Five Must-Watch Animation Releases of 2025 For Creatives

Animation is a constantly evolving artform. From the advent of cinema, artists and storytellers have experimented with techniques for visualising stories that take viewers to other worlds in ways that go beyond what can be achieved with live-action cinema. With a combination of classical techniques and the advanced technology available to animators now, the potential for inspiring storytelling and world-building is broader than ever.

2025 is set to be a great year for animation. The upcoming releases this year offer the perfect blend of imaginative worlds, innovative techniques, and artistic mastery to fuel your imagination. Here are five standout releases to look forward to and why they matter for aspiring animators and storytellers:

The Colors Within

Studio: Spectrum Studios

Release Date: February 2025

A celebration of diversity and self-expression, The Colors Within follows the journey of a young artist who discovers that her emotions can bring her paintings to life. The film is a vibrant explosion of colour and movement, with its unique hand-painted animation style offering a nostalgic nod to classical techniques while reminding us of the artistry upon which animation depends.

What to learn: Notice how the film uses colour and movement to evoke certain emotions in the viewer. If you’re experimenting with mixed media in your projects, The Colors Within is a perfect case study for pushing creative boundaries.

The Wild Robot

Studio: Meadowverse Animations

Release Date: April 2025

Based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book, The Wild Robot tells the heartwarming tale of a robot stranded in the wilderness who learns to coexist with nature. The film’s lush landscapes and lifelike animal characters make it a visual treat.

What to Learn: Pay close attention to the environmental design and creature animations. The film’s ability to make nature feel alive—and the robot’s emotional journey believable—is a masterclass in eliciting emotion through animation.

Your next read: Bristol: A City for Animators

The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol

Studio: Lumière Animations

Release Date: June 2025

This biographical animated feature brings the life of French author and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol to the big screen. Told through a mixture of traditional animation and live-action elements, the film offers a poetic journey through the early 20th century.

What to Learn: Take note of the use of hybrid animation techniques to enhance historical narratives. The film’s attention to period details and character-driven storytelling offers plenty of inspiration.

Wildwood 

Studio: Laika 

Release Date: August 2025 

From the studio behind Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, Wildwood adapts the bestselling fantasy novel into a breathtaking stop-motion adventure. Set in an enchanted forest, the story follows two children as they uncover the secrets of a hidden world. 

Laika has once again redefined what’s possible in stop-motion. The intricate craftsmanship combined with cutting-edge visual effects makes Wildwood a must-watch for anyone passionate about animation. 

What to Learn: Explore the details of world-building. The set design, lighting, and character animation are brilliant examples of how to create immersive environments through stop-motion. 

Elio

Studio: Pixar Animation Studios

Release Date: November 2025

Pixar’s Elio takes viewers on an intergalactic journey as a young boy accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador to an alien civilisation. With its trademark blend of humour and heart, the film promises to be another Pixar classic.

Pixar is known for raising the bar with every release, and Elio is no exception. Its imaginative storytelling and top-tier visuals are benchmarks for aspiring animators.

What to Learn: Study how Pixar combines universal themes with out-of-this-world concepts. The film’s character animation and comedic timing are perfect for learning how to balance emotional depth with light-hearted moments in storytelling.

Fuel Your Creativity at MetStudios

Each of these films represents a unique approach to animation, offering a wealth of inspiration for students. Whether it’s exploring emotional storytelling in The Colors Within or marvelling at the craftsmanship of Wildwood, these releases showcase the boundless potential of animation.

Ready to bring your own ideas to life? Discover how MetStudios’ BA (Hons) Animation degree can help you master industry-leading skills and take your creativity to the next level.

What are you most excited to watch? Let us know at our next Open Day. We can’t wait to see you there!