Dinosaurs have always captured our imagination and fascination, and animated dinosaur movies have been a staple of the film industry for decades. From educational documentaries to action-packed adventures, these movies have transported us to a world long gone but still full of wonder and excitement. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 animated dinosaur movies ever made. Whether you’re a fan of classic Disney animation or the latest CGI technology, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab some popcorn and get ready to journey back in time to a world filled with these magnificent creatures!
Top 10 Animated Dinosaur Movies Ever Made
The Land Before Time (1988)
The Land Before Time is an animated film released in 1988, directed by Don Bluth and produced by Steven Spielberg. The story follows a young orphaned dinosaur named Littlefoot, who goes on a journey to the Great Valley, a lush and peaceful land where he can live safely with other dinosaurs. Along the way, he meets other young dinosaurs from different species, including Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike, and they all face various challenges and obstacles, including predators and natural disasters. The film is notable for its emotional depth and themes of friendship, loss, and perseverance, and it has become a classic of children’s animation, spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
This is a computer-animated film released in 2009, directed by Carlos Saldanha and produced by Blue Sky Studios. It is the third installment in the Ice Age film series and follows the adventures of Manny, Diego, and Sid, who discover a hidden underground world where dinosaurs still exist. When Sid is kidnapped by a dinosaur, the others embark on a dangerous rescue mission to bring him back. Along the way, they meet a new character named Buck, a swashbuckling weasel who helps them navigate the treacherous landscape. The film features stunning animation, memorable characters, and a mix of action, humor, and heart that make it a fun and entertaining family adventure.
Dinosaur (2000)
The film tells the story of an orphaned iguanodon named Aladar, who is raised by a family of lemurs and eventually joins a herd of migrating dinosaurs. The group faces various challenges, including natural disasters and hostile carnivores, while searching for a new home. Along the way, Aladar falls in love with another iguanodon named Neera and becomes a leader in the herd, helping them overcome their obstacles and survive. The film is notable for its groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery to create realistic-looking dinosaurs and its combination of action, adventure, and heartwarming themes of family and community.
Walking with Dinosaurs (2013)
It is a 3D computer-animated film released in 2013, directed by Barry Cook and Neil Nightingale. The film is based on the BBC television series of the same name and tells the story of a young pachyrhinosaurus named Patchi, who goes on a journey of self-discovery while navigating a dangerous world filled with predators and natural disasters. Along the way, he meets other dinosaurs and learns important lessons about courage, loyalty, and survival. The film features stunning visuals, realistic-looking dinosaurs, and a strong educational component that teaches viewers about the prehistoric world and its inhabitants. While primarily aimed at a younger audience, the film has something to offer for viewers of all ages who are fascinated by dinosaurs and their history.
The Good Dinosaur (2015)
The Good Dinosaur is a computer-animated film released in 2015, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Peter Sohn. The film takes place in an alternate timeline where dinosaurs never went extinct, and follows the story of Arlo, a young Apatosaurus who gets separated from his family and must find his way back home. Along the way, he meets and befriends a human child named Spot, and the two form an unlikely bond as they face various challenges and learn important life lessons about courage, friendship, and family. The film features stunning visuals, memorable characters, and a mix of humor, heart, and adventure that make it a must-see for fans of animated films.
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993)
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story is an animated film released in 1993, directed by Dick Zondag, Ralph Zondag, Phil Nibbelink, and Simon Wells. The film follows a group of dinosaurs who are brought to modern-day New York City by a time-traveling scientist named Captain Neweyes. The dinosaurs, including a friendly T-Rex named Rex and a brainy triceratops named Woog, are given intelligence-enhancing cereal that allows them to communicate with humans. They embark on a mission to help Captain Neweyes fulfill his dream of bringing joy and happiness to children all over the world. The film features colorful animation, catchy musical numbers, and a fun, lighthearted tone that makes it a great choice for family entertainment.
Fantasia (1940)
Fantasia is an animated film released in 1940, produced by Walt Disney Productions and directed by a team of animators led by James Algar. The film is a collection of eight segments set to classical music pieces, featuring various animated sequences ranging from abstract visuals to full-length narratives. The segments include iconic scenes such as Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice and dinosaurs battling in a prehistoric landscape. The film was notable for its use of synchronized sound and music, as well as its groundbreaking animation techniques. Although it was not initially a commercial success, Fantasia has since become a beloved classic and a milestone in the history of animation.
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020)
This is an animated television series released in 2020, produced by DreamWorks Animation and Netflix. The show is set in the same universe as the Jurassic World film franchise and follows a group of six teenagers who attend a new adventure camp on Isla Nublar, the same island as the Jurassic World theme park. As they embark on various camp activities, they soon find themselves in the middle of a dinosaur outbreak caused by the events of the Jurassic World movie. The series features a mix of action, adventure, and suspense, as well as strong character development and exciting new dinosaur species. It has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and animation quality.
The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure (1994)
The Land Before Time II: The Great Valley Adventure is a 1994 animated film and a sequel to the original Land Before Time movie. The story follows Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike as they embark on a new adventure to find a special flower that will cure Littlefoot’s grandfather’s illness. Along the way, they encounter a new dinosaur, Chomper, who is a carnivore and thus initially viewed as a threat, but later becomes a friend. The film teaches lessons of friendship, tolerance, and acceptance, while also featuring exciting action scenes and memorable musical numbers. It was praised for its animation quality, character development, and strong moral messages.
Dino Time (2012)
Dino Time is a 2012 animated film directed by Yoon-suk Choi and John Kafka. The movie follows the adventures of three young friends, Ernie, Max, and Julia, who accidentally travel back in time to the prehistoric era through a time machine built by Ernie’s father. Once they arrive, they discover that the world is full of dinosaurs and that they must find a way to survive and find their way back home. The movie is an entertaining mix of action, adventure, and comedy, featuring a cast of lovable characters and a variety of dinosaur species. It has been praised for its creative premise, animation quality, and engaging storyline.
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