10 Unmissable Animated Movies and TV Series Out in 2022

Discover epic tales and cozy stories from this year’s lineup of animated movies and shows to watch in the cinema or stream via Netflix, Disney, and more

From cinematic sci-fi sequences shot in IMAX to spooky stop-motion on the small screen, this year animation studios are making use of new and old techniques to tell fresh stories you won’t want to miss.

That’s why we’ve lined up ten must-watch new animations—already released or coming in 2022—whether you’re a casual watcher or an animation buff who wants to be inspired. Learn their stories, the techniques used to make them, and most importantly where to watch!

1. Lightyear

Lightyear is a sci-fi action-adventure spin-off from the Toy Story series. Buzz and his team become stranded on a hostile planet and while trying to return discover the threat of Emperor Zurg and an army of robots, essentially creating an “origin story” for the popular character.

It’s the first Pixar movie to be filmed in IMAX, meaning the team needed to create a new camera system that would shoot the animation in the 1.43:1 size required. The film’s hard sci-fi style gives a more realistic feel to the visuals, although the chunky and playful character design still harks back to Pixar’s core look.

Release: June 17, 2022.
Where to watch: In theaters now.

2. Oni: Thunder God’s Tale

Oni is part of Netflix’s new “After School” campaign highlighting their upcoming animated shows. It’s a four-part event series from Tonko House, that features a striking CGI approach with a stop-motion look.

Young Onari grew up in a world of gods and legends, but now the mysterious Oni threaten their peaceful home. What are they, and can Onari overcome them despite not knowing what her own powers might be?

Release: TBC, late 2022.
Where to watch: Netflix.

3. Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure

This revisionist story follows a young boy who is plucked from normal Texas life to take part in a covert mission to the Moon. His fantastical experience is interwoven with real events from life in the ‘60s.

The film was created using rotoscoping techniques (which you may recognize from director Richard Linklater’s other films like A Scanner Darkly), where live-action recordings are traced frame-by-frame to produce realistic-looking animation. Watch the short making-of video below.

Release: April 2022.
Where to watch: Netflix.

4. Turning Red

This movie was unmissable in the headlines back in March of this year, with its striking animation style, the first all-female lead team in Pixar’s history, and coverage of taboo subjects.

Meilin Lee is a teen girl who, rather than getting her period, turns into a giant red panda at any sign of intense emotion. It’s a story about self-acceptance and finding support in friends and family, and we previously discussed how important a step for Pixar it has been.

Turning Red’s animation style draws clear inspiration from ‘90s cartoons and anime—especially titles like Sailor Moon and Ranman ½. When you watch, look out for super-sparkly eyes, bright color pops, and exaggerated gestures that add an extra layer of comedy.

Release: March 2022.
Where to watch: Disney+.

5. The House

This British animated anthology brings together three narratives set within one haunted house. Though it was initially advertised as a series, the narratives were eventually combined into one film. Each part has its own director, so feels distinct, adding to the unsettling feeling.

One for adult viewers, the horror-comedy follows a family of humans, an anthropomorphic developer rat, and a landlord cat with her tenants, who each experience surreal hardships while living in the house.

Release: January 2022.
Where to watch: Netflix.

6. The Cuphead Show!

If the exclamation mark at the end of the title didn’t give it away, this animated series is going for a retro, slapstick style. Based on the 2017 videogame, Cuphead, it follows Cuphead and Mugman as they end up on various misadventures around their hometown, often overseen by evil forces. It’s a nostalgic trip for lovers of 1930s hand-drawn animation and classic comedy duos.

Release: Part One, February 2022; Part Two, August 19, 2022.
Where to watch: Netflix.

7. Strange World

Another retro entry this year comes from Disney, with this upcoming animated family adventure film. The famous Clade family are known for their legendary escapades, but they’re about to face their toughest challenge yet in an alien landscape.

The charming trailer begins in black and white and features a voiceover promising us “a journey beyond what is possible.” Then, through bouncy 3D animation, we meet the family and a host of bizarre, paint-splat creatures. Not much is known about the plot yet, but Disney is sure to reveal more soon, and for now, you can watch the teaser below.

Release: November 23, 2022.
Where to watch: Disney+.

8. Battle Kitty

Thought interactive shows were a gimmick? This playful 3D animation series on Netflix merges the experience of watching TV and gaming, with boss-battle fights across nine episodes.

Kitty is a boisterous kitten empowered by his best friend Orc and the pretty hair bows he makes for him. Together they decide to go to Battle Island to explore fun realms and beat up bad guys, all with the viewer’s input. The series can be navigated via an overworld map of the “futuristic-medieval” world.

Release: April 2022.
Where to watch: Netflix.

9. Pinocchio

From the super-cute back to the spooky, next up is Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. It’s actually one of two versions of this classic tale being released this year (Disney’s live-action remake starring Tom Hanks will release in September).

Del Toro’s interpretation of the 1883 novel has an expectedly macabre, stylized look to its stop-motion story set in 1930s Italy—and with puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company on board too, expect some really show-stopping scenes.

Release: December 2022.
Where to watch: Netflix.

10. The Amazing World of Gumball: The Movie!

Finally, in the parodic and “meta” sitcom, The Amazing World of Gumball, Gumball Watterson (a blue cat) and his friend Darwin the goldfish have adventures in a collage of visual styles including 2D, 3D, and photography.

Originally a 2011 series based on discarded characters from creator Ben Bocquelet’s unsuccessful pitches at other studios, it was confirmed in late 2021 that the story was being revived via a feature-length movie and a new series, both to air on HBO Max. In the movie, a huge fan of the show winds up in Gumball’s world, in typical meta fashion.

Release: TBC, 2022.
Where to watch: HBO Max.

Find more inspiration and learn animation with these resources

1. Learn the fascinating story of Disney’s female animators and how they helped create the classics.

2. Watch these top ten short animated films selected by our community.

3. Use Adobe After Effects to learn animation techniques with this course by Moncho Massé.

4. Learn mixed media animation in Procreate with motion designer Caroline Kjellberg.