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When you hear the word "animation," what's the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, it's Saturday morning cartoons, Disney princesses, or talking animals. And while there's nothing wrong with any of those things, animation has so much more to offer!
So, in honor of International Animation Day (October 28), we're celebrating the incredible versatility of the medium—from gripping dramas to mind-bending sci-fi adventures that deserve a spot on your watchlist!
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The Best Animated Movies of 2026 (So Far)
2026 has been a fantastic year for animation, with filmmakers continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible. These two standout releases are perfect examples of why the art form is thriving.
Wildwood
In theaters now
When her baby brother is kidnapped by crows and dragged into a forbidden magical forest, Prue (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) sets out on a mission to find him. Over a decade in the making, this stop-motion adventure from the studio behind Coraline is one of the most anticipated movies of the year.
Hoppers
Streaming on Disney+
A nature-loving teenager discovers a way to communicate with animals by transferring her consciousness into a robotic beaver. Sounds weird enough, right? Well, that's just the beginning! Pixar's latest adventure is a gloriously unhinged, laugh-out-loud comedy that takes one unexpected turn after another.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas
The Vibe: Elevated desert serenity
The Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas brings a fresh sense of calm to Paradise Valley with modern design, stunning desert views, and signature Kimpton warmth. Spread across 40 acres, the resort features guest rooms, suites, casitas, and private villas, each designed to reflect the surrounding Sonoran landscape. Guests can explore six pools tucked into lush desert gardens, enjoy seasonal dining, and experience thoughtful wellness moments throughout the property. With curated experiences, dramatic mountain scenery, and a laid-back sense of luxury, Miralina is a standout desert retreat.
Animated TV Shows That Break the Mold
Animated television is capable of so much more than kids cartoons and crude adult series. These two imaginative shows stand out for their unique visual styles and refreshingly original concepts.
Undone
Streaming on Prime Video
After surviving a near-fatal car accident, a young woman discovers she may have the ability to manipulate time. Starring Rosa Salazar and Bob Odenkirk, this mind-bending psychological drama uses a stunning rotoscope animation technique to blur the lines between reality and imagination. It's unlike anything else on television!
Strange Planet
Streaming on Apple TV
Based on Nathan W. Pyle's beloved webcomic, this delightfully bizarre series follows a group of blue extraterrestrials navigating the peculiarities of everyday life. Co-created by Dan Harmon (Rick and Morty), this charming animated comedy offers a hilariously insightful perspective on the strange, wonderful experience of being human.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Salish Lodge & Spa
The Vibe: Moody, misty, immersive
The Location: Snoqualmie, WA
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Salish Lodge & Spa sits directly above 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most treasured natural landmarks. Every room comes with a gas fireplace and oversized soaking tub, while the new Waterfall Suites go a step further with the most spectacular and breathtaking views of Snoqualmie Falls. Guests enjoy a four-course country breakfast featuring Honey From Heaven—honey from the on-site apiary, poured tableside over warm biscuits. Thirty minutes from Seattle, surrounded by countless hikes, rivers, and iconic scenery from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, Salish Lodge & Spa is the pinnacle of PNW beauty.
Animated Movies That Will Rip Your Heart Out
Animation can make us laugh, but it can also move us to tears. These two extraordinary films use the medium to tell profoundly human stories.
Mary and Max
Available to rent on Prime Video
An unlikely friendship blossoms between a lonely Australian girl and a middle-aged New Yorker when the two become pen pals. Featuring the voices of Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman, this bittersweet stop-motion masterpiece explores loneliness, friendship, and mental health with remarkable sensitivity.
Robot Dreams
Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu
When a lonely dog builds himself a robot companion, the two become inseparable friends until an unexpected separation changes everything. Told entirely without dialogue, Pablo Berger's Oscar-nominated animated film is a moving exploration of friendship, loneliness, and learning to let go.
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