In the summer of 2021, Netflix reached a new agreement with Universal’s two animation studios (Dreamworks and Illumination) to receive all new theatrically released movies to hit Netflix in the US for a limited time. Below is your complete guide to which movies are available now, and which are on their way to Netflix in 2023 and beyond.
Please note: This list only applies to Netflix US. Offers from other regions will vary drastically.
the deal was announced in July 2021 And it is not the first time that Netflix has access to Universal Animation titles. It’s had first-window rights to Illumination titles for years, but lost the deal with Dreamworks in 2019.
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How does the agreement between Universal Animation and Netflix work?
Previously, Netflix’s Pay 1 windows were 18 months long, and while that’s the case for Universal Animated movies, Netflix won’t have the movies for their entire duration.
Instead, Netflix will occupy the middle ten months of the 18 months.
The theatrical window was announced in December 2021 It has been reduced from 120 days to 45 days, but in reality, most of the movies that have come to Netflix have a duration of 70 days.
This is what that window looks like:
Universal Animation Pay-1 window display
Once this checkout window 1 ends, it’s unclear where the movie will stream. However, Netflix will stream the movies again four years after their initial release window.
Illumination Movies Coming Soon to Netflix
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Theatrical release date: July 1, 2022
Netflix Confirmed Release Date: January 23, 2023
after three My favorite villain movies and a spin-off minions film, the franchise returned five years after the third entry debuted in theaters.
Here’s what you can expect from the upcoming sequel:
«A fan of a supervillain supergroup known as the Vicious 6, Gru hatches a plan to become evil enough to join them, with the backing of his followers, the Minions.»
Steve Carell returned to voice Gru, with Kyle Balda directing.
The Super Mario Bros. movie
Theatrical release date: April 7, 2023
Expected Netflix release date: ~ October 2023
Netflix reportedly lost the ability to produce a title within the Nintendo universe (we mean The legend of Zelda). However, the Illumination Mario movie is still moving forward, with Chris Pratt set to voice the title character.
The movie was originally slated for a December 2022 release, but it will now be released in April 2023, and it is one of the most anticipated movies in 2023.
Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic are directing, with Matt Fogel behind the script.
Joining Pratt on the voice cast list are Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Migration
Theatrical release date: December 22, 2023
Expected Netflix release date: ~June 2024
Image: Illumination
Not much is known about this upcoming Benjamin Renner-directed Illumination title other than the tagline, which is as follows:
«A modern comedy that follows a family of ducks who convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime as they try to migrate from New England, through New York City, and finally to the Bahamas.»
Keegan-Michael Key has been cast as Delroy, a scarlet macaw.
Despicable Me 4
Theatrical release date: July 3, 2024
Netflix Release Date: ~December 2024
Quarter My favorite villain the movie is supposedly in development but not fully confirmed yet. Without more information, making predictions is too early.
Some Illumination movies in development but still to be dated are:
- Big tree
- The secret life of pets 3
- Untitled Pharrell Williams Film
Upcoming Dreamworks Movies Coming To Netflix
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Theatrical release date: December 21, 2022
Netflix Confirmed Release Date: July 13, 2023
Image: DreamWorks Animation
The second independent The cat with boots The film will see Antonio Banderas return to voice the character first introduced in Shrek.
Here’s the logline for the new movie:
“Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: he has burned eight of his nine lives, leaving him with only one life. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical last wish and restore all nine of his lives.
The Bad Boys Christmas Special
coming to netflix: 2023 to be determined
Image: DreamWorks
The main movie the bad boys it was the first major new title from this deal to come to Netflix in November 2022.
Shortly after joining Netflix, we learned that Netflix (probably worldwide) will be getting a Christmas special exclusively in 2023.
The movie itself was an adaptation of the book series and is about Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Ms. Shark, and Ms. Tarantula hatching a plan to pull off a grand heist.
between the voices of the bad boys They are Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Marc Maron, and Craig Robinson.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Theatrical release date: June 30, 2023
Expected Netflix release date: ~January 2024
Image: DreamWorks Animation
Directed by Kirk DeMicco, this DreamWorks Animation film is about a shy teenager who discovers that she is part of a lineage of mythical sea krakens.
Lana Condor, Toni Collette and Annie Murphy star in the voice.
Trolls Band Together (Trolls 3)
Theatrical release date: November 17, 2023
Expected Netflix release date: ~May 2024
Image: DreamWorks Animation
After the release of trolls world tour in 2020, there will be another entry in the franchise in late 2023.
kung fu panda 4
Theatrical release date: March 8, 2024
Expected Netflix release date: ~September 2024
Image: Netflix
Jack Black and Co will return for a fourth feature in early 2024, with Mike Mitchell directing alongside Stephanie Ma Stine.
orion and darkness
coming to netflix: 2024 to be determined
Cr: DreamWorks Animation © 2023
Finally, we want to quickly address Orion and the Dark, a new DreamWorks Animation movie skipping theaters and heading straight to Netflix worldwide.
Written by Charlie Kaufman, the film is about a boy who is afraid of heights and pets. He has been rendered nearly catatonic by the worst of dangers: the dark and confronts the fear of it after meeting The Dark.
You can read more about Netflix orion and darkness here.
Other Dreamworks Animation Movies Reportedly In Development
Sadly, the Dreamworks Animations lineup beyond these three titles isn’t finalized yet. We know that there is an untitled movie that will be released in April 2023.
The following films are also reportedly in development at DreamWorks Animation:
- dog man
- mice and mystics
- Ronan Boyle and the Riddle Bridge
- shrek 5
- creepy jack
- Sputnik Guide to Life on Earth
- wizards at once
- The boss baby 3
Please keep this post bookmarked as we will update it over time to reflect new information. Let us know in the comments below which title you’re waiting for.