Compare 7 Animation courses from top providers — filter by price, level, provider & certificate.
An animation course teaches you how to create moving images, from simple drawings to complex 3D models. These courses are for anyone interested in bringing characters, objects, and stories to life through digital art. The courses listed here cover various tools and techniques, including 2D and 3D animation using software like Blender and Maya, as well as modern AI-powered animation methods.
You will find options suitable for beginners, focusing on fundamental skills needed in the creative industry. All courses offer a certificate upon completion and are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed. For a strong start in 3D animation, consider Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya. It covers the basics of a widely used industry tool and has been rated 4.5 by 8637 learners on Udemy.
| Your Situation | Recommended Course | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| You want to learn 3D animation with Blender. | Blender Animation & Rigging: Bring Your Creations To Life | This course focuses on Blender, a popular 3D software, and covers both animation and rigging. It has the highest rating at 4.8. |
| You want to learn 3D animation with Maya. | Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya | This course introduces you to Maya, another key software for 3D animation, from a beginner perspective. |
| You are interested in 2D character movement. | 2D Character Animation: Walk Cycles | This course specifically teaches 2D walk cycles, a foundational skill for animating characters in 2D. |
| You want to explore AI tools for animation. | AI Animation Masterclass, Pro animator in 40 min : Autodraft | This course uses AI tools, offering a modern approach to creating animations quickly. |
All animation courses listed on this page are free, making them accessible for anyone to start learning. These free options from Udemy provide foundational knowledge and a certificate of completion. However, it is important to understand what these free courses offer compared to typical paid programs.
| Feature | Free Courses Offer |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| Certificate | Yes, for all courses |
| Placement Assistance | No placement support is offered |
| Learning Mode | Self-paced |
| Software Covered | Blender, Maya, AI tools, 2D animation tools |
While these free animation courses provide valuable skills and a certificate, they do not include placement assistance. Larger, more comprehensive paid programs often include dedicated career support, which is not part of these free offerings.
All courses available here are designed for beginners. If you are looking for more Animation Courses for Beginners, the options below can help you build core skills. CG Spectrum notes that a beginner 2D animation course covers basics like the 12 Principles of Animation and classic exercises like the bouncing ball and walk cycle.
| Stage | What You Learn | A Course That Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner: 3D Software Basics | Understand the interface and fundamental tools of 3D software like Maya or Blender. | Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya |
| Beginner: Character Rigging & Movement | Learn how to set up character skeletons for animation and create basic character movements. | Blender Animation & Rigging: Bring Your Creations To Life |
| Beginner: 2D Animation Principles | Focus on traditional animation techniques like walk cycles for 2D characters. | 2D Character Animation: Walk Cycles |
| Beginner: AI-Assisted Animation | Explore how artificial intelligence tools can help create animations. | AI Animation Masterclass, Pro animator in 40 min : Autodraft |
Same shortlist as below, side by side — including who runs it and why it stands out.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blender Animation & Rigging: Bring Your Creations To Life | 4.8★ | Free | Highest rated (4.8★ from 1.8K reviews) | ||
| Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya | 4.5★ | Free | Free — certificate included | ||
| 2D Character Animation: Walk Cycles | 4.6★ | Free | Free — certificate included | ||
| AI Animation Masterclass, Pro animator in 40 min : Autodraft | 4.5★ | Free | Free — certificate included | ||
| Blender 3D Animation: Beginner to Pro | 4.5★ | Free | Free — certificate included | ||
| Complete Blender Megacourse: Beginner to Expert 3D Artist | 4.2★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate |