This page highlights the highest scoring animated films here at Wizard Dojo. The exceptional features that have earned the elusive perfect 10s and 9.5 scores. Each film is listed in chronological order from when they were reviewed on Wizard Dojo.
Keep in mind that , although a number of these films have been reviewed relatively close together, the timeframes between the releases of a 10 or 9.5 can be extensive. So don’t expect this pace of high scores to continue.
The 10s
Few films exude the nearly flawless quality, creativity and timeless appeal that justifies a perfect score. As far as the Dojo is concerned, these are those films. There are currently 4 animated films to have earned a 10.
Inside Out
Reviewed on: June 5, 2015
“Inside Out is a wonderful film. It is a constantly inventive, emotional and visually arresting work that will – appropriately enough – etch its way into your memory. It’s an absolute joy.” Read the full review
Spirited Away
Reviewed on: March 31, 2016
“Its title couldn’t be more appropriate. After watching Spirited Away, you may feel like you’re very much in Chihiro’s shoes, and have been spirited away yourself.” Read the full review
Frozen
Reviewed on: December 25, 2016
“On the surface, Frozen is Disney doing what they do best, at their best. In its depth, Frozen is unlike anything Disney has ever made before.” Read the full review
My Neighbor Totoro
Reviewed on: January 14, 2017
“My Neighbor Totoro is one of the greatest animated films of all time. It finds magic in the mundane, adventure in the average, and depth in the simplistic. And it does so with a sincerity and grace that seems unapproachable to other filmmakers. My Neighbor Totoro is the most gentle, sensitive and sweet film I’ve ever seen.” Read the full review
The 9.5s
Though the “near-perfect” score of 9.5 may not be quite as rare as a 10, they are still few and far between. They may not boast that perfect score, but they still deserve to stand side-by-side next to any 10. There are currently 6 animated films that have earned a 9.5.
Beauty and the Beast
Reviewed on April 10, 2015
“Beauty and the Beast was, and is, one of Disney’s most entertaining, romantic and magical animated features.” Read the full review
Toy Story
Reviewed on: November 22, 2015
“For a movie this great to be the very first film from its studio is very telling of the great things that were to come from Pixar. Toy Story will remain a timeless delight to infinity, and beyond.” Read the full review
Castle in the Sky
Reviewed on: January 5, 2016
“It’s an immaculate adventure that would feel right at home in an Indiana Jones or Star Wars feature, and it combines that sense of adventure with the impeccable Ghibli spirit.
It’s exhilarating, magical and highly entertaining. And it was one hell of a start for Studio Ghibli.” Read the full review
Moana
Reviewed on: November 25, 2016
“Moana is simply a wonderful film. It’s well-paced story is filled with fun and emotion, made all the better by its great, focused cast of characters, terrific song work and captivating animation, making it one of the most entertaining films in the Disney canon. Moana deserves mention alongside the likes of Beauty and the Beast and Frozen as one of Disney’s greatest animated features.” Read the full review.
Princess Mononoke
Reviewed on: January 5, 2017
“Princess Mononoke remains a classic of animated cinema. It’s memorable, detailed characters, stunning animation and soundtrack, and compelling story and action sequences make it an absolute landmark in the world of animation.” Read the full review.
Your Name
Reviewed on: May 13, 2017
“Your Name ended up being that rare kind of feature that left me feeling overjoyed and grateful for having seen it.” Read the full review
