Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks—animation studios just keep upping their game every year. In 2025, we're getting two animated movies everyone’s already buzzing about: 'The Electric State' and 'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.' One’s an adventurous sci-fi epic, the other a goofy underwater treasure hunt. Here's what we know, what fans expect, and whether these films could become new animation favorites or flop big-time.
Let's talk about 'The Electric State' first. Coming from the Russo Brothers—the guys behind Marvel's Avengers movies—this one's already getting major attention. Based on Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, it follows a young girl and her robot buddy traveling across America in a strange, alternate 1990s. Think retro meets futuristic, filled with weird tech and huge, sprawling landscapes.
This film has something pretty unique: a voice cast packed with huge Hollywood stars. Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown are set to lead the show, which means plenty of charisma and probably some hilarious banter. With the Russos in charge, everyone expects incredible visuals and a compelling story. They’re known for big, exciting films like Marvel's Avengers, after all. This movie could turn out to be either a groundbreaking animated masterpiece or just a flashy experiment—either way, fans can't wait.
On the lighter side of things, we’ve got our favorite yellow sponge returning in 'The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.' SpongeBob has been entertaining us for decades, and it’s pretty clear he isn't slowing down anytime soon. The title itself hints at a fun adventure where SpongeBob might go missing, leaving Patrick, Sandy, and the gang scrambling to track him down. It sounds like classic SpongeBob chaos mixed with some fresh twists.
Fans are wondering how this new SpongeBob adventure will measure up to previous movies. Will it have the heartfelt humor of the original 2004 movie or the wild, quirky charm of the latest films? SpongeBob’s strength is always in its characters—Patrick’s lovable cluelessness, Squidward’s eternal grumpiness, and SpongeBob’s unstoppable optimism. If the writers nail these personalities again, the new movie could be the funniest yet.
But why are animated films getting so much love lately? One reason is pretty obvious: they’re not just for kids anymore. Animated films today target everyone—from toddlers to adults. Movies like 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' proved that animation isn’t just about cute characters and catchy songs. It can tell big, exciting stories for any age group. 'The Electric State' definitely feels geared more towards adults, or at least older teens, making it something you could proudly watch without your little siblings (though they’d probably enjoy it too).
Speaking of animation for grown-ups, the rise of these films has sparked interesting conversations about what animation can achieve. It’s no longer considered just kid stuff, but a real form of art that studios take seriously. Films like 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' showed us that unique visual styles and mature storytelling can attract massive audiences and even score Oscar nominations. Could 'The Electric State' follow the same path? Fans and critics alike are watching closely.
Meanwhile, SpongeBob’s return to the big screen proves classic cartoons still have massive appeal. Nostalgia is a huge driver, but the charm of Bikini Bottom and its inhabitants never seems to get old. SpongeBob movies usually attract both lifelong fans who grew up with the show and kids discovering it for the first time. Plus, there's something timeless about watching SpongeBob and friends embark on another ridiculous adventure. And let’s be honest, the goofy songs always end up stuck in your head, whether you want them there or not.
The fun of anticipating these two movies is also the curiosity factor. People want to see how well a graphic novel translates into animation with 'The Electric State,' and they're eager to check out what SpongeBob’s newest adventure holds. Expectations are high, and studios are under pressure to deliver. We know the visuals will be spectacular, but will the stories keep us glued to our seats?
Fans have already taken to social media to talk theories, speculate about plots, and even argue over minor details—like if the animation style will be as mind-blowing as they hope or if Stitch’s CGI design in other films could hint at how SpongeBob’s world might evolve. Either way, the anticipation alone is enough to keep audiences buzzing until opening weekend.
But here’s the bigger question: Are these animated films worth getting excited about? The answer is definitely yes. Animated movies have come a long way from simple cartoons. They’re storytelling powerhouses capable of surprising, delighting, and even emotionally moving us in ways live-action movies sometimes can’t. If 'The Electric State' lives up to its ambitious premise, it could become a landmark animated film. If SpongeBob manages to capture the heart, humor, and nostalgia of past successes, it’ll prove the lovable sponge is truly timeless.
We’ll have to wait until 2025 to see these movies ourselves, but it’s clear that animation fans have a lot to look forward to. Whether you’re into heartfelt journeys, futuristic adventures, or good old-fashioned cartoon chaos, the animated slate of 2025 has something special in store for everyone.
So mark your calendars, buy your popcorn early, and start practicing your SpongeBob laugh—you know you’ll need it.