2. Up (2009)
There is more artistry and emotional depth in the opening montage sequence from Pixar's Up than you find in most other movies, animated or otherwise. That the film somehow manages to deliver a thoroughly compelling movie after such a strong start is a testament to the level of craftsmanship at work. Making the central character in Up a crotchety old codger was a stroke of genius - Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) is one of the most endearing characters ever to grace the screen and a perfect foil to his companion Russell, (Jordan Nagai) the Wilderness Explorer. Their Latin American adventure is a masterpiece of the medium, a heartfelt and frequently hilarious romp through some of the most gorgeously realised CG backdrops ever created. With Monsters Inc. and Inside Out already under his belt director Pete Doctor remains the brightest talent at Pixar, and fans of animation are no doubt waiting with baited breath to see what his fertile imagination can come up with next.