There are many highly anticipated animated films coming in 2022, such as Puss In Boots: The Last Wish and Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse. These films are expected to be big-hitters for their respective genres, but there are some genres of animated film that often go unnoticed, such as horror.
Horror is a niche combo with animation that isn't commonly seen, but many films that have attempted to combine these two elements have achieved notable success. From Corpse Bride to Monster House, horror and animation fanatics on Ranker have narrowed down the best animated horror films.
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Van Helsing: The London Assignment (2004)
Van Helsing: The London Assignment is an animated, award-winning prequel to the 2004 film Van Helsing. During Van Helsing: The London Assignment, Van Helsing travels to Victorian London to investigate a string of murders and catch the inhumane serial killer, Mr. Hyde.
Although the film is shorter than average, running for 30 minutes, this has not prevented it from getting positive reviews and recommendations from fans. Fans have complimented the complex and interactive fights and elaborate chase scenes throughout the film, and have noted it as a solid prequel to Van Helsing.
Dead Space: Downfall (2008)
Dead Space: Downfall is an animated prequel film to the first Dead Space video game, and takes place after the limited comic book series. Dead Space: Downfall features the discovery of the Red Marker and the first Necromorph outbreak.
Though Deadspace: Downfall is a great potential animated horror choice for fans of the Dead Space franchise, the film makes no point of locking out those unfamiliar with it either, and audiences have commented on the impressive animation. Dead Space: Downfall resembles a fun, animated take on typical campy horror cliches, with violent and bloody hack-and-slash fight scenes, an unsettling atmosphere, and disgusting monsters.
The Batman vs. Dracula (2005)
There are many high-quality animated Batman films, but one that fits a little more specifically into the horror genre is The Batman vs. Dracula. This film gives a fun Halloween twist when Batman faces Count Dracula after the Penguin resurrects him.
Fans of The Batman vs. Dracula have praised the film for its haunting arrangement of music and spooky voice acting for the antagonistic Count Dracula. In comparison to some of the other Batman animated films, The Batman vs. Dracula also invites a slightly older audience, containing a rather dark and sinister plotline. Noted for being dark, edgy, and adding twists to many classic Batman characters, The Batman vs. Dracula is a worthy animated film for fans looking for a spooky-themed storyline.
Vampire Hunter D (1985)
Vampire Hunter D is a Japanese animated film based on the book of the same name by Hideyuki Kikuchi. Vampire Hunter D tells the story of Doris Lang, who is chosen as the next bride for vampire Count Magnus Lee. In an attempt to escape her fate, Doris hires a mysterious vampire hunter, known only as D.
Fans have praised Vampie Hunter D for its engaging storyline and well-developed cast of characters. Vampire Hunter D does a great job sticking to the roots of the key horror aspects within the book, and it's an animated film with a hauntingly eerie atmosphere.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie is a Tim Burton film about a boy named Victor and his dog Sparky, whom passes away suddenly. Victor then attempts to bring Sparky back to life through a powerful science experiment. Frankenweenie is a well-known unique black-and-white stop motion Tim Burton title, and Victor is often seen as one of Burton's most underrated characters.
Frankenweenie takes the classic tale of Frankenstein and retells the story with the key aspects of loyalty and friendship. Fans praise the film for its cute yet creepy characters, warped humor, and grotesque horror elements. Delivering both a grisly tale of mad science as well as a heartwarming story about a boy and his dog, Frankenweenie is undoubtedly one of the best animated horror films ever made.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Corpse Bride tells the storm of Viktor, a shy groom who can't seem to get his wedding rehearsal right. After taking a moment outside to practice his wedding vows, Viktor finds himself accidentally marrying the corpse of a murdered bride-to-be, Emily.
Viewers gave Corpse Bride much praise for its dark, gloomy colors and impressive visual animation to create a bold atmosphere. With clever, witty writing about a story of love and kindness featuring a quirky cast of characters, Corpse Bride is a perfect animated horror movie.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a binding of two classic tales, with the later half of the film featuring The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and iconic Headless Horseman character. Noted as a film that many Tim Burton fans also enjoy, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a truly unique offering.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow definitely adds a more horror aspect to this film,with a dark visual style and memorable music and sound effects. Fans have highly praised the character of the Headless Horseman for his exciting and frightening appearance in the film, and the moment where poor Ichabod comes face to face with this ghostly character is unforgettable.
Monster House (2006)
Set the day before Halloween, Monster House tells the story of three children who discover that their neighbor's house is a living, breathing monster. Monster House uses the common fear of spooky abandoned buildings and adapts this into the storyline from a young perspective, creating a story that's terrifyingly relatable.
Monster House has been held in high regard for its use of storytelling, with the plot containing many moments of suspense to keep the audience engaged. Monster House has also been praised for the fantastic use of sound effects and music, which help to build up the more frightening aspects of the film. As far as animated horror goes, Monster House is one of the best.
Coraline (2009)
Coraline is a stop-motion animated film that is widely considered one of the best movie adaptations of children's horror books. The story of the film features Coraline, a curious eleven-year-old girl who finds her way into a parallel universe featuring all of her ideals. Unfortunately, Coraline soon finds out that this universe is much more sinister than she originally anticipated.
With a curious protagonist, strangely mysterious and gripping supporting players, and a twisted and frightening villain, Coraline brings the best in its unusual cast of characters. Scenes of this film are beautifully set, doing an incredible job at incorporating child-like imagery into a much grimmer and scarier landscape. The dark and stylish film of Coraline undoubtedly brings a satisfying balance of horror to a stop-motion animation tale.
ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman tells the tale of Norman, a young boy who has the ability to see and communicate with the deceased. Sadly, this ability has left Norman misunderstood by society, and ostracized even by his own family. When Norman's town is attacked by undeadly entities, he is the only one left who can step up and save the day.
Fans have fallen in love with the tale of ParaNorman, praising its deep, immersive storyline and relatable protagonist, creating a fictional world that feels very real and believable to the viewer. The use of stop-motion animation effects is stunning and creates an extremely lively world and characters for viewers to enjoy. With moments of surprise, emotion, and satisfaction at every turn of the story - ParaNorman is an absolute must-watch for fans of the animated horror genre.