10 animated movies on Stan for the whole family (yes, even adults).

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Sometimes you just need to embrace your inner child, grab some popcorn, and dive into a world where anything is possible. And that, my friend, is an animated movie. 

I am one of those adults that holds the belief that animated films are for everyone, not just kids. They tackle complex themes with stunning visuals, deliver emotional depth that rivals any live-action drama, and create characters so memorable they become part of our cultural DNA.

Watch the trailer for Shrek. Article continues after video.

Lucky for us, Stan has curated an absolutely stellar collection of animated films that'll have you laughing, crying, and singing along (yes, even to the Barbie songs).

Shrek.

Image: Dreamworks Pictures.

This green ogre's journey from grumpy hermit to beloved hero still hits different every single time. When Shrek's swamp gets invaded by fairy-tale creatures, he embarks on a quest to rescue a princess — but ends up finding so much more. 

The soundtrack is an absolute banger that'll have you belting out 'I'm a Believer' like it's 2001, and honestly, the film remains the ultimate animated comfort food that never gets old.

How to Train Your Dragon.

Image: Dreamworks Pictures.

Prepare to ugly cry within the first 20 minutes (we've all been there). A young Viking who can't kill dragons befriends an injured dragon named Toothless and discovers everything his village believes is wrong. 

The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is pure magic, and the flying sequences are so breathtaking you'll forget you're watching animation. This one will have you questioning why you ever doubted the power of friendship between a boy and his dragon.

Kung Fu Panda.

Image: Paranount Pictures.

When a clumsy panda is accidentally chosen as The Dragon Warrior (a prophesied hero), he must train to defeat an evil snow leopard threatening the valley. 

I mean, come on. It's Jack Black. The icon himself. And his voicework is perfection in this movie. Honestly, no one else could have played this role as well. Not to mention, the fight scenes rival any live-action blockbuster whilst delivering laughs and genuinely inspiring messages about believing in yourself.

Despicable Me.

Image: Universal Pictures.

Steve Carell's voice work introduced us to Gru and launched what would become one of the most successful animated film franchises ever. A supervillain adopts three orphaned girls as part of his evil scheme, but ends up becoming the dad he never knew he wanted to be. 

Those adorable yellow Minions are impossible not to love, and watching Gru's heart grow three sizes is guaranteed to melt even the coldest viewer.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Image: Sony Pictures Animation.

This film takes a simple children's book concept and turns it into pure animated chaos that'll make you simultaneously laugh and crave a burger. 

When a failed inventor's machine starts making food rain from the sky, his small town becomes a culinary wonderland — until things go horribly wrong. Watching giant hamburgers and spaghetti tornadoes wreak havoc has never been more entertaining, and the food puns are absolutely delicious.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Image: Sony Pictures.

This revolutionary film gave us the Spider-Man story we didn't know we desperately needed. When teenager Miles Morales gets bitten by a radioactive spider, he must team up with Spider-People from other dimensions to save his universe. 

The visual style is absolutely stunning and completely changed what animation could be, whilst Miles' coming-of-age tale will leave you feeling like you can take on the world.

Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper.

Image: Universal Pictures.

Don't sleep on this early 2000s gem that features surprisingly catchy songs and genuine heart. When a princess and a poor girl who look identical switch places, they discover freedom and love in unexpected ways. 

It might seem like an odd choice (not for the real ones who know the OG Barbie films are pure cinema), but this movie delivers a story about friendship and following your dreams that'll have you questioning why you ever doubted Barbie's cinematic prowess.

Also, the songs are absolute bangers. 

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

Image: Paramount Pictures

I have to confess that me and my childhood best friend watched this at least once a month growing up. Everyone's favourite fry cook hits the big screen with all the absurd humour that made the series a phenomenon. When Mr. Krabs is framed for stealing King Neptune's crown, SpongeBob and Patrick embark on a dangerous journey to Shell City to save him. 

It's pure nostalgia in animated form, complete with the kind of ridiculous adventures that only work in Bikini Bottom.

Megamind.

Image: Dreamworks Animation.

This criminally underrated gem deserves way more love than it gets. When a blue-headed supervillain finally defeats his nemesis, he discovers that being bad isn't as fun without a hero to fight. 

Will Ferrell is brilliant (well, his voice is), and the film delivers laughs whilst exploring surprisingly deep themes about identity, purpose, and what it really means to be a hero.

The LEGO Batman Movie.

Image: Warner Bros.

Hands down the best Batman film in years (fight me on this). When Batman accidentally adopts a teenager and must learn to work with others, Gotham faces its biggest threat yet. 

It's a loving parody that somehow manages to be both hilarious and genuinely touching, packed with a ton of hilarious Batman references, proving that sometimes the best superhero stories come in plastic brick form.

Feature Image: Stan.