It doesn’t take much browsing on my blog to figure out that I’m a devout Pixar enthusiast (Disney included). But there are some movies made by competitors that come awfully close, if not hit right on target, to Pixar’s standards of excellence. Here are my favorite non-Pixar/Disney animated movies that you’re sure to have a good time with.
Shrek 2 (Dreamworks)
I love the second installment of the Shrek movies. It’s hip, it’s fun, and the soundtrack is awesome. It’s a fairytale within a fairytale, and it doesn’t bash all the other fairytales like its predecessor does. And the pouty Prince Charming is just hilarious.
Surf’s Up (Sony Pictures Animation/Columbia)
This one didn’t sit too well with critics and audiences far as I know, and I can’t understand why. It’s a very original animated flick told in the style of a documentary. Sarabeth says you’ve got to have a love for the beach and surfing to enjoy this movie, so she might be right. At any rate, I’ve always said it’s as good as a Pixar movie, if for anything, its originality.
Horton Hears a Who (Blue Sky Studios/Fox)
This is a fun little movie based off of the Dr. Seuss classic storybook, which I hadn’t read before seeing it. It’s not as sophisticated as other movies, but it’s big, bright, and colorful. Definitely pulls out the child in me, and it’s no chore to sit down and watch it on a rainy weekend.
Despicable Me (Illumination Entertainment/Universal)
There’s nothing truly awe-inspiring about this movie, but it’s fun – just flat-out fun, with a few quotable moments throughout. Another good one for rainy weekends. I think what draws me in so much is the adoption theme. That’ll get me every time.
How to Train Your Dragon (Dreamworks)
This one probably comes the closest to being on par with Pixar standards. It’s got everything you need to make an animated movie go from really good to exceptional – fast action, witty dialogue, no potty humor, emotional content, and the protagonists lose something dear in the end. I haven’t seen the sequel yet, but I’m sure excited to whenever we get around to it.
What are your favorite non-Pixar/Disney animated movies?
Life Through the Big Screen 
I’m a huge fan of ‘Up,’ it brings me to tears every time and ‘Tangled,’ was a big surprise – my 13-year-old son and I laughed hysterically the first time we watched it – wonderful one-liners!
Great post – thanks for sharing.
AnnMarie 🙂
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Those are both extremely great. I’ve always thought Tangled is probably the funniest Disney movie made.
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‘Monsters Inc’ would be one of my favourites. But then again, ‘Megamind’ aren’t half bad itself. I kind of love Megamind’s way of style in talking and actions its rather cute I’ll say.
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It is pretty witty – you can rarely go wrong with a Will Ferrell family movie.
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My friends have a daughter who thinks the Finn Ryder from Tangled is me. She got such a kick when I’d fall on purpose and say, “I think I broke my smoulder.” All great films.
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Tangled is amazing.
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Up is my FAVE!!! And it includes Fenton’s at the end, lol. I’ve been going there since I was a baby!
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Oh, that’s cool!
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It kinda is. 🙂
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Nice list as you asked for NON PIXAR….
My favorite non Pixar movie is The Iron Giant. It was directed by Brad Bird who did The Incredibles, the studio did not know what to do with it before they released it and it was dead on arrival when it finally made it to the theaters. If it was released today it would be promoted so differently. Here is a link to the trailer:
If you get choked up watching Toy Story, this movie will do the same.
Here are two others I would also consider good family movies that are annimated and would give Pixar a run for their money story wise.
Another is Howl’s Moving Castle.
My Friend Totoro
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Iron Giant is absolutely amazing! I would have included it at the top of the list had I not just been focused on CGI movies. But yes, Iron Giant is one of the greats (as is Bird).
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I am wallowing in my middle years but my heart refuses to shun animation movies. I am going to pull out ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ this weekend.
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I’m pretty jealous. Such a great film.
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I have seen and thoroughly enjoyed not only all those listed but also all those suggested in the comments thus far. Miyazaki’s anime films are INCREDIBLE. I also like his “Porco Russo” film very much, partly because they don’t really bother explaining everything.
Iron Giant is a long standing favorite here.
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I just don’t know where to find any anime film. I’ve been told repeatedly that they’re fantastic. Any suggestions?
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Oooo, love Despicable Me, Miyazaki and Iron Giant as well! I do have to admit that I really love Kung-Fu Panda. It’s just so ridiculous. But I think my absolute non-Pixar – though still Disney – is Meet the Robinsons. It’s adoption-themed as well, but also ridiculous. That dinosaur scene, where the T-rex goes, “I have a big head, and little arms…” and then he sits there apologetically holding his tail, saying, “Master?” gets me every time.
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Kung-Fu Panda almost made the list here… 🙂 And yes, Meet the Robinson’s gets me every time.
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I agree with some of the other commenters that anything by Miyazaki is wonderful. Also, thanks for including How to Train Your Dragon on your list. That film is fantastic!
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Where would I find a Miyazaki film? I’ve looked everywhere.
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There should be some at many libraries and stores, I would think. Otherwise there will be some on Amazon. I am not sure about Netflix. Some of his films include Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and The Wind Rises.
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Turns out my library does carry them. Just placed a hold request. I’ll be blogging about them soon if I like them!
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Great! I look forward to it.
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My favourite of this is How To Train Your Dragon, it is very heart warming movie.
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Yes, it is.
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Nice list!
For me, I liked Spirited Away the most among Miyazaki’s works. I thought Tangled was fantastic. Meet the Robinsons and How to Train Your Dragon were very good as well. My 2-year-old niece enjoys Megamind.
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I’ll be checking out some Miyazaki works very soon here. Hoping to be a new convert.
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Those minions from “Despicable Me”, are just overly adorable. Plus, I love that movie called, “Monsters Inc.” ❤
And, sir, your blog is great (Y) 🙂
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Thank you. Have you seen the Monsters Inc. prequel called Monsters University? I think it’s just as good.
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Not yet! But I’ll definitely watch it soon 😀
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A non-Pixar CG cartoon I enjoyed recently was Megamind. I thought it was witty and I am a sucker for super hero stuff.
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We love all of the Ice Age films in our house and the Madagascar crew!
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Those can be fun.
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I love all these movies! And Shrek 2 was by far my favourite of the Shrek installments.
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I really love How To Train Your Dragon! The second movie is awesome! 🙂
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Haven’t seen the sequel yet, but very much looking forward to it!
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