Favorite Animated Movies of 2022

There were honestly a lot of good movies that premiered last year. Like it was a pretty amazing year for animated films. And again, I didn’t have a chance to review them all – but here were my favorites..in no particular order!

1. Turning Red

While I might be tired of villain-less Pixar films – this film managed to be one of my favorites of the year. I don’t think any animated movie has ever captured the awkwardness and lecherous feelings of adolescent girlhood. This movie made me feel seen in a way that no other movie has.

It deserved a theatrical release.

2. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Stop-motion, emotional and adorable. I didn’t know what to expect going into this film – but I came out sobbing. In a good way. If you didn’t manage to capture this sweet mockumentary about loss and community – you need to see ASAP.

3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

I didn’t see the first Puss in Boots movie or the TV series. But that doesn’t matter. I had very low expectations of this film when it was announced. A sequel to a spin-off a popular franchise didn’t really appeal to me – especially when the first spin-off was forgettable. But – when the reviews started rolling in, calling it one of the best animated films of the year…I had to see it in theaters.

And holy shit. This movie was really good – from the SpiderVerse-esque animation, to the themes, and characterization…I’m actually interested now in how the series will continue.

4. One Piece Film: Red

I’m not really into One Piece. I’ve seen some episodes and I know the basics – but a long-running, seemingly never-ending shounen just really isn’t my thing. My boyfriend wanted to see this, so I went.

I liked the fact that I didn’t need to know much about the series to enjoy and understand the plot of the movie or the characters. And as a musical – it’s really good. I actually have the soundtrack downloaded onto my Spotify.

5. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Best adaptation of Pinocchio. Not just in the year 2022 (which was oddly full of them) but possibly of all time. I want more del Toro stop-motion, now.

6. The Bad Guys

This movie is probably some of the most fun I had at the theaters this year. While certain parts of it were kind of generic, the movie made up for it in great art and animation, hilarious characters, heist hijinks and more than a few twists.

I hope we get more.