The landscape of animated cinema in 2017 was defined by a remarkable duality. It was a year where studios perfected the formula for hyper-polished, franchise-driven spectacles while simultaneously embracing daring, auteur-driven projects that challenged the boundaries of the medium. From the hand-drawn elegance of a musical romance to the cutting-edge virtual reality of a psychological thriller, the best animated picture 2017 had to offer was not just about entertainment, but a demonstration of the format's incredible versatility.
Critical Acclaim and the Year's Defining Masterpiece
When surveying the best animated picture 2017, the conversation inevitably begins and ends with "Coco." Pixar’s exploration of memory, family, and the true meaning of legacy resonated far beyond the box office, earning the film Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. The film's vibrant depiction of the Mexican Day of the Dead was lauded for its cultural authenticity and visual splendor, setting a new benchmark for emotional depth in animated storytelling. It wasn't just a children's movie; it was a profound meditation on death and remembrance that captivated audiences of all ages.
Runner-Up Excellence: Innovation in Animation
While "Coco" captured the heart, "The Breadwinner" stole the soul. This hand-drawn masterpiece from Cartoon Saloon offered a starkly different flavor of excellence, telling the story of a young girl in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan who disguises herself as a boy to support her family. Its recognition as the best animated picture 2017 by several critics and awards bodies stemmed from its breathtaking artistry and its courage to tackle a heavy, timely subject with profound sensitivity. The film proved that the best animated films are not defined by their style, but by their willingness to engage with the world.
The Commercial Titans and Crowd-Pleasers
Of course, the best animated picture 2017 list must also account for the titans of box office success. "Despicable Me 3" delivered the reliable, family-friendly chaos that guarantees massive returns, while "The Smurfs: The Lost Village" provided a surprisingly charming woodland adventure. These films, while perhaps lacking the critical accolades of their more artistic peers, represent the vital commercial engine of the animation industry, funding the riskier ventures and reminding us of the pure, uncomplicated joy of a well-executed, lighthearted spectacle.
Genre-Bending and Unexpected Gems
2017 also belonged to the bold experimenters who blurred the lines between animation and other genres. "The Lego Batman Movie" was a meta-textual triumph, deconstructing the superhero mythos with wit and infectious energy, earning its place as a standout entry in the superhero canon. Meanwhile, "Loving Vincent" pushed the envelope further, being the world's first fully painted feature film, with every frame an oil painting on canvas. This innovative approach to storytelling solidified its claim as a unique and unforgettable entry in the conversation for the best animated picture 2017.
Looking Forward: The Legacy of 2017
The diversity of the 2017 landscape is its most significant legacy. It demonstrated that audiences and critics were eager for both the safety of the superhero musical and the perilous journey of a young girl in a warzone. This year validated that there is no single "right" way to animate a story. The best animated picture 2017 wasn't just one film; it was the collective proof that animation is a boundless medium capable of delivering profound art, thrilling adventure, and everything in between.
Key Contenders of 2017
The debate over the absolute best is subjective, but the following films dominated the conversation for animated excellence in 2017:
