ᴏʙsᴇssᴇᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴋᴘᴏᴘ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɴ ʜᴜɴᴛᴇʀs? ʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ 10 ᴀɴɪᴍᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀᴘɪᴇᴄᴇs ʏᴏᴜ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜ ɴᴇxᴛ!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog.

Today, we’re diving into a phenomenon that has absolutely taken over my social media feed and probably yours too: KPop Demon Hunters.

This joint Sony and Netflix masterpiece is one of the most unexpected, jaw-dropping hits of the year. Honestly, I went in expecting a fun little musical, but what I got was a profound story exploring identity, self-acceptance, and redemption, all wrapped in a gorgeous love letter to Korean mythology.

The soundtrack? Absolute fire. I still hear "Golden" everywhere I go, and it's no wonder Sony is already sprinting to turn this into a massive franchise. But while we’re all collectively holding our breath for a sequel, let’s talk about some other animated gems that hit those same high notes.

I’ve rounded up ten animated movies that match the heart, style, and pure passion of KPop Demon Hunters.

Whether you're looking for mind-blowing visuals, music that stays in your head for weeks, or stories that actually make you feel something real, this list has you covered. Let’s get into it!

10. The Wild Robot (2024)

IMDb: 8.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

(Audience Score) 3

When a massive storm leaves six ROZZUM robots stranded on a remote, forested island, only Unit 7134 better known as "Roz"survives the crash. This story is just… wow. Voiced by the incredible Lupita Nyong’o, Roz is accidentally activated by the local wildlife and has to figure out how to survive a world that doesn’t come with an instruction manual.

She eventually learns to speak "animal" and, after a series of chaotic events involving a very grumpy grizzly, finds herself raising a tiny, orphaned gosling named Brightbill with the help of a hilariously sarcastic fox named Fink (voiced by Pedro Pascal).

This was DreamWorks' last in-house animated film, and what a way to go out. The landscapes are so lush and painterly they look like they belong in a gallery. What I love most, though, is how it doesn't sugarcoat nature; it's a "kill-or-be-killed" world, making Roz’s journey to find compassion and motherhood even more powerful.

9. The Iron Giant (1999)

IMDb: 8.1/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Set deep in the Cold War era of 1957, this classic follows a massive, mysterious metal man who falls from the stars and lands right outside a small town in Maine. He’s discovered by Hogarth Hughes, a kid who’s obsessed with sci-fi and superheroes, who saves the giant from some power lines and ends up becoming his best friend. But because it’s the 50s, paranoia is everywhere. A government agent named Kent Mansley is convinced this robot is a secret Soviet weapon and is determined to destroy it.

The Iron Giant was sadly a box-office flop when it first came out because Disney was dominating the scene, but it’s since become an absolute cult legend. Vin Diesel gives such a soulful performance with only a few words, and the movie’s message that you are who you choose to be never fails to make me tear up. It’s a bittersweet, beautiful ride.

8. Song of the Sea (2014)

IMDb: 8.0/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

This movie is pure magic. It follows Ben, a young boy living in a lighthouse who’s struggling with the resentment he feels toward his little sister, Saoirse, because their mother disappeared the night she was born. After being sent to the city to live with their grandmother, the kids run away to find their way back home.

Along the way, they discover that Saoirse is actually a selkie, a mythical creature that can turn into a seal and her song is the only thing that can save the spirit world.

Coming from the legendary Irish studio Cartoon Saloon, the art style here is unlike anything else. It looks like ancient Celtic illustrations brought to life. It’s a quiet, atmospheric, and deeply moving story about how families heal from grief. If you loved the mythological depth of KPop Demon Hunters, you need to see this.

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

IMDb: 8.4/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

You already know this one, but it has to be on the list. Miles Morales is just a normal Brooklyn teen until a radioactive spider bite gives him powers and he witnesses the death of his world's Spider-Man at the hands of Kingpin.

When Kingpin’s super-collider rips open the multiverse, Miles has to team up with a bunch of other Spider-People from different dimensions to save reality.

This movie literally changed animation forever. That "living comic book" style? You can see its influence in almost every major animated film released since, including KPop Demon Hunters. It’s fast, it’s stylish, and Miles’ journey to finding his own voice as a hero is one of the best character arcs in modern cinema.

6. The Incredibles (2004)

IMDb: 8.0/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Imagine a world where superheroes were sued into retirement and forced to live boring suburban lives. That’s the reality for Bob and Helen Parr (formerly Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl), who are trying to raise three super-powered kids in a world that wants them to be "normal." Bob’s midlife crisis leads him into a secret trap set by a mysterious villain, forcing the whole family to suit up and save the day.

Pixar really caught lightning in a bottle with this one. It’s a perfect mix of high-stakes action and relatable family drama. Plus, it’s genuinely hilarious. I still can't think about Edna Mode without laughing about "No Capes!" It’s a masterclass in how to subvert superhero tropes while still being a fantastic entry in the genre.

5. Shrek 2 (2004)

IMDb: 7.3/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

I know, sequels usually don’t live up to the original, but Shrek 2 is the exception that proves the rule. After their honeymoon, Shrek and Fiona head to the kingdom of Far Far Away to meet her parents, and let’s just say King Harold isn't exactly thrilled to have an ogre for a son-in-law. Also, the Fairy Godmother who is more of a corporate mob boss than a magical helper and her airhead son, Prince Charming, who are determined to break them up.

This movie is a comedy goldmine, but beneath the fairy tale parodies is a really sweet story about what people are willing to sacrifice for love. Plus, it introduced us to Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas), who basically stole the entire franchise. And that "I Need a Hero" sequence? Absolute cinematic perfection.

4. Toy Story 2 (1999)

IMDb: 7.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Speaking of sequels that go hard, Toy Story 2 takes the toys we love and puts them through a total emotional wringer. When Woody gets stolen by a greedy toy collector named Al, he discovers he’s actually a rare collectible from a 1950s TV show. He meets Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl and has to decide: stay in a museum where he’ll live forever behind glass, or go back to Andy, even though he knows Andy will eventually grow up and leave him behind.

It’s a movie that tackles heavy themes like abandonment and mortality but does it with so much warmth and humor. It’s rare for a movie to have a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with over 100 reviews, but this one earned every bit of it.

3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

IMDb: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Nobody expected a Puss in Boots sequel a decade later to be this good. After burning through eight of his nine lives, Puss is suddenly faced with his own mortality. He goes on a quest to find the legendary Wishing Star to get his life back, all while being hunted by a truly terrifying embodiment of Death.

The animation here is stunning, using a stylized, painterly look that feels fresh and vibrant. But it’s the emotional depth that really hits. It deals with panic attacks and the fear of death in a way that’s incredibly honest for a family film. It’s a wild, high-stakes adventure that proves Puss is a legend for a reason.

2. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

IMDb: 8.0/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

The "Tale as Old as Time" is still a gold standard for a reason. It’s the classic story of Belle, a bright, independent woman who ends up a prisoner in an enchanted castle to save her father, only to find humanity within the monstrous Beast.

This was the first animated film ever to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and when you watch it, you can see why. The music by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman is Broadway-level perfection, and the animation is lush and timeless. Belle remains one of the best "princess" characters because she’s defined by her intellect and her empathy, not just her circumstances.

1. Spirited Away (2001)

IMDb: 8.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

If you want the absolute peak of animated storytelling, look no further than Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece. While moving to a new home, 10-year-old Chihiro wanders into a spirit world where her parents are turned into pigs. To save them, she has to take a job at a bathhouse for the gods, run by a greedy witch who literally steals her name.

This movie is a sensory feast every frame of the hand-drawn animation is packed with detail and wonder. It’s a coming-of-age story that’s weird, beautiful, and deeply emotional. It won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for a reason: it’s a timeless journey that stays with you long after the credits roll.