The dinosaur of a belief that animation movies are just for kids is rightfully going extinct, but which upcoming animated adventure has what it takes to keep you captivated until the lights go on?
Below is a breakdown of (almost) all the animation flicks coming our way in 2017 that is divided by interest. Whether you happen to be a fantasy fanatic, a superhero supreme or warm to the weird, there is definitely an upcoming movie to be your cinematic soulmate.
For The Franchise Fandom
Smurfs: The Lost Village
Release Date: March 31, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Mandy Patinkin and Joe Manganiello
What Do We Know So Far? As the title might suggest, the story centers around our little blue friends' search for a legendary Smurf village. The hunt will be led by Smurfette, who is voiced by Demi Lovato.
Cars 3
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin and Michael Wallis
What Do We Know So Far? The third adventure for the Cars clan will focus on an aging Lightning McQueen who is no longer at the top of his game. After facing a new and powerful enemy named Jackson Storm, McQueen battles to get back into poll position with the help of a talented young race technician and her own desire to win.
Despicable Me 3
Release Date: June 30, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Steve Carell, Trey Parker and Miranda Cosgrove
What Do We Know So Far? The details on the plot of Despicable Me 3 are sketchy so far, but we do know a couple of things about the new storyline: The movie will be underpinned by a theme of sibling rivalry as Gru's twin brother Drew is introduced.
There are also so details on the bad guy, Balthazar Bratt, who will be voiced by South Park's Trey Parker. A former child star who hasn't been big since the '80s, Bratt can't stand being mocked and this leads to his attempt at world domination.
The Croods 2
Release Date: December 22, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Nicolas Cage and Kat Dennings
What Do We Know So Far? Apart from the killer voice cast, so far there is basically no information about The Croods 2, apart from the initial official synopsis which reads:
Prehistoric family The Croods are back to their old shenanigans in a dangerous, strange new world.
Make of that what you will!
Hey Arnold: The Jungle Movie
Release Date: 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Mason Vale Cotton, Benjamin Flores Jr., Francesca Marie Smith and Dan Castellaneta
What Do We Know So Far? Hey Arnold fans have been looking forward to the fabled jungle movie for years, but now it's finally heading our way. So far, the only information that Nickelodeon has released reads as follows:
A two-part animated TV movie written and executive produced by the series’ original creator Craig Bartlett, will pick up where the original series ended and resolve unanswered questions and plotlines, including Arnold finally getting answers about the whereabouts of his missing parents.
For Animal Aficionados
Blazing Samurai
Release Date: August 4, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Yeoh, Ricky Gervais and Mel Brooks
What Do We Know So Far? This action-comedy follows a small dog named Hank who lives in a town named "Kakamucho" that is under threat of becoming a giant litter box for feline warlord Ika Chu and his followers. When the cat's grand plan is unveiled, Hank follows his dreams in an attempt to become a samurai and save his home.
My Little Pony
Release Date: November 3, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Tara Strong, Cathy Weseluck, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain and Ashleigh Ball
What Do We Know So Far? In My Little Pony's first trip to the big screen since they got the makeover that spawned the "Brony" phenomenon, the equestrian gang is looking to save their homeland through the magic of friendship and an epic journey.
The Lamb
Release Date: December 8, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: No voice cast has been announced just yet
What Do We Know So Far? The only thing we know about The Lamb is that it will be directed by Tim Reckart and centers around an original story penned by Tim Sheridan.
The Story Of Ferdinand
Release Date: 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Paul Feig, Diego Luna, Samantha Morton and Donald Sutherland
What Do We Know So Far? Adapted from Munro Leaf's classic kids book, The Story of Ferdinand will follow the peace-loving bull who would rather walk around smelling the flowers instead of indulging in the brawls that erupt around him. But, can his pacifist leanings survive him being mistakenly entered into the bullring in Madrid?
Paddington 2
Release Date: 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: It's assumed Ben Whishaw will return as Paddington, but this has not been formally announced.
What Do We Know So Far? All we know about our favorite marmalade loving bear's return so far is that Paul King is coming back to direct.
Sock Monkey: Into The Deep Woods
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Release Date: 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: No voice cast has been announced yet
What Do We Know So Far? After being released as a children's book, this wistful and eerie tale is going to meet its destiny as a movie in 2017. The information we have so far reads:
The Story follows stuffed hero Uncle Gabby as he and his doll pals venture across sea, land, and air to save their human, Ann-Louise, whom they fear has been kidnapped by a vicious monster. The Sock Monkey project was initially envisioned as a film, but when Danner wrote the treatment as a children’s book, Millionaire’s publisher Fantagraphics caught wind of it and agreed to publish it in print form first. The book hits shelves November 16.
Danner and Millionaire are going out to studios and financiers with the script and teaser, which Danner shot on his own over the course of one day with a small crew. Using five different “digi-nette” puppets on a practical set, they shot live-action footage which was later blended with CG to create a surreal look and feel."
For The Superhero Set
The LEGO Batman Movie
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Release Date: February 10, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson, Michael Cera, Mariah Carey and Zach Galifianakis
What Do We Know So Far? Following the teamwork lauding theme of the original LEGO movie, Batman must learn the importance of collaborating with others as he goes on a personal journey while simultaneously battling the Joker.
It's going to be good, if The LEGO Movie is anything to go by, but will it be the best Batman movie so far?
Captain Underpants
Release Date: March 10, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Ed Helms, Kevin Hart, Kristen Schaal and Thomas Middleditch
What Do We Know So Far? Adapted from the wildly popular kids' books by Dav Pilkey, Captain Underpants will bring the tale of two naughty children who hypnotize their headteacher to create the benevolent and ridiculous Captain Underpants to the big screen. Sure, Captain Underpants isn't strictly a superhero but he does have a cape so in this category he shall remain!
Ninjago
Release Date: September 22, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Dave Franco, Jackie Chan, Michael Peña, Zach Woods, Abbi Jacobson, Fred Armisen and Kumail Nanjiani
What Do We Know So Far? After the huge popularity of The LEGO Movie, Warner Bros. is bringing the Ninjango clan to the big screen. Already a Cartoon Network staple, the movie will give a new take on the fictional world that is inspired by both Chinese and Japanese myths and culture. The movie will diverge from the TV show universe, but that's all we've got so far.
For Fantasy Fanatics
Troll
Release Date: 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Patricia Arquette and Baxter Bartlett
What Do We Know So Far? Don't worry if you find the alternate title of Troll: The Rise of Harry Potter, Jr. totally baffling, I did too until I did a bit of research. You see, back in 1986 a B-movie named Troll was released that featured a character who makes his way through a world full of witches, wizards, and magic to save his family. He also happens to be named Harry Potter.
In an attempt to monetize their strange link to the wildly popular J.K. Rowling creation, the creators of Troll have decided to put the lead characters's name in the title, but who knows how this legal challenge will ride.
For The Left-Field League
Coco
Release Date: November 22, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Benjamin Bratt is the only cast member to have been announced
What Do We Know So Far? This Disney Pixar tale follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who becomes embroiled with a century-old mystery. According to Pixar's official description:
Coco is the celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion.
Check out everything you need to know about Coco over here!
EmojiMovie: Express Yourself
Release Date: August 11, 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: T.J. Miller
What Do We Know So Far? I think I can safely say that we all remain in total confusion about just what this Tony Leondis directed flick will entail. Only time will tell if we will laugh or cry.
The Adventures Of Drunky
Release Date: 2017
Voice Cast Highlights: Sam Rockwell, Jeffrey Tambor, Steve Coogan, Nina Arianda and Tyler the Creator
What Do We Know So Far? As the title might suggest this animated feature definitely doesn't have innocent children in mind, and its bizarre plot suggest it will be a surreal riot from heaven, hell, the pub and back. The official synopsis reads:
Drunky is a barfly who finds himself in the middle of a cosmic bet between God and the Devil over the fate of the Earth. With his life destroyed, Drunky must travel through Heaven and Hell to rescue the girl he loves and save the world.
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Which 2017 animated movie are you most looking forward to?