List of Universal Pictures theatrical animated feature films
This is a list of theatrical animated feature films released by Universal Pictures, the film division of Comcast's NBCUniversal.
Universal Pictures releases films from Universal-owned and non-Universal owned animation studios. Most films listed below are from Illumination which began as the feature animation department of Universal, producing its first feature-length animated film Despicable Me in 2010. Beginning with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World in 2019, Universal also released animated films by DreamWorks Animation, which was acquired by NBCUniversal in 2016.[1][2][3] Other studio units have also released films theatrically, including Universal Animation Studios, which now focuses mainly on animating television shows and direct-to-video films.
The studio's distribution unit acquires film rights from outside animation studios to release films under the Universal Pictures or Focus Features film labels. For example, Laika's stop-motion animated features were released by Universal through its Focus Features label. Other studios globally have released films through Universal Pictures which maintains distribution rights in certain territories.
Films
[edit]Amblimation (1991–95) | |
Universal Animation Studios (2006–present) | |
Illumination (2010–present) | |
DreamWorks Animation (2019–present) | |
Other Universal studio | |
Third-party studio | |
Live-action/animation hybrid | S |
Distribution only | D |
An adult animated production | A |
US releases
[edit]Upcoming
[edit]Title | Intended theatrical release date by Universal Pictures |
Animation studio | |
---|---|---|---|
Dog Man | January 31, 2025[35][38] | DreamWorks Animation and Scholastic Entertainment | |
The Bad Guys 2 | August 1, 2025[35][39] | ||
Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie[S] | September 26, 2025[35][40] | DreamWorks Animation | |
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 | April 3, 2026[41][42] | Illumination and Nintendo | |
Shrek 5 | July 1, 2026[43][44][45][46][47] | DreamWorks Animation | |
LarryBoy | 2026[48][49] | Big Idea Entertainment and Kingstone Studios | |
Minions 3 | June 30, 2027[50] | Illumination | |
Untitled live-action/animated Lego film[S] | TBA[51] | The Lego Group, Animal Logic, and Rideback |
International releases
[edit]Title | Original theatrical release date[rls 4] | Animation studio | |
---|---|---|---|
Small Soldiers[A][S] | July 10, 1998[st 1] | DreamWorks Pictures and Amblin Entertainment | |
The Abrafaxe – Under The Black Flag[D] | October 25, 2001 (German)[st 1] | Abrafaxe Trickfilm | |
Momo[D] | December 21, 2001 (Italy)[st 1] | Taurus Produktion | |
Coraline[D] | February 6, 2009 | Laika[st 2] | |
9[A] | September 9, 2009 | Starz Animation[st 2] | |
Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey! | July 10, 2009 (Denmark)[rls 5] | Universal Animation Studios and Imagine Entertainment | |
Nikté[D] | December 18, 2009 (Mexico)[st 1] | Animex Producciones | |
ParaNorman[D] | August 17, 2012 | Laika[st 2] | |
Underdogs[D] | July 18, 2013 (Argentina)[st 1] | Prana Studios and 100 Bares Producciones | |
Moshi Monsters: The Movie[D] | December 20, 2013[st 1] | Spider Eye Productions | |
Song of the Sea[D] | September 6, 2014 (Ireland)[st 1] | StudioCanal and Cartoon Saloon | |
The Seventh Dwarf[D] | September 25, 2014 (Germany)[st 1] | Zipfelmützen Film GmbH & Co. KG | |
The Boxtrolls[D] | September 26, 2014 | Laika[st 2] | |
Yellowbird[D] | October 11, 2014[st 1] | TeamTO | |
Ratchet & Clank[D] | April 29, 2016 | Rainmaker Entertainment and Blockade Entertainment[st 3] | |
Kubo and the Two Strings[D] | August 19, 2016 | Laika[st 2] | |
Ethel & Ernest[D] | October 28, 2016[st 1] | Cloth Cat Animation | |
The Breadwinner[D] | September 8, 2017 (Canada)[st 1] | Elevation Pictures, StudioCanal, and Cartoon Saloon | |
Woody Woodpecker[S] | October 5, 2017 (Brazil)[rls 5] | Universal Animation Studios and Cinemotion | |
The Boss Baby | March 21, 2018 (Japan)[st 4] | DreamWorks Animation | |
The Addams Family[D] | October 11, 2019[st 1] | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Cinesite[st 5] | |
The Addams Family 2[D] | October 1, 2021[st 1][52][53] | ||
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On[D][S] | February 17, 2023 (United Kingdom)[54] | A24, Cinereach, You Want I Should, Human Woman, Sunbeam Television & Films, and Chiodo Bros. Productions[st 2] | |
Mavka: The Forest Song[D] | March 29, 2023 (France)[st 1][55] | Animagrad Animation Studio and Film.UA | |
Piece by Piece[D] | October 11, 2024[56] | The Lego Group, Tremolo Productions, and I Am Other[st 2] |
Highest-grossing films
[edit]- † indicates films playing in theaters around the world in the week commencing 20 December 2024.
This list does not include films combining live-action with animation.
Rank | Film | Worldwide gross | Studio | Year | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Super Mario Bros. Movie | $1,363,298,473 | Illumination and Nintendo | 2023 | [57] |
2 | Minions | $1,159,398,397 | Illumination | 2015 | [58] |
3 | Despicable Me 3 | $1,034,799,409 | 2017 | [59] | |
4 | Despicable Me 2 | $970,761,885 | 2013 | [60] | |
5 | Despicable Me 4 | $968,240,710 | 2024 | [61] | |
6 | Minions: The Rise of Gru | $939,628,210 | 2022 | [62] | |
7 | The Secret Life of Pets | $875,457,937 | 2016 | [63] | |
8 | Sing | $634,151,679 | [64] | ||
9 | Kung Fu Panda 4 | $546,362,086 | DreamWorks Animation | 2024 | [65] |
10 | Despicable Me | $543,113,985 | Illumination | 2010 | [66] |
See also
[edit]- List of Universal Pictures films
- List of DreamWorks Animation productions
- List of Illumination productions
- List of unproduced Universal Pictures animated projects
Notes
[edit]Release Notes
- ^ Listed are the original theatrical release dates in the United States (or other non-U.S. territories) when the film was contributed by Universal. Different distributors are attributed and credited for distributing each film throughout the history of Universal.
- ^ Original Soviet release date was November 15, 1957
- ^ Released by Universal Pictures in North America
- ^ Listed are the original theatrical release dates in the United States (or other non-U.S. territories) when the film was contributed by Universal. Different distributors are attributed and credited for distributing each film throughout the history of Universal.
- ^ a b Not released theatrically in the United States, released as DTV film
Studio/Production Notes
Rights Notes
References
[edit]- ^ "Comcast's NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal". Los Angeles Times. 28 April 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
- ^ "NBCUniversal Unveils New DreamWorks Annimation Senior Management". The Hollywood Reporter. 23 August 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
- ^ McNary, Dave (August 22, 2016). "Comcast Completes $3.8 Billion Purchase of DreamWorks Animation". Variety. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ a b c Kroll, Justin (January 25, 2017). "'Sing 2' Set for Christmas Day 2020 Release". Variety. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (March 26, 2014). "DreamWorks Adopts FLIX for Story Development". Animation Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
Culton, who made her directorial debut with Sony's Open Season, is currently writing and directing a film about a young girl and a Yeti for DWA with the working title Everest.
- ^ "Two in One Interview: NY Illustrators – Character Designers". ctnanimationexpo.com. CTN Animation Expo. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
- ^ Gachman, Dina (March 21, 2013). "Bringing 'The Croods' to Life: A Spotlight Interview with Producers Kristine Belson and Jane Hartwell". Studio System News. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 5, 2016). "'How To Train Your Dragon 3' Flies To 2019; Uni's DWA To Scale 'Everest'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ^ McNary, Dave (18 May 2018). "DreamWorks-Pearl Studio Animated Movie 'Everest' Retitled 'Abominable' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
- ^ "@Trolls". twitter.com. Archived from the original on 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2018-10-20.
- ^ Lee, Ashley (February 28, 2017). "Universal Sets 'Trolls' Sequel for 2020 Debut". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (February 28, 2017). "Universal DreamWorks Animation Announces 'Trolls 2'; Sets for April 10, 2020". Variety.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 6, 2017). "'Fast & Furious 9' Drives To Easter Weekend 2020; 'Trolls 2' Moves To Spring 2020 – Update". Deadline.
- ^ "Emmys: Trolls Light Up Animation Race With Holiday Special". Hollywood Reporter. June 12, 2018.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-03-04). "'Trolls World Tour' Fills Easter Void Left By 'No Time To Die'". Deadline. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
- ^ Fuster, Jeremy (September 19, 2017). "Universal Revives 'Croods 2,' Sets DreamWorks Animation Sequel for 2020". The Wrap.
- ^ a b c D'Alessandro, Anthony (12 April 2019). "'Sing 2' To Croon Summer 2021; 'The Croods 2' Moves To Holiday Season 2020". Deadline.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (7 October 2019). "DreamWorks Animation & Universal To Release 'Spirit Riding Free' & 'The Bad Guys' In 2021". Deadline. Deadline. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (10 November 2020). "Jennifer Lopez Romantic Comedy 'Marry Me' Heads To Summer". Deadline. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ McClintock, Pamela (May 25, 2017). "'Boss Baby 2' With Alec Baldwin to Hit Theaters in Spring 2021". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 26, 2017.
- ^ a b Tartaglione, Nancy (April 1, 2020). "'Minions: The Rise Of Gru', 'Sing 2' Set New 2021 Release Dates; 'Wicked' Still Brewing Slot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
- ^ "DreamWorks Animation Stakes Release Dates For 2021 & Beyond". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-10-20.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 26, 2019). "'Puss In Boots 2' In The Works: 'Spider-Verse' Oscar Winner Bob Persichetti Directing". Deadline. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
- ^ "'Puss in Boots' Sequel With Antonio Banderas Set for Fall 2022". TheWrap. 2021-03-17. Retrieved 2021-03-17.
- ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 25, 2022). "'Puss In Boots: The Last Wish' Heads To Christmas Time". Deadline. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
- ^ Pallotta, Frank (November 14, 2017). "'Super Mario Bros.' animated movie in the works at Illumination Entertainment". CNNMoney. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
- ^ Lang, Brent (6 November 2018). "Inside Illumination's Plans for Animated 'Super Mario Bros.' Movie". Variety. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
- ^ "Massimo Proietti: "Disruptive ideas are needed"". E-DUESSE.IT. December 12, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (March 16, 2023). "DreamWorks Movie Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Casts Lana Condor, Toni Collette". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 15, 2022). "Strays: Universal Dates Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx & Will Forte Comedy For Summer 2023". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
- ^ Mendelson, Scott (2023-05-08). "Universal Moves 'Strays' to August as 'Please Don't Destroy' Comedy Pivots to Peacock". TheWrap. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2021-11-22). "'Trolls 3' Lands Release Date, DreamWorks Animation Title Will Be Exclusive Theatrical". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-11-22.
- ^ a b Moreau, Jordan (February 18, 2022). "Despicable Me 4 Set for Summer 2024 by Illumination, Universal". Variety. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 12, 2022). "DreamWorks Animation's 'Kung Fu Panda 4' Is Happening; Universal Sets 2024 Release". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "The Numbers - Theatrical Release Schedule Changes for the Week Ending November 12, 2023". The Numbers. Retrieved 2023-11-17.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2023-12-19). "DreamWorks Animation's 'The Wild Robot' To Bring Life To Early Fall 2024 Box Office". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (23 April 2024). "DreamWorks Animation's 'The Wild Robot' Will Go One Week Later In The Fall". Deadline. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (29 January 2024). "'Dog Man' Movie Based On Books From 'Captain Underpants' Creator Set For 2025 Release From Universal And DWA". Deadline. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (26 March 2024). "DreamWorks Animation Sets 'The Bad Guys 2' For Late Summer 2025". Deadline. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ McClintock, Pamela (25 April 2024). "'Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie' to Get the Big-Screen Treatment in 2025". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ MAR10 Day 2024, retrieved 2024-03-10
- ^ Lang, Brent (March 10, 2024). "New 'Super Mario Bros.' World Animated Movie in the Works From Illumination, Nintendo". Variety. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
- ^ Lang, Brett (November 6, 2018). "'Shrek,' 'Puss in Boots' Getting Rebooted (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- ^ Lang, Brent (November 6, 2018). "How Chris Meledandri Became the Most Powerful Man in Animation". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- ^ Lang, Brent (April 4, 2023). "'Shrek 5' With Original Cast, Donkey Spinoff With Eddie Murphy, 'Sing 3' and More Teased by Illumination's Chris Meledandri (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
- ^ McPherson, Chris (June 24, 2024). "Eddie Murphy Finally Delivers Huge Update on 'Shrek 5' and 'Donkey' Spin-Off Movie [Exclusive]". Collider. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ Sharf, Zack; Shanfeld, Ethan (2024-07-09). "'Shrek 5' Set for July 2026 With Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz Returning". Variety. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
- ^ "New VeggieTales 'LarryBoy' Feature Film Announced for 2026". www.jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
- ^ Marie, Leah; Klett, Ann (2024-02-06). "VeggieTales' cucumber star LarryBoy to get his own faith-based feature film in 2026". www.christianpost.com. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 11, 2024). "Universal Sets Illumination's 'Minions 3' For Independence Day 2027 Frame; Franchise Nearing $5B Global". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ "New LEGO Movie to Be Live-Action and Animation Hybrid From The Lost City Directors". Movies. Retrieved 2023-07-20.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2019-10-15). "'The Addams Family 2' Is In The Works After Great $35M+ 4-Day Weekend, MGM/UAR Set Fall 2021 Release". Deadline. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (October 8, 2020). "'The Addams Family 2': Bill Hader & Javon "Wanna" Walton Join Voice Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- ^ Hazelton, John (10 January 2023). "Why 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On' team turned down the big studios". Screen International. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Sarto, Debbie Diamond (13 July 2022). "Universal Pictures Content Group Snags 'Mavka. The Forest Song' French Distribution Rights". Animation World Network. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
- ^ Earl, William (January 26, 2024). "Pharrell Williams Creating a Lego Animated Biopic With Focus Features". Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "The Super Mario Bros. Movie". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Minions". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Despicable Me 3". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Despicable Me 2". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Despicable Me 4". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Minions: The Rise of Gru". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "The Secret Life of Pets". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Sing". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Kung Fu Panda 4". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Despicable Me". Box Office Mojo.