15 Top Animated Animal Movies Featuring animals as MCs

Lila Sommers

Lila Sommers

animated animal movies banner

Ever found yourself lost in the vibrant jungles of 'The Lion King' or navigating the bustling streets of 'Zootopia'? I have, and it's magical! Animated animal movies have a unique charm, whisking us away to worlds where animals talk, sing, and embark on epic adventures.

Whether it's the nostalgic classics from our childhood or the modern masterpieces that dazzle with cutting-edge animation, these films hold a special place in our hearts.

As a lifelong animation enthusiast, I've curated a list of the top 15 animated animal movies that are a must-watch. Dive in with me as we explore tales of friendship, courage, and the wild wonders of the animal kingdom. Ready for a cinematic journey?

Image
Rotten tomatoes93%
iMBD88
Metacritic8.5

In the heart of Africa's Pride Lands, young lion cub Simba dreams of becoming king. But when tragedy strikes, orchestrated by his wicked uncle Scar, Simba is exiled, leaving behind everything he knows. As he grows, he meets the quirky duo, Timon and Pumbaa, who teach him the carefree "Hakuna Matata" philosophy. Yet, destiny calls. With the Pride Lands in peril, Simba must confront his past, embrace his royal heritage, and reclaim his throne. A tale of redemption, love, and the circle of life, "The Lion King" is an animated masterpiece that resonates with both kids and adults.

CAST

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Moira Kelly

Moira Kelly

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane

Ernie Sabella

Ernie Sabella

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume

Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones

Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons

Niketa Calame-Harris

Niketa Calame-Harris

Directed by Roger Allers
Image
Rotten tomatoes98%
iMBD78
Metacritic8

Welcome to Zootopia, a sprawling metropolis where animals of all kinds coexist. Enter Judy Hopps, the city's first bunny cop, eager to prove herself. When predators mysteriously start going savage, she jumps on the case, teaming up with a sly fox named Nick Wilde. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of Zootopia. As they navigate the city's diverse districts, from the icy Tundratown to the rainforest district, they discover that in Zootopia, anyone can be anything. A thrilling mystery with a powerful message about unity and acceptance, "Zootopia" is a modern animated classic.

CAST

Jason Bateman

Jason Bateman

Ginnifer Goodwin

Ginnifer Goodwin

Idris Elba

Idris Elba

Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate

Nate Torrence

Nate Torrence

Bonnie Hunt

Bonnie Hunt

Don Lake

Don Lake

Tommy Chong

Tommy Chong

J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer

Directed by Byron Howard
Image
Rotten tomatoes99%
iMBD90
Metacritic8.2

Deep in the Great Barrier Reef, overprotective clownfish Marlin faces every parent's worst nightmare: his son, Nemo, is captured by divers. Determined to rescue him, Marlin embarks on a daring journey across the ocean, encountering various marine creatures, including the forgetful yet endearing Dory. As Marlin faces sharks, jellyfish, and a current-riding group of sea turtles, Nemo finds himself in a dentist's fish tank in Sydney, plotting his escape with a group of tank-mates. "Finding Nemo" is a heartwarming tale of love, courage, and perseverance, reminding us that family bonds can overcome the wildest of oceans.

CAST

Albert Brooks

Albert Brooks

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres

Alexander Gould

Alexander Gould

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe

Geoffrey Rush

Geoffrey Rush

Brad Garrett

Brad Garrett

Allison Janney

Allison Janney

Austin Pendleton

Austin Pendleton

Stephen Root

Stephen Root

Vicki Lewis

Vicki Lewis

Directed by Andrew Stanton
Image
Rotten tomatoes91%
iMBD91
Metacritic7.3

In the heart of a tranquil forest, a young deer named Bambi takes his first steps into a world filled with wonders and challenges. As seasons change and time flows, Bambi discovers the joys of friendship with characters like Thumper, the playful rabbit, and Flower, the bashful skunk. But with beauty also comes the harsh realities of nature and life's unpredictable turns. From the thrill of winter's first snow to the heart-wrenching loss, Bambi's journey is a testament to resilience, love, and growth. This timeless Disney classic not only paints a vivid picture of the circle of life but also tugs at the heartstrings of every viewer, reminding us of the delicate balance of nature.

CAST

Donnie Dunagan

Donnie Dunagan

Peter Behn

Peter Behn

Stan Alexander

Cammie King

Cammie King

Will Wright

Will Wright

Hardie Albright

Hardie Albright

Ann Gillis

Ann Gillis

Tim Davis

Sam Edwards

Sam Edwards

Sterling Holloway

Sterling Holloway

Directed by David Hand
Image
Rotten tomatoes93%
iMBD83
Metacritic7.9

Dive into the cunning world of Mr. Fox, a dapper and clever creature with a penchant for poultry theft. Living a peaceful life with his family, Mr. Fox's sly instincts lead him back to his old, wild ways, putting him at odds with three disgruntled farmers: Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. As the farmers wage war against him, Mr. Fox, with the help of his animal friends, must outwit their every move to protect his family and community. Directed by Wes Anderson, this stop-motion masterpiece is a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and heart. It's a tale that celebrates individuality, teamwork, and the age-old battle of wits between man and animal.

CAST

George Clooney

George Clooney

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep

Jason Schwartzman

Jason Schwartzman

Bill Murray

Bill Murray

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe

Owen Wilson

Owen Wilson

Eric Chase Anderson

Eric Chase Anderson

Michael Gambon

Michael Gambon

Jarvis Cocker

Jarvis Cocker

Directed by Wes Anderson
Image
Rotten tomatoes87%
iMBD74
Metacritic7.6

Meet Po, a clumsy, food-loving panda with dreams bigger than his belly. In an unexpected twist of fate, Po is chosen as the legendary Dragon Warrior, destined to defend the Valley of Peace against the fearsome Tai Lung. There's just one problem: Po knows nothing about kung fu! Under the reluctant guidance of Master Shifu and the Furious Five, Po embarks on a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and dumplings. As he trains, Po learns that true strength comes from within and that anyone, regardless of their background, can become a hero. Packed with action, humor, and heart, "Kung Fu Panda" is a high-kicking adventure that teaches us about believing in oneself and embracing destiny.

CAST

Jack Black

Jack Black

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman

Ian McShane

Ian McShane

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen

David Cross

David Cross

Randall Duk Kim

Randall Duk Kim

James Hong

James Hong

Directed by Mark Osborne
Image
Rotten tomatoes96%
iMBD96
Metacritic8.1

In the heart of Paris, Remy, a passionate rat with a flair for flavors, dreams of becoming a world-class chef. But there's a twist: he's a rodent in a world where his kind is unwelcome in the kitchen! When fate leads him to the clumsy but kind-hearted Linguini, an unlikely partnership forms. Together, they navigate culinary challenges, critics, and kitchen chaos. As Remy's gourmet dishes gain acclaim, he teaches everyone a vital lesson: greatness can come from the most unexpected places. Dive into this delightful tale where ambition meets animation, proving that anyone can cook, no matter how small!

CAST

Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt

Lou Romano

Lou Romano

Ian Holm

Ian Holm

Brian Dennehy

Brian Dennehy

Peter Sohn

Peter Sohn

Peter O'Toole

Peter O'Toole

Brad Garrett

Brad Garrett

Janeane Garofalo

Janeane Garofalo

Will Arnett

Will Arnett

Julius Callahan

Julius Callahan

Directed by Brad Bird
Image
iMBD65
Metacritic7.6

Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, finds himself on a thrilling journey through the vibrant jungles of India. As he sets out to find his place in the world, he's guided by the wise panther Bagheera and the free-spirited bear Baloo. But danger lurks in the shadows, with the fierce tiger Shere Khan vowing to eliminate the man-cub. Along the way, Mowgli encounters a host of unforgettable characters, from the hypnotic snake Kaa to the swinging King Louie. This animated classic takes you on a musical adventure, celebrating friendship, freedom, and the wild call of the jungle.

CAST

Bruce Reitherman

Phil Harris

Phil Harris

Sebastian Cabot

Sebastian Cabot

George Sanders

George Sanders

Sterling Holloway

Sterling Holloway

Louis Prima

Louis Prima

J. Pat O'Malley

J. Pat O'Malley

Clint Howard

Clint Howard

Chad Stuart

Chad Stuart

Lord Tim Hudson

Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman
Image
Rotten tomatoes93%
iMBD78
Metacritic7.3

In a tale where romance meets roguish charm, Lady, a refined cocker spaniel, finds her pampered life turned upside down. Enter Tramp, a street-smart mutt with a heart of gold and tales of adventure. When circumstances push them together, the duo embarks on a whirlwind journey across the city. From moonlit spaghetti dinners to daring escapades, their bond grows. But can love bridge the gap between their two worlds? This heartwarming story serves up a delicious blend of romance, laughter, and unforgettable songs. It's a reminder that love knows no boundaries, and sometimes, opposites truly do attract.

CAST

Barbara Luddy

Barbara Luddy

Larry Roberts

Larry Roberts

Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee

Bill Thompson

Bill Thompson

Bill Baucom

Bill Baucom

Stan Freberg

Stan Freberg

Verna Felton

Verna Felton

Alan Reed

Alan Reed

George Givot

George Givot

Dal McKennon

Dal McKennon

Directed by Hamilton Luske
Image
Rotten tomatoes41%
iMBD49
Metacritic7.3

In the heart of London, two dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, find love, leading their owners, Roger and Anita, to do the same. But when Perdita gives birth to a litter of adorable puppies, the wicked Cruella de Vil sees dollar signs instead of spots. Dreaming of a lavish fur coat, Cruella hatches a sinister plan to kidnap the pups. With the help of the London animal community, from loyal dogs to savvy cats, Pongo and Perdita embark on a daring rescue mission. It's a race against time, filled with suspense, humor, and heart. Dive into this animated classic that celebrates bravery, family, and the undeniable charm of our four-legged friends.

CAST

Glenn Close

Glenn Close

Jeff Daniels

Jeff Daniels

Joely Richardson

Joely Richardson

Joan Plowright

Joan Plowright

Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie

Mark Williams

Mark Williams

John Shrapnel

John Shrapnel

Tim McInnerny

Tim McInnerny

Hugh Fraser

Hugh Fraser

Zohren Weiss

Zohren Weiss

Directed by Stephen Herek
Image
Rotten tomatoes71%
iMBD61
Metacritic6.5

Ever wondered what your pets do when you're not around? Max, a pampered terrier, enjoys his comfortable life in a New York apartment until his owner adopts Duke, a giant, boisterous stray. The two dogs don't get along, but when they find themselves lost in the city's urban jungle, they must set aside their differences. As they embark on a wild adventure, they encounter a fluffy, cunning bunny named Snowball, who's building an army of abandoned pets with a vendetta against humans. From soaring above skyscrapers to navigating the city's sewers, Max and Duke discover that the world outside is much bigger, crazier, and more exciting than they ever imagined.

CAST

Louis C.K.

Louis C.K.

Eric Stonestreet

Eric Stonestreet

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate

Ellie Kemper

Ellie Kemper

Albert Brooks

Albert Brooks

Lake Bell

Lake Bell

Dana Carvey

Dana Carvey

Hannibal Buress

Hannibal Buress

Bobby Moynihan

Bobby Moynihan

Directed by Chris Renaud
Image
iMBD61
Metacritic7.5

As the world plunges into a chilling Ice Age, three unlikely heroes emerge: Manny, a grumpy woolly mammoth; Sid, a talkative, clumsy sloth; and Diego, a cunning sabertooth tiger. Their paths cross when they stumble upon a human baby, separated from his tribe. Despite their differences and natural instincts, the trio decides to return the child to his family. Along their journey, they face treacherous terrains, confront prehistoric predators, and form an unexpected bond. Amidst the icy landscapes, 'Ice Age' delivers a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and the lengths we go to for those we care about. Join this quirky trio as they navigate the challenges and joys of an ever-changing world.

CAST

Ray Romano

Ray Romano

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo

Denis Leary

Denis Leary

Goran Visnjic

Goran Visnjic

Jack Black

Jack Black

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer

Stephen Root

Stephen Root

Diedrich Bader

Diedrich Bader

Alan Tudyk

Alan Tudyk

Lorri Bagley

Lorri Bagley

Directed by Chris Wedge
Image
Rotten tomatoes55%
iMBD57
Metacritic6.9

When four pampered animals from New York's Central Park Zoo accidentally find themselves shipwrecked on the exotic island of Madagascar, they discover the wild isn't exactly what they expected. Alex the lion, once the king of the urban jungle, struggles with his carnivorous nature, while Marty the zebra yearns for freedom. Throw in a hypochondriac giraffe and a sassy hippo, and you've got a recipe for adventure! As they navigate the island's challenges and befriend a quirky group of lemurs, our city slickers learn that life outside the cage might not be so bad after all. A tale of friendship, self-discovery, and wild dance parties!

CAST

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller

Chris Rock

Chris Rock

David Schwimmer

David Schwimmer

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith

Sacha Baron Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer

Andy Richter

Andy Richter

Tom McGrath

Tom McGrath

Christopher Knights

Christopher Knights

Chris Miller

Chris Miller

Directed by Eric Darnell
Image
Rotten tomatoes75%
iMBD67
Metacritic6.7

When a group of woodland creatures wakes up from hibernation, they're in for a shock: half of their forest has been turned into a suburban neighborhood! Enter RJ, a smooth-talking raccoon with a plan to raid the humans' trash cans and stock up on food. As he recruits the animals for his heist, including a skeptical turtle named Verne, they embark on a series of hilarious misadventures. From dodging exterminators to outsmarting a pesky house cat, these critters are learning the ropes of suburban life. But as the stakes get higher, they must decide what's more important: food or family? A heartwarming comedy about adapting to change and the meaning of home.

CAST

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis

Garry Shandling

Garry Shandling

Steve Carell

Steve Carell

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes

William Shatner

William Shatner

Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte

Thomas Haden Church

Thomas Haden Church

Allison Janney

Allison Janney

Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy

Catherine O'Hara

Catherine O'Hara

Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick
Image
Rotten tomatoes72%
iMBD65
Metacritic7.2

In the heart of the countryside, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Tod, a mischievous young fox, and Copper, a playful hound puppy. Their carefree days are filled with playful antics, unaware of the world outside their forest haven. But as they grow older, their bond is tested by the very nature of their being: one is a hunter, and the other is prey. As the pressures of the outside world and their inherent instincts pull them apart, they must navigate the challenges of loyalty, friendship, and destiny. A touching tale that delves deep into the complexities of friendship against the odds, reminding us that true bonds can transcend even the fiercest of divides.

CAST

Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell

Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey

Jack Albertson

Jack Albertson

Sandy Duncan

Sandy Duncan

Jeanette Nolan

Jeanette Nolan

Pat Buttram

Pat Buttram

John Fiedler

John Fiedler

John McIntire

John McIntire

Richard Bakalyan

Richard Bakalyan

Directed by Ted Berman

Comments & User Suggestions

Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

Copyright © 2024 Where to Watch. All rights reserved.
Made in Brisbane