Voice Of The Cartoons And Animated Films That Stole The Spotlight
From witty sidekicks to soulful leads, the voices behind animated films are the unsung heroes who bring entire worlds to life with just a few inflections. In the past few years we have witnessed a renaissance of vocal performances that went far beyond the recording booth. These are not just cartoon characters, they are icons, thanks to the voices that made them unforgettable. Whether it was a comeback star, a surprise casting or a breakout performance, these voice actors gave animated films the kind of emotional resonance usually reserved for Oscar bait dramas.
Jason Schwartzman as Spot – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, 2023
Schwartzman gave Spot a tragicomic energy that evolved from silly to terrifying. His quirky cadence made early scenes hilarious, but the shift to menace was chilling. He voiced obsession like a symphony, every note darker than the last. Spot’s voice changed as he did, showing Schwartzman’s control. The character could have been forgettable, but Schwartzman made him unforgettable. He delivered both slapstick and dread with ease.
Amy Poehler as Joy – Inside Out 2, 2024
Poehler’s return as Joy is just as bright, but now more nuanced. She voices Joy with a newfound complexity, balancing optimism with reflection. Poehler channels the unease of growing up without losing Joy’s sparkle. Her line delivery now includes worry, letting us hear the cracks behind the smile. Poehler’s vocal control carries so many emotions within one tone. Joy is no longer just cheerful, she is wiser. Poehler captures that transition with subtle brilliance.
Jack Black as Po – Kung Fu Panda 4, 2024
Black did not miss a beat returning as the Dragon Warrior. His voice is a perfect balance of goofy enthusiasm and heartfelt sincerity. In this latest outing, Po shows more maturity and Black evolves with him. Every “skadoosh” hits harder when it is layered with purpose. Black’s comedic rhythm brings life to every fight scene and quiet moment. He remains the heart and soul of this franchise. His voicework proves funny can be deep. Black is still the perfect panda.
Emma Stone as Eep – The Croods: A New Age, 2020 or 2021 Oscars
Stone returned to Eep with an even more electric, excited energy. She gave the cavegirl teen a whole new dimension of independence. Her comic timing was razor sharp, her growls oddly endearing. Stone captured the voice of a girl ready to break the world open. There was empowerment in her tone, unapologetically bold. She voiced rebellion, discovery and awkward first love in one package.
Related: 12 Unforgettable Performances By Ryan Gosling
Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, 2023
Steinfeld’s voice matured along with Gwen’s story arc. She delivered a performance filled with punk defiance and aching isolation. Her vocal shifts told a story even when words did not. Steinfeld made Gwen feel like a heroine standing in her own light. She voiced trauma with trembling honesty. There was music in her sadness and power in her resilience. Gwen’s reunion with Miles carried more emotion than many live action romances.
Related: 12 Unforgettable Films Featuring Michael B. Jordan
Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, 2023
Isaac’s baritone gave Miguel weight, rage and responsibility. His performance crackled with pain beneath the control. He was not a villain, he was a man trying to prevent multiversal collapse. Isaac’s voice commanded every scene he entered. He played Miguel like a myth unraveling. His intensity was magnetic, turning dialogue into monologues. Isaac brought gravitas rarely seen in animation.
Related: 12 Best Action-Packed Matt Damon Films
Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, 2023
Edebiri turned April from a sidekick into a scene stealer. Her take was smart, sharp and infused with natural Gen Z wit. She voiced April with vulnerability that never lost its edge. Every nervous ramble felt charming and real. Edebiri’s April was awkward, aspirational and a perfect human counter to the mutant mayhem. She gave April a contemporary flair that resonated with new audiences.
Related: The First Feature Length Film Of Every Decade Ranked
Jacob Tremblay as Luca – Luca, 2021
Tremblay captured the innocent longing and quiet bravery of a boy between worlds. His soft delivery gave Luca a gentle strength. Every “Silenzio, Bruno!” was charged with wonder and determination. Tremblay’s performance grew in confidence as the film progressed. He embodied Luca’s awakening spirit and youthful curiosity. There was magic in how his voice matured with Luca’s growth. He made Luca relatable without ever being over the top.
Related: The First Hollywood Auditions of 12 Now Famous Actors
Jamie Foxx as Joe Gardner – Soul, 2020 or 2021 Oscars
Foxx’s silky delivery captured Joe’s passion, disappointment and existential wonder. He gave Joe the swagger of a jazz musician and the soul of a philosopher. His voice work was subtle but deeply human. As Joe grappled with life’s big questions, Foxx’s performance grounded every beat. There was humor in his frustration, warmth in his introspection. He gave Pixar one of its most adult, emotional performances.
Related: 15 Comedians Who Started In Dramatic Roles
Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel – Encanto, 2021
Beatriz’s voice gave Mirabel a mix of anxious self-doubt and boundless curiosity. Her performance sparkled with emotion, often trembling at the edge of confidence. Mirabel’s journey was internal and Beatriz voiced every setback and triumph flawlessly. She brought authenticity to the film’s complex family dynamics. Her warmth made Mirabel feel like a real person you would want as a friend. Beatriz did not just voice a character, she became the heart of the movie.
Related: 15 Classic Comedy Movies That Almost Had Different Leads
Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear – Lightyear, 2022
Stepping into a legendary role, Evans gave Buzz a sleek, mature edge. He grounded the space ranger in emotional realism while preserving heroic charm. His voice echoed themes of failure, purpose and identity. Every “mission log” had the weight of reflection and determination. He did not mimic Tim Allen, he redefined the mythos. The emotional isolation of Buzz was made clear in Evans’s tone.
Related: 12 Famous Comedians Who Started In Indie Films Before Making It Big
Kelly Marie Tran as Raya – Raya and the Last Dragon, 2021
Tran gave Raya grit, grace and grounded strength. Her performance showed a weary warrior slowly learning to trust again. She voiced Raya with both control and fragility, always walking the tightrope of honor. Her line delivery carried years of implied backstory. There was subtlety even in her silences. Tran transformed Raya from archetype into a living, breathing legend. Her performance resonated deeply with a generation of young viewers.
Related: 15 Movie Flops That Time Turned Into Classics
Awkwafina as Sisu – Raya and the Last Dragon, 2021
Awkwafina’s unmistakable wit and gravelly charm turned Sisu into more than just a mythical dragon. Her voice performance injected the film with humor and emotional depth. She balanced quirky fun with vulnerability, giving kids and adults something to hold onto. It was a bold deviation from traditional fantasy voices, making Sisu unforgettable. Awkwafina’s voice added street smarts and sisterly warmth. She made Sisu a lovable contradiction, ancient yet modern.
Related: 15 Movies That Were Banned Around The World And Why!
Voice acting in animation is not just about speaking lines, it is about breathing life into pixels. From jazz-soul mentors to multiverse outlaws, these artists gave their characters texture, soul and humanity. In the last few years, animated movies have not just entertained, they have emotionally wrecked us, made us laugh through tears and redefined what it means to perform. With powerhouse voices like these, animation has never sounded so alive.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
12 Animated TV Shows With Budgets Bigger Than Live Action Blockbusters!
Animation may seem like a cost effective alternative to live action, but some animated TV shows have budgets that rival or even surpass, major Hollywood blockbusters. With intricate CGI, high profile voice casts and detailed world building, these series push the boundaries of what television can achieve. From cutting edge animation techniques to expensive licensing fees, these shows required massive investments to bring their creators’ visions to life. Some were worth every penny, while others struggled to justify their sky high costs.
Read it here: 12 Animated TV Shows With Budgets Bigger Than Live Action Blockbusters!
15 Major Animated Franchises Ranked From Worst To Best
Animated franchises have shaped generations, delivering unforgettable characters, emotional storytelling and groundbreaking visuals. While some have dominated the industry with consistency and innovation, others have struggled with declining quality or lackluster sequels. Whether driven by nostalgia, creativity or sheer box office power, these franchises have left a lasting mark on animation history. Here is a ranking of 15 major animated franchises from worst to best.
Read it here: 15 Major Animated Franchises Ranked From Worst To Best
12 Iconic Characters From Animated Films Who Made Us Laugh The Hardest
Animated films have given us some of the funniest, most unforgettable characters in movie history. From sarcastic sidekicks to lovable goofballs, these icons have left audiences laughing for generations. Their witty one liners, slapstick humor and unique personalities make them stand out as some of the greatest comedic creations in animation. Here are 12 animated characters who had us laughing the hardest.
Read it here: 12 Iconic Characters From Animated Films Who Made Us Laugh The Hardest
You’ll love these related posts:
