The year 2020 presented a unique landscape for cinema, forcing audiences indoors and creating a paradoxical boom in animated features. While the pandemic disrupted production schedules, it also provided a sanctuary for streaming platforms to invest heavily in bold, colorful stories designed for home viewing. This article explores the best animated 2020 had to offer, highlighting films that mastered emotional storytelling, pushed visual boundaries, or redefined the genre for a new era.
A Year of Resilience and Reinvention
Unlike previous years where animation was often relegated to a summer blockbuster slot, 2020 saw a diverse release strategy. Films found homes on major streaming services, premium VOD, and traditional theaters that remained open. This shift allowed for more experimental work and catered to families seeking safe, engaging entertainment during lockdowns. The best animated 2020 delivered was not just escapism, but a reflection of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of imagination when the world felt uncertain.
Emotional Depth in Unexpected Packages
Several films this year proved that animation is the perfect medium for tackling complex emotions with sincerity. "Wolfwalkers" stands as a towering achievement, using its lush, hand-dawn aesthetic to explore themes of colonialism, identity, and freedom. The connection between Robyn and Mebh feels genuine, and the film’s message about understanding the "other" resonates deeply. Similarly, "Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary" offers a poignant Western adventure that deconstructs myth through the eyes of a sensitive girl, blending stunning visuals with a surprisingly mature narrative about destiny and self-discovery.
Streaming Giants Step Forward
With theaters closed, streaming platforms became the primary destination for animated features, leading to some of the most ambitious releases of the year. Netflix invested heavily in original content, resulting in a strong lineup. "The Willoughbys" captured the dry wit and visual charm of a dysfunctional family, while "Over the Moon" delivered a dazzling musical spectacle that honored Chinese folklore with vibrant, kinetic animation. These films demonstrated that the small screen could be a viable canvas for grand animation, provided the story and execution were strong enough.
Revisiting Childhood Favorites
2020 also gave audiences the chance to revisit beloved franchises with new installments. "Onward," though released just before the shutdowns began, felt like a comforting embrace for fans of Pixar. Its exploration of grief and brotherhood, set in a suburban fantasy world, showcased the studio at its finest. Meanwhile, the "Croods" franchise continued its surprisingly enjoyable run with "The Croods: A New Age," offering prehistoric slapstick that landed effectively for younger viewers while sneaking in commentary about modern society.
