Top 10 Best Animation Artists Who Revolutionized The Animation Industry

These pioneers elevated animation from basic cartoons to a medium capable of eliciting strong emotions, inspiring imaginations, and altering cultures.

Who are the pioneers? Let's look at the lives and legacies of the top ten best animators who transformed the animation industry.

1. Walt Disney: The Pioneer of Dreams

When you think of animation, Walt Disney is likely the first name that comes to mind—and for good reason. With Mickey Mouse as his breakout star, Disney laid the foundation for the modern animation industry. But his contributions went far beyond Steamboat Willie.

Disney’s most iconic achievement, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was the first-ever full-length animated feature film. Critics thought he was crazy for investing in such a risky project. But as soon as Snow White graced the silver screen, it was clear that animation could be more than entertainment—it could be art.

Disney’s philosophy of "plussing"—continually improving a concept until it reaches its highest potential—still resonates throughout the industry. His legacy is immortalized not just through his films but through Disneyland and Disney World, physical embodiments of his imaginative vision.

Also Read: The Evolution of 2D Animation: From Traditional Hand-Drawn to Digital

2. Hayao Miyazaki: The Poet of Animation

Known for his deeply emotional storytelling and hand-drawn animation, Hayao Miyazaki is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation powerhouse. Films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke have captivated audiences worldwide.

What sets Miyazaki apart is his meticulous attention to detail. For instance, the food scenes in Spirited Away are so realistic you can almost taste the dishes. He’s also a master of embedding social commentary into his work. Princess Mononoke, for example, explores the clash between industrialization and nature, a theme that feels increasingly relevant today.

Miyazaki's films are proof that animation isn’t just for children—it’s a universal medium capable of addressing complex, adult themes.

3. Tex Avery: The King of Exaggeration

Imagine a cartoon where characters' eyes pop out of their heads, or they zip around so fast that they defy the laws of physics. That’s Tex Avery. A master of comedic timing and slapstick humor, Avery revolutionized the animation industry by breaking all the rules.

Working at Warner Bros. and later MGM, Avery created unforgettable characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Droopy. His work influenced generations of animators, proving that animation could be absurd, irreverent, and endlessly creative.

Avery once said, "In a cartoon, you can do anything." His bold philosophy opened the door for the wild, imaginative storytelling we see in modern animation.

4. Chuck Jones: The Storyteller Behind the Classics

While Tex Avery brought zaniness to animation, Chuck Jones refined it with character-driven stories. Jones was the genius behind iconic Looney Tunes shorts such as What’s Opera, Doc? and Duck Amuck. He also gave us enduring characters like Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner.

Jones’ work stood out because of his deep understanding of character psychology. For example, Wile E. Coyote’s endless quest for the Road Runner isn’t just funny—it’s a poignant commentary on human perseverance and futility.

His approach has inspired animators to think beyond gags and focus on creating characters that resonate on a deeper level.

Also Read: The Evolution of Digital Storytelling: Trends to Watch in 2025

5. John Lasseter: The CGI Visionary

The world of computer-generated animation owes much to John Lasseter, the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios. Under his leadership, Pixar revolutionized animation with films like Toy Story, the first-ever feature-length CGI film.

Lasseter’s philosophy was simple: “Art challenges technology and technology inspires the art.” This belief led to innovations in both storytelling and animation techniques. Toy Story wasn’t just a technical marvel; it told a heartfelt story about friendship and growth that resonated across generations.

Though Lasseter’s career has faced controversies, his contributions to the evolution of animation remain undeniable.

6. Osamu Tezuka: The God of Manga and Anime

Osamu Tezuka, often called the "God of Manga," was instrumental in shaping Japanese animation (anime). With works like Astro Boy and Black Jack, he introduced cinematic techniques to anime, elevating it from static imagery to a dynamic storytelling medium.

Tezuka’s influence can be seen in everything from Studio Ghibli films to modern anime series like Attack on Titan. His innovative use of camera angles, pacing, and character design gave anime its distinctive style.

Fun fact: Tezuka was heavily influenced by Walt Disney, proving that artistic inspiration knows no borders.

7. Ub Iwerks: The Technical Genius

Behind Walt Disney’s success was Ub Iwerks, the man who co-created Mickey Mouse. Known for his lightning-fast drawing skills, Iwerks was also an innovator in animation technology. He developed new techniques that streamlined the animation process, allowing Disney Studios to produce higher-quality films in less time.

Iwerks’ contributions extended beyond Disney. He worked on the special effects for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and pioneered techniques that are still used in filmmaking today.

8. Glen Keane: The Master Animator

If you’ve ever swooned over the animation in The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, or Tangled, you’ve seen Glen Keane’s work. As a lead animator at Disney, Keane brought characters to life with fluid movements and emotional depth.

One of his most notable achievements is the "I See the Light" sequence in Tangled, which seamlessly blends traditional animation techniques with CGI. Keane’s work is a testament to the idea that technology and artistry can coexist beautifully.

9. Lotte Reiniger: The Silhouette Pioneer

Long before Disney or Miyazaki, Lotte Reiniger was making magic with scissors and paper. Her groundbreaking 1926 film, The Adventures of Prince Achmed, is the oldest surviving animated feature film.

Reiniger’s use of intricate paper cutouts and stop-motion animation created a dreamlike quality that remains captivating to this day. Her work paved the way for experimental animation and demonstrated that the medium could be used for artistic expression, not just entertainment.

10. Brad Bird: The Storytelling Innovator

Brad Bird is the mastermind behind critically acclaimed films like The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. Known for blending humor, heart, and action, Bird’s films are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Take The Iron Giant, for example. It’s a deeply moving story about a boy and his robot, set against the backdrop of Cold War paranoia. Bird’s ability to tackle heavy themes while keeping the story accessible is what makes his work so impactful.

Bird also advocates for pushing creative boundaries. “Animation is not a genre—it’s a medium,” he once said, urging filmmakers to explore its full potential.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Art of Animation

The animation industry wouldn’t be what it is today without the contributions of these trailblazing artists. Each brought something unique to the table, whether it was technological innovation, emotional storytelling, or a new way of looking at the world.

Their work reminds us that animation is more than just a form of entertainment—it’s a powerful medium for creativity and expression. So, the next time you watch an animated film, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and vision that went into it. Who knows? The next great innovator might already be sketching their masterpiece.