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The Animated Selections of Fantasia 2025 Guide

When this year’s slate of animated films is terrific, perhaps it’s time to travel to Quebec for Fantasia 2025!

Fantasia 2025 Movie Poster Fantasia 2025 will soon be here, and this year looks very promising because of its animation slate. I always gravitate to this section since the films are often quick to continue playing at other events and head to distribution faster than the live-action works. Plus, when instant fans of the first entry in this list can see it even without attending, the presence is more than feline.

That’s because I’m a cat enthusiast. And when Takashi Miike is involved, just what’s offered may well top what last year’s Night of the Zoopocalypse did! This particular film (movie review link) did not screen at Fantasia, but I’m sure it would have been a contender had it finished post-production. Without further ramblings, I offer a list of feature length animated works to look forward to at this event at Montreal, Quebec.

Once when the event releases its full guide, I’ll also offer a top ten picks on what to see too.

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When PIXAR’s Elio is Wishing Upon A Star. Does He Know Who He Is?

The question of what Elio can become depends on where he can fit in.

Elio Movie Poster Although PIXAR’s latest film, Elio, doesn’t quite soar to the heights of the studio’s earlier space-set stories, its heart is undeniably in the right place. The film follows a young boy (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) grappling with loneliness after the loss of his parents. Isolated at school and barely bonding with his overworked aunt, Elio retreats into daydreams of the stars—until one night, fantasy becomes reality.

Rather than face military camp, he sends a hopeful message into space, only to be abducted by aliens who hilariously misinterpret his call as an official message from Earth’s leader. The setup is absurd in the best way, and kicks off a cosmic misadventure through a bizarre intergalactic council known as the Communiverse.

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You Just Gotta Bebop to KPop Demon Hunters’ Epic Showdown

In South Korea, the all girl singing sensation simply known as KPop Demon Hunters have to deal with demons not only within themselves but also with the demons-in-disguise, The Saja Boys! Just who wins out depends on who you ask….

Now Streaming on Netflix
Spoiler Alert

When the tokusatsu genre becomes predictable, blending it with other narrative styles is necessary to keep things fresh—and that’s where KPop Demon Hunters excels. This film is an enjoyable mix of Sailor Moon and Rock and Rule, with a splash of satire that hits the mark. However, one overused trope still lingers: why must every Asian superheroine have impossibly long legs? Ever since CLAMP popularized the look, I’ve hoped for more body diversity.

In another respect, this movie also stands out for its hilarious take on the behind-the-scenes world of K-pop. It’s a musical showdown between the girl group Huntrix—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey (Park Sooyoung, Lee Suhyun, and Sandara Park)—and the newly arrived Saja Boys. Though the trailer gives a lot away, it’s no surprise they’re demons in disguise. Their leader, Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), is planning to help his king return to the material world and harvest souls. But despite his devotion to this ancient evil, there’s something conflicted about him.

Similarly, Rumi struggles to connect with her guardian, much like Jinu wrestles with his own isolation. As the faces of their respective teams, Rumi finds support among her bandmates, while Jinu remains emotionally cut off—his silence only deepening the weight of his mission. This shared loneliness sets the stage for a connection neither of them expects.

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Returning and New Animated Series Worth Tuning In For!

Although there isn’t a huge slate of new animated series to debut in the coming months, what’s presented is a wylde selection from North America and Japan

Phineas and Ferb leading the charge for summer animated series Now that we’re well into Spring and school is almost over, some kids may well want to laze about watching various animated series on television while others go to camp. Alternatively, some families may well be preparing for going on a massive vacation. Whatever the case, the upcoming slate of programming is small, but I’ll be tuning in to watch at least half of the returning if not new shows.

What’s offered is a handful of series coming out not only here in North America but also Japan. These are shows I’m looking forward to, and list includes broadcast dates where possible.

June 2025
Phineas and Ferb—Season 5

When the beloved step brothers return with new summer adventures, just what these two can get up to is only more chaotic fun, and more tales about what makes this pairing the oddballs that they are. When Michael Bublé and Meghan Trainor have guest roles, there’s something to be excited for!

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Lucasfilm’s Maul – Shadow Lord, My Reaction and What to Watch In Prep (Which Surprisingly Isn’t Much)

The good news is that there’s more animated content from the Star Wars universe with Maul – Shadowlord, but the bad news is…

Coming to Disney+ in 2026

During Star Wars Celebration, which is taking place in Tokyo, Japan, Lucasfilm treated fans to a teaser of their next animated project, titled Maul – Shadow Lord. His story is most likely going to continue to explore the seedy underside of this other universe. CCO Dave Filoni, VP of Animation Athena Portillo and voice actor Sam Witwer were present as the news and teaser dropped.

As far as I can recall, after a rough alliance with Ashoka in the former series, this villain could live out his life much like how Garmadon left after the fight with the Oni in LEGO Ninjago. Not much is known about what has happened since, and I have chosen not to read the comic books and novels which followed.

The production remains secret aside from the news. From ComicBookMovie.com, what’s revealed is that the animation style will not match the previous series and that has me hesitant to endorse. Despite making this visual change, I will watch it. At least, the story is going in the right direction. This website wrote:

“After the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire,” reads a brief synopsis. “In a new series set after the events of the final season of The Clone Wars, Maul rises again to lead the underworld factions.

According to Variety’s report, Portillo said fans can expect to learn “a lot,” about Maul in the series. “Unfortunately, I can’t tell you too much, but what I can say is Sam Witwer’s involvement in the show has been pristine,” she said. “I’m very excited about him being able to review the scripts and provide input in all of that as well. Dave Filoni and Sam created the character for animation, and so it’s very important to hear his thoughts as well for the character depth.”

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Finally Watching White Snake Afloat! A Touching Review and the Quest to Find This Lost Tale of Love

Although there’s still no proper North American release for Light Chaser Animation’s White Snake Afloat, thankfully eBay has come to the rescue! And I got info regarding the two types of Blu-ray releases available. Meanwhile Warner Brothers Malaysia is handling distro.

White Snake Afloat in this package release The home video release of Light Chaser Animation’s White Snake Afloat is now available in China and select surrounding regions. When I saw a limited edition box set released back in December, I wanted to buy it—but I didn’t have the funds saved.

Fast forward to now: it’s still attainable through eBay, albeit at nearly double its original retail price. Unfortunately, it’s not listed on official English-language retailers like YesAsia or Amazon, and Light Chaser hasn’t made it available on international streaming platforms either. For those willing to pay a premium, the set is a visual treat. It features beautifully illustrated packaging and includes a bonus booklet. While I hoped for additional extras, it appears that beyond the artwork, there’s little else included. Still, I’m relieved the Blu-ray comes with English subtitles.

As for whether Bianca’s (White Snake’s) journey concludes in this final chapter, I’d say yes. Her arc comes full circle. However, I hope the Fox Demon’s story continues. Her subplot remains unresolved and full of potential. She’s a manipulator, often acting as a mysterious merchant of souls across all three films. But just who she’s serving—and why—remains unanswered.

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