Since the early 1970s, the celebrated Aardman Animation studio has produced charming, inventive work that has delighted audiences around the world. From the early Morph sketches and the inventive Creature Comforts shorts to a string of feature films over the past two decades, Aardman has defined some of the most beloved stop-motion animation ever made.
With another theatrical return on the horizon — Chicken Run 2 (earmarked for Netflix release in 2022/23) — we revisit Aardman’s feature films and rank them by their creativity, impact and enduring appeal. Collectively these movies have earned wide acclaim and strong box office returns, and here they are ordered as Aardman Animation Movies Ranked.
Have an opinion? Let us know in the comments at the end of this article.
8. Early Man (2018)
Released in 2018, Early Man is Aardman’s humorous take on a prehistoric tale. The film follows a tribe of Stone Age villagers who are forced to defend their land from bronze-age invaders by challenging them to a football match. The story blends gentle satire with visual inventiveness and family-friendly humor; its unique look and warm tone make it appealing to younger viewers. Despite solid creative merits, Early Man underperformed at the box office.
7. Flushed Away (2006)
Flushed Away marked Aardman’s first feature produced primarily with computer animation rather than stop-motion. The collaboration with DreamWorks brought together a cast of notable voice actors and a lively, fast-paced adventure set beneath the streets of London. The film earned a BAFTA nomination and attracted both children and adults with its witty script and memorable soundtrack.
6. A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019)
Directed by Richard Phelan and Will Becher, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon continues the adventures of Shaun and his flock in a family-friendly sci-fi romp. When Shaun encounters a small alien with extraordinary powers, the flock must help her return home while avoiding capture by a government agency. The film is inventive, heartfelt and visually delightful, earning awards recognition and strong audience appreciation among stop-motion releases.
5. The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012)
Based on Gideon Defoe’s novel, The Pirates! Band of Misfits marked Aardman’s return to full stop-motion clay animation after several years. The film follows the eccentric Pirate Captain and his crew as they vie for the title of Pirate of the Year. Filled with clever gags, strong voice performances and imaginative set pieces, the film earned box office success and a close Academy Award nomination in 2013.
4. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Directed by Sarah Smith, Arthur Christmas is a warm and witty holiday film that explores the mechanics of delivering Christmas presents at the highest levels of efficiency — and the human heart that keeps the spirit alive. With an ensemble of well-known British voices, the film blends sharp comedy with genuine emotion, making it a contemporary seasonal favorite for family viewing.
3. Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
Spun off from the beloved television series and inspired by the Wallace & Gromit short A Close Shave, Shaun the Sheep Movie follows Shaun and his flock as their mischief lands the farmer in the big city. The film’s visual storytelling, broad physical comedy and inventive set pieces won it critical praise and award nominations, and its promotional campaign cleverly spoofed other blockbuster imagery of the year. This charming, nearly wordless comedy is a standout in Aardman’s filmography.
2. Chicken Run (2000)
Aardman’s first feature film, Chicken Run, became an instant classic after its 2000 release. The story of chickens plotting an elaborate escape from a farm resonated with audiences worldwide, blending sharp satire, warm character work and memorable set-piece sequences. It grossed approximately $224 million, making it the highest-grossing stop-motion film to date, and it remains a cultural touchstone often referenced in memes and fan creations.
1. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Topping this list is Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, the first feature-length adventure for the beloved British duo. As pest control agents, Wallace and Gromit must save a village from a mysterious rabbit menace in time for an important vegetable competition. The film combines slapstick, suspense and classic Aardman charm, won an Academy Award and remains a high point in the studio’s creative achievements.
How do you rank Aardman’s films? Would you reorder this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.