It’s been another huge year when it comes to animated films and tv shows dominating cinemas and lounge rooms. The Incredibles 2, Isle Of Dogs, and Ralph Breaks The Internet all hit box office gold while television shows such as Final Space, BoJack Horseman, and Ballmastrz 9009 had everyone glued to their sets. Animated movies from in so many different varieties — so while some might dismiss them as generally for kids, it’s important to remember how diverse they can be. Even the ones that are for kids come in all shapes and sizes. Needless to say, 2018 was a great year, and there’s a lot on the horizon.
With 2019 almost upon us, many fans are unaware of all the awesome new animated creations coming our way. With so many new films and TV shows announced you may have forgotten what’s being released next year, so here are our top 30 picks to remind you of what’s coming. From the long-awaited Toy Story 4 through to the computer-animated update of The Lion King and the hilarious looking grown-up comedy Tuca & Bertie, here are the best upcoming animated films and tv shows you don’t want to miss in 2019.
30 Toy Story 4
Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear and company return for the fourth installment in one of the most successful animated franchises in history. Plot details are scarce but it’s believed the film is a road trip adventure with Woody, Buzz, and the newly introduced Forky, joining forces to track down Woody’s love interest Bo Peep.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as Woody and Buzz respectively while comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peel have been cast as new characters Ducky and Bunny and Keanu Reeves is set to play a yet to be revealed character. This one should be another enjoyable addition to the series.
29 Klaus
Netflix continues to dominate when it comes to online streaming content and this extends to their love of animation. Klaus is one of the dozens of new series coming to the network next year. Arriving from the mind of animator Sergio Pablos (Despicable Me, Smallfoot), Klaus centers on a postman in the North Pole who discovers Santa Claus is hiding out there.
This origin story combines animated hand-drawn graphics and computer animation to create what looks like an enjoyable flick and another winner for Netflix.
28 The Addams Family
The latest reimagining of The Addams Family comes from directors Greg Tiernan (Sausage Party, Thomas & Friends) and Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2, Monsters vs. Aliens) and features a modern CGI take on the famous creepy family.
There’s something about a reality TV host and a family celebration in the plot summary but it’s the cast involved that’s got me excited.
Oscar Issac (Gomez Addams), Charlize Theron (Morticia Addams), Chloe Grace Mortez (Wednesday Addams), and Nick Kroll (Uncle Fester) all star in what is sure to be a twisted adaptation.
27 Missing Link
This stop-motion animation is described as a comedy adventure featuring Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, Timothy Olyphant, Emma Thompson, and Zack Galifianakis. Jackman’s Sir Lionel Frost is a myth and monster investigator who travels to the fabled valley of Shangri-La in hopes of finding the legendary creature known as Mr. Link.
This one is sure to be full of laughs and tears as Frost attempts to find Link and introduce him to the natural world.
26 Wonder Woman: Bloodlines
The first animated feature to star Wonder Woman since 2009s Wonder Woman, high things are expected from Bloodlines. Although the details regarding the script and voice talent haven’t been released, the film is believed to tie into the current DC universe and may be an entirely new story.
25 Tuca & Bertie
This upcoming grown-up animation is set to premiere on Netflix next year and stars Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong as two 30-year-old bird-women who live in the same apartment. Haddish voices Tuca, a cocky, care-free toucan, and Wong voices Bertie, an anxious, day-dreaming songbird.
That’s about all we know about the show so far but it’s sure to detail the differences between the two bird’s personalities as they get themselves into all manor weird and wonderful situations.
24 How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The third installment in the How To Train Your Dragon franchise, The Hidden World is shaping up as the best yet. Taking up where the last film left off, everyone is living in a Dragon utopia until Toothless discovers an untamed mate. Hiccup and Toothless join forces and travel to a new world to find out who this new dragon is and where they’ve come from.
The entire original cast returns and although the film series has diverged slightly from the books, this third and final film is said to have a similar ending to the last book.
23 Carmen Sandiego
Another Netflix creation, Carmen Sandiego is the fourth animated series based on the well-known educational property. Gina Rodriguez (Jane The Virgin) takes on the role of Sandiego as the show follows her adventures traveling the world and stealing famous works of art.
The 20-episode show will be both entertaining and educational and is said to appeal to old and new fans alike.
As long as her trademark red fedora remains I’ll be happy.
22 Wonder Park
Wonder Park deserves to be on this list for the cast alone. Featuring the amazing vocal talents of Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, Ken Jeong, Mila Kunis, John Oliver, and David Cross, this animated feature is sure to be a hit.
The premise is about a young imaginative girl named June (newcomer Brianna Denski) who spent her childhood constructing an amusement park inhabited by talking animals called Wonderland with her mother and her friends. After growing up, she forgot about the park until she stumbles upon a real-life version in the woods. Under threat from sinister forces, she must team up with the animals in the park to stop it being destroyed.
21 Frozen 2
One of the biggest animated films of the last few years, it was inevitable Frozen would get a sequel. While the plot is unknown, it has been confirmed the main characters of the original will return, with co-director Chris Buck telling Fandango that Elsa’s personality will evolve even more in this much-anticipated flick.
Expect another well-written plot along with some great animation and an excellent soundtrack including brand new musical numbers. The only question that remains is whether they can write a song bigger than “Let It Go.”
20 Invincible
Expect big things from this superhero drama from the mind of The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman. Based on the comic book series of the same name, the show follows normal teenager Mark Grayson, whose dad just happens to be the greatest superhero on earth. When Mark hits 17 he begins to develop his own powers and becomes his father’s protege.
19 Sonic The Hedgehog
While the recent trailer and poster have come under fire I’m putting my faith in this film being better than most people think it will be. Said to be a mix of animation and live-action, this adaptation of Sega’s classic console game follows James Marsden’s Tom Wachowski as he teams with Ben Schwartz’s Sonic to take down Jim Carrey’s evil Dr. Robotnik.
There’s not much more information going around in regards to this one, but with a reported budget of $90 million and some great casting, surely this one has to be better than the Super Mario Bros. film.
18 Playmobil: The Movie
You might not be overly familiar with Playmobil but this line of German toys is well-known throughout Europe. The main toys are humanoid figures that are released as themes, such as Fire Rescue figures and Viking figures.
This CGI film centers on a young woman named Marla who must venture on an epic adventure into the Playmobil world to find her missing brother. With Daniel Radcliffe, Meghan Trainor, and Adam Lambert attached, expect some musical numbers in this comedy adventure.
17 Popeye
A favorite of mine during my youth, the spinach-eating Popeye The Sailor Man is returning to screens in 2019. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the iconic character King Features and entertainment studio WildBrain will be producing the first of new Popeye content seen in over a decade.
The new series will debut on YouTube and contain original stories featuring the pipe-smoking sailor.
Hopefully, these episodes are as funny as the classic 60s series and as far removed from the Robin Williams-starring film as possible.
16 Wish Dragon
While I prefer my Jackie Chan films to be filled with violent action set pieces, I’ll make an exception for this animated English and Chinese release. Created by Chan’s company, Sparkle Roll Media, Wish Dragon is a modern take on the genie in a bottle tale, detailing the relationship between a young boy and a dragon who grants wishes.
The film is begin directed by Chris Appelhans (illustrator on Coraline) from his own script and will be a great advertisement for China’s film industry.
15 The Secret Life Of Pets 2
As the title suggests, this film is the sequel to the well-received The Secret Life Of Pets. While the majority of the main cast return, Louis C. K. has understandably been replaced, with the more than capable Patton Oswald taking over as main character Max.
The film continues on from the first and will follow Jack Russell Terrier Max and his group of animal friends as they get up to mischief when their owners are out for the day. This one will be chock full of laughs and the addition of the great Harrison Ford is a bonus.
14 Batman: Hush
All the best Batman comic series and graphic novels are being turned into films these days so it’s no surprise Batman: Hush is next on the list. The 12-part story from acclaimed writer Jeph Loeb features a who’s who of Batman’s rogue’s gallery, hints at the return of the deceased Jason Todd and discusses Batman’s intimate relationship with Catwoman for the first time.
It’s the ideal comic to be turned into an animated feature-length flick and will once again star the awesome vocal talents of Kevin Conroy as the Dark Knight. I can’t wait for this one!
13 Spies In Disguise
Will Smith and Tom Holland star as Lance Sterling and Walter Beckett in this action comedy. Smith’s Sterling is the self-proclaimed “world’s greatest spy” who must team with inventor Beckett to save the day while disguised as a pigeon.
If it sounds ludicrous you’re not wrong, but with Smith and Holland attached I think this one could be a surprise hit. Also, DJ Khaled and Aussie favorite Ben Mendelsohn are set to appear so that’s got me on board.
12 Farmageddon: A Shaun The Sheep Film
Based on the Shaun The Sheep tv show and a direct sequel to Shaun The Sheep Movie, this flick finds Shaun and his sheep mates coming in contact with an alien being who they must help find their way home to stop Farmageddon occurring.
This is another film on this list with an out-there plot that will no doubt be balanced out by fantastic animation and hilarious jokes littered throughout the film. At least I hope so.
11 UglyDolls
This animated musical comedy is based on the plush toys of the same name. The official synopsis states Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) and her UglyDolls friends must travel to the town of Perfection where they “confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most.” Heavy stuff.
This one sounds like an emotional tearjerker that’s sure to have a happy ending after some character struggles. With the likes of Nick Jonas, Charli XCX, Pitbull, Janelle Monae, and Blake Shelton starring, expect some awesome musical numbers too.
