Upcoming Animated Feature Films 2025 Deliver New Adventures and Sequels

Get ready to mark your calendars because 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for animation lovers. Following a robust 2024 where animated features proved to be significant draws at the box office, the upcoming slate of films is poised to deliver a thrilling mix of beloved sequels and groundbreaking original stories. You’ll find everything from ambitious stop-motion to vibrant CG, adult comedies to heartfelt dramas, ensuring there's something for every taste.
This isn't just a year for familiar faces, though they're certainly making a grand return. We're also seeing a strong emphasis on new narratives, diverse cultural perspectives, and innovative animation techniques. Whether you're a devoted cinephile or simply looking for the next family-friendly adventure, the Upcoming Animated Feature Films 2025 promise to spark imagination and redefine the animated landscape.

At a Glance: Your 2025 Animated Preview

Sequels & Spinoffs Reign Strong: Expect eagerly awaited returns from franchises like Moana, Zootopia, The Bad Guys, and Spongebob.
Original Stories Shine: Pixar's Elio, Laika's stop-motion Wildwood, and Sylvain Chomet’s The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol lead a pack of fresh narratives.
Netflix's Animated Ambitions: The streaming giant is set to release seven animated features, including its first Korean-language animated film (Lost in Starlight) and the vibrant K-Pop: Demon Hunters.
Diverse Animation Styles: From the intricate stop-motion of Aardman and Laika to stylized CG, 2D musicals, and anime epics, the visual variety is incredible.
Global Storytelling: Films from Japan (The Colors Within, anime adaptations), Korea (Lost in Starlight), and Mexico (The Great History of Western Philosophy) bring international flair.
Something for Everyone: The slate spans family adventures, adult comedies, horror-lite features, historical epics, and even faith-based stories.

The Animated Comeback: Setting the Stage for 2025

The momentum from 2024's top-grossing animated films clearly indicates a flourishing appetite for the genre. Theater audiences in the U.S. showed up in droves, proving that animation isn't just for kids anymore, nor is it solely a streaming experience. This resurgence sets a high bar for 2025, a year that boldly embraces both the comfort of the familiar and the excitement of the new. You'll find studios doubling down on proven franchises while also investing in unique, original content that pushes creative boundaries.
One of the most notable shifts is the expanding role of streaming platforms. Netflix, in particular, is stepping up its feature animation game, leading the charge with seven planned releases. This strategic move highlights a commitment to global audiences and diverse storytelling, with projects like a Korean-language animated film and a K-Pop-themed adventure.
While this guide focuses on fully-animated films expected to receive a domestic U.S. release, it’s worth noting that the landscape is always evolving. You won’t find hybrids (live-action mixed with animation) or re-releases of older films here, keeping our focus squarely on the fresh, fully animated experiences coming your way. Just a friendly heads-up: release dates are always subject to change in the film world, but this list reflects the most current information. For a deeper dive into all the animated magic awaiting, you can explore the full lineup of 2025 animated films.

Your Monthly Dive into 2025's Animated Features

Let's break down the year month by month, highlighting the must-see films and what makes them special.

January: Kicking Off the Year with Quirk and Color

January arrives with a delightful mix of British wit, Japanese artistry, and canine chaos.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix, January 3)
The Lowdown: Aardman Animations' beloved duo, directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, returns with the long-awaited sequel. The notorious penguin, Feathers McGraw, is back after 30 years, and this time, the story wittily critiques AI technology. Expect ambitious stop-motion, a sharp script, and that signature Aardman joy.
Why You'll Love It: Classic British charm, intricate animation, and a surprisingly timely theme.
The Colors Within (GKIDS, January 24)
The Lowdown: From acclaimed director Naoko Yamada (Science Saru), this film follows Totsuko, a high school girl with synesthesia, who sees sounds as colors. She grapples with self-doubt while searching for her true voice, a journey beautifully depicted through vibrant, symbolic animation.
Why You'll Love It: A visually stunning, introspective story about finding your place in the world, from a master of emotive animation.
Dog Man (Universal Pictures, January 31)
The Lowdown: Dreamworks Animation brings Dav Pilkey's beloved children's book series to the big screen. This spin-off introduces a unique hero: a police dog and officer fused into one after an injury, ready to fight crime.
Why You'll Love It: A guaranteed laugh for kids and fans of Pilkey's quirky humor and fast-paced storytelling.

February: Epic Tales and Looney Laughs

February takes us from high fantasy to intergalactic mayhem.

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (Netflix, February 11)
The Lowdown: Geralt of Rivia gets his second standalone anime adventure, based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s short story "A Little Sacrifice." Directed by Kang Hei Chul (Studio Mir), Geralt investigates mysterious attacks in a seaside village, uncovering a conflict between humans and merpeople.
Why You'll Love It: More monster-hunting action and complex moral dilemmas for fans of the dark fantasy series.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (HBO Max, February 28)
The Lowdown: Kenji Kamiyama directs this animated prequel, set 183 years before the original film trilogy. It delves into the legendary king of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, and the epic battles that shaped his kingdom.
Why You'll Love It: A chance to revisit Middle-earth with a fresh, epic animated perspective.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (Ketchup Entertainment, February 28 theatrical; HBO Max, June 20 streaming)
The Lowdown: Pete Browngardt brings Porky Pig and Daffy Duck back in a big way as Earth’s only hope against an alien invasion. Expect classic slapstick and hilarious antics.
Why You'll Love It: A nostalgic trip with two iconic characters, updated for a new generation while retaining their timeless humor.

March: Plankton's Spotlight, Moana's Next Voyage, and Zombie Animals

March offers a truly eclectic mix, from undersea villainy to fantastical adventure and even horror-lite animal zombies.

Night of the Zoopocalypse (Viva Pictures, March 7)
The Lowdown: A stylized CG horror-lite feature where a meteor unleashes a virus, turning zoo animals into zombies. A mountain lion and a wolf lead the surviving animals to stop the impending "zoopocalypse."
Why You'll Love It: A unique, darker take on animated adventure that could be a fun, spooky watch for older kids and adults.
Plankton: The Movie (Netflix, March 7)
The Lowdown: The tiny, scheming villain from Spongebob Squarepants finally gets his own spin-off film, directed by Dave Needham.
Why You'll Love It: A deep dive into the megalomaniacal yet often hilarious world of Sheldon J. Plankton.
Moana 2 (Disney+, March 12; VOD/Digital, January 28)
The Lowdown: David Derrick Jr. directs Moana as she embarks on an expansive journey three years after her first voyage, seeking people beyond her home's shores. Dwayne Johnson returns to voice Maui.
Why You'll Love It: More Polynesian adventure, catchy songs, and the return of beloved characters. This is a big one for Disney fans!

April: Faith, Fashion, and French Revolution

April brings diverse stories, from a biblical epic to a "hip-hop Toy Story" and a classic Japanese anime remake.

The King of Kings (Angel Studios, April 11 theatrical; Apple TV+, May 27 streaming)
The Lowdown: Loosely inspired by Charles Dickens’ "The Life of Our Lord," director Seong-ho Jang uses Dickens and his son Walter to narrate the story of Jesus Christ. Features an impressive voice cast including Kenneth Branagh, Oscar Isaac, Ben Kingsley, and Mark Hamill.
Why You'll Love It: A unique, star-studded approach to a foundational religious story.
Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment, April 18)
The Lowdown: Rob Edwards directs this original story described as a "hip-hop Toy Story." It follows a designer sneaker on a quest across New York City to find his missing sister. The voice cast is stacked with Martin Lawrence, Anthony Mackie, and Macy Gray.
Why You'll Love It: An energetic, stylish original concept with a fantastic cast and a unique urban setting.
The Rose of Versailles (Netflix, April 30)
The Lowdown: A new adaptation of the classic manga, following Oscar François de Jarjayes, a woman raised as a boy who disguises herself as a man amidst the opulence and intrigue of the French Revolution.
Why You'll Love It: A historical drama with powerful themes of identity and loyalty, presented with stunning visuals.

May: Interplanetary Romance and Self-Discovery

May offers stories bridging vast distances, both literal and metaphorical.

Lost in Starlight (Netflix, May 30)
The Lowdown: Netflix’s first Korean-language animated film, directed by Han Ji-won. Astronaut Nan-young and musician Jay embark on a long-distance relationship, bridging Earth and Mars. Voiced by K-drama stars Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung.
Why You'll Love It: A romantic, visually unique story exploring connection across interstellar distances, tapping into the growing popularity of Korean content.
Lulu Is a Rhinoceros (Apple TV+, May 30)
The Lowdown: Lulu, a character who sees herself as a rhinoceros, embarks on a quest to spread kindness and self-acceptance.
Why You'll Love It: A heartwarming tale about embracing individuality and the power of compassion.

June: Alien Encounters, Demon Hunters, and Summer Fun

June brings big-budget originals and exciting new franchises. This is a month for big studio tentpoles and innovative streaming features alike. If you're eager to discover more animated releases in 2025, June offers some fantastic highlights.

Predator: Killer of Killers (Hulu, June 6)
The Lowdown: A three-part animated anthology showcasing the iconic Yautja warriors as they hunt human prey across various historical periods and global locations.
Why You'll Love It: A fresh, brutal take on the Predator franchise, perfect for adult fans of action and sci-fi horror.
Elio (Walt Disney Studios, June 13 theatrical; Disney+, September 17 streaming)
The Lowdown: Pixar Animation Studios presents this original story directed by Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian, and Adrian Molina. Space-fanatic Elio is mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader when he's beamed to an intergalactic organization, forcing him to form unexpected bonds and navigate a universal crisis.
Why You'll Love It: Pixar's signature blend of humor, heart, and stunning animation, exploring themes of identity and belonging on a cosmic scale.
K-Pop: Demon Hunters (Netflix, June 20)
The Lowdown: Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans (Sony Pictures Animation), this is an original, musical, action adventure. A world-renowned K-Pop girl group balances their public lives with secret identities as demon hunters. Features a cast including Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Liza Koshy.
Why You'll Love It: A high-energy, stylish mashup of K-Pop glamour and demon-slaying action.

July: Smurfs, Snoopy, and Summer Vibes

July delivers classic characters and a new musical.

Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical (Apple TV+, July 18)
The Lowdown: The beloved Peanuts gang celebrates the joy of summer camp and emphasizes the importance of preservation.
Why You'll Love It: A charming, wholesome special perfect for families, with a positive message.
Untitled Smurfs Musical (Paramount Pictures, July 18)
The Lowdown: Directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon, this reboot of The Smurfs animated feature franchise is presented as a musical, aesthetically based on Peyo’s original works.
Why You'll Love It: A fresh musical take on the iconic blue characters, staying true to their roots.

August: Bad Guys Return, Adult Comedy, and Demigod Adventures

August brings back some fan favorites and introduces a unique adult animated comedy.

The Bad Guys 2 (Universal Pictures, August 1)
The Lowdown: Pierre Perifel returns to direct the sequel to the highly successful The Bad Guys. The now "Good Guys" are pulled out of retirement for "one last job" by an all-female criminal squad known as the Bad Girls.
Why You'll Love It: More heist action, humor, and redemption arcs with a stylish animation aesthetic.
Fixed (Netflix, August 13)
The Lowdown: An adult animated comedy from the legendary Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory). This film centers on a Bull.
Why You'll Love It: Tartakovsky's distinct visual style and sharp humor applied to an adult story promises a unique experience.
Ne Zha 2 (In Theaters, August 22)
The Lowdown: The sequel to the hugely popular Chinese animated film, continuing the adventures of the rebellious young demigod Ne Zha.
Why You'll Love It: Stunning visuals and epic martial arts action inspired by Chinese mythology.

September: Biblical Stories and Anime Smashes

September delivers spiritual journeys and intense action.

Light of the World (Salvation Poem Project, September 5 Limited)
The Lowdown: Directed by Tom Bancroft and John J. Schafer, this is a 2D animated musical centered on the life of Jesus Christ, told through the eyes of his young friend, the Apostle John.
Why You'll Love It: A heartfelt, musical retelling of a sacred story with a unique perspective.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Limited, September 12)
The Lowdown: Another installment in the incredibly popular anime franchise, following Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting demons to avenge his family and cure his sister.
Why You'll Love It: Breathtaking animation, intense fight sequences, and compelling character development.
Aztec Batman: Clash Of Empires (HBO Max, September 18)
The Lowdown: A reimagining of the Batman legend set within 16th-century Mesoamerican culture.
Why You'll Love It: A bold, culturally rich take on a classic superhero, offering a fresh visual and narrative experience.

October: Spooky Stories and Literary Adaptations

October leans into the spooky season with dark comedies and beloved book adaptations.

Pets on a Train (In Theaters, October 17)
The Lowdown: A crew of animal bandits get caught in a high-tech swindle.
Why You'll Love It: A fun, action-packed animal caper for the whole family.
The Twits (Netflix, October 17)
The Lowdown: Directed by Phil Johnston, Katie Shanahan, and Todd Kunjan Demong (Jellyfish Pictures), this is based on Roald Dahl’s famously mean characters. Mr. and Mrs. Twit run a disgusting amusement park and rise to power, prompting two orphans and magical animals to outsmart them to save the city. Features Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke, and Alan Tudyk.
Why You'll Love It: A delightfully dark and witty adaptation of a beloved Roald Dahl classic, with a stellar voice cast.
Chainsaw Man (Limited, October 24)
The Lowdown: Denji, a Devil Hunter, works with the "Chainsaw Devil" Pochita in this highly anticipated anime release.
Why You'll Love It: Gritty action, dark humor, and a unique protagonist that has captivated a huge fanbase.
Stitch Head (In Theaters, October 29)
The Lowdown: Set in a gothic castle laboratory, a mad professor creates various inhabitants.
Why You'll Love It: A charmingly spooky tale reminiscent of classic monster stories, perfect for the Halloween season.

November: Racing Mice, Dream Worlds, and Zootopia's Return

November brings thrilling races, imaginative adventures, and a highly anticipated Disney sequel. To catch all the exciting narratives coming your way, definitely check out the full schedule of 2025 animated movies.

Grand Prix of Europe (Viva Kids, November 7)
The Lowdown: Directed by Waldemar Fast, this film tie-in for Europa-Park's 50th anniversary follows Edda, a racing car-obsessed mouse, who disguises herself as her idol to compete in the Grand Prix and save her family’s amusement park. Cast includes Gemma Arterton, Hayley Atwell, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.
Why You'll Love It: A high-speed, heartfelt adventure with a strong cast and European flair.
In Your Dreams (Netflix, November 14)
The Lowdown: Alex Woo and Erik Benson direct this comedy adventure about siblings Stevie and Elliot who magically travel into the world of dreams to find the Sandman and save their parents’ marriage. Cast includes Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Craig Robinson, and Simu Liu.
Why You'll Love It: An imaginative, comedic journey into the subconscious, with a talented voice ensemble.
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (VOD / Digital, November 25)
The Lowdown: St. Nick receives a delayed letter from the Princess of Hearts on Christmas Eve, requiring action from him and his team. Features Gerard Butler and Emilia Clarke.
Why You'll Love It: A whimsical holiday tale combining Christmas magic with the fantastical world of Wonderland.
Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios, November 26)
The Lowdown: Directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard bring back Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they go undercover in Marsh Market to investigate a mysterious case involving a reptile.
Why You'll Love It: The return of a beloved buddy-cop duo, offering more clever world-building and timely social commentary wrapped in a thrilling mystery.

December: Festive Diaries and Undersea Quests

The year wraps up with holiday cheer and another aquatic adventure.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Christmas: The Last Straw (Disney+, December 5)
The Lowdown: The next installment in the animated Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, bringing more of Greg Heffley's relatable struggles during the festive season.
Why You'll Love It: A humorous and comforting watch for fans of the books and previous animated films.
David (In Theaters, December 19)
The Lowdown: This film tells the epic biblical story of David, beginning with his quiet devotion.
Why You'll Love It: A sweeping, inspirational retelling of a classic tale.
The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants (Paramount Pictures, December 19)
The Lowdown: Derek Drymon directs the fourth theatrical Spongebob film, where the porous hero faces off against the Davy Jones’ locker-dwelling villain, The Flying Dutchman.
Why You'll Love It: More nautical nonsense and hilarious adventures from Bikini Bottom's most famous resident.

Undated, But On the Horizon for 2025

Beyond the fixed calendar, several highly anticipated animated features are also slated for release in 2025. Keep an eye out for these as their dates firm up. These demonstrate the wide breadth of creative ambition present in all the exciting 2025 animated films.

Animal Farm: Directed by Andy Serkis (Imaginarium Productions), this is a third adaptation of George Orwell’s timeless 1945 novella. Production is already complete.
Why You'll Love It: A politically charged classic brought to life with modern animation, promising a powerful and relevant viewing experience.
Decorado: From director Alberto Vázquez, an "existential fable" expanding on his short film, using anthropomorphic animal characters to explore love and friendship in the city of Anywhere.
Why You'll Love It: A unique, thought-provoking independent animation with a distinct artistic style.
Pookoo: Nathan Greno directs this Skydance Animation buddy comedy about a small woodland creature and a majestic bird (natural enemies) forced together on an adventure.
Why You'll Love It: A classic comedic premise with the potential for great visual gags and heartwarming moments.
The Great History of Western Philosophy: Aria Covamonas directs this Mexican meta-comedy inspired by Lacanian theory, using digital cutout animation. It follows an animator sentenced to death for a philosophical film for Chairman Mao, with Monkey and Pigsy offering an escape.
Why You'll Love It: A truly unique, intellectually stimulating, and potentially hilarious blend of philosophy, history, and animation.
The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol: Sylvain Chomet (of The Triplets of Belleville fame) directs this emotional exploration of the life of French writer Marcel Pagnol, set in 1955, as Pagnol revisits his life with a magical manifestation of his younger self.
Why You'll Love It: Chomet's distinctive hand-drawn style promises a beautiful, poignant, and likely whimsical biographical film.
Wildwood: Directed by Travis Knight (Laika Entertainment), this stop-motion marvel is based on the novel by Colin Meloy. It's a magical adventure where Prue McKeel and her best friend Curtis enter a hidden, enchanted forest after Prue’s baby brother is kidnapped by crows.
Why You'll Love It: Laika's films are always a visual feast and emotionally resonant, and Wildwood looks to continue that legacy with a classic fantastical quest.

Key Trends to Watch in 2025

As you pore over this incredible list of Upcoming Animated Feature Films 2025, a few overarching themes become clear:

The Power of the Sequel: Disney, Dreamworks, and Paramount are all leaning into established intellectual property. This strategy leverages existing fanbases and provides a sense of familiarity and anticipation. It’s a testament to how deeply these characters and worlds have resonated with audiences.
Streaming as a Major Player: Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and Hulu are not just distributing films; they're actively producing major animated features. This provides a diverse platform for stories that might not always get a wide theatrical release, like niche anime titles or culturally specific narratives. Netflix, in particular, is cementing its role as a global animation powerhouse.
Artistic Innovation and Diversity: From the intricate stop-motion of Laika and Aardman to the unique visual styles of The Colors Within and Decorado, studios are pushing the boundaries of animation. We’re seeing more diverse cultural stories, adult animation, and genre-bending narratives than ever before. This isn't just about rendering; it's about artistic expression.

Navigating the Release Schedule

A quick note on how these films reach you:

Theatrical Releases: Many big studio films, like Elio, Zootopia 2, and The Smurfs Musical, are set for traditional theatrical runs first. This offers the communal, big-screen experience many animation fans cherish.
Streaming Premieres: Platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+ often release their films directly to subscribers. This provides convenience and immediate access.
Hybrid Releases: Some films might have limited theatrical runs before quickly moving to streaming or VOD, like The King of Kings. Always check the specific release plan for films you're most excited about.
It's important to remember that release dates can shift, especially in the dynamic film industry. So while this guide provides the most accurate information available, a quick check closer to the release month is always a good idea!

Your Animated Watchlist Awaits

The Upcoming Animated Feature Films 2025 offer an embarrassment of riches, proving that animation is a vibrant, evolving art form capable of telling any story imaginable. From epic fantasy to intimate character studies, laugh-out-loud comedies to thought-provoking dramas, there's a universe of animated experiences waiting for you.
So, get ready to dive in. Whether you prefer the comfort of a sequel, the thrill of an original, or the visual splendor of different animation styles, 2025 promises to deliver something truly memorable. Grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and prepare to be enchanted, amused, and inspired by the magic of animation.