6 Animated Movies with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

Summary

• Discover the world of Studio Ghibli and Disney animated films with 100% Rotten Tomatoes scores.
• Dive into heartfelt storylines, iconic soundtracks, and visually captivating animation styles.
• Explore the emotional impact and critical acclaim of the very few animated films to secure such a covted rating.

The film industry is full of some of the most diverse entertainment out there. From countless genres to fit anyone’s desires to animation styles that visually captivate us, films have always been a way for audiences to transport themselves to other worlds. When it comes to determining if a film has cemented itself into our good graces, look no further than its Rotten Tomatoes score. Of course, we understand that the Tomatometer is not the be-all and end-all of film critique. However, that 100% Certified Fresh stamp is like the cherry on top, an added bonus to advocate for the film’s quality. For animated films that fit this honorary criteria, it is few and far between.

Over the years, companies like Studio Ghibli and, of course, Disney/Pixar, have put incredible animated movies on the map in the eyes of critics. From heartwrenching storylines to jaw-dropping scores, there are animated films that have proven to impact audiences just as much as any live-action film out there. When it comes to the ones that stand out on Rotten Tomatoes, we have put together a list of the best animated films you can find, scoring 100% on the site.

6 Pinocchio (1940)

Believe it or not, Disney has produced only one animated film that was graced with a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it has been over 80 years since it first came out. In 1940, Disney’s Pinocchio made its way out into the world and became a game changer for the studio. The film follows a woodworker named Geppetto, who has finished a wooden doll of a young boy named Pinocchio. He wishes upon a star for the boy to come to life. In true Disney magic fashion, Pinocchio becomes conscious, setting off on a journey to become a “real” boy.

A Film We Wished Upon a Star For

Pinocchio is a franchise-defining film. In the world of Disney, that in itself is a tall order. Pinocchio’s 100% on Rotten Tomatoes can be credited to this extremely heartfelt storyline, the legendary soundtrack, and a nostalgic sense of childhood wonder that is hard to replicate. In fact, the soundtrack was so legendary, it would allow Pinocchio to snag the first-ever competitive Academy Award win for an animated feature, beating films like The Mark of Zorro and The Great Dictator for Best Original Score.

From simple lessons about the importance of telling the truth to underlying inferences about your wildest dreams coming true, Pinocchio is a Disney must-watch no matter how old you are. It’s easily one of Disney’s most visually-impressive films, as well as one of its most successful, prompting the release of a live-action remake helmed by Robert Zemeckis in 2022. Stream Pinocchio on Disney+.

5 Toy Story (1995)

On the other side of the Disney coin, we have Pixar. Pixar Animated Studios has made a name for itself in animated entertainment under the Disney umbrella. Although Pixar has produced countless staples, from The Incredibles and Finding Nemo franchises to standalone films like Wall-E and Ratatoullie, nothing has done what Toy Story has. For one thing, it’s 100% Certified Fresh on the Tomatometer.

Toy Story follows a young boy named Andy who has an adorable plethora of toys, all led by Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks). However, when Andy is not in the room, the toys come to life. When Andy brings in a new, high-tech, trendy Buzz Lightyear toy (Tim Allen), a jealous struggle puts both Woody and Buzz in serious danger. The two end up lost outside of Andy’s home, and are forced to put their differences aside to make it back to their kid.

A Defining Franchise Moment

Toy Story can be recognized in every facet of entertainment and pop culture. From the merchandising opportunities, to the fact that Toy Story is still making films that have drawn in audiences time and time again, this is the Pixar film franchise that trumps them all.

But most importantly, Toy Story was the first fully 3D ​​​​​​computer-animated film to ever hit the big screen. While it’s easier to notice this distinction with some of the human characters in the film, the deliberate decision to lean into the plastic sheen of early CG via toys was a stroke of genius. Even now, the many toys of Toy Story look fantastic, made all the more beloved by a fantastic cast and a terrific screenplay. Said screenplay would also make Toy Story the first animated film to be nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. ​This heartfelt tale of a child’s love for their toys and this carefully woven narrative of them coming to life behind the scenes is what the Disney magic is made for. Stream Toy Story on Disney+.

4 Toy Story 2 (1999)

The trend is simple here. Toy Story 2 is the other Pixar film that has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is not often that a film as iconic as Toy Story can come out with a sequel that lands in the same atmosphere as the first. However, The Toy Story sequel did just that.

Toy Story 2 sees Woody being taken by a toy dealer named Al McWhiggin, with Andy’s remaining toys being left to rescue their trusty sheriff. However, Woody finds out that he is an extremely valuable toy, and quickly makes friends with the other toys at McWhiggin’s. This includes his horse, Bullseye; Jessie, a spunky cowgirl; and Stinky Pete, a prospector still wrapped up in his box. The longer Woody stays at McWhiggin’s, however, the less he wants to return home.

The Sequel Curse That Never Was

Toy Story 2 is an absolute masterpiece. As the follow-up film to the iconic 1995 animated adventure, there was a lot of pressure for this sequel to live up to its predecessor. Thankfully, it managed to do exactly that. Toy Story 2 introduced new and beloved characters into the franchise seamlessly. The focus on Woody’s loyalty and individual growth as a character was a great change of pace for this group of toys that kept audiences invested and interested. Also, any film that has a heart-wrenching sequence set to Randy Newman’s “When She Loved Me” deserves that 100% rating.

Though Newman’s composition didn’t win Best Original Song, Toy Story 2‘s other accolades are still incredibly impressive. Over $500 million grossed at the box office with a budget of $90 million, more than half a dozen wins at the Annie Awards, and glowing recommendations from everyone between Roger Ebert and Chuck Jones of Looney Tunes fame gave Toy Story 2 its glowing reputation. Its success would no doubt spawn further sequels in the greater Toy Story franchise, on top of bankrolling Pixar’s future projects shortly after.

3 The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

Entering the Studio Ghibli section of this list, we have The Tale of Princess Kaguya. As far as the most well-known Studio Ghibli films go, this one is not always the first on anyone’s list. However, it is vital that you don’t sweep this member of the 100% club.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a 2013 Studio Ghibli release that follows a small nymph that turns and grows into a bright young woman. With all the potential partners ready to win over her heart, the Princess orders them to complete a series of difficult tasks. It was notable for being one of the most expensive Japanese films produced in terms of its overall budget, and the English dub featured terrific performances from established talents like Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Lucy Liu, and Oliver Platt.

A Visual Marvel

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is unlike any other Ghibli film out there. The unique art style of the animation alone makes it worth the watch. Visually, the animated film displays traditional Japanese watercolor art styles that feel like a breath of fresh air, even when compared to Ghibli’s existing filmography at the time of its release. The storytelling is captivating, the music (composed by Joe Hisaishi of Porco Rosso and Princess Mononoke fame) is a perfect pairing to the animation, and the direction of Isao Takahata (who directed the other two entries on this list) is downright impeccable. It’s a film whose success on Rotten Tomatoes is more than deserved, with some even dubbing it as one of the best of Studio Ghibli’s many acclaimed films. Stream The Tale of Princess Kaguya on Max.

2 Grave of the Fireflies (1989)

There is no question that Studio Ghibli has a reputation for creating fantastical stories that pull at your heartstrings. However, none of them will leave you in a puddle of your own tears like Grave of the Fireflies. Sporting that 100% Rotten Tomatoes sticker, 1988’s Grave of the Fireflies follows a teenager named Seita who faces the danger of a war-torn Japan near the end of World War II, while also trying to protect and save his younger sister, Setsuko. When the kids are separated from their parents, a truly heartbreaking tale of survival unfolds. This film is notable for being one of the very few Ghibli films to not be released internationally by Disney due to licensing restrictions, and for its double-feature release alongside another Ghibli classic, My Neighbor Totoro.

Get Ready To Have Your Heart Ripped Out

You should be warned before seeing this film: as masterful as it is, Grave of the Fireflies will emotionally obliterate you. It’s heavy, deep, and full of life, loss, and heart. The delicate storyline surrounding these two siblings and their dedication to survive will touch anyone with a beating heart. There’s no bittersweet ending to look forward to here, either. With that said.

With this Ghibli staple, Grave of the Fireflies is an animated film you have to see at least once in your lifetime. It’s a coming-of-age film at its core, but one that melds exposure to the horrors of war with the rapid loss of innocence. It’s arguably one of the best films in its genre, prompting praise from critics the world over. Grave of the Fireflies is currently unavailable on streaming.

1 Only Yesterday

Last but not least, Studio Ghibli strikes again with Only Yesterday. Only Yesterday is another Ghibli film that sort of falls under the radar when it comes to widespread popularity. However, it got enough attention to get that 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The 1991 film follows a woman named Taeko Okajima who finally decides to venture out of her hometown comfort zone, Tokyo. While on a train to visit her family, Taeko starts dreaming about her life as a child. The carefree childhood innocence she once had forces her to reflect upon what her life has become. Through memories both good and bad, she may find herself at the cusp of a personal breakthrough.

A Journey Through Life

As people, we all have regrets, wishing we could do things differently. Only Yesterday focuses on this idea of reflection on your life, remembering simpler moments to help guide you when life seems like the most complicated thing in the world. This film is classic Studio Ghibli: the visuals are great, the score is captivating, and the story is one that everyone can relate to. Subtle design differences between Taeko’s past and present emphasize the differences between the two perspectives, and the arranged soundtrack consisting of multiple international genres makes for a fascinating soundscape to the events on-screen. After a surprising debut in theaters, it would even become the highest-grossing Japanese film of 1991, a testament to its overall popularity and critical acclaim. Stream Only Yesterday on Max.

Next: 9 Netflix Original Movies and TV Shows With 100% on Rotten Tomatoes