To troubleshoot the issue of animated watch faces not working on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

1. Restart Your Apple Watch: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve glitches. To restart, press and hold the side button until you see the Power Off slider, then drag the slider. After the watch powers off, press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

2. Check the Always-On Display Setting: Some users have found that turning off the Always-On Display helps restore animated faces. Open the Settings app on your watch, go to Display & Brightness, and toggle off the Always-On Display setting.

3. Select and Re-apply the Animated Face: Navigate to the face that you want to use. Firmly press the display to enter the customization mode, and choose the animated face again. This can sometimes trigger the animations to start working again.

4. Use Live Photos Correctly: If your animated watch face is based on a Live Photo, make sure it is properly set up. Live Photos should be saved in your Photos app and chosen in the watch face settings. For assistance on this, visit Apple Support’s guidance on changing watch faces - learn more.

5. Update Software: Ensure that your Apple Watch and iPhone are running the latest versions of their respective software. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, tap General, then Software Update to check for updates. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install.

6. Reset Your Apple Watch: If the problem persists, consider resetting your Apple Watch to factory settings. This will erase all content and settings, so make sure to back up your data first. Go to the Watch app on your iPhone, tap General > Reset > Erase Apple Watch Content and Settings.

7. Check Online Forums for Similar Issues: Other users may have faced similar problems. For example, discussions in Apple Support Communities mention that restarting the watch temporarily fixes the issue (learn more). Always refer to the most recent advice, as software updates can change the functionality.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore the animated watch faces on your device. If the issue continues, contacting Apple Support may be necessary for further assistance.