And the first post of 2025 couldn’t be anything else: 🎉 Best and Worst Animations of 2024. Hey, everyone! I’m Augustulyn, and today we’re going to take a look at the animations of 2024 with total honesty. It’s time to judge, in a straightforward way, what made sense, what fell short, and what truly deserves our applause.
After all, who doesn’t love sharing their opinions on animated films, right? 😄 Before we start, let me explain the categories I’ll use to classify the animations of 2024. The first is “Pure Cinema,” which represents those animations that, when you watch them, make you feel like you’re witnessing a cinematic masterpiece. It’s the kind of animation that makes you say, “This is cinema.” 🎬✨
The second category is “Glamorous”: these are the films that are good, fun, and enjoyable, but don’t reach the perfection of the first category. They entertain us, but don’t surprise us. The third category is “I Let It Slide, Maybe I Shouldn’t Have”: here, we have those films that raised our expectations but failed to deliver. However, despite all their flaws, we somehow liked them. And finally, there’s “Total Fail,” where the movie just doesn’t work and really can’t be saved. 💔
Now that I’ve explained the categories, let’s see how the animations of 2024 performed! 😅
These categories are a way to organize my analysis because, with so many films released, it’s impossible not to have strong opinions about them. Every animation brings a different proposal, and it’s interesting to see what really stands out in terms of narrative, technique, and impact. It may seem simple, but the idea here is to reflect on each of these films in a way that helps you understand my point of view. By doing this, I also want to spark a healthy debate about how the animations of 2024 have shaped cinema, both
positively and negatively.
Honesty Above All: No Sugarcoating 🚫🍬
What I love most is evaluating each film with honesty, without letting the hype around a name or franchise distract me from the core of the animation. What matters to me is how each animation delivers its proposal. So, no room for sugarcoating here when it comes to those films that, despite all their promises, don’t quite live up to them. When I talk about the “I Let It Slide, Maybe I Shouldn’t Have” category, I mean that some animations tried but failed in many areas. Even so, I still found something to enjoy about them – be it the fun, a good joke, or a charming character. 😄
The Big Reveal: Ranking the Best and Worst Animations of 2024 🎥
With the categories explained, the big question now is how each animation fits into this ranking. I’m very sincere in my analysis, and I’ll give my honest opinion without worrying about pleasing everyone. But remember: the most important thing is to respect each other’s tastes and understand that everyone has a different perspective. And of course, respect is key when discussing each other’s preferences. This doesn’t mean we can’t disagree, but we should always keep the conversation healthy and constructive. 🙌
Telma, the Unicorn
The fist “Only Defeat” of animations of 2024 is Telma, the Unicorn. Look, I decided to put it in the “Only Defeat” category here. Just the avalanche of disasters that fell on this one shows that I didn’t find any charm in the characters. But, well, it’s kind of fun. You know, one of those movies to watch in the afternoon, when you don’t want to think about anything while watching a unicorn. If you have nothing better to do, you can watch it. 🦄 but I decided to put it in the “Only Defeat” category here. It didn’t captivate me, honestly. Nothing here managed to win me over. 😕
And That’s How I Adopted Jon
The next Animations of 2024 is And That’s How I Adopted Jon I watched this movie and… it was a waste of time! It failed to win my heart, and I love Garfield! I’ve considered Garfield iconic since I was a kid, but this movie doesn’t have that “Only Defeat” feel. It lacks the essence of Garfield. 🐱
Mufasa: The Lion King
I know this isn’t technically an animation, but let’s agree it’s just ultra-realistic texture. And, believe it or not, I found it “Glamorous.” It surprised me because I wasn’t planning to watch this film at all. I wasn’t following the trailers or interested. But I watched it, and in the end, I really liked the soundtrack and the script. I hated the other live-action, though! However, Mufasa: The Lion King stands out among the animations of 2024 as a pleasant surprise. 🎶👑
Minions: The Rise of Gru 4
Total fail. Guys, this was one of the biggest disappointments of the year. The franchise is amazing and promised a lot, but it didn’t deliver. The little baby Gru, who seemed like the cutest thing in the trailer, was barely noticeable. The girls, who are the heart of the franchise, were sidelined. And in their place, they created a new character, who was one of the few highlights. But even so… weak. And the villain? Cheap, unremarkable. Among the animations of 2024, this one sadly falls into the “Defeat” category. 😞👎
Kung Fu Panda 4
Another disappointment. The Kung Fu Panda franchise has always been flawless, with incredible scripts. But the fourth film promised everything in the trailers, especially the return of iconic villains like Tai Lung. And in the end? It wasn’t even him. Among the animations of 2024, this stands out as one of the biggest letdowns. The franchise is beloved and deserved at least more care. But they delivered just anything. For me, the worst part was the disregard for the Furious Five, who were completely underused.
Especially when Po needed the Furious Five most, the film comes up with a shallow and weak explanation for their absence. Thank God, because that’s the only reason his fiancée didn’t rip his head off, right? What kind of explanation is that? The Furious Five are missing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be… on life-size posters! They are beloved characters and should have been inserted into the story, instead of coming up with these lame excuses. Among all animations of 2024, this oversight feels like a massive failure. Excluding the Furious Five’s importance was the last straw.
Po needs a successor, and the Furious Five aren’t even considered as a possibility. It’s as if they never existed! And then, they introduce a new character, a completely annoying fox. It’s sad to see such a strong franchise falter in this way. In short: Kung Fu Panda 4 is a “Only Defeat.“ Forgettable and an embarrassment to the franchise. 😞👎
Wild Robot
No doubt, it’s “Pure Cinema.” There’s nothing to criticize in this film. I’ll even take off my judging glasses because there’s nothing to complain about. It was, by far, one of the most beautiful animations of 2024 and with one of the most perfect scripts in recent times. 🌟
The whole journey of the little robot learning to be a mother to care for the live bird is so touching. Her relationship with the other animals, what they teach her, and how she evolves is incredible. Everything in this script works. All the characters are charming, and it’s impossible not to watch with shining eyes, admiring every detail.
Not only does it enter as one of the best animations of 2024, but also as one of DreamWorks’ greatest. Wild Robot is historic and unforgettable. It will definitely become an animation classic. 🤖🌿
Wicked
I know this isn’t an animation, but I wanted to talk about it. There’s already a full analysis of it on the blog. The musical adaptation was wonderful! The script ties the story together fluidly, the songs are amazing, and the actresses, Cynthia and Ariana, nailed their roles. They delivered everything. Wicked is flawless, and I’m so excited for part two in 2025. It may not be one of the animations of 2024, but its magic and impact are just as unforgettable. 🎭🎶
Descendants 4
Let’s introduce the “I let it slide, I shouldn’t have” category. You know how much I love Descendants. It’s one of the most present franchises on my channel, and I adore it. Even though it isn’t among the best animations of 2024, its charm and nostalgic appeal make it hard to ignore. 💖
But, as the category says, I let it slide with Descendants 4, even though I shouldn’t have. The film has all the possible flaws. In fact, there’s a video on my channel listing everything that doesn’t make sense in it. Still, I love Descendants, and I loved the film. It may not hold up against the standout animations of 2024, but I let it slide, and I agree I shouldn’t have. 🤷♀️
Dark Oron
I’ll put this one in “Glamorous.“ What a pleasant surprise! During the year, I wasn’t interested in the movie and only watched it to make the list. And, wow, I regret not having watched it sooner! Among the animations of 2024, this one stood out with its charm and creativity. 🎨✨
I loved the drawn aesthetic, the illustrations Oron makes in his notebook. It’s beautiful! The whole vibe of the movie won me over. It was a pleasant surprise and deserves to be in “Glamorous.“ The storytelling approach, alongside the unique style, solidifies its place among the year’s most memorable animations of 2024. ✨📓
The time travel, which happens midway through the film, initially felt a bit out of place. When I was watching, I thought: “Wow, suddenly they threw time travel in here!” But later, I understood everything. And I ended up loving it with all my heart, especially because it connected the story and family in such a beautiful way.
The little boy who made the time travel was a highlight. There’s nothing to criticize about this film. I started thinking about putting it in “Pure Cinema,” but changed my mind. It goes to “Glamorous,” because it deserves it! Recalling the wonderful aesthetic, it couldn’t be placed anywhere else among the animations of 2024. 🎥❤️
Spellbound
Another film that is “Pure Cinema”! One of the best animations of 2024, made by Netflix. I didn’t comment on it earlier because it was released while I was on my year-end break. 🌟
I loved the script! The story of the princess dealing with two monster parents is so interesting. She tries to keep her composure while managing the kingdom, but internally, she’s on the edge of exploding. And that little creature of hers? Super cute! It reminded me of the mascots from the Barbie movies. 🦄
The aesthetic of the magical kingdom is incredible, with so many different creatures, and the songs are enchanting. For those who don’t know, in the original English version, Rachel Zegler (who will play Snow White) voices the main character. It’s undoubtedly one of the most captivating animations of 2024. Netflix truly delivered a masterpiece that stands out as a highlight in this year’s lineup of animated films. 🎬✨
Without a doubt, this movie deserves its spot among the best animations of 2024, offering a magical experience filled with charm, creativity, and heart. 💖
Moana 2
I have big reservations about Moana 2. If you’ve watched my video, you know how much I love Moana. The first film is amazing, but the second one has many flaws. Moana didn’t deserve this! 🌊
This sequel definitely needed more care and attention. I know a lot of people loved it, and that’s okay! We are all different. For those who liked it, I’m genuinely happy for you. The film’s aesthetic is undeniably beautiful, and Moana herself looks stunning. 🌺✨
But when it comes to the script, the film fell short in many aspects. I let it slide because I adore Moana and her journey as a character. Plus, her little sister stole the spotlight with her charm. Even so, Moana deserved so much more. 💔
However, let’s talk about the ending… what an incredible conclusion! That final act alone deserved to be placed in “I passed the cloth.” Too bad the rest of the movie couldn’t maintain that level of excellence. It’s disappointing that a character as beloved as Moana didn’t get the flawless sequel she deserved. 😢 Animations of 2024 needed this one to shine brighter!
SpongeBob: Mission Blood of Cheeks
Total fail! Neptune, help the squirrel who wakes up early, because this movie was terrible. Right at the beginning, when Sandy starts singing, I wanted to give up. But for some reason, I kept watching. And it was the worst decision I made. 😩🐿️
The movie lacks charm, has no script, and is just boring. During the plot, I kept thinking: “I can’t believe this adventure is happening on the surface.” Watching SpongeBob dry up without water was heartbreaking. 🧽💔
Anyway, the movie was extremely weak! The songs are super annoying. I’m not lying, but let’s be honest: SpongeBob is a kids’ movie. Don’t come at me with that excuse, because SpongeBob has a legacy, with the original cartoon that we compare to the movie. Being a kids’ movie isn’t an excuse for being bad; it’s not an excuse for a weak script.
Animations of 2024 have proven that animated films can be true works of art, moving both adults and children. Wild Robot is living proof that kids’ movies can be profound, meaningful, and entertaining. So, being a kids’ movie doesn’t mean it has to be bad. This movie was an embarrassment to SpongeBob’s legacy. I’m sure it was made by a plon. 😤
Inside Out 2
“Pure Cinema.” Now, Inside Out 2… Ah, I don’t even have words. Without a doubt, one of the best animations of 2024. We already knew it would be good, but it surpassed all our expectations. The excitement around the movie became super famous after the first trailer, and what seemed promising really turned out to be wonderful. The film delivered everything and still surprised us, making us cry. Inside Out 2 is one of the best sequels from Pixar and Disney. They nailed it! 💖😭
Megamind 2
Now, talking about Megamind 2… Total fail! What a horrible surprise! I don’t understand how DreamWorks made Wild Robot and then delivered Megamind 2. The movie is awful. The script is worse than those lazy episodes of cartoons from the 2000s. You know, those episodes where you could tell no effort was put into them? That’s exactly what this movie feels like. And the aesthetic… so strange, it looked like a toy animation. 🛑
This is, without a doubt, one of the biggest failures in the animations of 2024.
Conclusion of the Assessment
So, let’s see what we got:
Pure Cinema:
- Wild Robot
- Wicked
- Bewitched
- Inside Out 2
Glamorous:
- Mufasa
- Dark Oron
Only Defeat:
- Temma
- Garfield
- Despicable Me 4
- Kung Fu Panda 4
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Blood Cheeks Mission
- Megamind 2
I passed the cloth:
- Descendants 4
- Moana 2
Moana 2 and Descendants 4 fall into the “I passed the cloth” category, because I liked it, but the movie had a lot of mistakes.
I haven’t changed my mind about anything, and I stand by everything I said in my reviews. I truly felt connected to many of these films in different ways, and I can clearly see the positive and negative points of each one. What’s interesting is that, even the films I classify as “total fail,” like SpongeBob or Megamind 2, continue to be part of the conversation about the animations of 2024. The critique I make is not a denial of their existence, but rather a reflection on the potential these films had and how they failed to deliver it satisfactorily.
Now, I want to hear your opinion! What would your rankings look like? What would you change, or which films do you think deserve a different position? I really enjoy hearing the different perspectives from my readers, and I know we all have varied tastes. I just ask that, when sharing your opinions, we keep respect and kindness. Everyone here has the right to have an opinion, but it’s important that it’s expressed in a constructive way, without aggression or insults.
The exchange of ideas is always what makes this space so special. It’s not worth fighting with fellow movie lovers over a ranking. What matters is how these films, animations of 2024, or any other kind of content can impact us and make us reflect. So, when commenting, I want everyone to feel free to share their views, but with love and care. Let’s continue to nurture a positive and welcoming environment here on the blog! 🌟
This is going to be an amazing year for all of us. We have many new contents and exciting projects ahead. I will keep bringing reviews, analyses, and reflections on films, animations of 2024, and even some of the most anticipated releases. I’m so excited to dive even deeper into the entertainment world with you all, and I’m sure it’s going to be an incredible journey. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us in terms of films and animations of 2024. 🎥✨
Finally, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has followed me for another year. Every read, comment, and interaction from you is a motivation to keep creating content and always striving to deliver the best. The community we are building here is unique, and I am so grateful for each of you. Let’s continue together, exchanging ideas, discovering new stories, and enjoying everything the world of cinema and animations of 2024 has to offer. Thank you so much, truly! 🙏💖
Big hug to everyone! 🤗
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