Upcoming Animated Movies That You Should Be Looking Forward To

The influence animated movies have on the film industry today should not be understated. Some of the most influential movies of recent entertainment history have been animated, and it is easy to see why; beyond being a feat in technology and storytelling, animated movies are fun for the whole family. As such, there are upcoming animated movies that will appeal to everyone and should definitely be on your watch list.

Here are 3 of the animated movies set to be released in 2022 that surely offer something for everyone and are worth getting excited about.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)

Studio: Sony Pictures

Release Date: October 7, 2022

Shortly before Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was released in 2018, Sony Pictures confirmed that two more sequels will be produced which will allow for Miles Morales’ story to branch off in multiple directions. The 2018 movie, which quickly became one of the most beloved superhero movies ever released, took place largely in Mile’s home universe.

While story details are still scarce, it appears that the first sequel – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) – will involve an adventure through the Multiverse and will continue the story of Miles Morales as Spider-Man and his multiversal adventures with many Spider-Friends at his side. This sequel will also include the addition of a Japanese Spider-Man.

In the first look released early in December, Miles (voiced by Shameik Moore) and Gwen (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) reunite and head off into the Multiverse together. We can also see Miles entangled in a face-off against Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099 (voiced by Oscar Isaac) who first appeared in the end-credit scene for the first movie.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) is set to be released in October 2022. In addition to part one of the Spider-Verse sequels, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part Two) will be coming sometime in 2023, although no exact date has been confirmed yet.

Lightyear

Studio: Walt Disney Pictures; Pixar Animation Studios

Release Date: June 17, 2022

Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” is an original feature film that will follow Buzz’s origins and his adventures in a spin-off of Pixar’s Toy Story movies.

The sci-fi action-adventure animation presents the definitive origin story of action figure Buzz Lightyear and his numerous adventures to infinity and beyond. Buzz Lightyear is the hero who inspired the toy – introducing the legendary Space Ranger who would win generations of fans. This film reveals how a young test pilot became the Space Ranger that we all know him to be today.

The title character, Buzz, is voiced by Chris Evans, and it has been revealed that Taika Waititi is also in the cast. When the movie was first announced, there was a lot of confusion largely because the human character and the toy shared the same name. Many believed that the human Lightyear’s voice actor, Chris Evans, would replace the toy Buzz Lightyear’s voice actor, Tim Allen, to become the new voice of the character. Disney has, however, clarified via Twitter that Evans is the voice of the in-universe character that inspired the toy, while Allen is the voice of the toy. Interestingly, Tim Allen and Chris Evans both share the same birthday, but 28 years apart, with Tim being born in 1953, and Chris in 1981.

Lightyear is directed by Annie Award-winning director and veteran Pixar animator, Angus MacLane (who also co-directed 2016’s “Finding Dory”) and produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”). Promisingly, the writer is the man behind Up and Inside Out, Pete Doctor, and if Buzz Lightyear’s origin story has half the wit and charm of the original franchise, it will be nothing short of another blockbuster.

DC’s League of Super-Pets

Studio: Warner Animation Group; DC Entertainment

Release Date: May 20, 2022

Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. In ‘DC League of Super-Pets’, the mantle is on Superman’s loyal doggo Krypto to save the day. And he’s bringing friends with him in the Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming animated feature film.

With Jared Stern as director and Sam Levine as co-director, the movie sees the Man of Steel and the rest of the Justice League kidnapped by Lex Luthor. Krypto the Super-Dog must then convince a ragtag group of shelter-pets to master their own newfound powers for a rescue mission. This league of Super-Pets is to include a hound named Ace (who becomes super-strong), a pig named PB (who can grow to giant-size), a turtle named Merton (who becomes super-fast), and a squirrel named Chip (who gains electric-powers).

This is no lightweight production. Written by Jared Stern and John Whittington, Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam, Jumanji, Disney’s Jungle Cruise, Red Notice) voices Krypto himself, and an all-star cast of actors also lend their voices to the all-ages superhero cartoon. These other star voices include Kevin Hart, Kate Mckinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Marc Maron, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz, and Keanu Reeves.

Produced by Warner Animation Group, DC Entertainment, and Seven Bucks Productions, the super-powered animated film will debut internationally in theaters starting May 18, 2022, with a delayed release in North America on May 20, 2022.

Which of these upcoming animated movies are you most excited about?

Jane Ekaette

This work was submitted by Jane Ekaette a film, TV, and entertainment news writer who has been writing about films for the past decade. She has also worked as a ghostwriter, editor, and content creator for several national publications and internationally read projects.