'Flow' and 4 Other Highest-Rated New Animated Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
Here, you'll find original projects from indie studios, as well as European animations you've probably never heard of but should definitely check out.
Today, animation is a fully fledged art form capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and prompting deep thought about complex issues – often surpassing the capabilities of live-action movies.
We've compiled a list of the five most highly acclaimed animated films of recent times, which have captivated critics and viewers worldwide.
5. 'Flow', 2024
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
A dark gray, independent cat flees from dogs when a sudden flood hits. As the waters continue to rise, the cat is forced to flee to a boat already occupied by a friendly capybara.
Along the way, they are joined by a clever secretary bird, a cheerful Labrador retriever, and a lemur. This motley crew drifts with the current toward an unknown destination, observing the post-apocalyptic world and gradually growing accustomed to one another.
Its gripping story and vibrant production design made Flow a unique phenomenon in the industry, and its widespread success as an indie film is unparalleled. That's why it won an Oscar in 2025, beating productions from larger, more prestigious studios.
4. 'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
The little French girl, Amélie, lives in Japan because her father works there. From childhood, she has felt special, even divine. So, every step she takes becomes a challenge for her family.
Fortunately, a maid named Nishio enters their lives – one of the few people besides her grandmother who can connect with this extraordinary little girl.
Her help is invaluable as the two-year-old tirelessly explores the world around her, encountering wonderful discoveries, sad events, and initial shocks.
3. 'Robot Dreams', 2023
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Dog, a lonely New Yorker, orders a robot friend from a store to keep him company in the evenings. Robot turns out to be a wonderful companion – fun to stroll around the city with and to watch TV at home with.
One warm September morning, Dog and Robot head to the beach. They have a wonderful day, but by sunset, Robot has rusted from the water and can't move.
Dog goes home, planning to return the next day with an oil can to fix Robot, but the next morning, he discovers that the beach is closed for the winter. No amount of persuasion helps – the gates are closed until the next beach season begins on June 1st of the following year.
2. 'Four Souls of Coyote', 2023
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
In the beginning, the world was covered by endless water. The Old Creator and his brother Duck dug up a handful of clay from the ocean floor and used it to create land.
There, the Old Creator planted plants and sculpted various animals. When he grew tired and decided to rest, he created a cunning, eternally hungry coyote while he slept. This new creature quickly brought chaos to the harmonious world because it craved meat.
The kind Creator hadn't planned for this, so he forbade animals from killing each other. Then, the suffering coyote stole a piece of magic clay from the Creator and secretly sculpted two little people to eat when they grew up.
1. 'Mars Express', 2023
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Mars, 23rd century. Private investigators Aline Ruby and Carlos Rivera take on the case of Jun Chow's disappearance.
During one of her shifts at the lab, an emergency occurred: the robot she was working with went out of control and refused to obey commands. Shortly thereafter, assailants opened fire in Jun's dorm room, and she and her roommate disappeared without a trace.
While investigating the scene, Aline and Carlos discover Jun's roommate dead and find unknown pills in the students' personal belongings.
