Upcoming Animated Movies
As we step into 2025, the Upcoming animated movies industry is set to captivate audiences with a spectacular lineup of theatrical and streaming releases. With three of the top five grossing films in the U.S. last year being animated, it’s evident that animation continues to draw viewers back to theaters in droves. This year’s slate is a mix of sequels, franchise expansions, and a refreshing array of original productions.
What to Expect in 2025
This year’s animated movies features promise nostalgia and novelty in equal measure. Fans can look forward to highly anticipated sequels such as Zootopia 2 and The Bad Guys 2, alongside groundbreaking projects like Laika’s stop-motion marvel Wildwood and Pixar’s original sci-fi adventure Elio. Streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, are also making waves with unique international and genre-blending productions, including their first Korean-language animated movies Lost in Starlight and the K-pop-inspired K-Pop: Demon Hunters.
Let’s dive into the year’s lineup, month by month.
January
Wallace & Gromit
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (January 3, Netflix)Directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham bring back Feathers McGraw in this eagerly awaited stop-motion feature that humorously critiques artificial intelligence.
The Colors Within (January 24, GKIDS)Directed by Naoko Yamada, this visually stunning film explores synesthesia through the journey of a teenage girl discovering her unique perspective and talents.
Dog Man (January 31, Universal Pictures)Dreamworks adapts Dav Pilkey’s beloved series, blending humor and action as Dog Man embarks on heroic adventures.
February Must-Sees
The Witcher
The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (February 11, Netflix)This anime-inspired adventure delves into Geralt of Rivia’s monster-hunting escapades, blending fantasy and action.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (February 28, Ketchup Entertainment)Porky Pig and Daffy Duck face alien threats in this new comedic chapter from Warner Bros. Animation.
March Releases
Night of the Zoopocalypse
Night of the Zoopocalypse (March 7, Viva Pictures)A CG-animated horror-lite feature where zoo animals fight a virus turning them into zombies.
April Releases
The King of Kings
The King of Kings (April 11, Angel Studios)A star-studded voice cast brings this retelling of Jesus Christ’s life, inspired by Charles Dickens’s works.
Sneaks (April 18, Briarcliff Entertainment)A hip-hop-infused adventure following a designer sneaker’s quest through New York City.
June Releases
Summer Blockbusters
Elio
Elio (June 13, Walt Disney Studios)Pixar’s imaginative tale of a boy navigating an intergalactic organization as Earth’s mistaken leader.
July
Smurfs Musical
Untitled Smurfs Musical (July 18, Paramount Pictures)A musical reboot of the beloved Smurfs franchise, promising vibrant tunes and classic charm.
August
The Bad Guys 2
The Bad Guys 2 (August 1, Universal Pictures)The sequel explores the “Bad Guys” adjusting to their new roles as “Good Guys” while facing an all-female squad of criminals.
September
Light of the World:
Light of the World: (September 5 Salvation Poem Project, Directed by Tom Bancroft, John J. Schafer. This musical brings the life of Jesus Christ.
November
Fall and Winter Delights
Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2 (November 26, Walt Disney Studios)Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde go undercover to solve a case in the mysterious Marsh Market.
December
The Spongebob Movie
The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants (December 19, Paramount Pictures)Spongebob faces The Flying Dutchman in this existential holiday adventure.
Notable Undated Releases 2025
Animal Farm (Director: Andy Serkis)A new adaptation of George Orwell’s classic, helmed by Andy Serkis.
K-Pop: Demon Hunters (Netflix)A vibrant musical-action film following a K-pop girl group moonlighting as demon hunters.
Wildwood (Director: Travis Knight)A magical journey set in a hidden forest, brought to life by Laika Entertainment.
The Rise of Streaming
Netflix continues to lead with innovative storytelling, leveraging global talent to deliver culturally rich and diverse content. Highlights include Lost in Starlight, a poignant story bridging Earth and Mars, and Plankton: The Movie, a spin-off giving the infamous Spongebob villain his moment in the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for animated movies, catering to fans of all ages and tastes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic franchises or eager to explore bold new stories, this year’s lineup promises to inspire, entertain, and surprise.
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