15 Most Underrated Animated Movies of the Last Decade, Ranked

This list is our way of shining a light on those animated gems that might not have made a big splash but definitely deserve a spot in your movie night lineup; it's for anyone who loves to be whisked away to another world, no matter how old you are, because the magic of animation is timeless.

15. Boxtrolls (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

A young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator, uncovering the truth of his origins and the boxtrolls' gentle nature, challenging the town's fears and prejudices.

14. Ruben Brandt, Collector (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

Ruben Brandt, a famous psychotherapist, is forced to steal 13 paintings from the world's renowned museums and private collections to prevent his suffering from terrible nightmares as a result of subliminal messaging he received as a child; the heists attract the attention of gangsters and bounty hunters, creating a thrilling chase.

13. The Book of Life (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

In a story set against Mexico's Day of the Dead backdrop, a young man named Manolo goes on an incredible journey through magical lands to reconcile his dreams of becoming a musician with his family's expectations and compete for the heart of his true love, Maria, against his rival, Joaquin.

12. Loving Vincent (2017)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

Told through painted animations in the style of Vincent van Gogh, this film explores the life and controversial death of the artist through the eyes of a young man tasked with delivering Van Gogh's final letter, leading to a journey through the significant locations and encounters in Vincent's life.

11. Missing Link (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Sir Lionel Frost considers himself to be the world's foremost investigator of myths and monsters; the trouble is, none of his small-minded high-society peers seem to recognize this, leading him to embark on an adventure to prove them wrong by discovering the world's most legendary creature.

10. Onward (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

In a suburban fantasy world where magic has faded into obscurity, two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, receive a prearranged gift on Ian's 16th birthday: a magical staff that can resurrect their deceased father for one day. The spell goes awry, bringing back only his legs, prompting the brothers to embark on a quest for a rare magical gem to complete the spell.

9. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

In the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, young robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada discovers a robot named Baymax created by his late brother Tadashi. When a mysterious masked villain emerges, using Hiro's own invention for evil, Hiro transforms Baymax and his eclectic group of friends into a band of high-tech heroes called "Big Hero 6" to avenge his brother's death and protect the city.

8. Mad God (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

A fully practical stop-motion film set in a Miltonesque world of monsters, mad scientists, and war pigs; a corroded diving bell descends amidst a ruined city and the Assassin emerges to explore a labyrinth of bizarre landscapes inhabited by freakish denizens.

7. The Little Prince (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

A little girl, living in a very grown-up world with her mother, who prepares her for it, discovers the story of the Little Prince, a boy from a distant planet, through her eccentric, kind-hearted neighbor, leading her on an adventure that will help her rediscover her childhood.

6. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

In ancient Japan, young Kubo's peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from his past; armed with a magical shamisen and accompanied by a guardian monkey and a beetle samurai, Kubo must locate his father's armor, the only things that can defeat the spirit.

5. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

A dysfunctional family is on a road trip to take their eldest daughter to college, only to find themselves as humanity's last hope when a global tech uprising occurs; the Mitchells must overcome their personal differences and team up with two malfunctioning robots to battle sentient appliances, save the world from a vindictive AI, and forge a stronger family bond in the process.

4. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

Marcel, a tiny shell wearing shoes, embarks on a quest to find his long-lost family, showing the world that no matter how small you are, you can still make a big difference, and in doing so, discovers the true meaning of home.

3. Song of the Sea (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

This film tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse, the last Seal-child, who embark on a fantastic journey across both worlds to free the fairies and save the spirit world, uncovering the truth about Saoirse's identity and powers in the process.

2. Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

Shaun decides to take a day off and have some fun but gets a little more action than he bargained for; a mix-up with the Farmer, a caravan, and a very steep hill lead them all to the Big City, and it's up to Shaun and the flock to return everyone safely to the green grass of home.

1. Wolfwalkers (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack but discovers a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night, befriending a free-spirited girl and uncovering a secret that puts them in danger.