There is this weird stigma that animated movies are just "cartoons" made for kids. This is far from the case. Animated films typically seek wide audience ranges. You have your mature animated films, typically adapted from successful television series like The Simpsons and South Park. Others are fun for the entire family, like Shrek and Finding Nemo, and even adults who grew up with animated films. It is in typical human nature to cling to the things in our childhood that make us happy or bring us good memories. Many animated movies sparked our imaginations as kids, and that curiosity and wonder have carried over to our adult lives.
The best part about most animated movies is that they are funny! They are carefully written, directed, and voice-acted for the humor to transcend generations. You, your kids, your parents, and your grandparents can all find a good laugh through an animated flick. For example, who doesn't laugh at the scene in Big Hero 6 when Baymax's battery is depleting, causing him to act like a drunk teenager getting home too late to his/her parents' house? Below are the 10 funniest animated movies ever made.
10 Ice Age (2002)
To kick things off, we have the chilly 2002 20th Century Fox adventure comedy Ice Age. Set in a snow and ice-covered world, Ice Age revolves around three unlikely companions: Manfred the wooly mammoth, Sid the sloth, and Diego the saber-tooth tiger, as they travel across rough terrain and unexpected obstacles to return an indigenous child to his family.
This film is full of heart and many great running jokes. The gag of the squirrel Scrat not being able to catch an acorn is an all-time classic comedic break. And who can forget the irony of Sid being a little mentally slow, despite his physically slow real life counterpart? Although the sequels lost a little big of magic, the first Ice Age is a classic that will survive through generations of movie-watchers.
9 South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut (1999)
Not afraid to face controversy head-on, Trey Parker and Matt Stone collaborate once again to bring their profanity-infused animated television show South Park into the feature film world with their 1999 movie South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut. This hilarious rollercoaster pokes fun at the idea that R-rated and violent movies have an effect on children's personalities. In the small Colorado town of South Park, the four undisciplined boys, Stan, Kyle, Eric, and Kenny, sneak into the movie theaters to see the R-rated Canadian film Asses of Fire, which stars the boys' two favorite actors.
After being exposed to harsh language, the boys leave the theater enlightened and feel they can get away with using unlimited profanity at their own will. This causes disruption in the town and within their families. To combat this epidemic, the boys' parents do the only logical thing possible: convince the United States government to go to war with its northern Canadian neighbors. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut is a satirical musical that clearly rivals films like Singin' in the Rain, The Sound of Music, and La La Land and is absolutely appropriate for the entire family... right?
8 Team America: World Police (2004)
There aren't many, if any, animated movies that are as unapologetically and controversially hysterical as South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone's 2004 satirical comedy Team America: World Police. Using over-the-top, outright ridiculous humor, the film tackles satirical takes on American foreign policy, toxic celebrity culture, and overused action movie tropes. Acclaimed Broadway actor Gary Johnston (Trey Parker) is recruited by a secret paramilitary organization whose main purpose is to travel the world and combat terrorism. Their main target is North Korea's vicious dictator Kim Jong-il.
This film is definitely one that will divide its audience. If you aren't a fan of crude, potentially offensive humor, then this may not be for you. However, if shows such as South Park satisfy your comedy palette, then Team America: World Police is right up your alley. From catchy songs to Matt Damon, this movie has everything it needs to sit alone at the top of satirical, animated comedy features.
7 The Simpsons Movie (2007)
Adapted from one of the most acclaimed adult comedy shows of all time, The Simpsons Movie carries over the same comedy relief that flourishes so greatly in the show. Released in 2007 with the same cast, The Simpsons Movie follows the Simpson family as their hometown of Springfield becomes enclosed in a giant glass dome after Homer severely pollutes the town's water supply. The family becomes a target of public outrage after the news leaks that Homer is responsible, and the family flees to Alaska. In a heroic revelation, Homer's heart changes and wishes to make amends with the town, desiring to save it and its inhabitants.
There are many hilarious scenes that continues The Simpsons unique comedic style. In the aftermath of a ridiculous dare, Bart decides to skate to the Krusty Burger naked. The animators used creative visual cues to cover up Bart's genitalia, including a sprinkler and a finger. And who can forget Homer's spider-pig Harry Plopper? There was some skepticism at the time of the movie's release, as the show was seen as passed its prime, but it is safe to say that The Simpsons Movie carries the tradition with conviction.
6 Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Kung Fu Panda is one of the most accomplished franchises produced by animation studio DreamWorks. The first installment of the series introduces us to a Jack Black-voiced panda named Po. He lives in a secluded land surrounded by mountains to protect it from invaders called the Valley of Peace, and it is in danger. Po, seen as a lazy, slacking panda, is enlightened by his destiny to become "the chosen one" and trains, through the guidance of Master Shifu, to become a kung fu master and save his homeland from villainous attackers. Shifu brings in the help of the Furious Five -- Crane, Mantis, Tigress, Monkey, and Viper -- to unlock Po's maximum potential.
Po is as charismatic and fun as a lead character in an animated film. Kung Fu Panda not only supplies its healthy dose of comedy, but also contains some fantastically choreographed fight scenes throughout the entire series.
5 The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
From the fun that The LEGO Movie brought to theaters worldwide, it spawned a spinoff film that throws one of the leaders of the ensemble into the limelight: The LEGO Batman Movie. In this massive comedic adventure, the Joker has taken over Gotham. Batman, voice by Will Arnett, must look himself in the mirror and realize that maybe, Batman, the lonesome street-sweeping vigilante might not be enough to overcome the Joker's cynical plot. He might need to create a team of LEGO supers to combat his green-haired foe. Batman in this depiction is egotistical in his pursuit of singular heroism. He is brooding, mysterious, and relishes in his image of a dark and mysterious vigilante.
This is a movie that isn't afraid to make fun of itself as well as other superhero projects. Many comedic moments keep the film loose and fun, including Batman's exclamation, "I only work in black. And sometimes, very, very dark grey." The LEGO Batman Movie is a guaranteed good time for Batman fans, for non-Batman fans, for Lego fans, and for non-LEGO fans.
4 Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar loves nothing more than to personify animals and hide important lessons under its family-friendly stories. "Just keep swimming" is a reminder that we need to not lose sight of our goals and keep pushing no matter the obstacles that stand before us. Finding Nemo is one of the animation studio's most beloved and acclaimed works. It follows a worrisome father named Marlin who loses his son Nemo to deep sea fisherman. With Nemo being the only survivor of hundreds of baby eggs, he is all Marlin has left.
Now, Marlin must tackle his biggest fear of traveling through the open sea in search of his only son. Along the way, the clownfish meets the maybe a little too optimistic female fish Dory, who suffers from short-term memory loss. Together, they form a unique duo whose flaws are each other's strengths and must get through deadly sharks, poisonous jellyfish, and hungry humans to reach Sydney, Australia and rescue the young, vulnerable Nemo.
The sadder parts of this story are masked by some incredible comedic moments. From Marlin and Dory meeting, to the "shark bait, ooh-ha-ha!" chant, Finding Nemo sure doesn't lack moments to make the whole family smile and laugh.
3 Shrek (2001)
Shrek is love, Shrek is life, and Shrek is of the most recognizable characters in animated fiction. Shrek is the first film of a mega franchise released in 2001. More than anything, it is a satirical take on the classic fairy tale story. Shrek is a big, ugly, dirty, mean ogre who only cares about himself and his land. He despises people and wishes to just be left alone in his swamp. One day, Lord Farquaad exiles a bunch of fairy tale creatures to Shrek's swamp. In order to get his land back, he must rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded, lava-infested castle and bring her to Farquaad. Shrek travels reluctantly with his four-legged, comedic companion Donkey in hopes of reclaiming the swamp that is rightfully his.
Comedy is at its funniest when dealing with hardship. What Shrek does so well is combining a funny, lighthearted adventure story with a very real, very powerful romance story that teaches us to see the beauty in our own skin. There are reasons why many sequels have been made and even a ride at Universal Studios Orlando built, and it all starts here.
2 Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
A crown staple of stop-motion animation, Fantastic Mr. Fox is considered by many as one of visionary director Wes Anderson's most important achievements. The story is centered around the George Clooney-voiced Mr. Fox, an urbane fox who once lived a thrilling life as a farm thief, stealing chickens, ducks, and cider from nearby farmers. He has now retired from this danger-filled life to settle down as a husband and father. Mr. Fox eventually gets convinced to commit one last raid, but this time the consequences are dire as the farmers begin to retaliate, putting Mr. Fox's community and family in danger.
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a humorous heist story that uses stop-motion to create fantastical handmade sets to bring the Roald Dahl world to life. It contains many memorable quotes and moments, making a delightful and entertaining experience for people of all ages.
1 Monsters, Inc (2001)
Monsters, Inc. is one of Pixar's most complete films. It combines comedy, romance, drama, lovable heroes, fearful villains, and heartwarming emotional relationships to bring the concept of "monsters hiding in your closet" to life. Pixar is best known for taking little concepts such as this and personifying them, bringing them to life.
In order to power their city, monsters must travel through magical doors into the bedroom of sleeping children and scare them. The more powerful the scream, the more energy is created, thus powering the city for longer. The children are extremely toxic to the monsters; physical touch between the two species causes monumental consequences.
When one of the children, Boo, escapes her room and enters the monster world, two lifelong best friends Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) must do what they can to protest the kid and return her back home. While doing so, Sully, Fear Co.'s most accomplished monster, forms a unique bond with the kid. Although the heartstring-pulling emotions are what bring this film to unreached heights for a children's flick, the comedy shouldn't be overlooked. This movie has everything.
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