As is so often the case in history, there's much debate as to who is the very first animated film. As techniques rapidly evolve, different works can claim to be the first of their kind, in the category of animated cinema. However, several bodies have agreed on one fact, allowing the creation of a World Animated Film Day.
This worldwide day is held every year on October 28, commemorating the first screening of the work ofEmile Reynaud, inventor of optical theater. On October 28, 1892, Emile Reynaud unveiled his cartoon Pauvre Pierrot at the Musée Grévin in Paris. An event in the world of cinema!
To celebrate this (French) achievement, a worldwide day was created in the early 2000s. To mark the occasion, cinemas, museums and other venues dedicated to the 7th art can organize events, screenings, exhibitions... But what we really want is to experience this art form in a darkened room, with our eyes riveted to a giant screen!
So we're taking advantage of the All Saints' vacation to pop into our nearest cinema and discover the latest animated films.
Joyful Jungle! : Elizabeth searches for her brother in the tropical forest
Joyful Jungle! follows a girl on a quest to find her brother in the rainforest. The animated feature lands in theaters on October 7, 2026. [Read more]
My Samurai Family: An animated film that bridges Brazil and Japan
My Samurai Family, Célia Catunda's animated feature adapted from the novel Nihonjin, hits theaters on September 16, 2026. Watch the trailer. [Read more]
The Island of Memories: DreamWorks’ animated film hits theaters in October 2026
The Island of Memories, formerly titled The Forgotten Island, hits theaters on October 21, 2026. The DreamWorks film follows two friends stranded on an island inspired by Philippine myths. [Read more]
Mochy, the ugliest dog in the world: a family-friendly animated film hitting theaters in October 2026
Mochy, the ugliest dog in the world, an animated feature by Jérémie Degruson and Yanis Belaïd, arrives in theaters on October 14, 2026. A family-friendly adventure about embracing differences and self-acceptance. [Read more]
Le Corset: Louis Clichy’s animated feature arrives in theaters in October
Presented in Un Certain Regard at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Le Corset, Louis Clichy’s animated feature, arrives in theaters on October 14, delivering a coming‑of‑age story set in the Beauce. [Read more]
Shaun the Sheep: The Halloween Monster Unveils Its Trailer
Shaun the Sheep: The Halloween Beast hits theaters on October 21, 2026. Watch the trailer for this new Aardman adventure from Steve Cox and Matthew Walker. [Read more]
Get your popcorn, the show's about to start!
