Coco 2 will once again blend vibrant visuals, stunning music, and poignant messages about the importance of remembering where you come from.

The film will also feature new, unforgettable songs, as Miguel and his family learn that the most important music is the one that comes from the heart.

The Smurfs 2 (2013) – A Colorful, Fun-Filled Adventure with Our Favorite Blue Friends 

The Smurfs 2 is the 2013 live-action/CGI hybrid sequel to the 2011 film The Smurfs. Directed by Raja Gosnell, this family-friendly adventure follows the iconic blue characters, Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy, and Gutsy, as they battle their archenemy Gargamel in a whimsical, magical world.

Plot Overview:

In The Smurfs 2, Gargamel (played by Hank Azaria), the villainous wizard, has created his own set of evil Smurfs, known as the Naughties. These creatures, Vexy and Hackus, are made of magic but lack the true “Smurf” essence that makes the Smurfs so special. Gargamel uses them to help him collect Smurf magic and grow even more powerful, ultimately trying to use their power to take over the world.

Meanwhile, in the human world, Patrick (played by Neil Patrick Harris) and Grace (played by Jayma Mays) are trying to balance their lives while dealing with the magical chaos that Gargamel is causing. When Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and takes her to Paris, the Smurfs—led by Papa Smurf—must team up with Patrick and Grace to rescue her. Along the way, the Smurfs must learn valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and what makes them truly special.

As the Smurfs travel to Paris, they face challenges, reunite with old friends, and, in a heartwarming twist, Smurfette’s true origins are revealed. The ultimate goal is to stop Gargamel from using the Smurf magic for his own selfish desires and save their friend.

“Lilo & Stitch Live-Action” (2025)

The beloved Disney classic Lilo & Stitch is being reimagined in a live-action/CGI hybrid film in “Lilo & Stitch Live-Action” (2025). Directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp and featuring a stellar cast, this adaptation brings the heartwarming and quirky adventure of Lilo and her mischievous alien companion Stitch to life in a whole new way, blending real-world elements with CGI magic.

Plot:
In Lilo & Stitch Live-Action, Lilo Pelekai (played by Auli’i Cravalho) is a young girl living on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Struggling with the recent loss of her parents and an inability to fit in, Lilo finds comfort in her love for hula dancing and her deep connection to her sister, Nani (played by Tessa Thompson). Lilo’s world changes when she encounters Stitch (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), an extraterrestrial experiment created by the mad scientist Dr. Jumba (played by Dwayne Johnson) to be an unstoppable force of destruction.

After being exiled from his home planet, Stitch crashes on Earth, and it’s up to Lilo to find him and train him, believing that the alien can be a part of her unconventional family. Despite his mischievous and chaotic nature, Stitch forms an inseparable bond with Lilo. Together, they must evade Jumba, who is sent to capture Stitch, while learning valuable lessons about family, belonging, and acceptance.

The live-action version keeps the heart and humor of the original animated film while exploring deeper emotional moments. It celebrates the themes of family and love, showing that even the most misunderstood creatures can find a place where they belong.

With stunning CGI for Stitch and heartfelt performances from the cast, Lilo & Stitch Live-Action promises to be a visually captivating and emotionally touching film for a new generation of fans.

Moana 2 (2024) – A Beautiful, Empowering Disney Adventure 

Moana is a 2016 animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Set in the ancient Polynesian islands, Moana tells the story of a young girl who embarks on a daring adventure to save her people and discover her true identity. The film is notable for its stunning animation, catchy songs, and strong themes of self-discovery, bravery, and environmental stewardship.

Plot Overview:

The story centers on Moana Waialiki (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), a spirited and adventurous teenage girl from the island of Motunui. Moana is the daughter of the island’s chief, Sina (voiced by Nicole Scherzinger), and has been groomed to take over as the next leader of the island. However, Moana feels torn between the duties her family expects her to uphold and the longing for adventure beyond the island’s shores.

The heart of the movie begins when a mysterious blight starts to affect the island’s crops and fish. Moana learns that the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) stole the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess who created the islands. This theft caused the darkness to spread across the islands, and the curse that Maui’s actions triggered has now come to the island of Motunui. Moana is chosen by the ocean to find Maui and return the heart of Te Fiti in order to restore balance to the world and save her people.

With the ocean as her guide, Moana sets off on a journey across the vast ocean, facing storms, dangerous creatures, and self-doubt. Along the way, she meets Maui, who is reluctant to help at first but eventually becomes her unlikely ally. The two navigate their way through challenges, and Moana learns about bravery, leadership, and her true calling.

Elio” (2025)

“Elio” (2025) is a heartwarming and imaginative animated film from Pixar that explores the theme of identity, belonging, and understanding oneself in a vast, interconnected universe. With a unique blend of humor, emotion, and stunning animation, Elio is set to become a new classic in Pixar’s illustrious collection of films.

Plot:
In Elio, we follow the story of Elio (voiced by Maximiliano Hernández), a 12-year-old boy who is quite out of place in his own world. Elio is a quirky and artistic teen, trying to figure out where he fits in his small town. However, everything changes when he’s accidentally transported to an intergalactic space station—mistakenly believed to be an ambassador for Earth!

As the film’s plot unfolds, Elio must navigate the complexities of alien civilizations, culture shock, and the confusion of being thrust into a universe far beyond anything he ever imagined. He soon learns that the real adventure isn’t just about meeting alien species or exploring distant planets—it’s about embracing who you are, finding your true self, and realizing that sometimes, the biggest challenges lie in understanding your own identity.

The film will bring diverse alien characters, otherworldly visuals, and an emotional arc that resonates with both kids and adults, exploring themes of self-acceptance, courage, and the power of connecting with others—no matter how different they may seem.

“Frozen 3” (2025)

The enchanting and emotional journey of Elsa and Anna continues in “Frozen 3” (2025), where the two sisters return to face new challenges, explore deeper parts of their magical world, and discover more about their origins. This highly anticipated sequel will once again explore the bonds of family, self-discovery, and the magic that surrounds Arendelle and beyond.

Plot:
In Frozen 3, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) have brought peace and prosperity back to Arendelle after their previous adventures. But a strange, new force begins to affect the natural balance of their world, threatening both the kingdom and the magic Elsa possesses. The once peaceful lands are now plagued by unnatural storms, and Elsa’s powers, once a gift, seem to be growing unstable.

Elsa and Anna embark on a journey to uncover the source of this new disruption. Their quest takes them far beyond the Enchanted Forest, revealing hidden realms, ancient secrets about their parents, and even older, more powerful magic than they ever imagined. Along the way, they’ll encounter new characters, face difficult choices, and learn even more about the roots of Elsa’s powers.

As Elsa and Anna venture into unknown territories, they must rely on their family bonds, with help from their trusted friends Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad). This time, the stakes are higher, and the power of magic could either save or destroy everything they hold dear.

Frozen 3 promises to bring breathtaking animation, captivating new songs, and deeper emotional moments that will resonate with both new fans and longtime followers of the Frozen franchise.

“Moana 3” (2026)

The adventurous spirit of Moana returns in “Moana 3” (2026), where the young Polynesian navigator embarks on a new journey that will test her strength, courage, and connection to the oceans. With breathtaking visuals, powerful music, and a deeper dive into Moana’s destiny, Moana 3 promises to captivate audiences with an epic tale of discovery, responsibility, and love.

Plot:
In Moana 3, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) has now fully embraced her role as the Chief of Motunui, working to guide her people into a new era of prosperity. However, the world is changing, and Moana feels an overwhelming pull from the sea once again. A mysterious force begins to disrupt the balance of nature and threatens the oceans and islands she holds dear.

When the Te Fiti heart, a powerful artifact linked to the ocean’s magic, is stolen by a dark and dangerous force, Moana must set sail once more, this time with a greater purpose: to restore the heart and save the sea from eternal imbalance. She is joined by her trusty companion Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), the demigod, who has his own stake in the fate of the heart.

As Moana and Maui travel across unknown waters, they encounter new mystical islands, face off against ancient adversaries, and learn more about the origins of the Te Fiti heart. Along the way, Moana uncovers deep truths about her lineage and what it truly means to be a leader of her people. The stakes are higher than ever, as Moana must choose between her responsibilities as a leader and her call to the ocean.

Filled with emotional moments, thrilling new adventures, and unforgettable songs, Moana 3 is not just a journey across the seas—it’s a journey into Moana’s heart, and into the depths of her own legacy.

“Ratatouille 2” (2025)

The beloved culinary adventure returns with “Ratatouille 2” (2025), where Remy, the rat with the taste of a chef’s genius, is back in the kitchen for a new chapter of cooking, passion, and ambition. This film promises more heartwarming moments, delightful humor, and a fresh twist on the world of gourmet cooking as Remy continues to pursue his dreams while navigating new challenges in the bustling food world.

Plot:
In Ratatouille 2, Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) has achieved his dream of becoming a renowned chef in Gusteau’s restaurant, but his journey is far from over. Now a celebrity in the culinary world, Remy faces the next big challenge: he must teach his fellow rats the art of cooking and leadership, all while trying to maintain the legacy of Chef Gusteau’s restaurant.

However, Remy’s new role is tested when a rival chef, Lucien (voiced by Jean Dujardin), opens a competing restaurant across the street and begins using questionable tactics to undermine Gusteau’s culinary reputation. Remy must balance the pressure of competition with the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of fine dining, all while dealing with the return of his old friend Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), who’s now managing the restaurant and struggling with his own culinary dreams.

The journey takes Remy and his friends to new kitchens and new adventures, from secret culinary schools to international cooking competitions. In the end, it’s not just about winning—it’s about staying true to what makes cooking a passion: creativity, authenticity, and family.