The 65 best animated series and movies on Netflix to watch right now

THERE'S always a mainstream Netflix series on the lips of just about everyone.

However, the animated series and movies aren't to be forgotten - here are our favourite picks.

• The best series on Netflix
• The best movies on Netflix
• New on Netflix: What to watch this week

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1. Rick and Morty

Animations aren't just for kids, as Rick and Morty proves.

The otherworldly series takes references from our world, such as the sinking of the Titanic.

Series one is available to stream now and has 11 episodes - it's one you can quickly sit through once hooked.

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2. F is for Family

The 15 rated comedy takes viewers back to the 1970s.

It mocks family life over four seasons, all of which are available to watch.

The show takes inspiration from the real-life of stand-up comic Bill Burr, who helped create the series.

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3. Spongebob Squarepants

A classic for children, but one that lots of adults enjoy too.

Laugh and cringe at the adventures of Spongebob, Patrick and Squidward as they work and live together under the sea.

There's a reason this show has endured after so many years.

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4. Avatar: The Last Airbender

A PG rated series that will captivate the minds of many children and young teenagers.

Aang has air bending powers, while the other characters have powers relating to the different elements.

The show follows Aang as he grows and learns more about his power, particularly as the last air bender.

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5. Sausage Party

The notorious raunchy comedy is worth watching if just for a laugh alone.

This is definitely not one for children!

Sausages discover what life is like after being sold at the supermarket.

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6. Minecraft: Story Mode

Minecraft started as game for people to play, either on peaceful mode so it's calming, or with villains.

Now it's been adapted to be a series for children with interactive elements.

The decision-based narrative is likely to keep children entertained.

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7. Disenchantment

The sci-fi series follows a rebellious Princess, who according to Netflix, "would rather be drinking".

There are two series currently available to stream.

This isn't your classic princess or royalty story - there are demons and other strange characters involved.

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8. Spirited Away

This critically acclaimed film is regarded as one of Studio Ghibli films.

Netflix accompany the synopsis with this note: "Director Hayao Miyazaki won an Oscar for his supernatural adventure - the highest grossing film in Japanese history."

Even if anime isn't your kind of film, this is considered one to give a try.

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9. BoJack Horseman

BoJack Horseman is almost a black comedy, as it look at a failed and forgotten actor from the 90s.

In attempting to make a comeback, he has to ditch the booze.

Watch him attempt to break into Hollywood again - with many hiccups along the way.

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10. Ruben Brandt, Collector

This is a teen crime film that sees a psychotherapist get the help of thieves to steal paintings that keep appearing in his dreams.

The style of this animation is unlike the others listed here - it's artsy, just like the stolen paintings.

It adds a whole new meaning to the word 'collector'.

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11. Masameer - The Movie

Currently listed as a popular watch on Netflix, this is a movie version of an original web series.

A girl with an interest in AI technology uses it to better her world, by making her friends become super heroes.

The Saudi animation did well in the Middle East, so was brought overseas.

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12. Tuca & Bertie

Rated 15, this animated comedy follows two 30 year old animal friends as they navigate the roller coaster that is life.

Tuca is a toucan and Bertie is a song thrush, and their personalities are opposite.

Their friendship has survived living together, but now they have to move out as Bertie has a new person move in.

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13. Big Mouth

Definitely not one for children with its 18 rating, Big Mouth is a shameless comedy looking at puberty.

It's been created by genuine friends Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg.

The series has been Emmy nominated.

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14. Hey Duggee

One for your youngest to enjoy, as characters earn badges when they learn a new skill.

Duggee leads a class of children at the Squirrel club.

The bitesize episodes are only 7 minutes long, so even the most restless children in your life should be able to engage.

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15. Flavors of Youth: International Version

Set in China, this Japanese film looks at the innocent first love between two characters.

There are two other stories looked at in the film, both set in different Chinese cities.

For those wanting something more heartfelt, this is one to go for.

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16. The Magic School Bus

This 90s PBS show sees a class of school pupils head out on the bus with the mysterious Ms. Frizzle.

However, it's no ordinary bus and the magical vehicle can transport them on incredible adventures and back in time to see the likes of dinosaurs.

It's educational and fan, what more could you want for your little ones?

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17. Castlevania

Castlevania is an adult animated series which is based on the Japanese video game of the same name.

The story follows Count Dracula as he declares all the people of Wallachia will pay for the death of his wife with their lives.

The famous vampires wife was falsely accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake, and his declaration leads the townspeople to live in fear.

That is until outcast monster hunter Trevor Belmont arrives and takes on Dracula and his forces with the help of his pals.

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18. Blood of Zeus

Blood of Zeus is set in the world of Greek mythology and was formerly called Gods & Heroes.

The adult animated series follows Heron, the demigod son of Zeus, trying to save Olympus and Earth.

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19. Love, Death + Robots

The first season of this adult animated series was released last year and consists of 18 standalone episodes.

The episodes were produced by different casts and crews and all link to at least one of the three words in the title.

In a further twist on the genre, actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead and actor Topher Grace appear in live-action form rather than animation.

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20. Trollhunters

This series follows a young man who is chosen to be the Trollhunter, a magical hero who fights against evil trolls and protects the world.

It is the brainchild of Hellboy's Guillermo del Toro and Marc Guggenheim from Arrow, so you know it's going to be good.

The storylines, characters and animation are brilliant and will entertain children and adults in equal measure.

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21. Green Eggs and Ham

This excellent animated series follows Sam-I-Am and Guy-Am I, who are tasked with guarding and transporting a wild chicken/giraffe hybrid, and end up on a roadtrip of self-discovery.

From the world of Dr. Suess, it also features a stellar cast including Adam Devine, Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton.

With many twists and turns, there is a lot for kids and adults alike to learn.

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22. Pokemon

It may have launched 20 years ago but Pokemon still stands up against its newer counterparts.

If you have lived under a rock for the last two decades, Pokemon follows a kid as he tries to catch, befriend and train the wide array of cute, strange and magical Pokemon to become a Pokemon master.

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23. Boss Baby Back in Business

Taking place after the film, the Boss Baby is back and this time he’s bringing his brother Tim for more fun and adventures.

There’s a new cute threat that involves battling cats and Boss Baby and his friends must save the town from Bootsy Calico.

Then Boss Baby is fired and tries to get his job back before he finally becomes the CEO of Baby Corp.

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24. The Willoughbys

Narrated by a stray cat, this animated film charts the adventures of a family who have horrible parents.

Sending them off on holiday the kids get a nanny who finally shows them love.

The children must learn to trust one another and open themselves up to being loved.

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25. Mr Bean

Based on the popular British skit comedy "Mr. Bean", this animated cartoon follows the adventures of everyone's favourite bumbler.

The title character, voiced by Rowan Atkinson, lives in his flat with the lovable Teddy, where he makes moronic decisions yet brilliantly solves them.

However, he also needs to outwit his evil landlady Mrs. Wicket and her horrible one-eyed cat Scrapper.

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26. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This 2018 film has fast become a fan favourite thanks to its incredible animation by veterans Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

The film starts with a twist on the typical Spider-Man origin story as it's a teen called Miles Morales who gets bitten by a radioactive spider, not Peter Parker.

Miles not only discovers he has developed mysterious powers, but that there are others in different dimensions who share them too.

In the end, they must unite to take on the evil Kingpin and find a way for everyone to get back to their own world.

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27. Bee Movie

Bee Movie was released in 2007 and is the first and - so far - only animated film written by Jerry Seinfeld.

Jerry also voiced the lead character Barry B. Benson alongside a star-studded cast including Chris Rock, Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick and John Goodman.

Fresh out of college, Barry the Bee finds the prospect of working with honey uninspiring.

He flies outside the hive for the first time and talks to a human, breaking a cardinal rule of his species, but soon learns that humans have been stealing and eating honey for centuries.

He realises that his true calling is to obtain justice for his kind by suing humanity for theft.

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28. Despicable Me

Despicable Me focuses on reformed super-villain Gru, who adopts three girls from an orphanage to try and steal a shrink ray from his rival Vector.

Gru - who is assisted by his yellow minions - then wanted to use the shrink ray to shrink and steal the moon.

However, the adorable girls soon melt Gru's heart and he grows to love them.

Steve Carell voices Gru, while the voice cast also includes Russell Brand and Miranda Cosgrove.

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29. Megamind

Super-intelligent alien supervillain, Megamind finally achieves his dream and beats his foe, beloved superhero Metro Man.

However, his victory soon feels hollow as he realises he has no purpose without him.

He tries to create a new superhero to replace him, but it backfires and the city soon starts to spiral out of control.

The voice cast includes Will Ferrell as the titular Megamind, as well as Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Tina Fey.

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30. South Park

South Park first aired in 1997 and is still as popular as ever thanks to the topical satire from creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

The series revolves around four friends—Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick—and their exploits in and around the titular Colorado town.

Not an animated series for young kids, South Park is known for its use of profanities and dark humour which is aimed at an older audience.

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31. Legend of Korra

The sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, this series is set 70 years after the events of the original.

Korra is the new Avatar and must learn how to airbend from Aang's son, Tenzin. However, when she gets to Republic City, she realises she needs to use her Avatar powers to stop it from being overrun by crime.

Perfect for the kids but, just like the first series, good enough for adults to watch on their own as well.

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32. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Bizarre by name, bizarre by nature, this fun show combines the paranormal, fantasy, action, comedy and adventure genres to create something incredibly unique.

Jonathan Joestar (JoJo) is caught up in a battle against his step-brother, Dio Brando, who has turned himself into a powerful vampire in order to steal the family fortune.

Over-the-top action and over-the-top dialogue, this show is a whirlwind that will sweep you away if you want it to.

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33. Death Note

Known as one of the greatest anime of all time, Death Note follows a Japanese high-school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that gives the user the ability to kill anyone.

The show inverts narrative norms by forcing you to follow - and sometimes root - for a villain as his grand plan is threatened by an equally genius private detective.

A must-watch for anime lovers and non-lovers alike, but one for teens rather than kids. There is also an American movie adaptation made for Netflix.

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34. Archer

Archer is long running adult-animated comedy following the exploits of a dysfunctional spy agency.

Originally aired in 2009, the show is a pop-culture-heavy ride that starts off as a Cold War-era spy programme, then morphs into everything from an Indiana Jones spoof to a 1930s detective show.

Quirky and sometimes stupid, it's well worth a watch.

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35. Princess Mononoke

Another Studio Ghibli classic, the animation legends have traded their usually sweet, childlike tone for a fantasy-action masterpiece.

In the 14th century, humans disturb the natural order of a sacred forest as they try to hunt the god and guardian of the forest, Shishigami.

Young, exiled prince Ashitaka is infected by a demon attack and seeks out the spirit of the forest to cure him - and his path collides with the humans, the fearsome wolf god Moro and the ferocious Princess Mononoke.

It's a PG so perfect for everyone, but there are some bloody moments.

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36. Minions

If you or your kids loved Despicable Me, then you must watch Minions.

The film is a spin-off prequel and also the third film in the Despicable Me franchise and follows three minions; Kevin, Stuart and Bob.

The trio set off on a quest in the 1960s to find a new evil boss to rule their species, which is their purpose in life.

They are hired by Scarlet Overkill, an incredibly famous and popular female supervillain as part of her plan to steal the Imperial State Crown from Queen Elizabeth II.

The voice cast includes Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Saunders and Michael Keaton.

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37. Pets United

Pets United is a 2019 animated film starring Natalie Dormer, Eddie Marsan and Jeff Burrell.

It acts as a pseudo-sequel to the 2010 film Animals United and a group of spoilt, selfish pets led by glamour cat Belle.

The animals become stranded in their luxury hangout 'Pampered Pets,' when the machines that run Robo City, the hypermodern metropolis that they live in, go wild and take over.

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38. Wonder Park

This 2019 film follows a young girl who encounters a real version of her magical amusement park, run by talking animals.

It has an impressive voice cast including Matthew Broderick, Jennifer Garner and Mila Kunis.

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39. Madagascar

This 2005 film follows a group of zoo animals after they find themselves washed ashore on the island.

They go through a series of misadventures, where they befriend a group of lemurs after defending them from the savage fossas.

However, Alex, a lion and the only carnivore of the group, slowly succumbs to his savage side, causing trouble.

The film's voice cast includes Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith.

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40. Flushed Away

Flushed Away was released in 2006 and was the third and final DreamWorks Animation film co-produced with Aardman Animations following Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

It follows a pet rat named Roddy St. James who is flushed down the toilet by a sewer rat.

He and befriends a scavenger named Rita in order to return home while evading a toad and his rat henchmen.

The voice cast includes Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Bill Nighy and Ian McKellen.

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41. Midnight Gospel

The Midnight Gospel is part podcast, part animation and tells the story of spacecaster Clancy.

He is proud owner of a multiverse simulator and uses the malfunctioning machine to explore existential questions about life and death and everything in between on his voyage to a variety of trippy worlds.

This American series is purely for adults and created by Duncan Trussell.

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42. The Dragon Prince

This animated plotline sees two human princes strike up a friendship with an elvin assassin - who was originally sent to kill them.

The partnership comes after an encounter with a dragon egg but means something very important - they must work together to bring peace to their warring lands.

The episodes see them put their differences aside in the quest for unity, using their special talents along the way.

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43. Peppa Pig

A little pig named Peppa and her little brother George have journeys everyday with their family and friends.

Peppa is a loveable, cheeky little piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig.

Peppa's favourite things include playing games, dressing up, days out and jumping in muddy puddles.

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44. Paw Patrol

The series focuses on a young boy named Ryder who leads a crew of search and rescue dogs that call themselves the PAW Patrol.

They work together on missions to protect the shoreside community of Adventure Bay and surrounding areas.

When their biggest rival, Humdinger, starts wreaking havoc as the mayor of Adventure City, Ryder and everyone's favourite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge.

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45. DOTA: Dragon's Blood

DOTA: Dragon's Blood is one of the more recent anime series to hit Netflix.

It sees a Dragon Knight harnessing the power of the dragon within him to put a stop to a deadly demon.

The eight-part fantasy tale is based on the original online game.

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46. Fullmetal Alchemist

In the fictional country of Amestris, two young brothers, Edward and Alphonse, are gifted with abilities in alchemy.

Able to transform matter, their talent becomes a burden when their mother dies for an illness before they are able to figure out how to save her.

Edward losing a leg, and Alphonse's body rendered un-useable, they both replace their limbs with prosthetics and become Full Metal Alchemists.

Seeking out the legendary Philosopher's Stone, the boys look to heal themselves and return to normal.

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47. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

The Great Mutant Outbreak of 2017 causes creatures to grow to an incredible size and develop incredible intelligence.

Fleeing the mutant race, humans are forced underground - and battle to save themselves and their loved ones.

When her home is destroyed, Kipo bands together with a surface dweller - both human and mutant - to find her father.

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48. Aggretsuko

Also known by its original Japanese title Aggressive Retsuko, the comedy series is based on the eponymous Sanio character Yeti.

Joining with Netflix in 2018, the 30 episodes follow the anthropomorphic red panda in her day-to-day life working in accounting.

Facing constant frustration from her co-workers, Retsuko lets out her emotions by going to a karaoke bar every night and singing death metal.

But her one-of-a-kind personality often sees her in trouble, and unlucky in love.

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49. The Hollow

The Canadian animated series was added to Netflix in 2018.

It follows the story of three teenagers, who wake up trapped in a mysterious room not remembering anything, including their names.

The group face challenges and strange enemies in an unknown world as they try and find their way home.

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50. Scissor Seven

Known as Killer 7 in china upon its release, the animated show follows Seven, a talented hairdresser.

With skills using scissors and the ability to disguise himself easily, he offers a contract killing people for cheap.

Hired by a woman to assassinate her husband, Seven confronts — and bonds with — He Dachun.

But not completing his assignments land Seven in trouble, and quickly.

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51. Akira

This anime, dating back to 1988, swaps sweetness and light for blood and violence.

The plotline is set in the aftermath of an atomic bomb, which has been dropped on Tokyo, following experiments on children which have gone wrong.

Fast forward to 2019 and bike gang leader Kaneda is battling against anti government activists to save his pal Tetsuo from a secret government project.

Yet everything changes when Tetsuo's supernatural powers come to light.

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52. Masameer County

The show's first season debuted on Netflix this month.

The TV comedy sees: "A humorous view on life in a changing Saudi Arabia, with stories about a media war, a long-standing tribal feud and a health craze gone too far."

The animation stars Malik Nejer, Abdulaziz Alshehri and Mazroa Almazroa.

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53. My Hero Academia

This is a Japanese superhero manga series written and illustrated by Kōhei Horikoshi.

It is made of 30 instalments.

The plotline tracks the life of Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where they have become commonplace.

Yet he never gives up the dream of being a superhero himself.

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54. Rainbow Rangers

Both seasons of this sweet-as-candy series are now available on Netflix after starting out on Nickelodeon.

It tracks seven cartoon girls, who are all aged nine, as they live in the magical world of Kaleidoscopia.

Each little girl is inspired. by a colour in the rainbow and they all hold special powers, which they use to make the world a better place.

A spot of light relief in today's troubling world.

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55. The Land Before Time XIV: Journey of the Brave

This movie was originally released in 2016.

It is the whopping 14th animated adventure of Littlefoot and his friends, who set out to find his father when he doesn't return from an important mission.

An adorable movie for all the family.

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56. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

This animated film follows Katie Mitchell and her family as they embark on a road trip ahead of her first year at film school.

However, their plans are interrupted when all the world's electronic devices come to life and stage an uprising.

It's up to Katie, her family and two friendly robots to save the planet.

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57. Shrek

One of the best animations to grace screens and it even won an Academy Award. 

Once Upon a Time in a far away swamp, lived on Ogre named Shrek. 

His peaceful solace is interrupted when a herd of fairytale characters descend on his swamp claiming they have nowhere to go.

When he asks who sent them there, they state the evil Lord Farquaad had banished them.

With determination and an irritating donkey, Shrek goes to Lord Farquaad to make a deal to get his swamp back.

What he didn’t know was that entailed saving a princess from a tower guarded by a dragon.

If you love the original, you can also check out Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third.

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58. The Lego Batman Movie

This fun take on the Batman universe sees Will Arnett voice Batman, who has to once again save Gotham City from The Joker, voiced by The Hangover's Zach Galifianakis.

Batman is joined - much to his frustration - by Robin (Michael Cera) and starts to realise he might have to drop the lone vigilante persona he has maintained for so long and even, dare we say it, lighten up.

The voice cast also includes Ralph Fiennes and Rosario Dawson and has something for adults and children alike with action and plenty humour.

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59. Vivo

Vivo is a musical comedy-drama with Hamilton supremo Lin-Manuel Miranda voicing the main character as well as writing the music.

The sweet film follows a music-loving kinkajou who embarks on the journey of a lifetime to fulfill his destiny and deliver a love song for an old friend.

The voice cast also includes Zoe Saldana Michael Rooker and Gloria Estefan.

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60. Mr. Peabody & Sherman

This 2014 film stars Ty Burell, Ariel Winter, Allison Janney and Leslie Mann.

Mr. Peabody is a gifted anthropomorphic dog who lives in a penthouse in New York City. with his adopted human son, 7-year-old Sherman.

Mr. Peabody tutors Sherman by travelling throughout history using the WABAC ("way back") time machine.

However, Sherman rips a hole in the universe after he takes the time machine without permission in a bid to impress his friend Penny.

It immediately causes havoc with world history and so it is up to Mr. Peabody to launch a rescue mission to stop the past, present and future from being permanently altered.

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61. The Mitchells vs The Machines

If you enjoyed the LEGO Movie and are into goofy sci-fi, then you'll love The Mitchells vs The Machines.

It beings with the film's protagonist having a disagreement with her father that encourages him to drive her to college himself, instead of letting her fly there - but there's an unexpected twist.

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62. ParaNorman

ParaNorman is a spooky tale of Halloween haunts that has a resonant twist.

The story follows Norman, a young boy who can see and speak with the dead and that, in particular, comes in handy when a curse hits his sleepy town - and ghouls rise from their graves and begin terrorising its citizens. 

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63. Monster House

While a haunted house is a classic setting for many a horror film over the years, rarely is this seen in the medium animation.

Enter Monster House, a computer-generated scare-fest that has some rather truly disturbing ghost stories haunting its foundation. 

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64. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a feel-good factor film that is more than capable of putting a gigantic smile on your face.

There's a nice father-son bonding subplot, there's a heart-warming love story and there's even a talking monkey who rips the heart out of a sentient gummi bear. So, what's not to like?

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65.Kung Fu Panda 2

Kung Fu Panda 2 is, undoubtedly, better - and funnier - than its predecessor.

The film is fairly grown up in its thematic material, too, as it tackles the subject of adoption with surprising nuance, but it's also still silly, colourful and vivacious.