Upcoming Animated Movies Releasing In 2025

2025 is a promising year for animated movies. Dog Man kicks things off in January, bringing Dav Pilkey’s popular comic book series to life, followed closely by The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep in February, which dives into the magical world of Geralt and adds depth to The Witcher universe. In June, Pixar brings audiences sci-fi film Elio, which introduces audiences to a young boy who finds himself mistaken for Earth’s ambassador to outer space. Summer continues with nostalgia and family favorites, with The Smurfs Movie returning to theaters in July, reimagining the classic blue characters, and The Bad Guys 2 in August.

As the year winds down, Zootopia 2 headlines the holiday season in November, bringing back Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a new adventure in the vibrant city of Zootopia. In December, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is set to take fans of all ages back under the sea for another round of Bikini Bottom fun, adding a playful close to the year. With several other intriguing titles like In Your Dreams, Jesus, K-Pop: Demon Hunters, and Paul Martin and the Magic Magnifying Glass still to announce release dates, 2025 is poised to be an exciting and diverse year for animated films and sequels, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Release dates are subject to change.

1 Dog Man

January 31, 2025

2025 will kick off with Dog Man, a lively adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s hit graphic novel series. Known for his quirky humor and vivid illustrations in Captain Underpants, Pilkey’s latest story follows Dog Man, a crime-fighting hero who’s part-dog, part-human, tackling villains in his community. Dog Man’s character blends slapstick comedy with loyalty and bravery, creating a superhero with both heart and hilarious mishaps.

The film will likely capture the spirit of Pilkey’s books, drawing in a fanbase that spans young children to nostalgic adults. With a blend of lighthearted action and moral lessons, Dog Man promises to kick off 2025 with humor and excitement, providing a family-friendly adventure that celebrates heroism in an accessible, funny, and heartfelt way. The film is likely to attract a large audience eager to see these beloved characters brought to life.

2 The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

February 11, 2025

The upcoming The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep will expand the fan-favorite Witcher universe in a dark, mystical tale. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s iconic fantasy series, this animated feature is set to follow Geralt of Rivia as he encounters powerful sirens with a hidden, ominous agenda. Set in the eerie, enchanted waters of the Witcher world, Geralt’s journey through treacherous depths will explore darker, more psychological themes of betrayal, trust, and survival.

With captivating, highly detailed animation, Sirens of the Deep promises an intense dive into The Witcher’s world. The film will reveal new depths of Geralt’s character and explore his challenges in a fresh, mythic setting. Fans can anticipate a complex narrative mixed with thrilling battles and supernatural intrigue, keeping the grittiness and suspense of The Witcher series while bringing something new to the franchise’s legacy.

3 Sneaks

April 18, 2025

Launching in April, Sneaks will take audiences on a unique animated journey through the city from the perspective of a pair of mismatched shoes. The film’s storyline centers on friendship and self-discovery as the titular “Sneaks” set out on an adventure that’s both humorous and heartwarming. Unlike some animated tales, Sneaks promises to offer fresh visual storytelling, with animation that captures the city’s vibrant and often overlooked details through the shoes’ point of view.

The narrative will be lighthearted yet thoughtful, touching on themes of resilience and the importance of belonging. Through humor and imaginative visuals, Sneaks aims to resonate with viewers of all ages, giving them an entertaining, whimsical story about finding purpose and friendship. This family-friendly film will likely charm audiences with its relatable story and endearing characters.

4 Elio

June 13, 2025

Pixar’s upcoming film Elio will introduce audiences to an imaginative, heartfelt sci-fi journey. The plot follows young Elio, who, through a series of misunderstandings, is mistaken for Earth’s ambassador at an intergalactic summit. Known for its rich storytelling, Pixar will once again blend humor and deep emotions as Elio navigates a world beyond anything he’s ever known, encountering alien customs and unexpected challenges.

The film will allow Pixar to explore universal themes of identity, acceptance, and courage as Elio learns to prove humanity’s worth among advanced alien civilizations. Visually stunning and packed with warmth, Elio is set to be an adventure that resonates with viewers young and old, encouraging them to embrace what makes them unique. This galactic journey promises to mix the wonder of outer space with Pixar’s signature heartwarming style.

5 The Smurfs Movie

July 18, 2025

The Smurfs Movie will bring audiences back into the whimsical world of the tiny blue characters who first won hearts in the 1980s. This summer release will feature a classic Smurf storyline, with beloved characters facing off against their iconic nemesis, Gargamel. Infused with nostalgia, the new Smurfs installment promises a mix of high-stakes adventure and whimsical humor, ideal for longtime fans and new audiences alike.

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The Smurfs Movie
will aim to reimagine the characters with modern animation techniques, adding new depth to their personalities while retaining their timeless charm.

Beyond just nostalgia, The Smurfs Movie will aim to reimagine the characters with modern animation techniques, adding new depth to their personalities while retaining their timeless charm. With its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and colorful animation, The Smurfs Movie is set to be a family-friendly adventure that explores themes of unity, friendship, and courage. The film will offer a delightful trip back into Smurf village for all ages.

6 The Bad Guys 2

August 1, 2025

The notorious crew of reformed villains is back in The Bad Guys 2, bringing humor and heart to a fresh adventure. Mr. Wolf and his quirky team of former baddies are set to face new challenges as they try to do good while sticking to their unconventional methods. This animated caper will bring even more character growth, thrilling heists, and hilarious twists as the crew balances their past misdeeds with a desire to reform.

The Bad Guys 2 will build on the dynamic between its lovable characters. It will provide a story filled with valuable lessons about friendship and redemption. With its engaging story, exciting action sequences, and plenty of laughs, the sequel promises to be a hit with fans of the first film and new viewers alike, delivering high-stakes fun for all ages.

7 Zootopia 2

November 26, 2025

Disney’s upcoming film Zootopia 2 will take fans back to the lively city of Zootopia, where Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, the clever fox, will once again navigate the complex world of predator-prey dynamics. With fresh characters, deeper social themes, and an expanded exploration of Zootopia’s many districts, this sequel aims to capture what made the original a worldwide hit while delving into new territory. Themes like diversity, acceptance, and community will be woven into the film’s storyline in a way that’s accessible for all ages.

As Judy and Nick tackle a new case, Zootopia 2 promises to bring both humor and thought-provoking moments. It will inevitably be a film that appeals to children and adults alike. The movie’s mix of mystery, action, and clever social commentary will undoubtedly make it a must-watch.

8 David

November 21, 2025

With David, audiences can expect a visually arresting stop-motion reimagining of the biblical tale of David and Goliath. This film will aim to bring new depth and intensity to the ancient story, using intricate animation techniques to depict the underdog journey of young David facing an overwhelming adversary. Through stunning visuals and an emotionally resonant script, David will explore themes of courage, faith, and the idea of destiny.

The stop-motion movie format will bring an artisanal quality to the film, setting it apart from traditional animated releases and highlighting the creativity and attention to detail in each frame. By blending timeless storytelling with innovative animation, David is set to inspire a wide range of audiences, presenting a fresh take on a universally known story. This will be a must-watch for Christians around the world.

9 The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

December 19, 2025

SpongeBob is back for another underwater adventure in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Following his usual brand of hilarious mischief, SpongeBob will embark on a quest to locate a long-lost Bikini Bottom relic, with his quirky friends in tow. Known for its blend of slapstick humor and eccentric characters, this installment will retain the irreverent, joyous tone that fans have come to love.

Search for SquarePants will mix laughter with nostalgia, making it a family-friendly holiday release that everyone can enjoy. The film is likely to include beloved characters like Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy, providing classic SpongeBob charm while adding fresh twists. As a perfect year-end release, this movie will send audiences back under the sea for a fun-filled and heartwarming conclusion to 2025.

10 In Your Dreams

TBD

In Your Dreams is shaping up to be a standout animated film, focusing on the world of dreams and imagination. Although plot details remain largely under wraps, the movie is expected to take viewers on a visually stunning journey through the subconscious. With a concept reminiscent of Inside Out, In Your Dreams will explore themes like creativity, fears, and self-discovery, using imaginative animation to delve into the dream world’s endless possibilities.

Audiences can anticipate a movie filled with heart, humor, and a sense of wonder. This film will likely bring to life the mysterious, whimsical world that exists while we sleep. Through relatable characters and thought-provoking storytelling, In Your Dreams will likely resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a unique and memorable addition to the animated lineup.

11 K-Pop: Demon Hunters

TBD

K-Pop: Demon Hunters will take animation to a new level by merging the worlds of supernatural adventure and the vibrant energy of K-pop. Set to follow a group of popular K-pop idols who moonlight as demon hunters, this film promises to blend high-energy music with action-packed battles. The storyline will cater to fans of both K-pop and fantasy storytelling, featuring catchy music, visually dynamic animation, and epic supernatural confrontations.

With its unique storyline, K-Pop: Demon Hunters is set to appeal to a global audience, attracting those who love the excitement of Korean pop culture as well as those drawn to magical adventure. By combining performance and heroism, the film aims to be a thrilling, genre-blending ride that celebrates music, friendship, and bravery. This will likely be a must-watch for K-Pop fans.

12 Paul Martin And The Magic Magnifying Glass

TBD

Paul Martin and the Magic Magnifying Glass will whisk audiences into a whimsical adventure following a young boy who finds a mysterious magical magnifying glass. As Paul discovers new ways to see his world, he learns essential lessons about curiosity, bravery, kindness, and empathy.

This animated feature will captivate young viewers with its magic while resonating with older audiences through universal themes of self-discovery and friendship. Emphasizing imagination and the thrill of exploration, Paul Martin and the Magic Magnifying Glass promises to deliver an enchanting, family-friendly tale that celebrates the beauty in everyday life, filling screens with warmth, joy, and wonder.

13 Plankton: The Movie

TBD

SpongeBob spin-off Plankton: The Movie will take a deeper dive into the backstory of one of SpongeBob SquarePants’ most iconic characters, giving Plankton his very own solo adventure. Known for his hilarious schemes to steal the Krabby Patty formula, this film will likely explore Plankton’s motivations, desires, and perhaps even his softer side. Packed with laughs, clever antics, and Plankton’s trademark scheming, this standalone movie will provide a fresh look at one of Bikini Bottom’s most notorious residents.

Fans of the SpongeBob universe can expect humor, insights into Plankton’s world, and a few surprises along the way. The movie will showcase Plankton’s quest for success. It will also add depth to his character and reveal why he’s more than just a comedic antagonist.

14 Pookoo

TBD

Pookoo is set to introduce audiences to a brand-new character within an imaginative, fantastical setting. Though specific details are scarce, this animated film promises an adventure filled with quirky creatures, magical landscapes, and relatable themes of friendship and courage. With an emphasis on vibrant animation and a whimsical storyline, Pookoo will aim to charm viewers of all ages, blending humor with heart in a story about self-discovery.

The film will likely follow Pookoo on a journey that touches on the importance of kindness, bravery, and understanding one’s place in the world. Fans of animated fantasy can expect a visually stunning and emotionally engaging tale that will leave a lasting impression. While not too much is known, it is shaping up to be an intriguing release.

15 The Twits

TBD

An adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Twits, this animated film will bring the notorious characters of Mr. and Mrs. Twit to life in a chaotic, comical storyline. Known for their wild antics and mean-spirited tricks, the Twits’ actions will undoubtedly provide plenty of laughs and outrageous situations. This adaptation aims to capture Dahl’s unique sense of humor, blending dark comedy with vivid animation that reflects the classic story’s eccentricity.

Viewers can expect to see the Twits’ unusual world brought to life with imaginative visuals, engaging new audiences and longtime Dahl fans alike. By staying true to Dahl’s distinctive storytelling, The Twits will offer a zany, entertaining ride that delights in its absurdity. While recommended, the book will not be necessary to understand this film.

16 Wildwood

TBD

Based on Colin Meloy’s bestselling novel, Wildwood will take audiences into a magical forest brimming with adventure, bravery, and mystical creatures. Created by Laika, renowned for Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, Wildwood is set to feature the studio’s signature stop-motion animation, adding depth and visual richness to the fantastical landscape. The story centers on a journey of friendship and courage, following young characters as they uncover the forest’s secrets.

With a narrative that appeals to both children and adults, Wildwood will offer a blend of wonder, suspense, and heart. Fans of the book and newcomers alike can look forward to a beautifully animated film that stays true to its source material while exploring timeless themes. With a history of fantastic films, Laika will undoubtedly deliver yet another fantastic flick in a stacked year for animated movies.