Animated Movies for Families: 2025 Review
The year 2025 shines as a milestone for family-friendly animated movies. Studios across the globe delivered creative stories, dazzling visuals, and heartfelt messages for all ages. Families flocked to theaters and streaming platforms for laughter, adventure, and emotional storytelling. This year highlights a perfect mix of sequels that continued beloved sagas and original titles that introduced new characters to audiences worldwide.
1. Dog Man – DreamWorks Animation
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Box Office: $145.6 million worldwide
DreamWorks Animation started 2025 with a hit. Dog Man brings the beloved Dav Pilkey comic to life with vibrant animation and a playful storyline. The movie follows a part-dog, part-human police officer who fights crime while navigating silly and heartfelt adventures. Pete Davidson voices the quirky protagonist and delivers a performance that connects with both kids and parents.
Families enjoyed the fast-paced humor, while subtle satire kept adults entertained. Critics praised the film’s crisp visuals, witty dialogue, and energetic action sequences. Children left theaters laughing, and parents appreciated the clever references to modern life. DreamWorks successfully turned a comic book favorite into a movie with franchise potential.
2. Ne Zha 2 – A Global Mythical Phenomenon
Release Date: January 29, 2025 (China)
Box Office: Over $2.2 billion worldwide
China dominated the global animation stage with Ne Zha 2. This sequel to the 2019 sensation takes audiences deeper into the world of Chinese mythology. The story follows the young hero Ne Zha as he battles cosmic forces while confronting his own inner struggles.
Families around the world felt the emotional depth of this film. Sweeping landscapes, intense battle sequences, and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery kept viewers hooked. The film bridges cultural storytelling and global appeal, proving that non-Hollywood animations can achieve massive international success. It became the highest-grossing animated film in Asia and captured hearts in North America and Europe as well.
3. The Bad Guys 2 – A Witty Crime Caper for Families
Release Date: August 1, 2025
DreamWorks returned later in the year with The Bad Guys 2, a sequel to the 2022 hit about a gang of animal criminals trying to reform. The crew of slick, anthropomorphic thieves faces new challenges, including rival villains known as “The Bad Girls.” The film combines a snappy, crime-caper style with a family-friendly message about friendship and self-acceptance.
The animation style mimics hand-drawn art with high-speed sequences, giving the movie a unique look. Kids loved the action-packed scenes, while parents appreciated the humor layered with moral lessons. Critics debated whether the sequel surpassed the original, but audiences still filled theaters and praised its entertainment value. The movie also reinforced the trend of animated films embracing complex characters and redemption arcs without losing their fun.
4. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl – Stop-Motion Nostalgia
Global Release: January 3, 2025 on Netflix
Aardman Animations returned with another adventure for the beloved duo, Wallace and Gromit. Vengeance Most Fowl mixes mystery, comedy, and action in a clay-animated feature that charms audiences of all ages. The story follows the iconic inventor and his loyal dog as they uncover a poultry-smuggling conspiracy, complete with eccentric gadgets and clever visual gags.
The movie delivered the classic Aardman humor that parents grew up with, while younger viewers discovered the timeless charm of stop-motion animation. Meticulous craft, witty storytelling, and light suspense created a perfect family experience. Audiences celebrated the film as a reminder that traditional animation techniques can still compete in an era dominated by CGI.
5. Jumbo – Indonesia’s Cultural Breakthrough
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Box Office: $26 million worldwide
Indonesia made waves in 2025 with Jumbo, a locally produced animated feature that became a national sensation. The film follows a brave young boy who attempts to save his town while preparing for a local talent show. With elements of folklore, adventure, and humor, Jumbo resonates with universal family themes like courage, friendship, and community.
Its success demonstrated that regional stories can thrive on a global stage. Families embraced the emotional storytelling and vibrant cultural details, which brought fresh flavor to the animated genre. The movie’s triumph also inspired a wave of interest in Southeast Asian animation, setting the stage for more diverse stories in the coming years.
Family Animation Trends in 2025
- Global Storytelling Leads the Market
Films like Ne Zha 2 and Jumbo proved that audiences seek culturally rich stories beyond the traditional Hollywood formula. Parents and children alike embraced international narratives that blended adventure with local heritage. - Sequels Remain Strong but Demand Heart
Movies like The Bad Guys 2 and the return of Wallace & Gromit thrived because they offered more than nostalgia. Studios realized that successful sequels need layered storytelling and fresh ideas to engage modern audiences. - Streaming Platforms Expand Access
Netflix’s release of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl showed how streaming boosts global accessibility. Families now enjoy simultaneous releases at home, making animation a shared experience across continents. - Visual Experimentation Captures Attention
Hand-drawn styles, stop-motion techniques, and cultural aesthetics gave 2025 animations a creative edge. From the clay animation of Aardman to the mythical fantasy of Ne Zha 2, visual diversity played a huge role in capturing family audiences.
Final Thoughts
The animated movies of 2025 delivered unforgettable experiences for families worldwide. Every major title combined entertainment with emotional resonance:
- Dog Man offered lighthearted laughs and a promising franchise start.
- Ne Zha 2 provided breathtaking mythology and record-breaking success.
- The Bad Guys 2 blended humor with moral storytelling for older kids.
- Wallace & Gromit returned with the classic charm of stop-motion art.
- Jumbo showcased the rise of Southeast Asian animation on a global stage.
Families in 2025 experienced a golden year for animation, with stories that made them laugh, cheer, and even tear up. The success of these films proves that the genre continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation while speaking to the hearts of all generations.
