Animation trends for 2025: everything you need to know

2024 is almost in the history books, and it’s time to peek over the fence into 2025. The animation world is evolving extremely quickly, blending new creativity and tech in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago.

Animation is becoming more and more versatile, and we expect a lot of changes. 

So, what are those? Let’s find out! 

#1 AI-Driven Animation

The biggest trend in every industry. Seriously, every single one industry. 

AI is everywhere, even in your grandma’s knitting patterns (probably). When it comes to animation, AI tools are now capable of generating jaw-dropping visuals, automating repetitive tasks, and even taking the grunt work out of rigging and frame-by-frame edits.

But here’s the thing: just because AI can do something doesn’t mean it should. Audiences are smart, and they don’t need content form robots. Companies and creators need to use AI subtly — like a pinch of salt, not the whole shaker — so the final product retains that irreplaceable human touch.

We expect AI to evolve even more in the upcoming year, so its impact on animation may be even stronger. Look for it! 

#2 Animation in E-Learning and Corporate Training

Animation is a new GIANT trend in onboarding new staff. 

Say goodbye to good old boring PowerPoints with “clipart guy shrugging.” Animation is revolutionizing e-learning and corporate training, making lessons engaging, relatable, and dare we say… fun?

There will be more animated explainer videos and immersive virtual reality simulations in 2025. Companies are using animation to teach complex concepts while keeping employees awake. Gamified learning experiences are also gaining traction, letting employees “level up” while they learn. Who knew compliance training could be this cool?

#3 The Blend of Styles: A Global Mashup

Thanks to advanced tech (and the fact that animators don’t have to suffer through endless repetitive tasks anymore!), 2025 will be all about cross-cultural creativity. Maybe a Japanese anime-inspired story with Western-style humor and a touch of African folklore design elements. The blending of styles and traditions will lead to some truly interesting visuals that feel fresh, global, and uniquely 2025.

It is easy to combine different styles now without even knowing their origin, to be honest. All for creativity:) 

#4 Hyperrealistic Animations: Almost Too Real

Remember when animation was about creating unreal worlds? Well, now it’s about making animated worlds so real you could swear you’ve been there before. Hyperrealistic animation — whether for movies, games, or advertisements — is becoming scarily lifelike.

Just don’t get freaked out when your favorite animated character looks you straight in the eye and makes you question your existence. It’s art, not a simulation… probably.

#5 More Detailed Animation

More possibilities – more realities. Or, to be more precise, more real content. 

If you thought 2024 had detailed animations, prepare for more. In 2025, studios are stepping up their game with painstaking attention to every strand of hair, every ripple of water, and every speck of dirt.

With 8K monitors becoming more common, animators are ensuring that even the tiniest details can stand up to the most scrutinizing viewers. Seriously, don’t be surprised if you pause a movie and spot a perfectly animated fly chilling on a windowsill.

#6 Retro-Futurism: The Past Meets the Future

Yes, the world hasn’t lost it love to the old good olds 🙂 

Retro-futurism has been rocking our screens lately, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Expect more of that funky blend of old-school vibes and futuristic aesthetics in 2025.

Think neon-soaked cities, clunky-yet-charming robots, and 80s-inspired synth-wave soundtracks paired with cutting-edge animation techniques. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation; we’re here for it.

If you think about it, the ’80s never stopped being cool, did they?

What is The Main Direction?

This question may sound too philosophical, but the animation will have less boundaries next year. Countless factors are in the game. Besides AI, animation has been evolving with an amazing pace, and we expect even more from the next year. 

Commercial animation will become even more versatile, laser-focused on helping businesses hit their ROI goals. Expect custom-tailored approaches that feel less cookie-cutter and more like they’re designed for specific niches and outcomes.

Personalization will be a huge trend; that’s what people are drawn to. 

We’re about to see animated content thrive in emerging spaces like Web3, but also in good old SaaS, and other cutting-edge industries. Animated videos are becoming the go-to for approach for competitive markets. There will be more blockchain tutorials and SaaS feature demos, animation will step in as the hero of clear communication and compelling storytelling.

Conclusion

If you are looking to create an animated video for your business, your timing could not be better. Animation is more accessible, versatile, and impactful than ever, making it the perfect tool to captivate your audience and drive results. Need some help? 

That’s what we are here for! Contact us for any animation – related request in 2025:)