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 that are definitely worth the watch!
Turning Red | Now Streaming on Disney+
We’ve been excited for Pixar’s next feature, Turning Red, after mixed reactions to their last film, Luca (2021).
Released alongside Incredibles 2 (2018), the short film Bao was one of Pixar’s most memorable stories in recent years.
In it, an aging Chinese Canadian mother finds her empty nest is not-so-empty when a steamed bun comes to life. We don’t want to spoil the short, but we will remind you that writer/director Domee Shi won an Oscar for Bao.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | In Theaters Now
Sonic the Hedgehog is returning on April 8, and you won’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!
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.
Sonic the Hedgehog is a perfect example of how a video game movie can be done right. So make sure you catch it when it comes out on April 8!
Ladybug & Cat Noir Awakening | TBA (Early 2022)
The upcoming Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir film is set to take place after the events of the fifth season, providing some much needed backstory and development for the world and characters.
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 often insists she doesn’t need help, her partner Cat Noir (voice of Bryce Papenbrook) is always by her side.
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.
The Bad Guys face many challenges as they try to stay out of jail and do good deeds, but ultimately they learn that it’s never too late to change for the better.
Bad Guys, the next feature from DreamWorks Animation, 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.
