Pictures: Illumination / DreamWorks Animation
Netflix in the United States and several other regions will be getting several high-profile DreamWorks and Illumination movies in the first window in the coming year and beyond. Below, we preview what movies are on the way and when they’ll likely be on Netflix.
Please note: This list primarily covers Netflix in the United States. Other region’s availability of DreamWorks and Illumination titles will vary. We also won’t be covering back catalog DreamWorks and Illumination titles that will regularly rotate on and off of Netflix. Use our coming soon section for more on those.
In case you missed it, since 2022, Netflix has shared the first window rights to Universal’s animation lineup with its own streaming service, Peacock. The terms of this deal means that, in the United States, a movie will spend four months in theaters before heading to Peacock for four months, then Netflix for ten months and Peacock for another four.
Windowing for DreamWorks/Illumination Movies
The deal has seen multiple movies come to Netflix so far, including:
- The Bad Guys (Added to Netflix on November 20th, 2022 before being removed on September 1st, 2023)
- Minions: The Rise of Gru (January 30th, 2023 – November 23rd, 2023)
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (July 13th, 2023 – ~May 2024)
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (December 3rd, 2023 – ~October 2024)
DreamWorks and Illumination Titles Coming to Netflix Globally
Before we dig into all the licensed movies on the way, we wanted to begin with one DreamWorks movie and mention their animated TV slate that’s coming to Netflix globally:
Orion and the Dark
Director: Sean Charmatz
Writer: Charlie Kaufman
Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Werner Herzog
Coming to Netflix Globally: February 2nd, 2024
Picture: DreamWorks Animation / Netflix
Skipping theaters and headed exclusively to Netflix is the DreamWorks Animation movie Orion and the Dark, which is being made in collaboration with Mikros Image.
Based on the book by Emma Yarlett, the movie tells the story of a young man named Orion who is afraid of everything but begins to overcome his fears after befriending a monster called Dark.
Illumination Movies Coming to Netflix US in 2024
Migration
Theatrical Release: December 22nd, 2023
Estimated Netflix Release: ~August 2024
Picture: Illumination Pictures
Breaking away from their main hits with a brand new IP is Migration, which tells the story of a Mallard family embarking on a family road trip, from New England to New York City to tropical Jamaica. The movie received rave reviews from critics who praised the story and art direction of the film and has grossed well over $100M at the box office.
Directing the movie is Benjamin Renner alongside co-director Guylo Homsy, with Mike White and Benjamin Renner behind the story. The voice cast for the film includes Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, and Danny DeVito.
Despicable Me 4
Theatrical Release: July 3rd, 2024
Estimated Netflix Release: ~March 2025
Picture: Illumination Pictures
Illumination’s crown jewel is the Minions, with multiple spin-offs having been now been made and a new numbered entry for the main series due out in the summer of 2024. Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Miranda Cosgrove, and Steve Coogan are due to lend their voices for the fourth installment.
Chris Renaud serves as director on the project alongside co-director Patrick Delage. Mike White is writing.
Other undated movies confirmed to be in development from Illumination but likely won’t be surfacing until at least 2025 include:
- Big Tree
- Sing 3
- The Secret Life of Pets 3
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel
DreamWorks Animation Movies Coming to Netflix US in 2024 & Beyond
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)
Theatrical Release: June 30th, 2023
Estimated Netflix Release: ~February 2024
Picture: DreamWorks Animation
The first movie to come to Netflix from this output deal in 2024 will be Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, which will likely be sadly known for its underperformance at the box office, grossing less than $50M in total.
Reviews were very positive for the film, though, so we’re expecting it to do well when it touches down on Netflix in early 2024. The film follows a young high school student who discovers that she’s a direct descendant of the warrior Kraken queen.
Kirk DeMicco directed the movie with Brian C. Brown, Elliott DiGuiseppi, and Pam Brady writing.
Trolls Band Together
Theatrical Release: November 17th, 2023
Estimated Netflix Release: ~July 2024
Picture: DreamWorks Animation
Serving as the third entry in the ongoing Trolls franchise is Trolls Band Together which features lots more songs with the help of the vocal talents of Anna Kendrick
Justin Timberlake, Kid Cudi, Daveed Diggs, NSYNC, and Camila Cabello.
Released to positive reviews, the movie has grossed just under $200M at the box office.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Theatrical Release: March 8th, 2024
Estimated Netflix Release: ~November 2024
Picture: DreamWorks Animation
Jack Black is back on the big screen, returning as Po in the fourth installment of Kung Fu Panda. Here’s what you can expect from the new entry that’s being directed by Mike Mitchell and co-director Stephanie Ma Stine:
“Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon who conjures villains from the past.”
Netflix naturally has a connection to Kung Fu Panda, having released the most recent series, which featured the voice of Jack Black, exclusively on the service throughout 2022 and 2023.
The Wild Robot
Theatrical Release Date: September 20th, 2024
Estimated Netflix Release Date: ~May 2025
This new animated feature directed by Chris Sanders, is based on Peter Brown’s New York Times best-selling book. The story revolves around Rozzum 7134, a robot that finds itself on a deserted island and becomes the protector of an orphaned gosling, Brightbill.
Chris Sanders, who worked on The Croods and How to Train Your Dragon, is directing.
Also in development at DreamWorks Animation for 2025 and beyond are:
- Dog Man
- Fifth Shrek film
- Fourth Madagascar film
- Mice and Mystics
- Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles
- Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth
- The Wizards of Once
- Third Boss Baby film
What new DreamWorks or Illumination title are you most looking forward to watching on Netflix? Let us know in the comments.
Netflix Synopsis: "A boy with an active imagination faces his fears on an unforgettable journey through the night with his new friend: a giant, smiling creature named Dark."
