List of Universal Pictures theatrical animated feature films explained

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 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

Color legend
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
Distribution only
An adult animated production

US releases

TitleOriginal theatrical release date[4] <-- U.S. Theatrical Release Date only-->Animation studio
The Snow Queen [5] [6] Soyuzmultfilm 
Pinocchio in Outer SpaceBelvision Studios
An American TailAmblin Entertainment and Sullivan Bluth Studios 
The Land Before Time
Hanna-Barbera 
Amblimation 
We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story
CasperAmblin Entertainment and The Harvey Entertainment Company 
BaltoAmblimation 
The Adventures of Rocky and BullwinkleJay Ward Productions and TriBeCa Productions 
How the Grinch Stole ChristmasImagine Entertainment
The Cat in the HatDreamWorks Pictures and Imagine Entertainment
Curious GeorgeUniversal Animation Studios and Imagine Entertainment 
Big Idea Entertainment and Starz Animation 
The Tale of DespereauxRelativity Media and Framestore Animation 
CoralineLaika[7]
9Starz Animation
Despicable Me Illumination 
PaulRelativity Media, Working Title Films, Big Talk Studios, and StudioCanal 
HopIllumination and Relativity Media 
The LoraxIllumination
TedMedia Rights Capital, Fuzzy Door Productions, Bluegrass Films, and Smart Entertainment 
ParaNormanLaika 
Despicable Me 2Illumination 
The BoxtrollsLaika 
Ted 2Media Rights Capital, Fuzzy Door Productions, Bluegrass Films, and Smart Entertainment 
MinionsIllumination 
Ratchet & ClankRainmaker Entertainment and Blockade Entertainment[8]  
The Secret Life of PetsIllumination 
Kubo and the Two StringsLaika 
SingIllumination 
Despicable Me 3
The Grinch
DreamWorks Animation 
The Secret Life of Pets 2[9] Illumination 
Abominable[10] [11] [12] [13] [14] DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio 
Trolls World Tour[15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] DreamWorks Animation
[21] [22]
Spirit Untamed[23] [24]
[25]
Sing 2Illumination 
The Bad Guys[26] DreamWorks Animation and Scholastic Entertainment 
[27] Illumination 
[28] [29] [30] DreamWorks Animation 
The Super Mario Bros. Movie[31] [32] Illumination and Nintendo 
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken[33] [34] DreamWorks Animation 
Strays[35] [36] Picturestart, Lord Miller Productions, and Rabbit Hole Productions 
Trolls Band Together [37] DreamWorks Animation 
Migration[38] Illumination 
Kung Fu Panda 4[39] DreamWorks Animation 
Despicable Me 4Illumination 

International releases

TitleOriginal theatrical release date[40] <-- U.S. Theatrical Release Date only-->Animation studio
Small Soldiers [41] DreamWorks Pictures and Amblin Entertainment 
The Abrafaxe – Under The Black FlagAbrafaxe Trickfilm 
MomoTaurus Produktion
[42] Universal Animation Studios and Imagine Entertainment 
NiktéAnimex Producciones 
UnderdogsPrana Studios and 100 Bares Producciones
Spider Eye Productions
Song of the SeaStudioCanal and Cartoon Saloon
The Seventh DwarfZipfelmützen Film GmbH & Co. KG
YellowbirdTeamTO
Ethel & ErnestCloth Cat Animation
The BreadwinnerElevation Pictures, StudioCanal, and Cartoon Saloon
Woody WoodpeckerUniversal Animation Studios and Cinemotion 
The Boss Baby [43] DreamWorks Animation 
The Addams FamilyMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Cinesite[44]  
The Addams Family 2[45] [46]
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On [47] A24, Cinereach, You Want I Should, Human Woman, Sunbeam Television & Films, and Chiodo Bros. Productions
[48] Animagrad Animation Studio and Film.UA

Upcoming

TitleIntended theatrical release date
by Universal Pictures<		-- Universal Pictures U.S. theatrical release date only-->Animation studio
The Wild Robot[49] [50] [51] DreamWorks Animation 
Piece by Piece[52] The Lego Group, Tremolo Productions, and I Am Other 
Dog Man[53] DreamWorks Animation and Scholastic Entertainment 
The Bad Guys 2[54]
[55] DreamWorks Animation
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2[56] Illumination and Nintendo 
Shrek 5[57] [58] [59] [60] [61] DreamWorks Animation 
LarryBoy [62] [63] Big Idea Entertainment and Kingstone Studios 
Minions 3[64] Illumination 
Untitled Lego Movie filmTBA[65] <-- DO NOT ADD UNIVERSAL ANIMATION STUDIOS AS ONE OF THE PRODUCTION COMPANIES WITHOUT RELIABLE SOURCE -->Lego System A/S, Rideback, Lord Miller Productions, Vertigo Entertainment, and Animal Logic 

Highest-grossing films

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 2023 [66]
2 Minions $1,159,398,397 2015 [67]
3 Despicable Me 3 $1,034,799,409 2017 [68]
4 Despicable Me 2 $970,761,885 2013 [69]
5 $939,628,210 2022 [70]
6 The Secret Life of Pets $875,457,937 2016 [71]
7 Despicable Me 4 $847,385,000 2024 [72]
8 Sing $634,151,679 2016 [73]
9 Kung Fu Panda 4 $546,362,086 2024 [74]
10 Despicable Me $543,113,985 2010 [75]  

See also

Notes

Release Notes

Studio/Production Notes

Rights Notes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Comcast's NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal. Los Angeles Times. 28 April 2016 . April 28, 2016.
  2. Web site: NBCUniversal Unveils New DreamWorks Annimation Senior Management. The Hollywood Reporter. 23 August 2016 . September 3, 2016.
  3. News: Comcast Completes $3.8 Billion Purchase of DreamWorks Animation. McNary. Dave. August 22, 2016. Variety. en-US. October 27, 2016.
  4. 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.
  5. Original Soviet release date was November 15, 1957
  6. Released by Universal Pictures in North America
  7. Released by Focus Features.
  8. Released by Gramercy Pictures.
  9. News: Kroll. Justin. 'Sing 2' Set for Christmas Day 2020 Release. January 26, 2017. Variety. January 25, 2017.
  10. News: Milligan. Mercedes. DreamWorks Adopts FLIX for Story Development. March 27, 2014. Animation Magazine. March 26, 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..
  11. Web site: Two in One Interview: NY Illustrators – Character Designers. ctnanimationexpo.com. CTN Animation Expo. December 21, 2013. December 24, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105232/http://www.ctnanimationexpo.com/participants/index.php/two-in-one-interview-ny-illustrators-character-designers/. dead.
  12. News: Gachman. Dina. Bringing 'The Croods' to Life: A Spotlight Interview with Producers Kristine Belson and Jane Hartwell. December 21, 2013. Studio System News. March 21, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102655/http://www.studiosystemnews.com/bringing-the-croods-to-life-a-spotlight-interview-with-producers-kristine-belson-and-jane-hartwell/. December 24, 2013. mdy-all.
  13. Web site: D'Alessandro. Anthony. 'How To Train Your Dragon 3' Flies To 2019; Uni's DWA To Scale 'Everest'. Deadline Hollywood. December 9, 2016. December 5, 2016.
  14. News: McNary. Dave. DreamWorks-Pearl Studio Animated Movie 'Everest' Retitled 'Abominable' (EXCLUSIVE). 19 May 2018. Variety. 18 May 2018.
  15. Web site: @Trolls . twitter.com . dead . 2018-10-20 . 2020-11-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235107/https://twitter.com/Trolls/status/836647364978843649 .
  16. Web site: Universal Sets 'Trolls' Sequel for 2020 Debut. Ashley . Lee . The Hollywood Reporter . February 28, 2017.
  17. Web site: Universal DreamWorks Animation Announces 'Trolls 2'; Sets for April 10, 2020. Variety . Justin. Kroll. February 28, 2017.
  18. Web site: 'Fast & Furious 9' Drives To Easter Weekend 2020; 'Trolls 2' Moves To Spring 2020 – Update. Anthony. D'Alessandro. December 6, 2017. Deadline.
  19. News: Emmys: Trolls Light Up Animation Race With Holiday Special. June 12, 2018. Hollywood Reporter.
  20. Web site: 'Trolls World Tour' Fills Easter Void Left By 'No Time To Die'. D'Alessandro. Anthony. 2020-03-04. Deadline. en. 2020-03-04.
  21. Web site: Universal Revives 'Croods 2,' Sets DreamWorks Animation Sequel for 2020 . Jeremy . Fuster . September 19, 2017. The Wrap.
  22. News: D'Alessandro. Anthony. 'Sing 2' To Croon Summer 2021; 'The Croods 2' Moves To Holiday Season 2020. Deadline. 12 April 2019.
  23. News: D'Alessandro . Anthony . DreamWorks Animation & Universal To Release 'Spirit Riding Free' & 'The Bad Guys' In 2021 . 8 October 2019 . Deadline . Deadline . 7 October 2019.
  24. News: D'Alessandro . Anthony . Jennifer Lopez Romantic Comedy 'Marry Me' Heads To Summer . 10 November 2020 . Deadline . 10 November 2020.
  25. News: McClintock. Pamela. 'Boss Baby 2' With Alec Baldwin to Hit Theaters in Spring 2021. May 26, 2017. Hollywood Reporter. May 25, 2017.
  26. Web site: DreamWorks Animation Stakes Release Dates For 2021 & Beyond . deadline.com . dead . 2018-10-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162735/https://deadline.com/2018/05/dreamworks-animation-stakes-release-dates-for-2021-beyond-1202400082/ . 2018-06-12 .
  27. Web site: 'Minions: The Rise Of Gru', 'Sing 2' Set New 2021 Release Dates; 'Wicked' Still Brewing Slot. Tartaglione. Nancy. April 1, 2020. Deadline Hollywood. April 1, 2020.
  28. Web site: D'Alessandro. Anthony. February 26, 2019. 'Puss In Boots 2' In The Works: 'Spider-Verse' Oscar Winner Bob Persichetti Directing. February 27, 2019. Deadline.
  29. Web site: 2021-03-17. 'Puss in Boots' Sequel With Antonio Banderas Set for Fall 2022. 2021-03-17. TheWrap. en-US.
  30. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . 'Puss In Boots: The Last Wish' Heads To Christmas Time . Deadline . April 25, 2022 . April 25, 2022.
  31. News: Pallotta. Frank. 'Super Mario Bros.' animated movie in the works at Illumination Entertainment. November 14, 2017. CNNMoney. November 14, 2017.
  32. News: Lang . Brent . Inside Illumination's Plans for Animated 'Super Mario Bros.' Movie . 6 November 2018 . Variety . 6 November 2018.
  33. Web site: Massimo Proietti: "Disruptive ideas are needed" . E-DUESSE.IT . February 2, 2023 . December 12, 2022.
  34. News: Grobar . Matt . DreamWorks Movie Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Casts Lana Condor, Toni Collette . 16 March 2023 . . March 16, 2023.
  35. Web site: Strays: Universal Dates Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx & Will Forte Comedy For Summer 2023. February 15, 2022. Anthony. D'Alessandro. Deadline Hollywood. March 14, 2022.
  36. Web site: Mendelson . Scott . 2023-05-08 . Universal Moves 'Strays' to August as 'Please Don't Destroy' Comedy Pivots to Peacock . 2023-05-08 . . en-US.
  37. Web site: D'Alessandro. Anthony. 2021-11-22. 'Trolls 3' Lands Release Date, DreamWorks Animation Title Will Be Exclusive Theatrical. 2021-11-22. Deadline. en-US.
  38. Web site: Moreau . Jordan . February 18, 2022 . Despicable Me 4 Set for Summer 2024 by Illumination, Universal . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220218232745/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/despicable-me-4-release-date-1235186106/ . February 18, 2022 . February 18, 2022 . Variety.
  39. News: D'Alessandro. Anthony. DreamWorks Animation's 'Kung Fu Panda 4' Is Happening; Universal Sets 2024 Release. August 12, 2022. Deadline Hollywood. August 12, 2022.
  40. 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.
  41. Released by Universal outside North America
  42. Not released theatrically in the United States, released as DTV film
  43. Released by Universal in Japan
  44. Released theatrically by MGM in USA
  45. Web site: 'The Addams Family 2' Is In The Works After Great $35M+ 4-Day Weekend, MGM/UAR Set Fall 2021 Release. D'Alessandro. Anthony. 2019-10-15. Deadline. en. 2019-10-15.
  46. Web site: 'The Addams Family 2': Bill Hader & Javon "Wanna" Walton Join Voice Cast. October 8, 2020. Anthony. D'Alessandro. Deadline Hollywood. https://web.archive.org/web/20201008162155/https://deadline.com/2020/10/the-addams-family-2-bill-hader-javon-wanna-walton-join-voice-cast-1234593614/. October 8, 2020. live. October 8, 2020.
  47. Web site: Why 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On' team turned down the big studios. Screen International. John. Hazelton. 10 January 2023. 15 February 2023. January 10, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230110141048/https://www.screendaily.com/features/why-marcel-the-shell-with-shoes-on-team-turned-down-the-big-studios/5177781.article. live.
  48. Web site: Sarto . Debbie Diamond . Universal Pictures Content Group Snags 'Mavka. The Forest Song' French Distribution Rights . Animation World Network . 13 July 2022 . 13 May 2023 . en.
  49. Web site: The Numbers - Theatrical Release Schedule Changes for the Week Ending November 12, 2023 . 2023-11-17 . The Numbers.
  50. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . 2023-12-19 . DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot’ To Bring Life To Early Fall 2024 Box Office . 2023-12-19 . Deadline . en-US.
  51. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot’ Will Go One Week Later In The Fall . Deadline . 23 April 2024 . 23 April 2024.
  52. Web site: Earl . William . Pharrell Williams Creating a Lego Animated Biopic With Focus Features . January 26, 2024 . January 26, 2024.
  53. Web site: Grobar . Matt . ‘Dog Man’ Movie Based On Books From ‘Captain Underpants’ Creator Set For 2025 Release From Universal And DWA . Deadline . 29 January 2024 . 29 January 2024.
  54. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . DreamWorks Animation Sets ‘The Bad Guys 2’ For Late Summer 2025 . Deadline . 26 March 2024 . 26 March 2024.
  55. Web site: McClintock . Pamela . ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’ to Get the Big-Screen Treatment in 2025 . The Hollywood Reporter . 25 April 2024 . 25 April 2024.
  56. Web site: Lang . Brent . March 10, 2024 . New 'Super Mario Bros.' World Animated Movie in the Works From Illumination, Nintendo . . March 10, 2024.
  57. Lang. Brett. November 6, 2018. 'Shrek,' 'Puss in Boots' Getting Rebooted (EXCLUSIVE). Variety. November 6, 2018.
  58. Lang. Brent. November 6, 2018. How Chris Meledandri Became the Most Powerful Man in Animation. Variety. November 6, 2018.
  59. News: 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. April 4, 2023.
  60. Web site: Chris . McPherson . Eddie Murphy Finally Delivers Huge Update on 'Shrek 5' and 'Donkey' Spin-Off Movie [Exclusive] ]. June 24, 2024 . June 24, 2024 . Collider.
  61. Web site: Sharf . Zack . Shanfeld . Ethan . 2024-07-09 . ‘Shrek 5’ Set for July 2026 With Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz Returning . 2024-07-09 . Variety . en-US.
  62. Web site: New VeggieTales 'LarryBoy' Feature Film Announced for 2026 . 2024-03-02 . www.jesusfreakhideout.com.
  63. Web site: Marie . Leah . Klett . Ann . 2024-02-06 . VeggieTales' cucumber star LarryBoy to get his own faith-based feature film in 2026 . 2024-03-02 . www.christianpost.com . en.
  64. Web site: D'Alessandro . Anthony . July 11, 2024 . Universal Sets Illumination’s 'Minions 3' For Independence Day 2027 Frame; Franchise Nearing $5B Global . July 11, 2024 . Deadline Hollywood.
  65. Web site: New LEGO Movie to Be Live-Action and Animation Hybrid From The Lost City Directors . 2023-07-20 . Movies . en.
  66. Web site: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Box Office Mojo.
  67. Web site: Minions. Box Office Mojo.
  68. Web site: Despicable Me 3. Box Office Mojo.
  69. Web site: Despicable Me 2. Box Office Mojo.
  70. Web site: Minions: The Rise of Gru. Box Office Mojo.
  71. Web site: The Secret Life of Pets. Box Office Mojo.
  72. Web site: Despicable Me 4. Box Office Mojo.
  73. Web site: Sing. Box Office Mojo.
  74. Web site: Kung Fu Panda 4. Box Office Mojo.
  75. Web site: Despicable Me. Box Office Mojo.

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