The year is widely regarded as a "golden age" for animation, characterized by a shift toward more diverse storytelling and experimental visual styles. While established giants like Disney faced theatrical challenges, the year thrived through streaming successes and a resurgence of high-quality stop-motion and indie projects. Key Animated Features of 2022 Critical and commercial highlights from the year include:

An emotional mockumentary combining live-action with stop-motion, praised for its heart and focus on community.

Frequently cited as the best animated film of the year, this stop-motion adaptation was praised for its dark, thought-provoking take on the classic tale and its deep character development.

A Pixar film that broke new ground by exploring the awkwardness of female adolescence with a "clay-like" 3D aesthetic and supernatural elements .