Animation is a form of filmmaking that is often related to second-tier status, something just for kids. This is oddly undertaken by both the organisations giving out awards and the guilds promoting their members’ work. However, they are not second-tier films; in many ways, animated films push the frontiers of filmmaking and what is possible, and they should be championed for their work.
Animated films can be hand-drawn, stop/clay motion, or computer-generated; it does not matter, but all of them show the unique techniques of hundreds of artists that bring the work to life. And in a world full of AI slop, they should be celebrated.
Our Highly Commended Films in 2025 are: The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, Elio, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey & Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Our Highly Commended TV in 2025 are: Creature Commandos & Rick and Morty
So, without further ado, these animated films showed us the glory of animation in 2025. Be warned that there may be slight spoilers ahead.
The Bad Guys 2 is oozing in charm from every pore, because you can’t help but like these characters. A combination of solid voice acting, character design, and an animation style that pops off the screen, making a world that you just want to see more of. Even if it is just one more high-speed chase, especially if it is one more high-speed chase
I did not know what to expect with Dog Man; what I did not expect was that, beyond the profoundly silly premise, like just so silly, lies a film with real heart. The animation style that felt as if clay animation was made out of felt worked perfectly here, and I loved the way that it played with the audience as well.
Flow is a film that understands mood and emotions at a fundamental level, as it is able to convey them with no dialogue and animals as the main cast. You will be captivated by their story of a world slowly being inundated by a rising tide that is refusing to stop.
Some films are meditative, but others, like KPop Demon Hunters, like to explode onto the screen with an energy similar to the plane that is exploding around them. This is a film that understands how vital movement is when exploring animated action, and how music scenes need a riot of energy.
Is Zootopia 2 trying to have its cake and eat it too? Yes. Did I care? Well, yes, but also, they did do it so well. This time around, we get to have an explanation on how capitalism displaces vulnerable people and usurps their land using media and power structures to hide their crimes. I surprisingly deep swing for a Disney film.
The Best Animation in 2025 Television or Film is: Flow
Directed by – Gints Zilbalodis
Written by – Gints Zilbalodis & Matīss Kaža
When you start watching Flow, you are immediately captured by its world, by its characters, and by the situation that is about to befall them. It captures you with an elegance that you don’t even realise is happening. There is a quality about this film that transcends language to something more primal, more innate, the part of you making decisions that you don’t even realise is there. Then we have the beauty. Goodness, the beauty. Nearly every single frame of this film is a work of art, as it pulls you through the story, and more animals join our ragtag group. It is filled with such joy that I was laughing, crying, and sitting on the edge of my seat … sometimes all at the same time.
What animated film or television in 2025 captivated you? Let us know what you would have chosen as your number one in the comments below.
By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Bluesky at @Tldrmovrev, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.
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Credits – All images used were created by the respective studios and artist of each film
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