Best Netflix Animated Movies to Watch Right Now in 2026
If you’re into animation and spend way too long scrolling Netflix or exploring streaming sites like solar movie, you’re in the right place. From classics, to anime, adult animation, and Netflix Originals… the platform has a surprisingly diverse range of animated films.
This list rounds up the best animated movies on Netflix right now — whether they’re blockbuster hits that Netflix managed to license, or originals made in-house. We’ve included a mix of titles for all ages, and a little context around each one, so you know what you’re in for.
Some Netflix animated movies are great for kids, while others are definitely more suited for adults. Either way, there’s something here worth watching. To keep things fair, we looked at ratings, popularity, and overall vibes to figure out which animated movies on Netflix are actually worth your time.
Editor’s Picks – Top Animated Movies to Stream on Netflix
Netflix has a surprisingly strong lineup of animated movies — from family-friendly favorites, to classics (and some titles that fall somewhere in the middle). This list rounds up the best animated movies on Netflix right now, with Rotten Tomatoes scores included, to help you decide what’s worth watching. We keep it updated regularly with both hidden gems and big-name hits.
| Movie Title | Year | Rating | Score | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlo the Alligator Boy | 2021 | PG | 85% | Charming musical with heartfelt themes |
| Klaus | 2019 | PG | 95% | Unique take on Santa’s origin story |
| Kubo and the Two Strings | 2016 | PG | 97% | Stunning stop-motion fantasy adventure |
| I Lost My Body | 2019 | TV-MA | 97% | Surreal, poetic, and deeply emotional |
| Nimona | 2023 | PG | 92% | Bold, chaotic, and unapologetically fun |
| Orion and the Dark | 2024 | PG | 92% | Inventive story tackling childhood fears |
| Over the Moon | 2020 | PG | 81% | Visually stunning with heartfelt themes |
| Robin Robin | 2021 | G | 100% | Delightful stop-motion holiday film |
| Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | 2022 | PG | 69% | Action-packed fun for all ages |
| Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse | 2023 | PG | 95% | Visually groundbreaking superhero sequel |
| The Mitchells vs. the Machines | 2021 | PG | 97% | Hilarious, heartfelt family adventure |
| The Little Prince | 2016 | PG | 93% | Whimsical adaptation of a classic story |
| The Summit of the Gods | 2021 | PG-13 | 100% | Gripping mountaineering adventure |
| A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon | 2019 | G | 96% | Charming, wordless comedy for all ages |
| Suzume | 2022 | PG | 95% | Visually stunning with emotional depth |
| Vivo | 2021 | PG | 86% | Musical journey with vibrant animation |
Netflix Animation Originals – What’s Exclusive to the Platform?
Netflix Animation has been stepping up with a mix of beautifully crafted family films and original stories. Here’s a look at some of the most notable animated movies to hit the streaming service, plus a peek at what’s coming later this year (and beyond).
America: The Motion Picture (2021)
An R-rated, absurd, and ultra-violent reimagining of the American Revolution, where George Washington wields chainsaws and fights werewolves.
- Director: Matt Thompson
- Style: Adult-targeted 2D animation
- Music: By Mark Mothersbaugh
Back to the Outback (2021)
Australian wildlife breaks out of a zoo to return to the wild, led by a deadly (but kind-hearted) snake and a group of misunderstood creatures.
- Director: Clare Knight, Harry Cripps
- Style: CG animation with colorful, stylized animal characters
- Music: By Rupert Gregson-Williams, songs by Tim Minchin
Leo (2023)
An aging classroom lizard breaks free from his tank for a year of self-discovery, voicing life advice in song along the way.
- Director: Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim
- Style: Stylized CG
- Music: Features original songs; Adam Sandler stars and sings
The Magician’s Elephant (2023)
A young boy follows a mysterious elephant and magician in hopes of finding his long-lost sister, unraveling fate and wonder along the way.
- Director: Wendy Rogers
- Style: Dreamy, storybook-style CG animation
- Music: By Mark Mothersbaugh
The Sea Beast (2022)
In a world of sea monster hunters, one fearless girl stows away on a legendary ship. What she finds changes history.
- Director: Chris Williams (Moana, Big Hero 6)
- Style: Epic CG animation with Pixar-level scope
- Music: By Mark Mancina
The Willoughbys (2020)
Four eccentric siblings scheme to send their neglectful parents away forever, only to discover the meaning of family on their own.
- Director: Kris Pearn
- Style: Quirky, stylized CG with storybook textures
- Music: Original songs by Mark Mothersbaugh and Alessia Cara
Wendell & Wild (2022)
Two demon brothers convince a teen punk with a tragic past to summon them from the underworld in this darkly comedic stop-motion story.
- Director: Henry Selick (Coraline), co-written with Jordan Peele
- Style: Stop-motion with a gothic, edgy tone
- Music: By Bruno Coulais
That Christmas (2024)
A charming holiday tale, based on a book by Love Actually writer Richard Curtis, centering on unexpected connections during the holidays.
- Director: Simon Otto
- Style: Festive CG
- Music: By John Powell
The Twits (June 13, 2025)
A darkly funny take on the Roald Dahl book about the nastiest couple alive, brought to life with absurd humor and bold visuals.
- Director: Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph)
- Style: Stylized CG with exaggerated character design
- Music: TBD
In Your Dreams (November 2025)
Two siblings journey through the fantastical Dream World to save their parents’ marriage, meeting bizarre dream creatures along the way.
- Directors: Alex Woo, Erik Benson
- Style: Surreal, dreamlike CG
- Music: By John Debney
The Buried Giant (Date TBD)
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, this film will blend fantasy and memory in a medieval world after a mysterious forgetfulness has spread.
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Style: Stop-motion
- Music: TBD
Sulwe (Date TBD)
Based on Lupita Nyong’o’s children’s book about a girl with skin the color of midnight, learning to embrace her beauty.
- Style: CG with celestial visuals
- Music: TBD
The Witch Boy (Date TBD)
In a world where girls are witches and boys are shapeshifters, a boy who discovers magical powers challenges the system.
