If you were raised on Cartoon Network, woke up at 9 AM for Disney Channel, and begged your parents for a cinema trip to see a talking animal or a sarcastic green ogre, welcome home! Gen-Z grew up during the golden era of animated blockbusters, and now, the nostalgia wave is hitting hard with a long list of sequels dropping between 2025 and 2030. We’re talking about certified classics getting the comeback they deserve. Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s coming, and why your inner child should be screaming. Make sure you save up for movie tickets and popcorns; take your loved ones along.
A dive down memory lane.
- Zootopia 2 – November 26, 2025
Remember when a bunny cop and a hustler fox taught us about prejudice and teamwork? Zootopia wasn’t just about cute animals; it subtly schooled us on social justice and identity. The sequel promises more action in that colorful metropolis and hopefully more sly banter from Nick Wilde. Let’s also not forget it’s the same handsome fox we put on our “Hear me out” cake.
- The Spongebob Movie: The Search for SquarePants – December 19, 2025
It’s the pineapple under the sea that shaped our chaotic sense of humor. SpongeBob’s return to theaters means one thing: pure meme-worthy gold. With titles like The Search for SquarePants, we’re ready for deep-sea nonsense and maybe a few emotional gut punches.
Hopefully, this time along we’ll learn how to make ourselves a Krabby Patty.
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 – April 3, 2026
After The Super Mario Bros. movie dominated box offices in 2023, it was obvious we were getting another one. It brought our favorite game characters to life with enough action, nostalgia, and soundtrack to fill Peach’s castle. What’s next? Yoshi? Wario? Chaos? We’re here for it.
- Toy Story 5 – June 19, 2026
This franchise made us cry in Toy Story 3 and again in Toy Story 4, so naturally, we’ll sign up for more emotional trauma. Whether or not Andy makes an appearance, we’re just hoping Woody, Buzz, and the gang get a sendoff worthy of the legacy.
- Minions 3 – July 1, 2026
Somehow these chaotic yellow beans became a global phenomenon. Minions 3 is bound to be another box office hit, combining slapstick comedy, nonsense language, and ridiculous villains. Whether you love them or love to roast them, you’ll be watching. Bananaaa!
- Ice Age 6 – December 18, 2026
Six movies later and we still care about a woolly mammoth, a sloth, and a saber-tooth tiger trying to survive. Ice Age has been around since our Happy Meal days, and while the newer ones haven’t hit the same, we’re still rooting for Sid’s dumb jokes and Scrat’s acorn.
- Shrek 5 – December 23, 2026
The king is back. Shrek was never “just for kids.” It was layered, sarcastic, and weirdly romantic. The fifth installment has been teased forever, and now it’s real. Expect internet chaos, donkey quotes, and possibly a viral TikTok moment.
- Frozen 3 – November 24, 2027
We all “Let It Go” in 2013 and didn’t let it go again in 2019. Frozen 3 promises more icy magic, sisterhood, and bangers from Idina Menzel. And yes, we want to know if Elsa will discover true love or not?
- Monsters Inc. 3 – In Development
The door’s not closed yet. After Monsters University, fans wanted a sequel to the original story. Now it’s finally in development. Will Boo come back? Will Mike Wazowski still be underappreciated? We need answers!
- The Wild Robot 2 – In Development
Based on the heartwarming books, the first movie had us questioning how we treat nature and each other. A sequel means more feels and maybe more survival lessons from Roz, the robot with a heart. Do we need to bring a tissue box along? Perhaps.
- Madagascar 4 – In Development
The gang that escaped the zoo and gave us King Julien’s iconic voice is coming back. Madagascar was wild, colorful, and filled with chaotic dance numbers. We’re hyped to see what adventure the zebra-lion-giraffe-hippo squad gets dragged into this time.
It’s Time to Move it Move it!
- The Incredibles 3 – Expected in 2027
We waited 14 years for Incredibles 2, and now, it looks like the Parr family is making another comeback. Superpowers, family drama, Edna Mode. What’s not to love? Just give us more Violet and less baby-sitting Jack-Jack.
- Inside Out 3 – Expected around 2030
First it was puberty, now it might be adulting. Riley’s emotional journey continues, and it’ll hit Gen-Z right in the feelings as we all try to figure life out. Inside Out wasn’t just genius, it was therapy. The timeline of the movie itself speaks to us, considering it follows us as we grow older and find ourselves, just how Riley is.
These sequels aren’t just cash grabs. They’re cultural resets. They bring back the joy, the tears, the quotes, and the weirdness that defined our childhood. Whether you’re watching alone or dragging your partner, children or friends for “nostalgic reasons,” we all know the truth; you’re watching it for you and that’s all what matters.
