5 Perfect Animated Movies On Netflix That Are Better Than KPop Demon Hunters

The animated film KPop Demon Hunters became an instant sensation following its release on Netflix in June 2025. The movie quickly accumulated hundreds of millions of views and even secured a rare theatrical release for a streaming original. Its massive popularity has triggered a wave of merchandise, with retail companies currently rushing to produce tie-in products such as video games and Lego sets. Despite the film's catchy music, humor, and action, Polygon's Brian VanHooker suggests that several other animated offerings on the platform surpass it in quality.

Among the top alternatives is The Mitchells vs. the Machines, a Sony Pictures Animation project that, like KPop Demon Hunters, went straight to Netflix. Directed and written by Mike Rianda, the film follows the eccentric Mitchell family on a road trip to drop their daughter off at college, only to find themselves as humanity's last hope against a robot uprising. Although its initial 50 million views in its first month did not match the scale of KPop Demon Hunters, the movie was a major pandemic-era hit. It is highly praised for its distinctive blend of 2D and 3D animation, as well as its authentic family dynamics, which Rianda modeled directly after his own relatives.

Another standout title is The Willoughbys, a dark comedy directed by Kris Pearn. Based on a book by Newbery Medal-winning author Lois Lowry, the story centers on four neglected children who attempt to send their terrible parents on a highly dangerous vacation. Despite its childlike whimsy and silly tone, the film features a dark humor reminiscent of Roald Dahl. VanHooker notes that while the movie is styled to look like children's entertainment, its clever execution makes it highly enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

For fans of action and established franchises, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie offers a compelling watch. The 2018 television series it was based on was highly divisive due to major changes in TMNT lore, such as making Raphael the leader and portraying Master Splinter as neglectful. However, the 2022 Netflix film won over many skeptics. The plot follows Casey Jones traveling back in time from a dystopian future to help a young, sarcastic Leonardo stop an invasion by the alien Krang, effectively serving as a powerful origin story for Leonardo's leadership.

The streaming platform also hosts older cinematic classics, most notably Don Bluth's 1988 masterpiece, The Land Before Time. The emotional tale follows a group of orphaned, mismatched dinosaurs searching for a legendary lush valley during a devastating famine. Bluth, who previously left Walt Disney due to creative differences to start his own studio in 1979, produced several highly regarded films during the 1980s. Alongside An American Tail, this dinosaur adventure stands out for matching the heart, humor, and visual beauty of Disney's finest work.

Topping the list of recommendations is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While KPop Demon Hunters secured an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2026, Into the Spider-Verse won the same honor during a year of much stiffer competition. The film follows Miles Morales as he takes on the mantle of Spider-Man and teams up with heroes from other dimensions to stop Kingpin. Celebrated for its groundbreaking comic-book-style animation, stellar cast, and superior soundtrack, the movie successfully launched a highly acclaimed trilogy.