The Smurfs To Lilo & Stitch And How To Train Your Dragon, Our Favourite Childhood Animated Character Returning To The Big Screens In 2025

The Smurfs are back—and they’re bringing company. 2025 is turning out to be a landmark year for animated nostalgia, led by the vibrant return of The Smurfs. With a fresh animated series and interactive content, the beloved blue characters are reimagined for today’s generation while staying true to their classic charm. But they’re not alone.

From Minecraft to Lilo & Stitch to How to Train Your Dragon, iconic characters that once defined our childhoods are making a comeback—now with upgraded visuals, new stories, and a whole lot of heart. Whether it was a Sunday morning cartoon ritual or post-school guilty pleasure, these fan-favourites are back to light up screens and introduce themselves to a new generation.

Childhood Characters Who Are Making A Fresh Return To Cinema In 2025

Lilo & Stitch

Disney’s iconic duo made a heartwarming return in 2025 through a live-action remake that resonated with audiences across the globe. The film enriched the original story with breathtaking visuals, deeper character arcs, and a beautiful emphasis on Hawaiian culture. It was a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern storytelling that introduced Lilo and Stitch to an entirely new fanbase.

The Smurfs

The tiny blue legends staged a colourful comeback in 2025 with an all-new animated series and a suite of interactive digital content. Bridging classic charm with tech-forward storytelling, the reboot gave characters like Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and Brainy a fresh lease on life, captivating both long-time fans and today’s screen-savvy kids.When Papa Smurf is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.

How To Train Your Dragon

One of the most emotional reunions of 2025 came from the land of dragons. How to Train Your Dragon returned with a reunion special that tugged at heartstrings and an AR-based dragon-riding experience that let fans soar across Berk like never before. The franchise welcomed a new generation of dragon riders while paying homage to the bond that started it all.

Minecraft

In 2025, the blocky world of Minecraft leapt from screen to silver screen with a thrilling live-action adaptation. Starring Jason Momoa and packed with action, heart, and fan-favorite elements from the game, the film struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Its cinematic debut reignited global love for the franchise and proved that this pixelated universe still has endless stories to tell.

2025 is not just a year—it’s a time machine. With these animated classics returning in bold new ways, childhood nostalgia has never felt more alive. The best part? This time, you’re not just watching it for yourself—you’re passing it on.

Catch the biggest animation film of the year Smurfs, coming to theatres near you on July 18, ‘25 in English and Hindi!

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