#10 - Prince of Persia (1989)
Created by Jordan Mechner, this game didn’t just rely on the clunky sprites of its time, it introduced rotoscoped animations that gave the Prince’s movements an almost eerie realism for a 2D platformer.
#9 - L.A. Noire
When L.A. Noire dropped in 2011, it wasn’t just another detective game, it was a showcase for facial animation that made jaws drop.
#8 - Uncharted 4
Naughty Dog’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016) is a masterclass in blending cinematic storytelling with gameplay that feels alive.
#7 - Sekiro
FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) takes a different approach to realism.
Moss
#6 -God of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök (2022) takes Kratos’ journey to new heights with animations that make every axe swing and step through Midgard feel epic.
#5 - Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West (2022) is a visual feast, and its animations are a huge part of why Aloy’s world feels so alive.
#4 - GTA V and RDR2
Rockstar Games deserves a double nod here for Grand Theft Auto V (2013) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018), two titles that redefine open-world animation.
#3 - Senua’s Saga
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II (2024) is a haunting showcase of animation that blurs the line between game and cinematic art.
#2 - Max Payne 3
Max Payne 3 (2012) is a gritty, cinematic masterpiece that still holds up for its jaw-dropping animations.
#1 - The Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II (2020) is the gold standard for realistic animations, pushing the PS4 to its limits and setting a benchmark for the industry.