2024 is a bit slow in terms of good animated films coming out. Besides Kung Fu Panda 4, there are no big releases that are also as good. But we have compiled a list of the best-animated films we could find that came out this year. So, rest up gather your family for most of these films, and enjoy these best-animated films of 2024.
Orion and the Dark (Netflix)
Orion and the Dark is an animated fantasy adventure film directed by Sean Charmatz from a screenplay by Charlie Kaufman. Based on a children’s book of the same name by Emma Yarlett, the Netflix film follows the story of an 11-year-old boy Orion who is scared of the dark, but when the embodiment of darkness himself comes to visit to convince him not to fear both of them go on a life-changing adventure. Orion and the Dark’s voice cast includes Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Colin Hanks, Nat Faxon, Natasia Demetriou, Rob Delaney, Angela Bassett, Werner Herzog, Ike Barinholtz, Carla Gugino, and Aparna Nancherla.
The Garfield Movie (In Theaters)
The Garfield Movie is an animated comedy adventure film directed by Mark Dindal from a screenplay by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, and David Reynolds. Based on a comic strip titled Garfield by Jim Davis, the 2024 film follows the story of Garfield as he unexpectedly meets his long-lost father Vic, after which he has to go on a dangerous mission leaving his comfortable life with Harald behind. The Garfield Movie’s voice cast includes Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillen, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, Janelle James, Snoop Dogg, Angus Cloud, Jeff Foxworthy, and Alicia Grace Turrell.
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One (Max & Prime Video Add-On)
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One is the eighth film in the second phase of the DC Animated Movie Universe. Directed by Jeff Wamester from a screenplay by James Krieg, the DC film is based on DC Comics’ Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One sees an endless army of shadow demons trying to destroy the world and all the parallel with the only thing standing in its way Justice League, they must defeat the villains and save the world. Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One’s voice cast includes Jensen Ackles, Kevin Conroy, Matt Bomer, Stana Katic, Alexandra Daddario, Meg Donnelly, Aldis Hodge, Ashleigh Lathrop, Darren Criss, Jimmi Simpson, Keesha Sharp, Cynthia Hamidi, Zachary Quinto, Dean Norris, and Lou Diamond Phillips.
Thelma the Unicorn (Netflix)
Thelma the Unicorn is an animated musical adventure comedy film directed by Jared Wess and Lynn Wang from a screenplay by Jared and Jerusha Hess. Based on a children’s book series of the same name by Aaron Blabey, the Netflix film follows the story of Thelma, a pony who dreams of becoming a music star and calls it fate or luck because she transforms into a pink unicorn instantly making her a global star but that fame comes at a cost. Thelma the Unicorn’s voice cast includes Brittany Howard, Jermaine Clement, Ally Dixon, Will Forte, Jared Hess, Kristen Schaal, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Heder, Fred Armisen, and Edi Patterson starring in supporting roles.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (Rent on Prime Video)
The fourth installment in the popular animated Kung Fu Panda franchise was finally released this year and while it wasn’t as good as its previous films, it’s entertaining enough to give us a barrel of laughs and a heartfelt story. Directed by Mike Mitchell from a screenplay by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke, Kung Fu Panda 4 continues the story of Po as a dragon warrior but when he is chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace he must find and train a new warrior to take his place. Kung Fu Panda 4’s voice cast includes Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, Ke Huy Quan, Viola Davis, James Hong, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, Mr. Beast, Lori Tan Chinn, Ronny Chieng, and Seth Rogen.
Robot Dreams (In Theaters)
Robot Dreams is an animated tragicomedy film written and directed by Pablo Berger. Based on a 2007 comic of the same name by Sara Varon, the animated film has no dialogue and it follows the friendship of a dog and a robot in New York in 1984. One day when they go on an outing to Coney Island, the Robot’s metal part rusts and he is unable to move.
Dragonkeeper (In Theaters)
Dragonkeeper is a Spanish-Chinese animated fantasy adventure film directed by Salvador Simó Busom and Li Jianping from a screenplay by Carole Wilkinson, Pablo Castrillo, Ignacio Ferreras, and Rosanna Checcini. Based on a fantasy novel series of the same name by Wilkinson, the 2024 film is set in Han Imperial China and it follows the story of a young orphan who must find the last remaining dragon egg to fulfill her destiny. Dragonkeeper’s English voice cast includes Mayalinee Griffiths, Bill Nighy, Bill Bailey, and Anthony Howell.
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