20 Must-See Movies That Blend Live Action With Animation

There's a special kind of cinematic magic that happens when live action collides with animation. Whether it's a cartoon character strolling through a city street or a CGI creature sharing the screen with an actor, these films create whimsical, surreal, or emotionally rich experiences that transcend medium boundaries. From early experiments in hand-drawn overlays to today's photorealistic CGI marvels, the hybrid format has long been a space for storytelling innovation. Some of these films lean into slapstick or fantasy, others dip into surrealism or satire, but all find ways to merge the real and the imaginary in compelling, visual ways. Directors and animators have had to invent new techniques to make these integrations believable, resulting in some of the most memorable scenes in movie history. The charm lies in the tension and harmony between the animated and real—worlds that, when stitched together just right, can spark wonder and awe. Story by Isla Wood