We have to start here. The sequel to Into the Spider-Verse didn't just meet expectations; it redefined what a cartoon can look like. Every frame is a painting from a different artist. The story is darker, the stakes are higher, and the cliffhanger ending left the entire audience gasping. Even if you don't like superheroes, watch this for the watercolor backgrounds, the live-action textures, and the Lego universe cameo. It set the visual standard for the next decade.
2023 was a year of transition. We saw traditional Disney stumble, while Sony and indie studios soared. We saw video game adaptations finally work, and the return of the master (Miyazaki). 2023 animated movies
2023 was a landmark year for animation, characterized by record-shattering box office hits and critically acclaimed masterpieces that pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. From the massive financial success of established franchises like to the artistic triumphs of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Hayao Miyazaki’s return with The Boy and the Heron , the year proved that animation remains a dominant force in global cinema. The Biggest Box Office Hits We have to start here
Finally, the year closed with the surprise juggernaut Migration . Illumination Entertainment, often criticized for a factory-line approach to animation, delivered a film that was surprisingly grounded and intimate. While it possessed the studio’s signature humor, the character designs were expressive and the narrative focused on overcoming anxiety—a theme that resonated deeply in a post-pandemic world. It proved that even studios known for commercial viability were pushing toward more cohesive, character-driven narratives rather than just rapid-fire gags. The story is darker, the stakes are higher,