Oscar winning Best Animated Feature Films of the last decade: From Inside Out to Flow

Inside Out
Winning Year- 2016
Inside Out by Pixar transformed feelings into enduring characters. Each emotion—joy, sadness, and anger—found a place in the hearts of viewers. The film redefined animation as more than just children's entertainment by using witty storytelling to tell Riley's coming-of-age struggles. Adults were moved to tears, which is why it won the Oscar.

Zootopia
Winning Year- 2017
Disney’s Zootopia wasn’t just cute animals in clothes—it was a sharp social commentary wrapped in fur. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde carried the film through themes of prejudice and trust. Packed with humor and depth, it felt timely and timeless, which is exactly why it walked away with the golden statue.

Coco
Winning Year- 2018
With Coco, Pixar once again struck gold. It honored family, memory, and music and had its roots in Mexico's Día de los Muertos. Although Miguel's trip to the Land of the Dead was visually stunning, "Remember Me" stuck with me for a long time. This poignant masterpiece seemed destined for an Oscar.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Winning Year- 2019
Sony blew the roof off animation with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Miles Morales’ story was bold, fresh, and unlike anything seen before. The comic-book style visuals rewrote the rules, blending graffiti, glitch, and heart. The win wasn’t just deserved—it changed how Hollywood looks at superhero films.

Toy Story 4
Winning Year- 2020
Did we really need another Toy Story? Turns out, yes. Woody’s farewell hit right in the gut, proving Pixar still had stories left to tell. Forky became an unlikely fan favorite, and the film wrapped up decades of nostalgia. Its Oscar win was more like a goodbye gift from Pixar.

Soul
Winning Year- 2021
Soul posed the important queries: what gives life meaning and why are we here? Despite being animated, Joe Gardner's journey felt incredibly human because jazz was at its heart. Although Pixar's visual metaphors were stunning, their true beauty lay in their reminder to be grateful for the small things in life.

Encanto
Winning Year- 2022
Disney’s Encanto swept the world with catchy songs and cultural pride. Set in Colombia, it celebrated magical realism and family bonds. Mirabel’s story was relatable to anyone who’s felt overlooked. And yes, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” was everywhere. The Oscar was inevitable—the Madrigals had already won hearts.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Winning Year- 2023
Del Toro used stop-motion magic to reimagine the traditional wooden boy. Pinocchio explored love and mortality in a profoundly poignant, poetic, and dark way. It wasn’t a children’s tale—it was art in motion. The Academy was unable to resist, and this Oscar victory felt like a victory for both storytelling and craftsmanship.

The Boy and the Heron
Winning Year- 2024
A legend made a comeback with Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron. It was surreal, poignant, and aesthetically surreal, showcasing the best of Studio Ghibli. The film reminded viewers why Miyazaki is still unrivaled by striking a balance between fantasy, hope, and grief. The Oscar was more than just acknowledgment; it was a hug of welcome.

Flow
Winning Year- 2025
Flow, the most recent entry, astounded everyone with its avant-garde methodology. It dared to be different, more of a visual symphony than a conventional narrative. In a busy year, it stood out for its serene tempo and stunning artistry. Innovation still has a place at the Oscars, the Academy decided.