Netflix Just Released the Best Animated Movie of the Year

2025 has seen a relatively sluggish introduction for full-length animations. Outside of a select number of indie treasures, like the hand-drawn Looney Tunes movie “The Day the Earth Exploded,” and global titans such as the critically lauded Chinese blockbuster “Ne Zha 2,” only a few animated films have managed to shine this year.

The animated film “Dog Man,” adapted from a popular series of children’s graphic novels, was successful in January and February, earning $145 million worldwide with a production budget of only $40 million. However, it didn’t have the same lasting impact on pop culture as movies like “Shrek” (2001) or “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010) did.

After that, we have “Elio,” an under-promoted sci-fi adventure from Disney and Pixar that flopped at the box office in June, raking in approximately $76 million against a budget of $150-$300 million. Despite favorable reviews, it remains to be seen if it will pick up steam on streaming platforms like 2023’s “Elemental” did over time.

But there is one animated flick that surprised me: Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.

Initially, as a devoted K-pop fan, I found the straightforward title of the movie off-putting, thinking it was just a cash grab on the current K-pop craze. However, upon seeing its impressive 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, I realized my assumption was incorrect. Moreover, since its release, “KPop Demon Hunters” has gained popularity on TikTok, with this video being the one that convinced me to watch. Additionally, according to Variety, its soundtrack reached No. 6 on Spotify’s Weekly Top Albums chart.

The movie, which premiered on a streaming platform on June 20th, features HUNTR/X – an extraordinary K-pop girl group made up of friends Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. During the day, they shine as pop sensations, but at night, they protect the world from a malevolent underworld lurking beneath Seoul. As humanity hangs in the balance, with lead singer Rumi concealing a troubling secret, they confront their most formidable adversaries yet: An adorable yet completely demonic boy band.

In my perspective, this film sparkles with vibrancy and energy, much like a brilliant late-summer firework display. The credit for this goes to the expressive, stylish character animation that leaps out at you from the screen, masterfully crafted by the gifted artists at Sony Pictures Animation. The visual style is truly one of a kind, drawing inspiration from neon-soaked concert photography, anime, glossy music videos, and emotional K-dramas. It’s as if it’s a fusion of Pixar’s “Turning Red” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, both productions of Sony Pictures Animation, offering an exhilarating blend of creativity and visual spectacle.

The series “KPop Demon Hunters” delves into themes such as friendship, found family, personal value, and redemption. Characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey grapple with their own inner struggles while also battling real demons at the most inconvenient times. A humorous aspect is that the trio must juggle saving their prized instant ramyun from cooling while they deal with naughty demons masquerading as flight attendants on the job.

Simultaneously, Rumi’s path towards self-acceptance resonates universally, leading to a profound message that holds significant relevance in today’s social media era. Meanwhile, a villain’s intricate backstory about making errors and summoning the strength to forgive oneself introduces an unexpectedly deep emotional layer.

Watch the Trailer for KPop Demon Hunters

In this movie, ancient Korean folktales are blended with amusing jabs at contemporary K-pop culture and the pressures faced by K-pop stars. Although the supernatural elements are intense, the action never slows down, and the music – reminiscent of popular K-pop tunes – is irresistibly catchy (especially since it’s a musical). However, what truly sets this 2025 animated film apart are the intriguing character interactions, personal disclosures, and captivating relationships.

Absolutely, there are many exciting animated movies set to release later this year, such as The Bad Guys 2 and Zootopia 2. However, at the moment, it’s clear that KPop Demon Hunters have outshone their animated counterparts. Frankly, I can’t help but cheer for these animated idols myself. Now, I just need to find my light stick!

The Weirdest Animated Movies Of All Time

1. Fantastic Planet

In an extraordinary universe, the film “Fantastic Planet” (or “La planète sauvage” in its original French) is filled with dreamlike and eerie visuals. The narrative revolves around a band of humans dwelling on a peculiar planet ruled by towering, blue creatures with crimson eyes, referred to as Traags. These beings consider humans as mere pets, occasionally culling them for sport. However, one human named Terr (Barry Bostwick) manages to get his hands on some Traag technology, which offers hope for the survival of his tribe. To truly grasp the remaining plot, it’s recommended to simply watch this captivating film yourself.

2. Yellow Submarine

Immersed in an array of charming Beatles tunes, “Yellow Submarine” stands out as a psychedelic cult favorite. Children will undoubtedly find enjoyment in the vibrant, sugary-sweet imagery, while adults can appreciate the movie’s eccentric, surrealist aspects – not forgetting the witty wordplay. From the antagonistic Blue Meanies who despise music to the somewhat terrifying Dreadful Flying Glove, “Yellow Submarine” is brimming with peculiar creatures that are unlike any other. The film carries a straightforward message of love and music’s power, and it’s difficult not to be charmed by the energetic performances. Despite its quirks, it’s these very oddities that make “Yellow Submarine” so endearing.

3. Waking Life

Richard Linklater has a talent for subtly incorporating thought-provoking questions on free will and life’s purpose into his famous movies like “Slacker” and “Before Sunrise”. In “Waking Life”, however, he delves deeper into the realm of metaphysics. The protagonist, an unnamed character played by Wiley Wiggins known for “Dazed and Confused”, traverses from one dreamscape to another, engaging in numerous philosophical debates with diverse individuals. What sets this film apart is its unique visual style; it was digitally rotoscoped, creating an animation that appears strikingly real. Unlike most animated films and movies in general, “Waking Life” doesn’t provide a definitive conclusion. Instead, it offers a surreal, thought-provoking journey.

4. Belladonna of Sadness

The storyline of the animated movie “Belladonna of Sadness” is indeed melancholic. This Japanese production narrates the heart-wrenching tale of a young French peasant bride who is brutally raped by a baron on her wedding night, leading her to strike a Faustian bargain with the devil. The woman, Jeanne, subsequently acquires supernatural abilities and orchestrates lewd rituals among the villagers. As she evolves into a potent witch, she aspires to dominate the entire world. “Belladonna of Sadness” showcases stunning animation, with certain sequences reminiscent of watercolor paintings brought to life. Although the film can be strikingly bizarre and disquieting at times, it is undoubtedly worth viewing for the exceptional artistic mastery on display.

5. The Brave Little Toaster

It’s no wonder that the creative team behind “The Brave Little Toaster” included several original members of Pixar Animation Studios, as the film’s concept – featuring anthropomorphic appliances pretending to be lifeless in human presence – foreshadowed Pixar’s first feature-length film, “Toy Story.” However, it’s important to note that “The Brave Little Toaster” is significantly more unsettling than “Toy Story.” While the premise may seem innocent, the film takes us on a journey to some truly dark places. The appliances living in a family’s vacation home grow anxious when their Master (a boy named Rob) doesn’t visit for several years and decide to embark on a dangerous quest to find him, facing numerous life-threatening situations along the way. While we may become attached to a favorite cowboy doll, becoming sentimental over a vacuum cleaner is certainly unusual.

6. Fritz the Cat

In contrast to the majority of animated films being rated G or PG, “Fritz the Cat” stood out by earning an X-rating (similar to NC-17 today), making it the first animated film ever to do so. Packed with profanity, sex, and drug use, this movie follows the story of a college-attending cat who accidentally becomes a leftist revolutionary. Even adults may find the graphic scenes unsettling, especially since anthropomorphic animals are involved in explicit acts. However, the film’s satirical commentary resonated with viewers, generating over $90 million globally. Though it was groundbreaking for its time, “Fritz the Cat” set the stage for adult-oriented animated series like “South Park” and “Family Guy” that are popular today.

7. Heavy Metal

This film, titled “Heavy Metal“, narrates the tales of six characters who encounter a peculiar crystal entity known as the Loc-Nar. Since its debut, it has earned a cult following due to its unique status. As suggested by its title, this animated feature is infused with high-energy rock tunes from bands such as Black Sabbath, Cheap Trick, and Journey. The movie is not shy about displaying graphic violence, nudity, and explicit sexual content, which sets it apart from many animated films and led to an R-rating. Additionally, the anthology style of storytelling lends a diverse and eclectic atmosphere to “Heavy Metal“.

8. Wizards

In this dreamlike movie, the eternal struggle of good versus evil and the clash between tradition and technology is portrayed. The fantasy film, titled “Wizards,” was directed by Ralph Bakshi, who also brought us “Fritz the Cat.” The story revolves around a fierce fight between two sorcerer siblings – Avatar and Blackwolf. After a nuclear war, fairies, elves, dwarves, and goblins reappear in this world, creating a setting reminiscent of Tolkien’s universe. However, “Wizards” is most certainly not suitable for children due to its mature themes. Upon release, the film garnered positive reviews from critics but unfortunately found itself in competition with a far more popular title at the box office: “Star Wars.

9. Mind Game

Hailing from Robin Nishi’s manga, the film “Mind Game” is a groundbreaking Japanese production that seamlessly combines various animation techniques into a thought-provoking medley. The story revolves around a 20-year-old named Nishi (Koji Imada), who miraculously survives a near-death experience, and subsequently finds himself pursued by a ruthless gang of thugs alongside his longtime crush. Finding solace within the belly of a whale, they rediscover their deepest passions. The movie is packed with thrilling visual surprises, concluding in an enigmatic ending that will leave you pondering long after the final credits have rolled.

10. Son of the White Mare

In this Hungarian movie, we journey with the offspring of a celestial horse, embarking on a mission to rescue three imprisoned princesses and annihilate their dragon captors. Although derived from an ancient Hungarian folktale, “Son of the White Mare” showcases some of the most trippy, alien-like visuals ever seen in animated filmmaking. This mesmerizing film is not only visually appealing but also hard to look away from. Once you immerse yourself in its strange yet irresistible universe, it proves to be a highly satisfying viewing experience.

2025-07-03 23:25