Best 2D Animation Examples and What Makes Them Great

In today’s digital-first world, 2D animation services have emerged as a vital tool for storytelling, branding, education, and entertainment. The simplicity and creative flexibility of 2D animation make it a popular choice for projects like animated explainer videos, commercials, and even feature-length films. But what sets some 2D animations apart as exceptional? Let’s dive into some of the best examples of 2D animation, explore what makes them stand out, and understand how these principles can be applied to elevate your project.

Table of Contents

1. “The Lion King” (1994) – Disney’s Timeless Masterpiece

Disney’s The Lion King exemplifies the classic 2D animation style and storytelling prowess. This film is celebrated not just for its beautiful visuals but for its emotional depth and universal appeal.

Why It’s Great:

Stunning Visuals: The backgrounds and character designs are rich with intricate detail. The animators utilized hand-drawn art to immerse viewers in the African savanna.
Storytelling: The narrative connects with audiences of all ages, blending humor, drama, and life lessons.
Dynamic Motion: Character movements, such as Simba’s playful antics and Scar’s menacing gestures, were crafted meticulously to convey their personalities.

Lesson for 2D Animation Services: Combine breathtaking visuals with emotionally engaging storytelling to create animations that leave a lasting impression.

2. “Adventure Time” – Creativity in Simplicity

Adventure Time is a modern television phenomenon that redefined the potential of 2D animation for kids and adults alike.

Why It’s Great:

Quirky Characters: From Finn the Human to Jake the Dog, each character is unique in design and personality, making them instantly recognizable.
Surreal World-Building: The Land of Ooo is brought to life with creative and colorful visuals, showing that simple line work can still be impactful.
Humor and Heart: The show combines absurd humor with deeper, philosophical themes, making it resonate across age groups.

Lesson for Animated Explainer Videos: Use creativity in character design and dialogue to make your animation memorable while delivering your message effectively.

3. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” – Pioneering Animation Techniques

While technically a mix of 2D and 3D, Into the Spider-Verse heavily leans on 2D aesthetics, paying homage to comic book art styles.

Why It’s Great:

Unique Style: Comic book elements like halftone dots, speech bubbles, and exaggerated motion lines give it a fresh, bold look.
Experimental Techniques: Animators broke traditional rules, such as varying frame rates for characters to highlight their uniqueness.
Emotion-Driven Narratives: The film’s powerful storytelling enhances its visuals, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Lesson for 2D Animation Services: Don’t shy away from experimentation. Incorporating innovative visual elements can set your animation apart.

4. “The Simpsons” – Endurance Through Relatable Humor

As one of the longest-running animated shows in history, The Simpsons has set benchmarks in character-driven storytelling and social commentary.

Why It’s Great:

Memorable Characters: The Simpsons family and their Springfield neighbors are iconic, thanks to simple but effective designs.
Consistency: Decades of content have maintained a recognizable style that fans love.
Cultural Relevance: The show cleverly satirizes everyday life and societal issues.

Lesson for Animated Explainer Videos: Relatability is key. Use characters and narratives that your audience can connect with.

5. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” – Aesthetic Brilliance

This Studio Ghibli masterpiece stands out with its hand-drawn watercolor-inspired animation, evoking a sense of timeless beauty.

Why It’s Great:

Visual Poetry: The animation feels like a moving painting, with soft colors and organic line work that add a dreamlike quality.
Emotional Storytelling: It’s a deeply human story about joy, loss, and the fleeting nature of life.
Artistic Risk: Its minimalist style contrasts sharply with the highly detailed work typical of Studio Ghibli, demonstrating the power of creative risks.

Lesson for 2D Animation Services: A unique aesthetic approach can make your animation stand out, even in competitive industries like advertising or animated explainer videos.

6. “Rick and Morty” – Combining Science Fiction with Satire

This adult animation series blends humor, science fiction, and often existential dread, making it a cultural touchstone.

Why It’s Great:

Distinct Style: The clean line work and exaggerated character designs complement the absurd narratives.
Imaginative Worlds: Each episode introduces bizarre new worlds, creatures, and concepts, showcasing the limitless potential of 2D animation.
Witty Writing: Sharp, intelligent scripts elevate the animation’s impact.

Lesson for Animated Explainer Videos: Pairing creative visuals with sharp, engaging dialogue can keep viewers hooked.

7. “Looney Tunes” – Timeless Slapstick Comedy

The Looney Tunes series, featuring characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, remains a hallmark of 2D animation excellence.

Why It’s Great:

Expressive Animation: Characters’ exaggerated movements and expressions enhance comedic timing.
Memorable Characters: Distinct personalities make each character stand out, even in fast-paced scenarios.
Universal Humor: The slapstick comedy transcends language barriers, making it globally popular.

Lesson for 2D Animation Services: Focus on character expressions and body language to make your animation universally appealing.

8. “Samurai Jack” – Visual Storytelling at Its Best

Samurai Jack is a visually striking show that uses minimalist design and cinematic techniques to craft compelling narratives.

Why It’s Great:

Artistic Direction: The bold use of color, shadows, and composition adds a cinematic feel.
Narrative Innovation: Long stretches of silence and visually driven storytelling set it apart.
Stylized Action: The fight sequences are choreographed like dance, blending beauty and intensity.

Lesson for Animated Explainer Videos: Use visual elements to guide the story when words aren’t enough. Minimalism can amplify the impact of your message.

9. “Gravity Falls” – A Perfect Blend of Mystery and Humor

This beloved series combines charming characters, supernatural mysteries, and laugh-out-loud moments.

Why It’s Great:

Rich World-Building: The town of Gravity Falls is full of secrets and Easter eggs, making rewatching rewarding.
Character-Driven Stories: Dipper, Mabel, and the supporting cast are well-developed, driving the emotional core of the show.
Engaging Mystery: The narrative invites viewers to solve puzzles, adding a layer of interactivity.

Lesson for 2D Animation Services: Adding layers of intrigue can keep audiences engaged while delivering a message.

10. “SpongeBob SquarePants” – An Enduring Cultural Icon

SpongeBob is a masterclass in creating a unique world and characters that resonate across generations.

Why It’s Great:

Bright and Bold Aesthetics: The vibrant underwater world is visually captivating.
Character Dynamics: The relationships between SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward are endlessly entertaining.
Timeless Comedy: Its humor appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring broad appeal.

Lesson for Animated Explainer Videos: Bold visuals and humor can make even complex topics accessible and enjoyable.

Principles of Great 2D Animation

Looking at these examples, we can identify some universal principles that make great 2D animation:

Unique Visual Style: Whether minimalist or intricate, a distinct style ensures that your animation stands out.
Compelling Characters: Memorable characters are the heart of any animation.
Emotional Resonance: Stories that connect on a human level leave lasting impressions.
Creative Risks: Innovative techniques and storytelling approaches can make your project groundbreaking.
Purposeful Storytelling: Every element, from visuals to dialogue, should serve the story or message.

Applying These Lessons to 2D Animation Services

Whether creating educational content, marketing materials, or animated explainer videos, the key is to balance creativity and clarity. Work with professional 2D animation services to ensure your project leverages industry expertise and achieves its objectives.

Remember, animation isn’t just about movement; it’s about moving your audience.

Incorporate these lessons into your next project, and you’ll see the transformative power of well-executed 2D animation. Whether aiming to entertain, educate, or inspire, the potential of 2D animation services is truly limitless.