SpongeBob 2: Sponge on the Run

The newest SpongeBob movie delayed release again and again, but fans in the U.S. will finally get to watch it this year on PVOD and CBS All Access, most likely in February. With 3D animation, our old Bikini Bottom buddies will look a little different, but still embark on the same goofy adventures we know and love. In Sponge on the Run, SpongeBob and Patrick must rescue Gary, who has been “snail-napped.” Keanu Reeves makes a puzzling appearance as a wise ‘sage’ tumbleweed who advises them on their journey.

By Anna Grace Lee

The joyful legacy of Saturday-morning cartoons is alive and well in 2021. The technology of animation just keeps getting better and better, even if sometimes it can veer towards uncanny valley territory (looking at you, CATS). But more often than not, animated movies give us the unique gift of whimsical renderings of our wildest dreams. With the state of the world being what it is, we may need silly, goofy, beautiful cartoons now more than ever.

Luckily, the animation industry is uniquely situated to thrive in the remote-working times that we’re living in, and we are sure to see a rise in animated features (for all ages!) in the coming years. From the new Space Jam movie to Bob’s Burgers: The Movie—and every cartoon chronicle in between—here are the ten most anticipated animated movie releases for 2021.

The Truffle Hunters

In the forests of Northern Italy, a dwindling group of old men and their faithful dogs search for the world’s most expensive ingredient, the white Alba truffle. Sony Classics will distribute the movie, which premiered to rave reviews at Sundance in 2020. It opened in select theaters. It’s not yet available online.