8 best animation styles you need to know about

Animation isn’t just eye candy anymore — it’s a language. And when done right, it speaks straight to the heart. Whether you’re selling a product, telling a story, or creating scroll-stopping content, the animation style you choose sets the tone for everything. That’s why understanding the best animation styles out there isn’t just nice — it’s essential.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through eight animation styles that are shaping digital storytelling right now. From the nostalgic pull of hand-drawn animation to the sleek power of CGI, each has its own rhythm, strengths, and limitations. You’ll see real examples, learn what makes each style tick, and discover how to match the right look to your message.

This is the classic — the OG of animation. 2D animation is created frame-by-frame on a flat surface, often drawn by hand or digitally rendered. Think of it as your animation bread and butter.

One reason 2D animation has stood the test of time is its sheer emotional power. Just look at The Lion King or Spirited Away. These films connect deeply, not in spite of their flatness, but because of it. The simplicity of 2D draws attention to expressions, colors, and movement, making it easier to create emotional resonance.

It’s also cost-effective, especially for explainer videos and educational content. Because you don’t have to build full 3D models or lighting, creators can churn out high-quality visuals on a smaller budget — without sacrificing personality. That’s why 2D remains a favorite for businesses, educators, and indie artists alike.

Now, keep in mind, it does have its limits. Because it lacks depth, it’s not ideal for highly immersive environments or realistic simulations. Still, when you want charm, clarity, and heart? 2D animation delivers every time.

If 2D is the old soul, 3D is the showstopper. With computer-generated imagery (CGI), you get depth, dimension, and dynamism. It’s what powers everything from Toy Story to high-end e-commerce product videos.

The biggest win here? Realism. 3D animation lets you create lifelike scenes, making it perfect for product demos, architecture, and gaming. You can rotate, zoom, and simulate lighting to mimic real-world behavior — something 2D just can’t match. That’s why more brands are using 3D animation to build trust with realistic previews.

It also allows for reusability. Once you’ve modeled an object, you can animate it in countless ways without redrawing a thing. This makes 3D a great long-term investment for companies looking to scale their content.

But 3D comes at a cost — literally. It requires powerful software, skilled animators, and longer production times. Still, if you want impact and polish, few animation styles beat the wow-factor of 3D.

Stop motion is handmade magic. It’s crafted by photographing objects frame by frame and playing them in sequence. You’ve seen it in Coraline, Wallace & Gromit, and even old-school LEGO YouTube videos.

This animation style stands out because of its tactile, real-world charm. Everything from the slight jitters to the texture of materials feels authentic and personal. In a world of digital perfection, stop motion’s imperfections are exactly what make it pop.

It’s also great for brand storytelling. Brands like Oreo and Honda have used stop motion to create quirky, shareable campaigns that feel playful and artistic. The physicality gives products a real presence that digital can sometimes miss.

On the flip side, stop motion is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Every second of animation can require 12–24 individual shots. But for campaigns that crave character and craftsmanship? It’s worth every click.

Motion graphics blend text, shapes, and icons with smooth transitions to deliver clear, dynamic messaging. It’s animation’s workhorse — perfect for explainers, promos, and UI design.

One reason motion graphics are everywhere is that they’re incredibly adaptable. They work great in videos, web banners, mobile apps — you name it. With strong typography and sleek transitions, they turn complex ideas into digestible visuals. Just look at companies like Dropbox and Google, who rely on motion graphics for clear communication.

They’re also budget-friendly and quick to produce. Since most motion graphics don’t require characters or storytelling, you can focus on functionality and rhythm. That’s why startups and marketers lean on them for fast turnaround content.

Still, they’re not ideal for deep emotional storytelling. Motion graphics serve clarity and convenience, not drama or narrative. But for punchy, persuasive, professional content? Motion graphics check every box.

This style is all about soul. Hand-drawn animation — whether done on paper or tablets — carries the animator’s fingerprint in every frame. It’s labor-intensive, yes, but rich with artistry.

Why does it matter? Because emotion is baked in. Think of The Iron Giant or F Is for Family. The rawness, the imperfections — they make characters feel more human. When every frame is crafted by hand, audiences can feel the love and labor behind it.

It also opens doors to stylization. You can bend physics, warp faces, or go abstract in ways that feel deliberate and poetic. That makes it perfect for music videos, art films, or campaigns where mood is everything.

But let’s be honest — hand-drawn animation is not fast or cheap. It takes time, skill, and vision. Still, if your project needs emotional depth and visual poetry, nothing else compares.

Rotoscoping combines live-action footage with drawing — either traced manually or enhanced digitally. It walks the line between real and surreal, offering a dreamy, uncanny feel.

This technique is powerful when you want realism with a twist. Films like A Scanner Darkly and Loving Vincent used rotoscoping to powerful effect, blending natural movement with artistic flair. For brands, it can create mesmerizing visuals that feel fresh and unexpected. 

It’s also a good tool for hybrid storytelling. You can layer digital elements over real-world footage, creating a seamless mix of animation and reality. This is perfect for music videos, title sequences, or fashion films. One great example is the TV show Dream Corp LLC, which uses rotoscoping to bring its dream sequences to life — surreal, shifting visions that dive deep into the characters’ psyches. That’s exactly the kind of scenario where rotoscoping shines: when you need to blur the line between reality and imagination in a way that feels organic and immersive. 

However, it’s not for every occasion. Rotoscoping can be laborious and sometimes falls into the “uncanny valley” — where things feel just a bit too off. Still, used wisely, it can create unforgettable experiences.

Clean, clear, and educational — whiteboard animation is built for teaching. It mimics the process of someone drawing on a whiteboard while explaining a concept. And folks love it.

The magic here is in its simplicity. Because the visuals are drawn in real time, viewers stay engaged as each element appears. It’s great for breaking down complex topics in a way that’s approachable and memorable. That’s why it’s used in healthcare, finance, and tech training videos.

Whiteboard animations are also affordable and quick to produce. With the right software, you can create content in-house — no animators required. It’s a no-brainer for businesses on a budget.

Still, whiteboard videos aren’t flashy or stylish. If your brand relies on cutting-edge visuals or emotion-driven stories, this might not be the right fit. But for education? Whiteboard animation still reigns supreme.

Cutout animation uses flat characters, props, and backgrounds — often made of paper or digital layers — moved frame by frame. It’s like puppetry for the screen.

This style is accessible and fast. Think South Park or Angela Anaconda. Its charm lies in simplicity — limited movement, bold silhouettes, and humorous exaggeration. That makes it perfect for satire, short-form videos, and content where quirkiness is the point.

It’s also a great entry point for new animators. You can create compelling stories without having to master full-motion rigging or 3D modeling. And in the age of TikTok and Reels, quick production can mean everything.

However, cutout animation is limited in motion and realism. It’s not ideal for high-end projects or emotional storytelling. But when you want bold, funny, and fast? This animation style is a total win.

By now, you’ve seen just how many different directions animation can take — each with its own charm, strengths, and storytelling power. But when it comes to balancing realism, flexibility, and scalability, one style consistently rises to the top: CGI animation, especially 3D.

CGI (computer-generated imagery) opens up a world of possibilities that other animation styles simply can’t match. It allows brands to create visuals that are incredibly lifelike, simulating everything from products and packaging to full environments and human figures. Whether you’re working on a product demo, a virtual tour, or a high-impact advertising campaign, CGI gives you the freedom to bring your exact vision to life — without the limitations of physical production.

One of the biggest advantages of CGI is its adaptability. You can showcase a product from every angle, zoom in on intricate details, or place it in a variety of settings — all with complete control over lighting, texture, and movement. Want to demonstrate how your product works in extreme conditions? No problem. Need to create a scene that would be impossible (or too expensive) to shoot in real life? CGI makes it not only possible but seamless.

CGI is also a smart investment when you’re thinking long-term. Once your 3D models are created, you can reuse and repurpose them across multiple campaigns and formats. This means faster turnaround times and more consistent brand visuals — whether you’re updating your website, launching a new ad, or creating fresh social media content.

At Welpix, we specialize in bringing these advantages directly to your business with high-end CGI product photography and animation. Our team helps you create photorealistic visuals that highlight every feature of your product with precision and artistry. Plus, because everything is done digitally, you can make updates or adjustments quickly, without the need for new photoshoots or costly reshoots.

In today’s competitive market, having eye-catching, high-quality visuals is essential. CGI animation gives you the tools to tell your brand’s story with clarity, creativity, and sophistication. So if you’re ready to elevate your visuals, stand out from the crowd, and build a stronger connection with your audience, CGI is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Animation isn’t just about movement — it’s about meaning. The best animation styles don’t just look good, they feel right for the story you’re trying to tell. From the emotional pull of hand-drawn animation to the precision of 3D CGI, every technique opens a new door for creativity.

So as you map out your next project, ask yourself: what kind of experience do I want to create? Then pick the animation style that brings that vision to life. And if you’re not sure where to start? You know where to find us.