DreamWorks and Illumination Movies Coming to Netflix in 2022 & Beyond

What does the new Netflix Universal Animation movie deal look like?

Previously, Netflix’s pay-1 windows (and indeed the one expected to play out for Sony movies starting in 2022) are 18-months in length and while that’s the case for Universal Animated movies, Netflix won’t have the movies for the entire length.

Instead, Netflix will occupy the middle 10 months of the 18 month period.

The theatrical window was announced in December 2021 to have been reduced from 120 days to 45 days.

So let’s take an example. Let’s assume one of the movies are set to release on January 1st, 2022.

Here’s what its release schedule is expected to be (bear in mind that these dates will probably change by a few weeks):

• 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

This only currently applies to the United States. With that said, Universal does have output deals with most regions of Netflix outside the US but aren’t publicized.

Illumination Movies Coming Soon to Netflix

Theatrical Release Date: December 22nd, 2021
Expected Netflix Release Date: ~July 13th, 2022

Although Sing 2 is not part of Netflix’s new deal, it will still come to Netflix under the old deal which should be around 203 days after the theatrical release which means it should release next summer. It’ll then be on Netflix for 18 months as per the previous deal.

The sequel to the 2016 movie will see Garth Jennings return to direct and write.

Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Chelsea Peretti, and Bono

Minions: The Rise of Gru

Theatrical Release Date: July 1st, 2022
Expected Netflix Release Date: ~December, 2022

After three Despicable Me movies and a spin-off Minions movie, the franchise will return 5 years after the third entry debuted in theaters.

Here’s what you can expect from the upcoming sequel:

Steve Carell will return to voice Gru with Kyle Balda directing.

Untitled Mario Movie

Theatrical Release Date: December 21st, 2022
Netflix Release Date: ~ June 2023

Netflix reportedly lost the ability to produce a title within the Nintendo universe (we’re referring to The Legend of Zelda) but Illumination’s Mario movie is still moving forward.

Shigeru Miyamoto is reportedly heavily involved in the project and only a broad 2022 release date has been cited thus far.

Migration

Theatrical Release Date: June 30th, 2023
Netflix Release Date: ~December 2023

Despicable Me 4

Theatrical Release Date: July 3rd, 2024
Netflix Release Date: ~December 2024

A fourth Despicable Me movie is reportedly in development but not yet fully confirmed. With no further information, making any predictions is too early at this point.

Upcoming Dreamworks Movies Coming to Netflix

The Bad Guys

Theatrical Release Date: April 22nd, 2022
Netflix Release Date: ~October 2022

This adaptation of the book series is about Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Ms. Shark, and Ms. Tarantula hatching a plot to pull off a big heist.

Among the list of voices you’ll hear in The Bad Guys includes Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Marc Maron and Craig Robinson.

Theatrical Release Date: September 23rd, 2022
Expected Netflix Release Date: ~March 2023

The second standalone Puss in Boots movie will see Antonio Banderas return to voice the character first introduced in Shrek.

Following the release of Trolls World Tour in 2020, there’ll be yet another entry in the franchise come the end of 2023.

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

Keep this post bookmarked as we’ll be updating it over time to reflect new date releases. Let us know in the comments down below which title you’re looking forward to.