Studios were anxious to release films last year that had been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, undoubtedly, some of the best films of last year were animated features, like Raya and the Last Dragon, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Encanto.
While it’s still not the norm to go to the theater for every new release, there are plenty of great animated films coming out in 2022. The Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is finally getting a sequel; Hayao Miyazaki is working on a new film; and Disney is giving us a Buzz Lightyear origin story (we’re sure someone asked for that, right?).
Here are 16 of the most anticipated animated films of 2022. Add them to your list so you don’t miss any of them!
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Turning Red | Now Streaming on Disney+
We’ve been eagerly anticipating Pixar’s next feature, Turning Red, after some decidedly mixed feelings about their last outing, Luca (2021).
Released alongside Incredibles 2 (2018), the short film Bao was one of Pixar’s most memorable stories of the past few years. In it, an aging Chinese Canadian mother finds her empty nest not-so-empty when a steamed bun comes to life. We won’t spoil the short, but we will remind you that writer/director Domee Shi won an Oscar for Bao.
The film “Turning Red” is set in Toronto during the early 2000s and tells the story of 13-year-old Meilin Lee, a Chinese Canadian girl who is horrified to learn that her excitement and stress can trigger a transformation into a giant red panda. Meilin’s mother, Ming Lee, reveals that “poofing” is a family curse of sorts.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | In Theaters Now
Sonic the Hedgehog is back on April 8, and you don’t want to miss it! This live-action-meets-animation family comedy sequel is sure to be a hit with everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some chaotic fun!
mark your calendar for April 8 – Sonic the Hedgehog is back and better than ever! This live-action-meets-animation family comedy sequel is packed with action and adventure, and you won’t want to miss it.
Unlike other video game properties that have been turned into movies, Sega’s blue speedster took the smart path to success by embracing the unhinged and absurd. In the first installment, our tennis shoe-wearing hero faced off against Jim Carrey’s manic, cartoonish villain Dr. Robotnik.
The sequel film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, will feature Sonic and some familiar human faces, as well as franchise favorites like Tails (voice of Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles the Echidna (voice of Idris Elba).
Ladybug & Cat Noir Awakening | TBA (Early 2022)
The upcoming Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir film is set to take place after where the fifth season would have been, while also providing some backstory and developing the world further.
If you’re not familiar with the series, it’s about Parisian teenager Marinette (voice of Cristina Vee), who has dreams of becoming a fashion designer, while also fighting crime as Ladybug.
Even though Marinette insists she doesn’t need help, her partner Cat Noir (voice of Bryce Papenbrook) is often by her side. What Marinette doesn’t know is that Cat Noir is actually her crush, Adrien. So don’t wait to catch up on this series before the romance-action-musical film hits screens.
The Bad Guys | April 22
Bad Guys, DreamWorks Animation’s next feature, is inspired by the beloved children’s book series of the same name. Starring a cast of lovable anthropomorphic animals – Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula – the movie follows our protagonists as they attempt to go straight and avoid jail time by doing good deeds. Of course, as anyone who’s ever tried to change their ways knows, life doesn’t always go as planned…
Bad Guys, DreamWorks Animation’s next feature, is inspired by the beloved children’s book series of the same name. Starring a cast of lovable anthropomorphic animals – Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula – the movie follows our protagonists as they attempt to go straight and avoid jail time by doing good deeds. Of course, as anyone who’s ever tried to change their ways knows, life doesn’t always go as planned…
DC League of Super-Pets is the perfect film for those who have ever wondered what it would be like to see a mashup of Justice League (2017) and Secret Life of Pets (2016). However, even if you never had that particular thought, this movie is still worth checking out. It’s an adventure-comedy that everyone is sure to enjoy.
