5 Netflix Animated Gems That Deserve the 'KPop Demon Hunters' Franchise Treatment

Netflix has quietly built a treasure trove of original animated features, but for every breakout franchise like KPop Demon Hunters—which exploded into a multi-platform empire with sequels, a world tour, a stage musical, and a TV show—there are several cinematic gems that get left in the streaming shadows. While KPop Demon Hunters proved that animated IP can transcend the screen, many of Netflix's most imaginative and critically acclaimed originals remain standalone works, despite possessing the rich world-building and character depth that scream franchise potential. As the streaming wars intensify, leaving these properties without sequels feels like leaving money on the table. Here are five Netflix animated films that absolutely deserve the same expansion treatment.

5. 'Orion and the Dark' — A DreamWorks Gem That Could Rival 'Inside Out'

DreamWorks Animation has occasionally parked its projects on Netflix, and the 2024 release Orion and the Dark is a standout. Based on the beloved children’s book, the film follows a young boy confronting his fears when the personification of the Dark visits him. With a screenplay by the eccentric Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), the movie blends surreal visuals with emotional heft, earning strong reviews. The ensemble of personified concepts—Dark, Sweet Dreams, Light, Sleep, and others—is an open invitation for expansion. Just as Pixar turned Inside Out into a franchise by exploring new emotions, a sequel could introduce more abstract beings like Time, Silence, or Sound. The potential for a universe of inner-world adventures is immense, yet Netflix hasn't announced a follow-up. This indifference is puzzling, especially given the film’s unique aesthetic and Kaufman’s name power.

4. Guillermo del Toro’s 'Pinocchio' — A Stop-Motion Fairy Tale Anthology Awaits

When Guillermo del Toro won the Oscar for his stop-motion masterpiece Pinocchio, it seemed like a no-brainer for Netflix to greenlight a broader franchise. The film’s dark, handcrafted beauty and emotional resonance proved that adult-oriented animation can thrive. But instead of a direct sequel about the wooden boy, the smarter play would be to launch a series of del Toro fairy-tale reimaginings. Imagine Guillermo del Toro’s Hansel and Gretel or Guillermo del Toro’s Sleeping Beauty—each using the same meticulous stop-motion artistry and gothic sensibilities. Netflix already has a successful model in the way it builds brands around auteurs like del Toro. The Pinocchio legacy could evolve into an anthology of beautifully twisted classics, drawing both animation lovers and horror fans. Yet, no such plans have been announced, leaving a glaring hole in Netflix’s prestige animation slate.

3. 'Klaus' — A Modern Christmas Classic That Spread Cheer in More Directions

In 2019, Netflix gifted the world Klaus, a heartwarming Santa Claus origin story that became an instant holiday staple. The film follows a postman and a reclusive toymaker who together spark the legend of Saint Nick. Critics praised its 2D animation and timeless storytelling, and it earned an Academy Award nomination. Because the narrative concludes with the birth of the Santa mythos, a direct sequel might feel forced—but the Christmas canon is vast. A Klaus spinoff could explore the origins of the elves, the reindeer, or even the naughty list’s enforcer. Alternatively, a prequel focusing on the toymaker’s early life could deepen the lore. The film’s enduring popularity during holiday seasons proves there’s an audience hungry for more. Netflix is leaving a lucrative seasonal franchise on the shelf.

2. 'The Mitchells vs. the Machines' — A Family Franchise Poised for the Big Screen

Few animated films in the last decade have captured the chaotic energy of modern family life like The Mitchells vs. the Machines. This 2021 Sony Pictures Animation release, distributed by Netflix, follows a dysfunctional family road trip that collides with a robot apocalypse. Its vibrant visual style, sharp humor, and genuine heart made it one of the most acclaimed animated films of the decade. After years of silence, a sequel was finally announced in late 2025—a long-overdue move. The film’s universe has endless possibilities: the Mitchells could face a new tech threat, or a spinoff could follow the robots trying to integrate into society. The original’s director, Mike Rianda, has the creative DNA to build a franchise, and with Sony’s backing, this could become Netflix’s next big animated series. Fans are cautiously optimistic, but given the delay, the pressure is on to deliver a follow-up that matches the original’s magic.

1. 'Nimona' — The Franchise That Should Have Been

No Netflix animated film screams for a sequel louder than Nimona. Released in 2023 after being rescued from Disney’s shutdown of Blue Sky Studios, the film adapts ND Stevenson’s graphic novel about a knight and a shape-shifting girl in a techno-fantasy world. Its LGBTQ+ themes, stunning animation, and anarchic spirit won over critics and audiences alike. Both Stevenson and co-director Troy Quane have expressed interest in a sequel, but Netflix remains silent. The original film left tantalizing threads—the origins of the Institute, the fate of other shape-shifters, and the broader political landscape—that a sequel could explore. Moreover, a Nimona 2 would be the first project entirely independent of Blue Sky’s legacy, paving the way for a fresh creative direction. The film’s cult following has only grown, and with the streaming landscape hungry for diverse, edgy animated content, ignoring Nimona is a missed opportunity of epic proportions.

Netflix has proven with KPop Demon Hunters that it can turn a single animated movie into a sprawling media empire. But for these five films—each brimming with world-building and emotional resonance—the streaming giant has hesitated. As audiences demand more serialized, franchise-driven content, the ball is in Netflix’s court. Will it let these gems remain singular, or will it finally unlock their full potential? The future of streaming animation may depend on the answer.

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