1. The Lego Movie

Okay, so the Lego Movie is already out and kicking around somewhere. However, I reckon it is one of the most anticipated 2014 animated movies, if not THE most anticipated movie. I never played with Lego as a kid. Yeah, I know that makes me seem a little deprived. However, I am looking forward to hearing Will Ferrell’s voice in this and watching those Lego characters kick ass.

2. Spongebob Squarepants 2

I reckon I am a parent of the world’s biggest SpongeBob SquarePants fan. The production of this beauty only began in 2013, so we don’t know much about it yet! However, we do know that Bikini Bottom is becoming Sandy Shoals! Unfortunately, the production of this has probably pushed the release date back to 2015. I am still excited for it anyway.

3. Mr Peabody & Sherman

I love a good 3D movie, and that is the primary format that Mr Peabody & Sherman is taking. This film is based on Peabody’s Improbably History. Mr Peabody, the talking dog, is the smartest creature in the world. He is friends with a young boy called Sherman, who just can’t seem to stay away from mishaps. There is a little time travel involved in this, which has made me even more excited for it.

4. Rio 2

I just loved the vibrancy of the first Rio movie! With the Rio Olympic Games just around the corner (sort of, London even felt like yesterday to me to be fair), this is a great way to get in the mood. Okay, so this one does see all the characters leave Rio de Janeiro to go on an adventure in the Amazon. It gets a little eco-political too, as it focuses on the Amazon being at threat!

5. The Nut Job

The Nut Job has already been released, so hopefully you have had a chance to see it! Despite not attracting great reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, I am sort of excited about watching this one in full. It focuses on a selfish little squirrel named Surly (great name) and his role in the usual food gathering sesh of the season. Okay, so it is probably a little obvious plot wise…Surly will make lots of mates or save someone’s life. But then, sometimes obvious is good!

6. The Boxtrolls

The Boxtrolls is going to hit our screens in September 2014. This film is based on the book ‘Here be Monsters!’ which should be exciting for those of you who have read it. It tells the story of an orphan named Eggs who lives underground with cave-dwelling trash collectors. I am expecting this one to be startlingly heart-warming! Let’s hope it lives up to my expectations.

7. How to Train Your Dragon 2

I am pretty sure How to Train Your Dragon is my niece’s favorite film, so when the second one comes out I am looking forward to her getting excited about it! The second How to Train Your Dragon will follow on from the first, about five years in the future. This time, less of the northern hemisphere is landlocked. With an expanding map, there is more scope for catastrophes!

So it looks as though 2014 is packed full of exciting things on the animated movie front. Some are out already, and in the case of one we may even have to wait until 2015. This isn’t where animated movies begin and end though. If you are looking forward to one, what is it?