Nov 29, 2023

Animation coming to Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, and Paramount+ in December 2023

Each month, a tsunami of shows and movies floods into streaming services as if Ponyo had sent them to us. So we've compiled a list of the most noteworthy anime releases coming to the U.S. in December.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive of every title appearing on every service. If we missed a show or movie you are looking forward to, please let us know in the comments. For now, here are eight titles to look forward to in December 2023.

The centerpiece of Disney+'s December releases is the next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), "What If...?" is "What If..."; following the format established in the first season in 2021, the next batch of episodes will propose an alternate history of the MCU in animated form, either as an entirely new concept or expanding on the world of the previous episodes. In a new move in streaming distribution, episodes will be available daily between December 22 and 30.

Countless Christmas specials will hit streaming platforms in the coming month, including Disney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever Following last year's Rodrick Rules, director Luke Cormican and screenwriter Jeff Kinney will return with the franchise's familiar 2D-style CG aesthetic. Cabin Fever opens in theaters on December 8.

It's been 23 years since Ginger and Rocky, the stars of Aardman Animations' "Chicken Run," first appeared on the big screen, and thanks to Netflix, audiences can now access the next chapter of their story. "Dawn of the Nugget" features Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha are replaced by Zachary Levi and Tandiwe Newton. Sam Fell takes over the story from Peter Lord and Nick Park, and there are fresh faces behind the camera as well. In the sequel, the chickens, once coops, will invade a farm to save their own people. Nugget's Dawn opens in theaters on December 15.

Another title from Netflix's stop-motion division is Pokemon Concierge. A change of aesthetic from the familiar Pokémon cartoon, "Concierge" offers a fresh look at the world of the popular video game through a vibrant and tactile art style. The show follows the daily life of Hal, a concierge at the Pokémon Resort, as he explores a corner of the universe rarely explored in video games or other media December 28 is check-in day for "Pokémon Concierge."

Netflix will also stream Illumination's "Super Mario Brothers Movie," the biggest success story of 2023. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film far exceeded expectations and became the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever Netflix has had much success in acquiring animated feature films, and Mario will be released on the platform on December 3. Nothing is more bittersweet than a movie.

"Merry Little Batman" is Prime Video's most popular animated Christmas movie. This Warner Bros. Animation holiday adventure is animated by Finnish studio Gigglebug. It's a must-see series for DC fans, with Batman favorites like the Joker, Bane, and Damian Wayne flying all over the place. Merry Little Batman hits prime on December 8.

It may not be anime, but anime fans won't want to miss the theatrical version of Spirited Away, which opens on December 24 at the Max. This adaptation of Studio Ghibli's classic has received rave reviews from critics. Each film stars a different actress, but they all tell the same enchanting story of Chihiro's mysterious coming-of-age.

"Baby Shark's Big Show" will be an undeniable smash this holiday season, a sequel to "Baby Shark's Big Show," a collaboration between Nickelodeon and Pinkfong, creators of the original "Baby Shark Dance. They aim to continue their viral success through new musical adventures. This time around, the franchise will unfold in its largest environment to date, featuring a multitude of underwater characters; for a franchise that began as a Youtube toddler music video, this is an undeniable aesthetic brilliance. Baby Shark's Big Movie will be released on December 8.