Though we spend most of our time writing about the business side of kids entertainment, covering the commissions, deals and people moves that drive the industry, we’re also connoisseurs of kids content and products. So when we say we enjoyed a show, or a movie, or a product line, we take that recommendation pretty seriously.

Here’s what Kidscreen‘s reporters loved the most in 2025—and what we’re looking forward to in the new year.

SADHANA BHARANIDHARAN

What I loved this year: The Day the Earth Blew Up

In a crowded year for kids animation at the box office, an eccentric UFO flick starring Daffy Duck and Porky Pig beamed up to the top of my list. I’m still surprised that this was the first fully animated, feature-length Looney Tunes film to be released theatrically. Pete Browngardt directed this delightfully bonkers romp from Warner Bros. Animation about an alien invasion caused by infected bubblegum—with the franchise’s looney heroes trying their best to save the day.

There’s so much to love about this movie, from its nostalgic 2D look to that one hilarious plot twist (didn’t see it coming at all). But I especially adored the commitment to comedy of every kind, from slapstick to fourth-wall-breaking humor. No matter what makes you laugh, there are gags here for you. While the ongoing bidding war for WB’s assets will determine the future of Looney Tunes, this film makes a great case for how the legacy IP can still kick butt (without giving up on traditional animation)!

What I’m looking forward to: Elle

Elle

“What, like it’s hard?” That’s probably what the star of Legally Blonde also said after it became one of the most inspirational (and quotable) movies of the 21st century.

I can’t wait for this Prime Video teen series from Hello Sunshine, which goes back to the ’90s to find out how protagonist Elle Woods navigated high school. 

Of course, with almost every IP under the sun getting a reboot these days, there’s some fatigue out there for bringing back beloved franchises from another era. But there are a few reasons why I’m still optimistic about Elle: The open casting call for the lead role was a refreshing move for such a high-profile project. Serving as showrunner is Laura Kittrell, who had a hand in producing and writing acclaimed series like Insecure and High School. And Amazon has a solid track record for YA programming. Case in point: Prime’s recent series The Runarounds is easily one of the most enjoyable teen dramas I’ve seen in years.

RYAN TUCHOW

What I loved this year: Paris & Pups

There have been a lot of highlights this year for me. I really liked the new Superman movie, and The Long Walk (my pick for what I was looking forward to two years ago) didn’t disappoint—even though it aged up the book characters so it wasn’t the teen-skewing Hunger Games-style hit it could have been.

But my latest obsession is the delightful animated series Paris & Pups from 9 Story Media Group, HappyNest Entertainment and 11:11 Media. I love this “glamazing” series. It’s got adorable pups, funny writing and a lot of depth packed into its short episodes. 

The show doesn’t just showcase cute puppies (though that would have been enough for me), it also contains key lessons for kids, usually wrapped up in some kind of activity. When Bijou (my favorite pup) admits she’s nervous to try a new food, another pup makes a game out of trying the ingredients that make up the dish—a great strategy for picky eaters. In another episode, the pups put their own fun spin on yoga that taught me a technique for chilling out. It also does a stellar job of representing characters with ADHD and provides kids with a nuanced take on coping with it. 

I’m on the record saying I think this one is going to be a hit, and so far, audiences seem to agree. Last I heard, the series had more than 10 million views. And with a long-form version in the works and consumer products on the way, who knows? 

What I’m looking forward to: Coyote vs. Acme

Coyote vs Acme

After years of waiting for this Warner Bros. live-action/animated film, and giving up any hope that it would ever actually reach the big screen, court will finally be in session next August!

This legal comedy about Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation for always selling him faulty products (a brilliant premise) is apparently packed with appearances from the iconic Looney Tunes characters. 

I won’t go over the whole well-documented saga the film went through on its path from completion to cancellation to a distribution comeback. But I will just say that I really hope Ketchup Entertainment’s bid to buy the rights (reportedly for US$50 million) and bring the film to cinemas pays off in a big way. And if the movie does well, maybe it’ll kick off a new trend of hybrid animated films, a genre we’ve needed more of ever since Who Framed Roger Rabbit convinced us that real people could hang out with cartoons. 

COLE WATSON

What I loved this year: Yu-Gi-Oh! S.H. MonsterArts

As a devout card game collector since my childhood, Bandai’s Yu-Gi-Oh! range of S.H. MonsterArts figures was easily my favorite toy line of the year. The level of detail in the sculpts and paint of these figures is near perfect, capturing the monster designs of the anime series and the iconic card artwork. 

I particularly enjoy posing these ace monsters with their original cards that I’ve had tucked away safely in binders since I was six years old to make a gorgeous display piece on my shelf.

Now that more of the human characters are joining the line next year, I’m worried about the impact on my wallet! 

What I’m looking forward to: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Illumination exceeded my expectations for what a good game adaptation could be when it released The Super Mario Bros. Movie in theaters in 2023, and now the sequel is upon us. Expanding the Nintendo Cinematic Universe, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie won’t just see the debut of Yoshi, but also cosmic princess Rosalina and the always mischievous Bowser Jr. 

I already know the CG animation will be top-notch, but I’m excited to see how many of Mario’s adventures and levels from the iconic Galaxy games will actually translate to the silver screen. And while I love Jack Black’s goofball version of Bowser, I’m hoping the Koopa King will come out of his shell and emerge as a more threatening villain.