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How to Make the Latest Best Animated Movies in 3 Steps
introduction
The animation industry is booming, projected to hit over $600 billion in the next few years. Everyone wants a piece of that pie. But when you look at the latest best animated movies, you realize it’s not just about having a cute character or a big budget. So, what’s the secret sauce?
You’ve probably seen dozens of “best of” lists, but they only tell you what to watch. They don’t tell you how these blockbusters get made or, more importantly, why they succeed commercially and critically. It’s a huge gap for decision-makers like you.
I’m going to break down the exact formula. We’re going beyond simple reviews to give you a strategic look at the creative, technological, and business decisions that power the world’s most successful animated films. You’ll get an actionable blueprint to understand what it takes to create a hit.
Key Takeaways
| Strategy | Why It Matters | Actionable Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Leverage Strong IP | Reduces marketing risk and leverages a built-in audience for predictable success. | Analyze existing IP for emotional resonance and franchise potential before greenlighting. |
| Innovate Visually | Unique animation styles (like hybrid 2D/3D) create unforgettable experiences and buzz. | Partner with studios that are pushing technological boundaries, not just replicating a style. |
| Master Your Distribution | The right release strategy—theatrical, streaming, or hybrid—can make or break your ROI. | Study audience demographics to determine the optimal platform for your film’s release. |
Step 1: Deconstruct the Storytelling DNA of Recent Hits
You can have the most groundbreaking visuals in the world, but if your story doesn’t connect, you’ve got nothing. The latest best animated movies aren’t just technically brilliant; they are emotionally resonant. They do this in two primary ways.
Lean on Powerful, Existing IP
Look at films like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse or The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Their success wasn’t an accident. They tapped into decades of audience love for these characters.
Using established Intellectual Property (IP) is a massive shortcut. You don’t have to spend millions educating the audience on your world and its rules. They already know and love it. The challenge isn’t invention; it’s *reinvention*—giving fans something new while honoring the source material.
- Reduced Risk: Built-in audiences all but guarantee a strong opening weekend.
- Deeper Connection: The stories can explore more complex themes because the foundational work is already done.
- Merchandising Power: Franchises are goldmines for toys, games, and theme park rides.
Create Original Worlds with Universal Themes
What about original films like Elemental or Nimona? They don’t have existing IP, so they have to work harder to build a connection. And they do it by focusing on universal human experiences.
Elemental isn’t just a story about fire and water; it’s about immigration, cultural differences, and finding love in unexpected places. These are themes that resonate globally, regardless of language or background. The “best” original animated movies anchor their fantastical worlds in very real, very human emotions.
Step 2: Embrace the Technology That’s Redefining Animation
Story is king, but technology gives the king its power. Today’s audiences have seen it all, so you need a distinct visual style to stand out. The cookie-cutter CGI look is no longer enough.
The Rise of Stylized, Hybrid Animation
The “Spider-Verse” effect is real. That film shattered our expectations of what a mainstream animated movie could look like by blending 2D and 3D techniques. It felt like a comic book come to life. This has opened the floodgates for visual innovation.
We’re seeing more films use technology to create a signature style, from the painterly textures in Arcane to the storybook visuals of Wolfwalkers. The goal is no longer realism; it’s *expressionism*. The animation style itself becomes a part of the storytelling.
Key Animation Techniques Powering Today’s Hits
| Technique | Description | Example Film |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid 2D/3D | Combines the expressiveness of 2D animation with the depth of 3D CGI models. | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse |
| Real-Time Rendering | Using game engines like Unreal Engine to render scenes instantly, speeding up production. | The Mitchells vs. The Machines |
| Stop-Motion | Physically manipulating objects frame by frame to create a unique, tactile feel. | Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio |
To create these stunning visuals, you need the right partners. Finding a studio that specializes in stylized animation or has mastered real-time workflows is critical. Don’t just look for a vendor; look for a creative partner who can help you define your film’s visual identity.
Step 3: Nail Your Distribution and Marketing Strategy
You could create the greatest animated film of all time, but if you mess up the release, it won’t matter. Theatrical vs. streaming is the biggest question facing every producer today.
Theatrical-First for Event Films
A big, spectacular movie with massive franchise appeal like The Super Mario Bros. Movie is built for the big screen. The communal experience, the premium sound, and the marketing blitz create a cultural “event” that a streaming release can’t replicate. Theatrical releases still generate the most revenue for blockbuster-level films.
Streaming for Niche or Experimental Stories
On the other hand, a film like Nimona found its perfect home on Netflix. After being dropped by its original studio, the streaming platform gave it a global stage, allowing a unique, critically acclaimed story to reach a massive audience without the pressure of a box office opening weekend. Streaming is an incredible platform for films that might be considered too “risky” for a traditional theatrical run.
Your choice depends entirely on your film’s budget, target audience, and overall goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You need to analyze the market and decide which path gives your project the best chance of success, both financially and culturally.
How Vitrina Helps You Build the Next Animated Blockbuster
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Finding the right animation studio, VFX house, or post-production partner is the single most important decision you’ll make. That’s where we come in. Vitrina is a global platform for the M&E supply chain, connecting you with a curated network of over 10,000 vendors across every specialization, from 2D character design to complex CGI. Instead of spending months searching, you can discover, evaluate, and connect with the world’s best creative partners in minutes. You can even use our Project Tracker to monitor upcoming animated films and see who is working on them, giving you real-time industry intelligence.
Conclusion: From Pitch to Partnership
So there you have it. Creating one of the latest best animated movies isn’t about luck. It’s about a disciplined approach to storytelling, a bold commitment to visual innovation, and a smart, data-driven distribution strategy.
You don’t need a nine-figure budget to apply these principles. Whether you’re producing an indie short or a global blockbuster, focusing on these three core pillars—story, tech, and distribution—will set you up for success.
What’s the first strategy you’re going to focus on? Let me know in the comments.
Ready to find the perfect partners to bring your animated vision to life? Stop searching and start connecting with the world’s best creative talent. Get started with your Vitrina membership today!
Frequently Asked Questions
While traditional 3D CGI from studios like Pixar and DreamWorks remains commercially dominant, the biggest trend is stylized, hybrid animation. This “Spider-Verse” style, which blends 2D and 3D elements, has become incredibly popular for its visual dynamism and ability to make a project stand out in a crowded market.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Max have become major buyers and distributors of animated content. This has created more opportunities for diverse and niche stories that might not have secured a traditional theatrical release. It has also intensified competition for top animation talent and studios.
The biggest trends are: 1) Leveraging existing IP for franchises to minimize risk, 2) Investing in new animation technologies like real-time rendering to improve workflows and create unique visual styles, and 3) Expanding into global markets with universally relatable themes and diverse storytelling.
Start by defining your project’s specific needs: style (2D, 3D, stop-motion), budget, and timeline. Then, use a platform like Vitrina to filter and search for vendors with a proven track record in your desired style. Review their portfolios, check their work on similar projects, and engage with them to ensure they are the right creative and logistical fit.
