In a groundbreaking agreement announced in July 2021, Netflix secured a deal with Universal's renowned animation studios, DreamWorks and Illumination. This exclusive partnership grants Netflix the limited-time streaming rights to all new animated movies released by these studios, for the US audience. While the specific details may differ for other regions, here is a comprehensive guide to the current and upcoming animated movies from DreamWorks and Illumination on Netflix.
The Universal Animation and Netflix Deal: How Does it Work?
Under the previous arrangement, Netflix held first window rights for Illumination titles, but the DreamWorks deal was lost in 2019. However, the recent agreement with Universal allows Netflix to occupy the middle ten months of the 18-month pay-1 window, during which they have exclusive streaming rights.
Illumination Movies Coming Soon to Netflix:
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Theatrical Release Date: July 1st, 2022
Confirmed Netflix Release Date: January 23rd, 2023
The Minions franchise returns with a highly anticipated sequel, following three Despicable Me movies and a spin-off dedicated to the mischievous yellow creatures.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Theatrical Release Date: April 7th, 2023
Expected Netflix Release Date: Estimated October 2023
Illumination's Mario movie, featuring the voice talents of Chris Pratt as the main character, is among the most eagerly awaited films of 2023. Although Netflix lost the ability to produce a title based on The Legend of Zelda, the Super Mario Bros. Movie is still on track.
Migration
Theatrical Release Date: December 22nd, 2023
Expected Netflix Release Date: Estimated June 2024
Benjamin Renner directs this upcoming Illumination title, and while not much is known about the film, its logline promises an intriguing storyline.
Despicable Me 4
Theatrical Release Date: July 3rd, 2024
Netflix Release Date: Estimated December 2024
The development of a fourth Despicable Me movie is underway, although official confirmation and further details are yet to be revealed.
Other Illumination movies in development, but without confirmed release dates, include:
Big Tree
The Secret Life of Pets 3
Untitled Pharrell Williams Movie
Upcoming DreamWorks Movies Coming to Netflix:
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Theatrical Release Date: December 21st, 2022
Confirmed Netflix Release Date: July 13th, 2023
Antonio Banderas returns to voice Puss in Boots in this second standalone movie, marking a continuation of the beloved character's adventures from the Shrek franchise.
The Bad Guys Christmas Special
Coming to Netflix: 2023 (Exact date to be determined)
Following the release of The Bad Guys movie in November 2022, a Christmas special exclusive to Netflix is expected to delight audiences worldwide. The movie, based on the book series, revolves around Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Ms. Shark, and Ms. Tarantula as they embark on a daring heist. The impressive voice cast includes Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Marc Maron, and Craig Robinson.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Theatrical Release Date: June 30th, 2023
Expected Netflix Release Date: Estimated January 2024
Directed by Kirk DeMicco, this DreamWorks Animation film tells the story of a shy teenager who discovers her connection to a lineage of mythical sea krakens. Lana Condor, Toni Collette, and Annie Murphy provide their voice talents.
Trolls Band Together (Trolls 3)
Theatrical Release Date: November 17th, 2023
Expected Netflix Release Date: Estimated May 2024
Building on the success of Trolls World Tour in 2020, this franchise will continue with another installment, promising more colorful adventures for fans of the musical animated series.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Theatrical Release Date: March 8th, 2024
Expected Netflix Release Date: Estimated September 2024
Jack Black and the talented cast return in the fourth Kung Fu Panda film, directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Ma Stine.
Orion and the Dark
Coming to Netflix: 2024 (Exact date to be determined)
Orion and the Dark, a new DreamWorks Animation film, bypasses cinemas and heads straight to Netflix worldwide. Further details about the movie are yet to be revealed.
FAQs
Q1: Is there a Christmas special for "The Bad Guys" coming to Netflix?
A: Yes, a Christmas special for "The Bad Guys" is planned to be exclusively released on Netflix in the US in 2023. However, the exact date is yet to be determined.
Q2: What is the anticipated release date for "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken" on Netflix?
A: "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken" is expected to be available on Netflix in the US around January 2024. Its theatrical release date is June 30, 2023.
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