Firsts in animation
This list provides an overview of animated productions that can be considered as first-time milestones in the development of animation techniques or in artistic or commercial success.
Early animation techniques
17th to 19th century: Before film
| Year | Milestone | Notes |
| 1659 | Introduction of the magic lantern | by Christiaan Huygens, with moving images |
| 1825 | Introduction of the thaumatrope | by John Ayrton Paris |
| 1833 | Introduction of the phenakistiscope | The first device used for stroboscopic animation. Invented simultaneously by Joseph Plateau and Simon Stampfer |
| 1866 | Introduction of the zoetrope | Similar cylindrical animation devices had already been proposed by Simon Stampfer and William Horner |
| 1868 | Flip book patented | by John Barnes Linnett, under the name of "kineograph" |
| 1877 | Introduction of the praxinoscope | by Charles-Émile Reynaud |
| 1892 | First theatrical animation in long strips | Reynaud's Théâtre Optique at the Musée Grévin |
Silent era
| Year | Milestone | Notes |
| 1898 | Animation on standard filmstrip | Introduced by Gebrüder Bing for toy projectors, lithographed in colour by 1902 |
| 1914 | Application for cel animation patent | By Earl Hurd, granted in 1915 |
| 1915 | Application for Rotoscope patent | By Max Fleischer, granted 1917 |