Top 5 Best & Worst Animated Films of 2023

The reviewer highlights 2023 as an exceptionally strong year for animation, noting a trend towards progressive storytelling and mature themes like immigration and feminism as keys to the industry's success.

The countdown includes 'Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir,' 'The Magician's Elephant,' 'Ruby Gilman, Teenage Kraken,' 'The Monkey King,' and ranks 'Trolls Band Together' as the worst due to its soulless, corporate-driven production.

A selection of solid but not top-tier films that contributed to a strong year, including 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' 'PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie,' and 'Migration.'

The top-tier list recognizes 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,' the controversial duo of 'Elemental' and 'Wish,' Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Boy and the Heron,' and 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.'

The film 'Nimona' is crowned the best animated film of 2023, praised for its resilient production history, artistic quality, and brave LGBTQ+ representation.

The video concludes with a brief look at the slate of upcoming animated projects for 2024, expressing both optimism and caution regarding the industry's future trajectory.