In the summer of 2021, Netflix hit a new agreement with two universal animated studios (DreamWorks and Illumination) to receive all new films released in the theater to come to Netflix in the US for a limited time. Below is your complete guide to what films will come and when they have to use Netflix.
The agreement was announced in July 2021 and not the first time Netflix had access to universal animation titles. It held the first window rights for the title of lighting for years but lost the DreamWorks agreement in 2019.
What does the new Netflix Universal Animation movie deal look like?
Previously, Windows Pay-1 Netflix (and indeed expected to play for Sony films starting 2022) in length 18 months and in the meantime the case for universal animated films, Netflix would not have a film for the whole length.
After the pay-1 window runs out, it is not clear where the film will flow. However, Netflix will then drain the film again 4 years after the initial release window.
So let’s sample. Let’s assume one of the films to be released on January 1, 2022.
- Theatrical release window: January 1st – February 15th, 2022
- Peacock Window 1: February 15th – June 15th, 2022
- Netflix Window 1: June 15th – April 15th, 2023
- Peacock Window 2: April 15th, 2023 – August 15th, 2023
- Netflix Window 2: 2026 – TBA
Illumination Movies Coming Soon to Netflix
Sing 2
Theatrical Release Date: December 22nd, 2021
Expected Netflix Release Date: ~July 13th, 2022
Even though Sing 2 is not part of Netflix’s new agreement, it will still come to Netflix below the old offer which should be around 203 days after the release of the theater which means it must be released next summer. It will be on Netflix for 18 months according to the previous agreement.
The 2016 film sequel will see Garth Jennings back to direct and write.
Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti, and Bono returned to lend their voices.
Untitled Mario Movie
Theatrical Release Date: December 21st, 2022
Netflix Release Date: ~ June 2023
Netflix reportedly lost the ability to produce titles in Universe Nintendo (we referred to Zelumination legend) but the film Illumination’s Mario was still moving forward.
Shigeru Miyamoto was reportedly very involved in the project and only the 2022 release date has been quoted so far.
Despicable Me 4
Theatrical Release Date: July 3rd, 2024
Netflix Release Date: ~December 2024
My fourth despicable film was reported in development but was not fully confirmed. Without further information, making any predictions too early at this time.
Other Dreamworks Animation Movies Reportedly in Development
Sadly, Dreamworks Animations’ lineup beyond these three titles isn’t yet finalized. We do know there’s an untitled film set to release in April 2023.
The following movies are also reportedly in development at DreamWorks Animation:
- Dog Man
- Mice and Mystics
- Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles
- Shrek 5
- Spooky Jack
- Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth
- The Wizards of Once
- The Boss Baby 3