Animated websites use motion as a core design element, bringing interfaces to life through transitions, micro-interactions, and choreographed sequences. Well-executed animation guides attention, communicates state changes, and adds personality without sacrificing usability.
Effective animation serves a purpose — it directs focus, provides feedback, or establishes spatial relationships between elements. The best animated sites use easing curves that feel natural and keep durations short enough that they enhance rather than slow down the experience.
GSAP remains the industry standard for complex timeline-based animation, while Framer Motion is popular in Framer and React projects. CSS animations and transitions handle simpler effects, and libraries like Lenis provide smooth scroll-driven animation. Browse animated landing pages for real examples.