VFX #SaturdaySpecial: 7 upcoming July releases that are a must-watch for all animation fans -

#SaturdaySpecial: 7 upcoming July releases that are a must-watch for all animation fans

With half of the year already behind us, July is anticipated to have multiple exciting releases for animation lovers. From blockbuster films to well-loved series, there’s going to be both popular and offbeat content to get your hands on. The ongoing month is full of fun shows and audiences will get to see originals that are freshly premiering, as well as new seasons of good-old favourites.

We’ve enlisted our top seven picks that are going to be released soon. Classic heroes whom we’ve always loved or new animated protagonists and their sidekicks, what is going to be your pick? Binge-watch these films and series, give the mundane reality a break, and dive into the beautiful world of animation for a little while. 

Well, fans of animation will be spoilt for choice, just like us!

1) Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight

Kung Fu Panda is one of the most successful DreamWorks franchises and their beloved trilogy is a favourite among fans. This month, the streaming giant Netflix, is going to release Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, a series that marks the return of Jack Black to voice Po, the most-loved panda who has an affinity for food and Kung Fu.

Po loses his Dragon Master’s title. Next, he aims to save his reputation and the public’s faith in him by partnering with Wandering Blade, a stoic knight from England whose motive is to find two evil weasels. Excited to join the hunt, Po pledges himself to Wandering Blade, and together they travel the land to restore the world and save themselves.

Release platform: Netflix
Release date: 14 July

2) Farzar (season one)

Animated comedies that focus on adults is not a new concept, but it has gained more traction in recent years. The genre has potential to push creative boundaries in ways live-action content cannot, and Farzar aims to strike a chord with adult audiences combining elements of raunchy humour and sci-fi action.

Renzo, a warrior known for liberating the planet Farzar from a psychotic alien race, is quite egoistic. Years after proclaiming himself as the leader of the planet’s human settlement, he sends his son Fichael to battle aliens, aiming to ensure his legacy. However, as Fichael and his team of fighters dig deeper into the pathways of alien warfare, Fichael realises that some aspects of his life are not what they seem on the surface.

Release platform: Netflix

Release date: 15 July

3) Uncle From Another World

If you love watching anime, you’ll be happy to know that Netflix is hosting tons of them in its library. The streaming giant has partnered with Japanese television to bring Uncle From Another World to its audiences and it is unmissable. Uncle From Another World is an anime adaptation of the popular manga series of the same name and fans have waited too long for this one to release. Whether you are a loyal fan or a newcomer in the anime world, this comedy series headed by Shigeki Kawai will keep you entertained.

For Takafumi, the last 17 years have not been easy since his uncle was hit by a car and spent nearly two decades in a coma. Suddenly, the uncle wakes up one day, claiming to have spent 17 years in a parallel world. Initially unsure, Takafumi partners with his eccentric uncle after he demonstrates mysterious powers he claimed to have come across during his time in another universe. The duo decide to become famous content creators, but there are quite a few hurdles they have to overcome before they get their wish fulfilled. 

Release platform: Netflix

Release date: 20 July

4) Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (season five)

In Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous season five, Camp Fam will be challenged like never before. They will face new threats, relationships will be tested and bonds will be broken. The series follows a group of six teens who are invited to a state-of-the-art adventure camp on Isla Nublar. In the upcoming final season, the group must band together to survive as the dinosaurs break out of captivity.

Netflix and DreamWorks Animation confirmed the return of Jameela Jamil as Roxie and Glen Powell as Dave, who haven’t been active in the series since season one and last appeared in one episode in season two. The other returning guests include Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Dr. Mae Turner and Haley Joel Osment as Kash Langford.

Release platform: Netflix 

Release date: 22 July

5) Oggy and the Cockroaches: Next Generation

Directed by Khalil Ben Naamane and created by Jean-Yves Raimbaud, Xilam Animation’s Oggy and the Cockroaches: Next Generation is a slapstick comedy targeted at children. Compared to the other seasons of the show, this season is presented in a completely fresh light, which includes the implementation of a new art style in line with Xilam’s recently-released shows and focusing more on the aspects of friendship.

Oggy is welcoming a guest for vacation – Piya, a seven-year-old elephant, the daughter of his Indian friends. Tender-hearted, happy-go-lucky, and full of energy, the elephant will completely derail Oggy’s daily grind, and the blue cat will learn how to be a surrogate parent. It’s a dream come true for the roaches, who see Piya as a new way to make Oggy’s life miserable.

Release platform: Netflix

Release date: 28 July

6) Harley Quinn (season three)

Harley Quinn season three is finally releasing after a hiatus of more than two years. The hit and well-appreciated animated series is setting the right example for how to bring sensitive content to the audiences in the best possible manner. Following Poison Ivy confessing her true feelings at the end of season two, Harley and Ivy run away together after stopping Ivy and Kite Man’s wedding.

Kaley Cuoco returns to voice Harley and the series will have multiple guest stars from various spheres of the DC multiverse. The show isn’t anything like the standard DC Comics affair. Its adult-oriented format allows the series to go above and beyond what one might normally see many of these characters do; whether it is violence, crudeness, or wicked silliness.

Release platform: HBO Max

Release date: 28 July

7) DC League Of Super-Pets 

Towards the end of the month, the much-awaited DC League of Super-Pets will hit the theaters. The superhero comedy is sure to make a place in the audiences’ heart, catering to people of all ages. When the Justice League is captured by Lulu, Superman’s dog Krypto and Ace the Bat-Hound form a group of super-pets to help save their owners from the forthcoming dangers.

DC League of Super-Pets boasts an impressive voice cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Diego Luna, and Keanu Reeves. The film will feature the entire Justice League as well as various DC villains. Warner Bros. unveiled the first trailer for the DC League of Super-Pets in late 2021 and the film has had a long road to release. It is premiering after more than a year of the original plan due to delays and altering release dates with other films on Warner Brother’s list.

Release platform: Theaters

Release date: 29 July

~ Which one are you going to watch first?

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