In 2022, one of five animated films will join the ranks of Shrek, Spirited Away, Toy Story 3 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ pick for best feature animation of the year. The nominees represent a mix of major studios and independent creators: Walt Disney Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Pixar, and European independent Final Cut for Real. Several of the films were released straight to streaming, reflecting the changing landscape of distribution. But which of the five Animated Feature nominees at the Oscars 2022 stands out as the best — and which falls shortest?
In this edition of Ranked, The Film Magazine evaluates the Animated Feature nominees from worst to best, judging each film on overall quality, artistic achievement, social relevance, critical reception, and audience response. Here is our ranking of the 2022 Animated Feature Oscar nominees.
Follow @thefilmagazine on Twitter.
5. Raya and the Last Dragon
Raya and the Last Dragon Review
Raya and the Last Dragon is clearly the result of a large creative effort, overflowing with lore, world-building and carefully constructed dynamics. Unfortunately, that abundance of exposition — including extended flashbacks and repeated explanations of place names and factions — bogs down the film’s pacing. A foundational setup that could have been tightened instead stretches into a two-hour runtime that often feels overexplained.
Visually and thematically the film has much to offer, but the screenplay relies on familiar Disney tropes without adding the emotional or narrative depth that would make it truly memorable. The plot follows predictable beats and rarely surprises, making the experience feel less inventive than it should. Younger viewers will likely enjoy the vivid characters and action sequences, but for older audiences and awards voters, Raya falls short of being a standout Animated Feature contender.
4. Encanto
Encanto represents a significant step up from Raya. Walt Disney Animation’s 2021 release quickly became a cultural phenomenon, in part thanks to its irresistible soundtrack and the breakout hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” The film channels the energy of classic Disney musicals while telling an intimate story about family, generational expectation, and identity.
While its animation isn’t as stylistically bold as some of the other nominees, Encanto makes smart use of color, character design and musical storytelling to move its narrative forward. The songs function like classic Hollywood musical numbers, deepening character and advancing plot, and the ensemble cast of distinctive personalities gives the film warmth and emotional resonance. Encanto isn’t the most groundbreaking title of the year, but it succeeds as a joyful, heartfelt family film that thoughtfully explores intergenerational trauma and responsibility.
Recommended for you: 10 Things You Might Have Missed in ‘Encanto’
3. Flee
Flee Review
Flee is a rare and powerful work: an animated documentary that tells a true story of exile, survival and identity. It follows a man who fled Afghanistan as a child and later sought asylum in Denmark, using animation to protect the subject’s identity while conveying the lasting psychological and emotional impact of his journey. Flee’s themes are painfully timely in a world facing renewed geopolitical upheaval and displacement.
The film creates deep empathy through intimate storytelling and inventive animation. Its aesthetic choices — a more subdued, hand-drawn look compared with high-detail 3D animation — serve the narrative purpose of confidentiality and memory. That stylistic restraint lends the film urgency and a documentary authenticity that resonates strongly. While Flee may not push the technical boundaries of animation in the same way as other nominees, its social relevance and emotional force make it one of the year’s most memorable and important animated works.
Recommended for you: 10 Best Studio Ghibli Films
2. Luca
Luca Review
Pixar rarely disappoints, and Luca is a deceptively simple film that delivers warmth, humor and emotional truth. Centered on a young sea creature who experiences life on land, the film reads as a universal tale about friendship, belonging, and the fear of being different. Audiences and critics have interpreted Luca as an allegory for a range of experiences — including coming out, immigration, and social otherness — which is testament to the film’s empathy and openness.
The animation is detailed and charming, with playful touches such as expressive seagulls and richly rendered coastal scenery. Luca moves with a lighter, brisker energy than some of Pixar’s recent offerings, making it an easy, uplifting watch for families and adults alike. It may not be the most formally daring film in the group, but its heart and craftsmanship earn it high marks and secure its place near the top of the list.
1. The Mitchells vs the Machines
The Mitchells vs the Machines Review
Sony Pictures Animation returns to form with The Mitchells vs the Machines, a wildly inventive, emotionally grounded and visually adventurous feature that captures the chaos of family life and the anxieties of the digital age. Building on the studio’s boundary-pushing approach that began with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Mitchells embraces a DIY aesthetic that incorporates hand-drawn textures, comic-book energy, and fast-cut internet culture touches like faux vlogs and social-media interludes.
The film shines for its voice — a true teenager’s perspective that never feels condescending — and for the way it balances heartfelt family drama with outlandish action and timely satire about technology and isolation. Its pacing is relentless in the best way: constantly funny, surprising, and emotionally honest. The Mitchells is also notable for reminding viewers why animation matters as a medium, using stylized visuals and cinematic techniques that only animation can achieve. For its creativity, humor, thematic richness and emotional clarity, The Mitchells vs the Machines is the standout animated film of 2021 and our top choice among the 2022 Oscar nominees.
Recommended for you: Best Animated Feature Oscar Winners Ranked
Which of this year’s Oscar-nominated animated features do you think is the strongest? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow The Film Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more curated movie lists and film coverage.