Top 10 Best Animated Movie Musicals of the Last Decade

DreamWorks Animation doesn’t make full-blown musicals all that often. Basing one off of a toy line that hadn’t been super popular in years seemed an odd choice. And yet, “Trolls” was a surprisingly big hit. Focusing on two Trolls trying to defeat monstrous Bergens, the movie goes the jukebox route and keeps things light. The filmmakers find clever and fun ways to include popular songs like Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” But there are also a handful of original ones, like the Grammy-winning “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” With this much fun and a fabulous cast including Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, and Zooey Deschanel, it’s no wonder it got a sequel.

Rebecca Sugar and co. had already proven themselves as talented songwriters through the original “Steven Universe” series. When the movie was released, the soundtrack upheld the blend of incredibly catchy melodies and extremely heartfelt lyrics we had grown accustomed to. Set two years post-finale, it follows the Crystal Gems trying to rescue Earth, this time from a chaotic figure from Steven’s mom’s past. Some songs, such as “Happily Ever After,” feature stunning animation on a big scale. Others, like “Drift Away” and “True Kinda Love,” impart powerful lessons of heartbreak and acceptance. Granted, being connected to a TV show means the story and themes don’t stand on their own quite as strongly. But the film still serves as a wonderful step in Steven’s journey.

After being tricked into dying thinking he’ll be reunited with his love, Manolo must make it back to the land of the living. His journey is paved with adaptations of popular songs mixed with Mexican flair to match the story’s folklore and animation style. Whether Manolo croons Radiohead’s “Creep” or declares his love through Mumford & Sons’ “I Will Wait,” he’s an easy character to root for. Although, being voiced by Diego Luna also helps. Meanwhile, some other songs serve more light-hearted purposes, like Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend.” We’re also treated to traditional Mexican tunes like “Cielito Lindo.” It goes without saying, but seeing how “The Book of Life” merges pop music with Mexican culture and its story is a delight.

This fantastical film spotlights Fei Fei, a young girl who constructs a rocket in order to contact a lunar deity. It admittedly follows narrative beats we’ve seen plenty of times before, including a deceased parent and a cute animal companion. But its focus on Chinese culture helps make it unique. Despite not garnering a ton of attention, ”Over the Moon’s” flair for adventure is paired with some pretty great songs. The opening “On the Moon Above” uses traditional Chinese instruments while explaining the central myth of Moon goddess Chang'e. Meanwhile, “Ultraluminary” is a poppy blast, and "Rocket to the Moon" aches with loss while showing off newcomer Cathy Ang’s beautiful voice.

It seems more and more studios are taking a jukebox angle to their animated musicals. Illumination’s “Sing” follows characters involved in an upcoming singing competition designed to save a dying theater. Oh, and did we mention they’re anthropomorphic animals? It repurposes a slew of different songs, though most are only featured in short bits. Still, the most prominent ones are perfectly paired to their performers. Seth MacFarlane’s rendition of “My Way” is truly something. “Shake It Off” is expertly remade into a comedic duet between Nick Kroll and Reese Witherspoon. And Taron Egerton even gave us an early taste of his Elton John with “I’m Still Standing.” “Sing” is a lovely concoction of covers, leading to an equally enjoyable sequel.

We were already on board with a stop-motion “Pinocchio” from Guillermo del Toro. The fact that it was also a musical was just the cherry on top. Although most of the soundtrack is Alexandre Desplat’s mystical score, some key players get musical numbers. Newcomer Gregory Mann shines as the wooden boy through songs like “Everything Is New to Me” and “Ciao Papa.” Christoph Waltz adds another nasty villain to his resume with Count Volpe, whose “We Were a King Once” is bouncy and sinister. And any chance we get to hear Ewan McGregor show off his pipes is a joyous one. The film’s moving plot, gorgeous animation, and stellar character models naturally deliver, with the songs acting as pleasant surprises that elevate the finished product.

By far one of the most successful Disney movies in recent memory is this magical tale of two sisters. However, while the bond between Elsa and Anna gives the plot its heart, it’s far from the only thing “Frozen” has going for it. It was impossible to escape its songs in 2013, especially the Oscar and Grammy-winning “Let It Go.” Idina Menzel proved once again she had a one-of-a-kind voice. Everyone else brings their A-game, too. Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana showcase fantastic harmonies in "Love Is an Open Door". “Frozen” also leaves plenty of room for comedy, seen in Olaf’s “In Summer.” We were delighted the film got a sequel, and we’ll be first in line for whatever the franchise cooks up next.

How could a collaboration between Disney, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson produce anything but one of the best animated movies of the past decade? Based on Polynesian mythology, “Moana” follows the titular character as she attempts to save her home from a mysterious blight. Miranda worked with composer Mark Mancina and songwriter Opetaia Foa'i for the film's tracks, which are both stunning and infectiously catchy. “How Far I’ll Go” got plenty of playtime thanks to a lovely melody and Auliʻi Cravalho’s incredible vocals. Though not known for his singing, Johnson’s “You’re Welcome” is a bouncy bop that perfectly captures Maui’s ego. Featuring Samoan, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan, and English lyrics throughout the soundtrack, the music works hand-in-hand with the story to respectfully showcase Polynesian culture.

With “Moana” being such a hit, it’s no surprise that Disney once again joined forces with Lin-Manuel Miranda for one of its best modern releases. “Encanto” is about a Colombian family whose members are granted a magical power. Mirabel is the exception, but she also turns out to be the key to saving the day. It’s been praised for its emotional characterization and themes, all of which are beautifully showcased through its music. “Dos Oruguitas” was nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar and Golden Globe. However, it was the songs dealing with familial acceptance and trauma that really blew up. “Surface Pressure”’s toe-tapping beat and chorus have made waves. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, meanwhile, remains the standout song, and for good reason.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Rio 2” (2014)
A Colorful Musical Adventure in the Amazon Rainforest

“My Little Pony: The Movie” (2017)
“Friendship Is Magic” Adorably Brought to the Big Screen

“Soul” (2020)
It May Not Be a Musical in the Traditional Sense, but It’s Still Deserving of Praise

Pixar’s “Coco” is a remarkable achievement that showcases gorgeous art direction, a touching story, and beautiful songwriting. It tells the story of young aspiring musician Miguel, who inadvertently finds himself in the Land of the Dead. Following themes of family and the pursuit of dreams, Miguel’s journey lifts our spirits with the joy of music. It’s the Oscar-winning “Remember Me,” used like a motif throughout the story, that steals the show. At first a jaunty proclamation, its true meaning of connection within Miguel’s family is utterly breathtaking. Elsewhere, songs like “Un Poco Loco” and “La Llorona” are lovely celebrations of Mexican flair. Throughout, Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel shows off tremendous vocals, and gives us one of the happiest animated endings of all time.