When I watch an animated show or film there are a few criteria I use to judge, to what degree I like it. This isn't a scientific method and it's not something that I always do consciously, however after years of watching and reviewing entertainment this is what I have found is the most impactful to me. Story, Pacing, main characters, support characters, villains, action, comedy/emotional impact and finally animation quality. As a caveat, I must also consider the times.  I wouldn't judge a Laika animation like Kubo and the two strings released in 2016 with the same rigor as the Rankin-Bass Christmas specials released in the 1970's.

 Here are some of the questions that I ask myself in order to come to my conclusions.

Story: Is it an interesting premise and do creators build a believable world? One where I can easily become immersed in

Pacing: Do I want to come back after each episode? Am I shown what's happening or am I bogged down with exposition? Did the ending feel right or was it rushed?

Main characters: Do they develop well and entertain me. Can I root for their cause?

Support characters: Do they develop or push the main cast? Would I want to know more about them in a spin off or a mini arc in the next season?

Villains: Do they mirror the main character, are they a good foil, do I sympathize with them? My questions on the villain or antagonist will change from show to show because antagonists serve different purposes depending on how the show sets them up.

Action: Do they bang though? Are action sequences earned and do they advance the story? Not every action scene has to have a meaning but it helps to build the world when it does.

Comedy/emotional impact: Do I feel the feelings that they want me to feel? When characters are sad do I know why and can I empathize with them. Does the show make me laugh?

Animation quality: Does the style look consistent and does it look fluid for its time? Notice that for animation I specifically didn't mention art style because liking or not liking an art style is, to me, quite subjective. There are some art styles that I just don't like and in many cases that has little to do with the quality of the animation itself.