8 Animated Films Outside of Disney That Deserved the Best Animated Feature Oscar

The Oscars’ Best Animated Feature category has long been synonymous with Disney and Pixar dominance, which has resulted in the marginalization of some truly classic animated films. Established during the 74th Academy Awards in 2002, this category honored its first winner, Shrek, while subsequently witnessing Disney clinching an impressive 15 out of the 23 awards granted to date. Although many Disney wins were undoubtedly deserved, certain selections sparked debate and allegations of favoritism.

As the industry gears up for predictions surrounding the 2025 Oscars, Disney’s upcoming film Inside Out 2 emerges as a formidable contender. Yet, with intriguing alternatives such as Flow, The Wild Robot, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, Disney finds itself in an unexpectedly vulnerable position. Should both Inside Out 2 and Moana 2 fail to secure wins, it would mark the first time since the category’s inception that Disney hasn’t walked away with an award for three consecutive years; a trend that could signify a shift towards embracing a broader spectrum of animated artistry from across the globe.

8 How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

The DreamWorks Classic Would Have Been The Studio’s Third Win

The beloved Toy Story series debuted prior to the creation of the Best Animated Feature category, leaving Toy Story 3 as the rightful heir needing recognition at the Oscars. While it won, some speculate this victory also honored its illustrious predecessors. Conversely, How to Train Your Dragon remains an iconic contender, having been nominated for all three entries without ever claiming a win.

With its perfect blend of humor and action, How to Train Your Dragon not only set the stage for a successful franchise but also highlights DreamWorks’ quality storytelling. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming live-action remake signifies the lasting appeal of the original story. As DreamWorks attempts to replicate the magic of its animated predecessor, it hopes to avoid the mixed receptions that have frequently accompanied Disney’s own live-action adaptations.

7 Wolfwalkers (2020)

Any of Tomm Moore’s Animated Movies Would Have Been Worthy Winners

Wolfwalkers, the final film in a critically acclaimed trilogy, follows The Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014). Each film offers unique narratives steeped in Irish folklore, masterfully brought to life by Tomm Moore. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century Ireland, Wolfwalkers tells a poignant tale of bravery and interconnectedness, yet lost out to Pixar’s Soul for the Best Animated Feature award.

What sets Wolfwalkers apart is its striking visual style, rendered in a lively 2-D format that feels contemporary despite its traditional methods. The animation captures the essence of a sketchbook coming to life, perfectly aligning with its mission to rejuvenate Irish legends for today’s audiences. With all three of Tomm Moore’s films receiving nominations but no wins, their creative contributions to animation remain undervalued.

6 Kubo & The Two Strings (2016)

Laika Have Received Plenty Of Oscar Nominations But No Awards

Laika has carved a niche as pioneers of stop-motion animation with works like Coraline and ParaNorman. Their ambitious project, Kubo and the Two Strings, fuses elements of action, horror, comedy, and adventure, delivering a universally appealing masterpiece. Inspired by Japanese art forms, it merges traditional storytelling with innovative animation techniques.

Competing against Zootopia, which won the Best Animated Feature Oscar at the 89th Academy Awards, Kubo showcased a more distinctive visual narrative. Although Zootopia has garnered acclaim, the artistry of Kubo and its adept storytelling deserve broader recognition. Laika’s forthcoming release, Wildwood, hopes to capture audience interest and perhaps achieve the accolade that has eluded it thus far.

5 Loving Vincent (2017)

The Academy Usually Likes Movies With A Story Behind Their Creation

Loving Vincent intrigued audiences even before its release due to its unprecedented approach—it comprises 65,000 hand-painted frames in the style of Vincent van Gogh, created by a talented team of artists from around the globe. The result is not just visually striking; it unveils a compelling narrative enveloped in mystery, trailing the circumstances of van Gogh’s death. Despite its originality, it lost the Oscar to Pixar’s Coco.

While presenting a rich homage to the iconic artist, Loving Vincent does not adhere to conventional biopics. Rather, it delves into the unresolved enigmas surrounding van Gogh’s demise, engaging both ardent art fans and newcomers alike. The film’s artistic innovation demonstrates the untapped possibilities of animation beyond mere children’s entertainment.

4 Flee (2021)

Flee Would Have Been A Bold Choice For Best Animated Feature

At the 94th Academy Awards, Disney faced tough competition with Luca and Raya and the Last Dragon, both of which were eclipsed by Encanto. Yet, Flee could have transformed the narrative around animated films by winning; it would have marked the first animated documentary to earn the title while also being aimed at an adult audience. Contextually significant, Flee’s loss echoed an ongoing trend of ignoring unique animated perspectives that resonate with mature viewers.

Chronicling the harrowing journey of an Afghan man who fled to Denmark, Flee addresses emotive themes of trauma and identity, pushing the boundaries of what animated storytelling can achieve. Sadly, the tradition of honoring children’s narratives continues to overshadow poignant tales like this one.

3 The Lego Movie (2014)

The Lego Movie Wasn’t Even Nominated

Initially positioned as a strong contender for Best Animated Feature, The Lego Movie astonishingly did not receive a nomination at the 87th Academy Awards. In what proved to be a competitive year, Disney’s Big Hero 6 ultimately triumphed. Although some view The Lego Movie as a promotional endeavor, its deeper themes of creativity and imagination resonate strongly, making it a deserving candidate.

Despite the disqualification, creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller later clinched an Oscar with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Nevertheless, The Lego Movie stands apart as a multifaceted cinematic experience that subverts expectations, transcending mere commercialism and celebrating limitless creativity.

2 Klaus (2019)

The Christmas Animation Came Out In A Competitive Year

In a repeat of history, Toy Story 4 dominated awards anticipation at the 92nd Academy Awards, overshadowing several worthy contenders such as I Lost My Body and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. Among them, Klaus emerged, combining a nostalgic approach with contemporary animation techniques, yet was overlooked amidst the celebrations for Toy Story 4.

As a holiday film, Klaus has the rare authenticity of resonating with audiences during the festive season; its charming style pays homage to classic Christmas tales but revitalizes them with fresh, modern perspectives. Its unique narrative arc creatively reimagines timeless themes while maintaining the joyous essence that Christmas stories encapsulate.

1 Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson’s Charming Stop-Motion Comedy Should Have Snapped Pixar’s Streak

Fantastic Mr. Fox stands as one of Wes Anderson’s stellar achievements, marking his foray into animation. While it’s recognized alongside Isle of Dogs for its nomination years later, Fantastic Mr. Fox is often seen as an undervalued classic that could have interrupted Pixar’s winning streak represented by Up. Its unique stop-motion animation aligns seamlessly with Anderson’s distinctive artistic vision.

Initially met with mixed critiques regarding its audience classification, Fantastic Mr. Fox transcends such concerns through its clever representation of themes, weaving a narrative that appeals to both children and adults alike. Its delightful mix of humor and depth remains true to Anderson’s penchant for wit and artistic narrative, securing its legacy as a beloved animated favorite.

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