20 Fun Animated Animals in 2016 Movies That Give Us a Purk-Me-Up of Nostalgia

Briana Viser • Writer and Editor

Jan 22, 2026 11:00 AM EST

2026 is the new 2016.

Ah, the sweet taste of nostalgia. It's ripe and delicious, hitting all the wonders of your taste buds to make you laugh, cry, smile, and remember simpler times. As Milan Kundera says, "In the sunset of dissolution, everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia, even the guillotine." And it's true! We look back on the past with rose-colored glasses, everything looks more romantic somehow. 2016 is making a revival too, the internet and social media is re-embracing the feel, fashion, and aesthetic of 2016. People on TikTok and Instagram are posting throwback photos and videos using retro filters that saturate the colors, sharing early-Instagram shots with "2016" stickers in it, and celebrating 2016 culture.

2016 was simpler than the times now. Ten years can make a huge difference, and it has. Even psychologists note that nostalgia tends to spike during uncertain times, and that's exactly why people are embracing the past. What better way to relive the year 2016 than with a reminder of the silly, goofy, and adorable animal memes that we got the opportunity to experience 10 years ago. Enjoy!

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01
Finding Dory

via S Mah
The movie follows Dory, from Finding Nemo. She's the endlessly optimistic blue tang fish with short-term memory loss, as she suddenly remembers she might have parents. She then goes on a journey to find where she came from. Along the way, she reunites with Marlin and Nemo and ends up in the Marine Life Institute, a coastal rehabilitation center that becomes the main setting of the film.
02
The Secret Life of Pets

via Pinterest
What do our pets do all day when we leave the house? A question that can boggle minds forever. Thankfully this adorable animated film tackles this question in the most hilarious way.
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via Emery
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via Hudson
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via Staruai Bodhi
06
Zootopia

via Pinterest
Zootopia is a city where animals of all types and species live together. It's a rom-com of sorts, starting a rabbit who dreams of becoming a police officer, and a fox who's actually a con artist. You won't want to miss it!
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via Miss
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via RafikovaMaria_Art | Акварель и иллюстрация
09

via EriKaCao
10
The Jungle Book

via Steven Tze
Everyone knows the indelible classic about a boy who's raised by apes. From the incredible soundtrack to this stunning remake, it's a hit for the ages.
11

via The Telegraph
12
Kung Fu Panda 3

via Full HD Film izle 1080p indir
Jack Black really outdoes himself as a panda who wants to be the Dragon Warrior, but also works at a ramen shop. Wouldn't you want to be the Dragon Warrior too??
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via Queen
14
Open Season: Scared Silly

via avil_slare
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via Movie Deputy
16
The Angry Birds Movie

via WorldMoz
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via One Piece
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via NASTYA NIMBLE
19
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

via Guardian-Artist105
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via Pinterest