Yaqub Khan
African animation is a burgeoning field that is rapidly gaining global recognition. Despite its relatively young history compared to animation powerhouses like Hollywood or Japan, Africa is producing some of the most original and culturally rich animated films. African animation reflects the continent’s diversity, blending traditional folklore, contemporary stories, and vibrant visual artistry to create works that are both deeply personal and universally appealing.
At Toons Mag, we are passionate about highlighting global animation, and today, we’re excited to introduce you to the best animated films Africa has to offer. Here are the Top 15 African Animated Movies You Need to Watch.
1. Kirikou and the Sorceress (Senegal/France, 1998)
- Director: Michel Ocelot
One of the most internationally renowned African animated films, Kirikou and the Sorceress, tells the story of a small but mighty boy named Kirikou, who uses his intelligence and courage to free his village from the clutches of an evil sorceress. The film draws from West African folklore, offering a visually stunning and culturally rich narrative.
2. Aya of Yop City (Ivory Coast/France, 2013)
- Directors: Marguerite Abouet, Clément Oubrerie
Based on the popular graphic novel series, Aya of Yop City is a vibrant coming-of-age story set in 1970s Ivory Coast. The film follows Aya, a smart and determined young woman navigating life in the bustling city of Abidjan. Its colorful animation and engaging characters paint a lively picture of Ivorian life and culture.
3. Liyana (Swaziland, 2017)
- Directors: Aaron Kopp, Amanda Kopp
A unique hybrid of animation and documentary, Liyana tells the story of a young Swazi girl who embarks on a dangerous journey to save her twin brothers. The film blends real-life narratives from Swazi children with stunning hand-drawn animation, creating a heartfelt and visually striking story of resilience and imagination.
4. The Legend of Ngong Hills (Kenya, 2011)
- Director: Kwame Nyong’o
This short film is based on a popular Maasai folktale about a giant ogre terrorizing the Ngong Hills. With its beautiful animation and traditional storytelling, The Legend of Ngong Hills captures the essence of Kenyan folklore while delivering a thrilling and imaginative adventure.
5. Adama (France/Mali, 2015)
- Directors: Simon Rouby, Julien Lilti
Adama is a visually stunning animated film that tells the story of a young boy from a remote West African village who embarks on a journey to find his brother, who has left to fight in World War I. The film’s unique visual style combines traditional 2D animation with textured 3D effects, immersing the audience in a historical yet magical world.
6. Bilal: A New Breed of Hero (Sudan/United Arab Emirates, 2015)
- Directors: Khurram H. Alavi, Ayman Jamal
This action-packed epic tells the story of Bilal ibn Rabah, a historical figure who rose from slavery to become a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The film combines African and Middle Eastern history with stunning CGI animation, creating a visually rich narrative about freedom, justice, and heroism.
7. The Brave Tin Soldier (South Africa, 2003)
- Director: Mike Buckland
Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, this South African animated film follows the adventures of a tin soldier who embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with his beloved ballerina. The film’s mix of stop-motion and CGI animation gives it a unique aesthetic, making it a standout in African animation.
8. Kenda (Angola, 2019)
- Director: Mario Bastos
The Legend of Kenda is an Angolan animated film rooted in traditional folklore. It tells the story of a young boy named Kenda, who sets out on a journey to retrieve a powerful artifact to save his village from destruction. The film blends Angolan mythology with modern animation techniques, creating a visually engaging and culturally rich adventure.
9. Anansi (Ghana, 2012)
- Director: Kwesi Davis
Based on the famous African folktale character Anansi, the trickster spider, this animated short brings one of Ghana’s most beloved mythical figures to life. Anansi is not only visually engaging but also a humorous and insightful look into the themes of wisdom, cunning, and morality in African folklore.
10. Jabu’s Jungle (South Africa, 2014)
- Directors: Craig Rosseau, Paul Meyer
This educational animated series follows Jabu, a young boy who explores the African wilderness with his magic talking drum. Jabu’s Jungle is rich in African culture, wildlife, and mythology, making it both entertaining and informative for young audiences. Its colorful animation and engaging stories make it a beloved series in South Africa and beyond.
11. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (South Africa, 2018)
- Director: Brett Michael Innes
Though best known as a live-action biopic, this animated adaptation of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom is a powerful retelling of the iconic leader’s fight against apartheid. Using a combination of 2D animation and digital techniques, the film captures the spirit of Mandela’s journey and struggle for justice.
12. Azú: Soul of a Princess (Cameroon, 2015)
- Director: Bassek Ba Kobhio
Set in pre-colonial Cameroon, Azú: Soul of a Princess follows the story of a young princess who must fight to save her kingdom from invaders. The film is notable for its vibrant animation, which draws heavily on traditional Cameroonian art styles and folklore, making it a visually striking and culturally immersive experience.
13. Orisha’s Journey (Nigeria, 2014)
- Director: Abdul Ndadi
Nigerian-born filmmaker Abdul Ndadi created Orisha’s Journey, a short animated film that explores the rich mythology of West Africa. The story follows Orisha, a young girl who embarks on a mystical journey to understand the importance of nature. With stunning animation and a story deeply rooted in Yoruba mythology, this film is a must-watch for fans of African folklore.
14. The Safari Companions (Kenya, 2017)
- Director: Kwame Nyong’o
The Safari Companions is a delightful Kenyan animated series that introduces viewers to the country’s rich biodiversity. The show follows a group of young animals as they embark on adventures across Kenya’s savannahs and forests. With its vibrant animation and educational content, The Safari Companions is perfect for younger audiences looking to learn more about Africa’s wildlife.
15. Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks (Ghana, 2019)
- Director: Philip Wachekwa
This animated series from Ghana follows Sule, a clever young boy who uses his knowledge of science to solve problems in his community. Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks blends African storytelling with a modern STEM twist, promoting education through entertaining and vibrant animation.
African animation is rapidly growing, bringing unique stories, rich cultural heritage, and cutting-edge artistry to audiences around the world. From folklore-inspired tales to historical epics, these animated films showcase the diversity and creativity of African storytellers. At Toons Mag, we celebrate the rising talent from this continent, and we hope this list introduces you to the magic of African animation.
Whether you’re new to African animated films or a long-time fan, these Top 15 African Animated Movies You Need to Watch are essential viewing. Their beautiful stories, bold animation styles, and cultural richness offer a refreshing and compelling take on the animated genre.
