2025 is full of fun and exciting animated movies for kids and families. Some are sequels (part 2 or part 3 of old movies), and some are brand-new stories. All these movies are full of fun, adventure, and messages about friendship, kindness, and nature.
Upcoming Animated Movies in 2025
| Movie Title | Release Date | Genre | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watch the Skies | 2025 | Animation | Families, Animation fans |
| Predator: Killer of Killers | June 6, 2025 | Animated, Action, Sci-Fi | Predator franchise fans, adults |
| Elio | June 20, 2025 | Animated, Sci-Fi, Adventure | Families, Pixar fans |
| Smurfs | July 18, 2025 | Live-action, Animated, Comedy | Families, Smurfs franchise fans |
| The Bad Guys 2 | August 1, 2025 | Animated, Comedy, Heist | Families, comedy fans |
| Tafiti – Across the Desert | Sept 4, 2025 (Germany), Oct 3, 2025 (Norway) | Animated, Adventure, Family | Families, young audiences |
| Light of the World | September 5, 2025 | 2D Animated, Inspirational | Faith-based audiences, families |
| Zootopia 2 | November 26, 2025 | Animated, Comedy, Mystery | Families, fans of Zootopia |
1. Watch the Skies
Watch the Skies is an animated movie set to take flight in 2025, promising a heartwarming and thrilling adventure that spans galaxies. Written by Mark Byers and featuring a talented voice cast including the likes of Sean Bean, Gemma Arterton, and Asa Butterfield, the film centers on the unexpected bond between a teenage alien in need and the resourceful Earth kids who come to their rescue.
As their planet-spanning quest unfolds, Watch the Skies explores the universal languages of life, love, and the exhilarating pursuit of the unknown, crafted to captivate audiences with its vibrant animation and compelling story.
2. Predator: Killer of Killers – June 6, 2025
Predator: Killer of Killers is an animated action-adventure film set in the Predator universe, premiering on Hulu on June 6, 2025, and internationally available on Disney+. The film is an anthology that showcases three different warriors from various historical periods (Vikings, Feudal Japan, and World War II) encountering Predators. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (who also directed Prey), this animated format offers creative storytelling opportunities within the Predator franchise. It is rated R for “insane carnage.”
Fans of the Predator franchise, action lovers, and those interested in anthology storytelling will enjoy this film. The film’s anthology structure departs from typical Predator films, focusing on different historical settings, and allows for broader storytelling possibilities. The movie’s violent action suggests the target audience includes mature viewers.
3. Elio – June 20, 2025
Elio is an upcoming animated sci-fi adventure film from Pixar Animation Studios, set to release on June 20, 2025. The story follows an 11-year-old boy named Elio Solis, who, after making contact with aliens, is mistakenly thought to be Earth’s intergalactic ambassador.
He is taken to the Communiverse, an intergalactic organization. The film’s tone shifted from a sci-fi horror feel in its initial trailers to a more lighthearted and adventurous one in later previews. New characters, such as Gordon, a slug-like alien who befriends Elio, are also introduced. The film is directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, with Mary Ellis Drum producing.
The film appeals to families, Pixar fans, and those who enjoy sci-fi adventures with a comedic twist. Comparisons to films like Lilo & Stitch and Men in Black suggest a blend of humor and adventure. The changes in tone indicate a strategic shift towards a more family-friendly audience, especially given Pixar‘s target demographic.
4. Smurfs – July 18, 2025
The new Smurfs film is a live-action animated musical fantasy comedy reboot of the film series, set for release on July 18, 2025. The story centers around Papa Smurf being captured by the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, prompting Smurfette and a group of Smurfs to embark on a mission to rescue him. Rihanna voices Smurfette, who takes on a leadership role in Papa Smurf’s absence.
The film features an all-star voice cast, including John Goodman as Papa Smurf and Nick Offerman as Ken. The film is directed by Chris Miller and written by Pam Brady, with Rihanna also serving as a producer.
This film will appeal to families, Smurfs franchise fans, and those who enjoy animated films that combine live-action elements with musical comedy. The casting of Rihanna as Smurfette and her leadership role suggests a contemporary update to the classic Smurfs story, which may attract a new generation of viewers.
5. The Bad Guys 2 – August 1, 2025
The Bad Guys 2 is an upcoming animated heist comedy film and the sequel to the 2022 film, releasing on August 1, 2025. The story follows the reformed Bad Guys, who are forced out of retirement by an all-female criminal squad called the Bad Girls to pull off one final heist.
The original voice cast returns, with Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf and Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula, along with new voices for the Bad Girls characters, including Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova. The film is directed by Pierre Perifel and distributed by Universal Pictures.
Fans of the original film, animated comedy lovers, and those who enjoy heist films will enjoy this sequel. The introduction of the Bad Girls squad adds a new dynamic to the story, and the sequel picks up where the first film left off, offering a compelling narrative arc for returning viewers.
6. Tafiti – Across the Desert
Tafiti – Across the Desert is a CGI animated feature film with release dates set for Germany (September 4, 2025) and Norway (October 3, 2025). The story follows Tafiti, a young meerkat who initially rejects friendship with Bristol, a bush pig.
When Tafiti’s grandfather is bitten by a poisonous snake, Tafiti embarks on a quest to find a legendary blue desert flower to cure him. Bristol aims to prove that adventures are better with friends. This film is based on a German children’s book series and focuses on themes of friendship, courage, and unity.
Families and younger audiences will enjoy this heartfelt adventure. The separate release dates in different countries suggest a targeted international rollout strategy, with Germany and Norway receiving staggered release dates for marketing and competition reasons.
7. Light of the World – September 5, 2025
Light of the World is a 2D animated film that tells the story of Jesus, from the beginning of his ministry to his crucifixion and resurrection, as seen through the eyes of the Apostle John. The film aims to inspire and captivate viewers of all ages with its message of faith.
It is directed by John J. Schafer and Tom Bancroft, with Brennan McPherson producing. The film will be distributed in North America by The Salvation Poem Project and in Latin America by Canzion Films.
This film is aimed at faith-based audiences and families looking for inspirational content. Its focus on the life of Jesus suggests it will resonate with Christian viewers, especially with its targeted distribution strategy in Latin America.
8. Zootopia 2 – November 26, 2025
Zootopia 2 is an upcoming animated buddy-cop comedy film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, set for release on November 26, 2025. The story follows detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they go undercover in the Marsh Market to solve a mystery related to a reptilian suspect.
The original voice cast, including Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy, Jason Bateman as Nick, and Shakira, returns. New characters, such as Gary the Snake, and new settings, like the Marsh Market, are introduced. The film is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with Bush writing and Yvet Merino producing.
The return of the original Zootopia voice cast and creative team ensures that the sequel has a strong foundation. Fans of the original will likely expect the same level of charm and humor, while new characters and settings, such as the reptilian-focused mystery, suggest exciting developments for the Zootopia universe.
In this article, we’ve shared a list of some of the most exciting animated movies set to release in 2025. Which one are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!