Five Animated Films That Prove Modern Animation Speaks to Adults Too

Over the last decade, animated cinema has undergone a noticeable shift. No longer confined to children’s entertainment, major studios are now using the medium to explore layered, emotionally rich, and socially relevant themes. These films might be wrapped in vibrant visuals, but their stories tackle identity, mental health, generational pressure, and existential drift — resonating deeply with adult audiences. Here are five animated titles that exemplify how the medium has evolved.

Zootopia (2016)

Disney’s Zootopia initially appears to be a colorful buddy-cop caper but quickly reveals itself as a sharp commentary on bias, prejudice and group behavior. The film dissects fear-driven narratives and discrimination through its animal metropolis setting. With Zootopia 2 releasing on November 21, viewers are eager to see which new social themes the sequel will address.

Inside Out (2015)

Pixar’s Inside Out remains one of the most emotionally sophisticated animated films ever made. Rather than using emotions as simple tropes, the movie directly examines depression-coded sadness, memory formation and identity shifts. It resonated strongly with adults navigating transitions, showing how internal emotional patterns shape major life decisions.

Elio (2025)

Continuing Pixar’s introspective streak, Elio follows a young boy suddenly mistaken for Earth’s ambassador by alien civilizations. Through humor and sci-fi spectacle, the film delves into belonging, anxiety and the pressure of expectations. Adults found its portrayal of uncertainty and self-worth especially relatable.

Soul (2020)

Pixar’s Soul leaned fully into adult-centered storytelling. It questions purpose, ambition and burnout through the journey of a jazz musician whose life is abruptly interrupted. Rather than promoting hustle culture, the film reminds audiences that meaning lies in small, unquantifiable moments — a message that resonated across generations.

Turning Red (2022)

A heartfelt coming-of-age film, Turning Red explores generational trauma, cultural duality and adolescent identity. Through Mei’s chaotic emotional transformations, the movie highlights parental pressure, inherited expectations and the universal struggle of growing up between worlds. Adult viewers found the themes strikingly honest and reflective.

As these titles show, animation is no longer limited by age demographics. The medium has evolved into a powerful storytelling space capable of exploring complex emotional and societal topics — all while retaining the visual magic that makes it universally appealing.