2025: The Year Animation Surprised Even the Non-Believers
As 2025 draws to a close, a surprising trend emerged from the year’s cinematic landscape: animated films consistently ranked among the most compelling and memorable releases, even for those who typically gravitate towards other genres. One film enthusiast, reflecting on 100 new releases, discovered a newfound appreciation for animation, highlighting titles that resonated far beyond typical children’s fare.
From K-Pop to Self-Acceptance: KPop Demon Hunters Takes Center Stage
Streaming on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters proved to be the biggest surprise of the year for one viewer. Initially tuned in to support a daughter’s newfound interest in K-pop, the film quickly captivated with its blend of music and a powerful message of self-acceptance. “I was immediately hooked, and I wasn’t alone,” a senior critic noted, observing the film’s widespread appeal.
The movie and its soundtrack broke records, even prompting a limited theatrical run of a sing-along version. Six months after its release, it remains a fixture in Netflix’s Top 10, and a sequel is already in development, slated for a 2029 release, leaving fans eagerly theorizing about the future of Huntr/x.
Love Me: A Heartbreaking Romance in a Post-Human World
Love Me, available on Paramount+, stands out as the sole non-children’s animated offering on this list. Set in a world devoid of humans, the film follows the unlikely connection between a weather buoy named Me (voiced by Kristen Stewart) and a satellite, Iam (voiced by Steven Yeun). Their developing relationship, modeled after social media influencers, explores the complexities of modern love and the pitfalls of online personas.
Despite a limited theatrical release, the film is described as “charming, heartbreaking and thought-provoking,” with its unique animation style and poignant message about social media’s influence. The evolution of Me and Iam’s world and lives is depicted in a creative and unique way using various forms of animation and CGI.
The Return of Classics: Zootopia 2 and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The long-awaited sequel, Zootopia 2, from Walt Disney Animation Studios, did not disappoint. The film delighted audiences with its clever puns and the enduring chemistry between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. One viewer confessed to being moved to tears by the characters’ expressions of mutual importance, and Nick’s message – “Maybe if we just talk to each other, if we just try to understand one another, we would see that our differences don’t really make any difference at all” – resonated deeply.
Similarly, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, streaming on Netflix, lived up to its legacy. The BAFTA-winning claymation film, also nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe, delivered laugh-out-loud moments alongside a cautionary tale about over-reliance on technology.
Looney Tunes and Pixar: Hits and Head-Scratchers
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, streaming on HBO Max, proved that Daffy Duck and Porky Pig could carry a film without Bugs Bunny. The film’s silly sci-fi plot and surprisingly emotional moments delighted audiences.
However, Elio, a Pixar film that received positive reviews (earning 3.5 out of 5 stars from CinemaBlend), underperformed at the box office. One analyst speculated that its original story, rather than a sequel or established IP, may have contributed to its struggles, or that families opted to wait for its Disney+ release. Despite its box office performance, the film’s imaginative animation and message about unconditional love resonated with those who watched it.
Ultimately, 2025 served as a reminder that compelling storytelling and meaningful messages can be found in animated films, even for those who don’t typically seek them out, proving that smart kids’ movies still have much to offer audiences of all ages.
