We sat down a while back to hash out our absolute favorite animated films of all time. The resulting countdown spans childhood staples, absolute classics, and a few stubborn personal picks that will never leave our top spots.
When you start comparing notes on animated movies with someone who grew up in the same era, you realize pretty quickly that childhood favorites are permanently cemented in place. You get set in your ways. Once a movie shapes who you are during those formative years, it is almost impossible for anything new to knock it off the pedestal.
That is exactly what happened when we started comparing our lists. We each brought a different set of formative memories to the table, leading to a countdown that covers a lot of nostalgic ground without any corporate padding.
Rank 5: Aladdin and The Secret of the Sword
Steve went with Aladdin, pointing to the undeniable peak of the Disney Renaissance. Meanwhile, Mike pulled from deep catalog nostalgia with He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword, proving that childhood afternoon viewing habits leave a mark that lasts a lifetime.
Rank 4: Toy Story 3 and The Sword in the Stone
For Steve, Toy Story 3 remains the gold standard for how you close out a trilogy, hitting every emotional beat with precision. Mike went back to classic Disney with The Sword in the Stone, championing the charm and cozy atmosphere of that specific era of animation.
Rank 3: Transformers: The Movie (1986) and Titan AE
Steve brought the 1986 animated Transformers feature to the board, a movie that defined an entire generation of toy-buying kids with its sheer unapologetic intensity. Mike countered with Titan AE, a distinct sci-fi project that carved out its own dedicated following.
Rank 2: Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F and Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
Steve opted for Dragon Ball Z, shouting out the Resurrection F era along with a nod to Broly for sheer action-heavy satisfaction. Mike went dark with Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, a brutal and compelling continuation of the animated Gotham universe that pulls no punches.
Rank 1: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Transformers: The Movie (1986)
At the top spot, Steve crowned Mask of the Phantasm as the definitive cinematic take on the Dark Knight, blending noir atmosphere with genuine tragedy. Mike gave the ultimate top spot to the 1986 Transformers movie, bringing the nostalgic loop full circle.
We are already looking ahead to our massive 2026 top 100 animated series countdown, so expect plenty more arguments about what actually deserves a spot in the hall of fame.
Based on the episode: Mike and Steve’s Top 5 Animated Films Right Now!
