I'm an artist myself, and I often prefer 2D animation. But some of my favorite films use 3D animation beautifully. It's just that most modern 3D animation just looks like Toy Story. Not everything needs to be as inventive as Spiderverse (which I love) to nail the look. Luca is a good example of a unique 3D look that doesn't reinvent the wheel.
The aspects I'm focusing on are art design (character, background, color, lighting), the animation and effects style, and how these elements come together to support the story.
What are your favorite 3D animated movie aesthetics?

Nimona has a very cool look.

I don't know anything about that technicals, but I liked the look/vibe of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. It had a bit of a claymation feel to me.

dang i forgot about this one! i'll have to watch it looks dope

Nimona, Wild Robot, Puss in Boots The Last Wish, TMNT Mutant Mayhem, The Mitchells vs the Machines, The Bad Guys, Flow, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Rango

Haven't watched much animation in recent years but some good 3D examples I love:

"Le Tableau" (2011) - mix of 2D ( some backgrounds) and 3D (characters)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5NNf1lrj2c

"Flow" (2024) also gorgeous

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82WW9dVbglI

probably up followed by wally, but I, just like you. prefer 2d.

love those films

I adored Flow, I'll have to check out that other one!

Pinocchio is actually stop-motion not 3D! I saw the actual puppets at a museum in Portland OR.

Oh right. It's been a while since I saw it, my brain just slotted it in 3D CG. Must have been a cool experience to see the puppets in real life.

Mars Express was a well made sci-fi thriller.

I haven't seen it yet but it's on my list! Isn't it hand-drawn though?

Its a well executed blend of 3d and 2d - one of the best I've seen.

what parts are 3d?

The machines, vehicles, and portions of the environmental design, particularly during moving camera shots. It’s done with enough care so as to not draw attention.

very cool! i couldnt tell from the trailers

Flow was done in Blender.

Triplets of Belleville was a mix of 3D generated and 2D hand art.

what part is 3d? i thought this was all hand drawn

Surprised nobody has mentioned Promare. Also Sketch 2024, Tintin 2011, and what the hell, Dog Man 2025.

It's really good! It feels like 90s Nickelodeon's vision of the Turtles instead of the Turtles just so happening to be on Nickelodeon.