Instead of Ten, There’s Twelve Animated Films To Be Excited for in 2024

Instead of focusing on the output from the major studios, what I offer in this list of animated films to be excited for includes two Asian picks making my top slots! Here, it’s not just about theatrical releases, but also direct to video, and streaming too.

But to be fair, I must say Chris Sanders, co-director of How to Train Your Dragon, return to DreamWorks to helm The Wild Robot, is a bit of a surprise. I thought he cut his ties with them, but it’s nice to see there’s no hard feelings between what led to his departure, since he was never fully involved in how the classics continued except by credit. While it’s great that this studio is hard at work outputting a ton of product, the big question I have is will Orion and the Dark be good? This film is headed to streaming, and with those two said, I begin my list with:

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1 (Jan 8)

Hopefully, this animated adaptation of the comic book will do a better job than TheCW‘s Arrowverse version. This saga spanned several comic books back when it was first published, and it concerned the Anti-Monitor who wanted to start destroying alternate Earths where variations of DC’s most famous heroes existed. However, when readers were getting confused about what’s happening on Earth-Prime or not, what Marv Wolfman and George Pérez did was to clean up the mess. That didn’t stop the comic book company from creating Elseworlds, but at least fans know what’s fashioned there are meant to be one-shots!

Kung Fu Panda 4 (March 4)

Hopefully, the Netflix series will release Po’s final season in time before the next film! That’s assuming all those adventures are considered canon, and what we get in this next cinematic outing isn’t just being made for the sake of maintaining a franchise.

Here, this panda will have to give up the title in order to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.  But as for whether he’ll find the next Dragon Warrior depends on if he can survive dealing with The Chameleon (Viola Davis)! To say anymore would be spoiling the film. Just when I thought the third film was it, the studio decided to continue with a streaming series, and Black said I don’t want Po’s adventures to be over. While I’m glad both the studio and lead don’t want the saga to be over, but honestly, is a fourth film really needed? I’ll see it anyway.

Garfield (May 24)

Although I’m dubious about Chris Pratt and Samuel L. Jackson is the future continuing this beloved comic strip in cinematic form, this team-up has me hopeful that Pratt can be recognised for voicing a lot of iconic characters after playing Star Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy. He’s kind of following in the same footsteps at Mark Hamill.

As for whether fans will sing the high priases even after voicing Mario to now now taking on  Garfield is a stretch, I’m willing to give him a chance in this one! But honestly, Lorenzo Music is the definitive voice, and Bill Murray is a close second since he lent his voice to the first films featuring this fat cat.

Inside Out 2 (June 14)

After all that young tween angst that defined the first film, this latest will have lots going for it as fans see Riley all grown up. She’s a teen, and all that extra weight is represented by a new character known as Anxiety. Although the past PIXAR films has been a bit of a misfire, the release of this work should be a return to form.

Despicable Me 4 (July 3)

After a diversion of this IP through the eyes of the Minions, hopefully what’s presented will see the entire family in some epic adventure! Not much is known about this entry storywise, and thankfully. Chris Renaud, the director of the first two “Despicable Me” movies, is back at the helm!

Transformers One (Sept. 13)

This animated prequel stars Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm, Laurence Fishburne and Brian Tyree Henry in various familiar roles, and although Peter Cullen and Frank Welker aren’t providing the voices of Optimus and Megatron, just why this film is important is because we’re seeing an origin story told in full rather than as bit pieces here and there.

My question is that will it follow ideas as presented in the Transformers novels, or be something totally new? There isn’t enough wiggle room when considering portions of that story that have been told time and time again, but to see how the war started may offer why there’s no end (unless the recent Netflix continuity is considered).

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Dec. 20)

Not much is known about this entry, and the hope is Jim Carrey has some continued presence will be in the minds of many as this speeds into post-production and gets ready for end of the year release.

Coyote vs. Acme (Date TBA)

This formerly cancelled Looney Tune adventure is back on the table again, and hopefully a date can be set to show just how well Wile E. Coyote can successfully take ACME company to court! There’s a lot riding on this film, and who knows, if it wins the hearts of viewers, maybe Warner Bros will consider releasing Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!

Nezha: The Demon Child Troubles the Sea (Date TBA)

It’s tough to keep track of which animated movie involving Nezha is getting a sequel, but I suspect it’s Chengdu Coco Cartoon’s version that’s getting it. There’s not a lot of information available about how well the work is progressing, but to have a sequel is still exciting news. Representing Beijing Enlight Media, film producer Wang Changtian hinted at a possible release during Spring Festival, and if true, perhaps fans will see this miscreant team up with Jiana Ziya as the post credits sequence hinted.

Mononoke (Summer 2024)

Anyone not familiar with this popular anime franchise might want to get started looking at this series now before the upcoming 15th anniversary celebration. There’s lots to like about this Medicine Seller, who can exorcise demons with a sword, and dole out not just vigilante justice. This individual wants to study it, know its true form, its reason for existing and understand what its foes believe as “Truth.” There’s lots to like about this IP because it deals with wanting to understand the nature of the beast instead, so where it gets banished isn’t simply to the aether of nonexistence.

There’s not a lot of information about the plot of this film, but it’s guaranteed to be just as colourful and ground-breaking in visual design as past efforts. But it’s best to look at what’s made so far before touching this film!