Let’s face it—Disney and Pixar have been the animation crown jewels for years. But outside of the classic castles and mouse ears, there’s a whole other universe of animated stories waiting to be told. These movies show that amazing animation doesn’t require a chatty snowman or a princess lullaby to warm your heart. From independent treasures to stunning anime and spectacular stop-motion, here are ten absolute must-view animated films produced outside of the Disney/Pixar universe.
10. The Triplets of Belleville
Ever ask yourself what would happen if French surrealism, an affinity for jazz, and the Tour de France all got into a smashup together? That’s The Triplets of Belleville in brief. Nigh on entirely dialogue-free, it’s the bizarre and fanciful story of a resolute grandmother, her abduction-bound cycling grandson, and three oddball elderly sisters who were once music hall performers. With its quirky visuals and unforgettable score, it’s a testament to the fact that you don’t necessarily need words to tell an impactful story.
9. Kubo and the Two Strings
Few stop-motion animations look as sweeping and enchanted as Kubo and the Two Strings. Set in mythical Japan, it’s about a young boy equipped with a shamisen (a sort of lute-like instrument) on an epic quest to vanquish the Moon King. The animation is stunning, the narrative profoundly moving, and the voice talent—Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes—brings the characters to life with breathtaking flair. It’s epic fantasy on a hand-built scale.
8. Millennium Actress
It’s from the genius mind of Satoshi Kon that Millennium Actress is born, a poignant tribute to cinema and love. As an aging actress recounts her life, her memories get intertwined with scenes of her movies, creating a reality vs. fiction confusion. The upshot is a poetic, visually beautiful ride that gets more delicious with each repeat viewing.
7. The Secret of Kells
Cartoon Saloon’s first feature is a visual feast. The Secret of Kells is about a young boy in a medieval monastery who becomes exposed to the magic of art and the secret Book of Kells. Its beautiful, handmade look is in the style of illuminated manuscripts, so there is an otherworldly beauty that seems ageless.
6. Coraline
Not everything animated is fuzzy and warm—Coraline shows that it can be spine-tingling, as well. This stop-motion remake of Neil Gaiman’s gothic fantasy is about a girl who finds herself in what appears to be the perfect alternate reality… until she sees the creepy truth lurking beneath. Both creepy and beguiling, it’s a contemporary classic for anyone who wants their fairy tales with a shiver.
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson’s trademarks blend beautifully with Roald Dahl’s cheeky fox. Each shot of this stop-motion escapade is carefully arranged—symmetry, color schemes, wry humor, the lot. Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, Fantastic Mr. Fox is cunning, fashionable, and completely enchanting.
4. Wolfwalkers
Another Cartoon Saloon treasure, Wolfwalkers, brings you to 17th-century Ireland, where a kid hunter bonds with a girl from a secret clan said to turn into wolves every evening. Its hand-drawn animation is so rich and multi-layered you’ll find yourself pausing just to absorb the texture. It’s a spellbinding mixture of folklore, friendship, and visual artistry.
3. How to Train Your Dragon
If you’re looking for a film that’s pure joy from start to finish, How to Train Your Dragon delivers. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is one of the sweetest in modern animation, and the flying sequences—paired with John Powell’s soaring score—are nothing short of exhilarating. Dragons and Vikings have never been so lovable.
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
This is not another superhero film—it’s an animation revolution. Featuring its comic-book textures, vibrant colors, and breakneck pace, Into the Spider-Verse makes the Spider-Man legend feel fresh. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it looks like nothing else, demonstrating that animation can be experimental in ways live-action cannot.
1. Ghost in the Shell
A staple of cyberpunk, Ghost in the Shell is a brainy combination of sci-fi action and metaphysical depth. In a future world where the distinction between human and machine dissolves, it poses enormous questions about consciousness and identity. Its impact can be seen in everything from The Matrix to Westworld, and its animation remains a visual wonder.
So the next time someone says that Disney and Pixar own the market on great animation, show them this list. There’s a huge, imaginative, and beautifully bizarre animated world out there—waiting for you to explore.