Top 10 Computer Animated Movies Not Made By Pixar
#10 – “Madagascar” (2005)
Kicking off our list is the classic CGI flick in which animals escape the Central Park Zoo and unexpectedly end up in Africa. This film is accentuated by quirky animation and an excellent voice cast, led by the delightful musings of Ben Stiller and Chris Rock. If you ask us, it's worth watching repeatedly just for the penguins and King Julien!
#9 – “Rango” (2011)
Johnny Depp gives a flawless performance as the voice of a pet chameleon that accidentally ends up in the Wild West. Hailed as the funniest western since “Blazing Saddles,” this beautifully animated romp actually won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature thanks to its smart storytelling and ability to make the most out of its fish – or should we say lizard – out of water premise.
#8 – “ANTZ” (1998)
Released just before Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life” back in ’98, this insect epic was DreamWorks' spectacular animation debut that tells the tale of an ordinary ant who pines for a greater existence. Woody Allen's neurotic ramblings punctuate the film, while spectacular voice performances by Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman and Dan Aykroyd help things along as well. The sharp and witty writing even holds up today!
#7 – “Megamind” (2010)
Do you like to root for the bad guy? Well here’s your chance! Will Ferrell brings his absurd man-child persona to the big screen in cartoon form as an alien who's up to no good. This film rises beyond the usual predictable superhero storyline and clichés to give you a captivating tale filled with thrilling characters, exciting music, and glorious eye candy. It's a must-see if you’ve ever longed for the world of super villainy…
#6 – “Ice Age” (2002)
This flick follows the misadventures of an unusual group of animals including a woolly mammoth, giant sloth and a saber tooth tiger in a very loose adaptation of the prehistoric age. But, the runaway star here is Scrat: a wordless squirrel on a hilariously unfortunate quest to claim his beloved acorn. We could watch this all around heartwarming and delightful tale until the next Ice Age!
#5 – “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
Viewers are transported to a Viking village where a lanky lad befriends a mysterious dragon in this period fantasy. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this tale features a rarely-present sense of dramatic depth, infectious humor and heartfelt storytelling. It easily wins over the entire family, and not just the kiddies!
#4 – “Tangled” (2010)
There it is! There’s the old Disney magic, and they didn’t even need Pixar! This reinvention of the Rapunzel fairy tale is the studio's best film in years, and it doesn't even add countless pop culture references like every other cartoon in recent memory. “Tangled” also manages to tell a graceful and sincere tale, without missing out on comedy or charm. Gotta love that horseplay!
#3 – “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” (2009)
Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, this colorful 3D romp brings our love of food to the silver screen, while also telling the story of a misunderstood inventor who falls in love with a weather girl. It has all the things a classic animated tale needs, like Neil Patrick Harris as a gummi bear-loving pet monkey named Steve, and yes, Mr. T! This is the most delicious disaster yet…
#2 – “Kung Fu Panda” (2008)
We haven’t had this much fun since the Ninja Turtles! Set in ancient china, this film brings us spectacular Kung Fu action and anthropomorphic animals! This coming-of-age tale is not only faithful to the setting; it also features lovable characters, humor, striking animation, and the hilarious comedy stylings of Jack Black. That’s right, this fat and lazy panda is the chosen one! Skadoosh!
#1 – “Shrek” (2001)
You thought love was only true in fairy tales? Taking the top spot on our list is the parody film adaptation inspired by a picture book about a grumpy, yet loveable ogre. Starring Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as his pal Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, this self-reflexive series lampoons other fairy tails, and became an instant classic for its hilarious laughs, thrills, dialogue, heart and amazing soundtrack!
Do you agree with our list? Which is your favorite computer animated film that wasn’t made by Pixar? For more entertaining Top 10 lists, be sure to visit us at WatchMojo.com.