My Top 10 Favorite Animation Movies of 2025
Animation in 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. Studios from around the world brought stories to life in ways that felt fresh, bold, and full of emotion. From whimsical adventures to intense dramas, the variety in animation made this year’s films stand out in their own unique ways. After experiencing these 10 animated gems, I couldn’t help but appreciate how the genre continues to evolve. Below, I’ve compiled my top 10 animated films of 2025 — each offering something new, memorable, and utterly captivating.
1. Ne Zha 2
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Action
- Approx. Gross: $2.2 billion
- Streaming Platform: Available on Netflix
“Ne Zha 2” redefined what an animated epic can be. This Chinese animated fantasy expanded the story of Ne Zha, a young hero destined to battle both his inner demons and external forces threatening his world. With jaw-dropping animation and a blend of mythology, action, and deep emotion, it quickly became a global sensation. Its heartfelt narrative about destiny, family, and sacrifice gives it a timeless quality, and the action sequences are some of the most breathtaking you’ll see. A must-watch for anyone who loves high-stakes animation.
2. Lilo & Stitch (2025)
- Genre: Family, Adventure, Fantasy
- Approx. Gross: $1.04 billion
- Streaming Platform: Available on Disney+, Flixtor.
The live-action/CGI remake of Lilo & Stitch brought new life to the heartwarming story of a young girl and her alien companion. The film stays true to the original’s spirit, while adding updated visuals, new adventures, and a fresh emotional depth. The bond between Lilo and Stitch is as lovable as ever, and the movie mixes humor, heart, and adventure in the perfect way. It’s a nostalgic return that beautifully captures the essence of the original film while introducing it to a whole new generation.
3. A Minecraft Movie
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Approx. Gross: $958 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on HBO Max
“A Minecraft Movie” is an exciting leap from the pixelated world of the game into a fully realized cinematic universe. The film takes the game’s iconic building blocks and uses them to create a vivid, action-packed story that blends creativity with heart. The characters travel through different biomes, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and creating new worlds along the way. Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, the movie’s adventurous spirit, humor, and striking animation make it a standout in 2025’s animated film lineup.
4. Zootopia 2
- Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy
- Approx. Gross: $918–952 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Disney+
Zootopia 2 brings back the dynamic duo, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, for another thrilling adventure in the animal metropolis. The sequel expands the world of Zootopia, bringing new characters, bigger mysteries, and deeper social themes. It’s as funny as it is clever, offering wit and humor that appeals to both kids and adults. The animation is stunning, the action is non-stop, and the film delivers a perfect balance of fun and meaningful social commentary. If you loved the first movie, this one takes it to the next level.
5. How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Approx. Gross: $636 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Netflix, MyFlixer
The How to Train Your Dragon series continues to deliver breathtaking visuals, thrilling action, and heartfelt moments. This 2025 entry takes the bond between Hiccup and Toothless to new heights, exploring their relationship with even more emotional depth. The animation is absolutely gorgeous, with stunning dragon flight sequences and immersive landscapes. The movie touches on themes of growth, loyalty, and the importance of understanding one another, making it a worthy addition to this beloved franchise.
6. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
- Genre: Anime, Action, Fantasy
- Approx. Gross: $662–780 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Crunchyroll
The latest Demon Slayer film, Infinity Castle, takes the series into darker, more intense territory. The movie follows Tanjiro and his allies as they face off against powerful demons in a deadly battle to protect their world. With stunning animation, emotional stakes, and adrenaline-pumping action, Infinity Castle delivers the perfect mix of drama and thrill. Whether you’re a fan of the series or new to the world of Demon Slayer, this film packs an emotional punch that will leave you hooked.
7. The Bad Guy 2 (2025)
- Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
- Approx. Gross: $580 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Netflix, Apple TV.
The sequel to The Bad Guy continues the misadventures of the charmingly villainous yet endearing characters. Packed with action, laughs, and witty moments, The Bad Guy 2 pushes the boundaries of what makes a "villain" lovable. This film takes the concept of anti-heroes to new heights, blending high-energy scenes with strong character development and humor. Fans of the original movie will love the unexpected twists and deeper dives into the backstory of the characters, while newcomers will find it just as fun and thrilling.
8. Smurfs: The Lost Village (2025)
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Approx. Gross: $460 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Paramount+
The Smurfs return in a new adventure with “The Lost Village,” a quest to find a hidden place in their world that’s filled with secrets and unexpected surprises. This animated movie combines all the classic charm of the Smurfs with exciting new adventures and a bit of mystery. The animation is bright, colorful, and full of energy, perfect for younger audiences, yet packed with humor that appeals to all ages. With an emphasis on teamwork and discovery, this installment adds fresh life to the beloved franchise.
9. The K-pop Demon Hunters (2025)
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
- Approx. Gross: $495 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Hulu
A unique and bold concept, The Kpop Demon Hunters blends the world of K-pop with supernatural action. The movie follows a group of K-pop stars who secretly double as demon hunters, facing off against evil forces to protect their fans and the world. With vibrant animation, a killer soundtrack, and epic battle sequences, this film combines thrilling action with the sparkle and energy of K-pop culture. It’s a genre-bending ride that’s sure to captivate both anime and music lovers alike.
10. The King of Kings (2025)
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy
- Approx. Gross: $670 million
- Streaming Platform: Available on Disney+, imdb.
The King of Kings is a sweeping animated epic that tells the story of a young hero destined to unite kingdoms and battle dark forces threatening his world. With stunning visuals, emotional depth, and a narrative full of twists, the film blends fantasy and drama in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The animation is gorgeous, and the film’s mature themes — of sacrifice, power, and destiny — resonate with audiences of all ages. This is a must-watch for fans of epic tales and beautifully crafted animated features.
Final Thoughts
2025 was an incredible year for animation, with films spanning multiple genres, emotions, and styles. From the stunning action of Ne Zha 2 to the heartwarming nostalgia of Frozen 3, these ten films represent the best of what animation has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy, heartwarming adventures, or superhero thrills, this year’s animated films proved that animation is a powerful and versatile medium. I’m excited to see what the future holds, but for now, these ten movies will definitely stay with me for a long time.