Let’s get one thing straight: animation isn’t just for the kids. Since the release of Pokémon in 1999, and even long before that, both kids and adults have been hooked on the magic that animated shows bring to the screen.
From there onwards, there has been a growing appetite for animated movies, a taste that Showmax has long been committed to, bringing an incredible lineup that speaks to people of all ages. From the Yoruba-inspired adventures of Iyanu to the hilarious antics of Gru, Po, Sonic, and the Paw Patrol crew, there’s something for everyone.
Here are 10 animated series to watch this week on Showmax.
Iyanu Season 1
A teenage orphan. Divine powers. A prophecy tied to the fate of Yorubaland. If you haven’t heard of Iyanu yet, where have you been?
This groundbreaking Nigerian animated series is based on a graphic novel by Roye Okupe, the creator, showrunner and executive producer of the 10-episode show. Currently, Iyanu is the #1 kids’ series on Showmax across Africa. It is also ranked number one on Cartoon Network and among the top 10 kids’ and family series on Max. It follows Iyanu, a girl who discovers her powers and must leave the walled city of Elu with her friends and her trusty leopard Ekun to save the land.
It’s giving Avatar: The Last Airbender—but this time, woven into rich Yoruba mythology with voices you’ll definitely recognise—like Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Stella Damasus.
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are back in action—but this time, they’re up against Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious new rival who’s faster, meaner, and a serious threat to the squad. To save the planet, they’ll have to push past their limits and maybe even call on some unexpected allies.
Also, Jim Carrey is back as Dr Robotnik. So yes, the villainy? Still deliciously chaotic.
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Knuckles
Fresh off the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, Knuckles is the solo spinoff we didn’t know we needed. Our favourite hot-headed echidna (Idris Elba) is back—and this time, he’s trying to fit in on Earth. Spoiler: he’s not great at it.
Cue accidental chaos, intense training montages, and some real laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a wild ride for both long-time Sonic fans and total newbies alike.
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Despicable Me 4
Gru (Steve Carell) is now a father of four, including the new baby, Gru Jr (Tara Strong), who’s on a mission to torment his dad. But the chaos doesn’t stop there: Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), a criminal mastermind, escapes prison and comes for revenge.
With familiar characters, new minions, and some serious family vibes, this one is perfect for a Saturday night laugh-fest.
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Kung Fu Panda 4
Po (Jack Black), not just fighting villains anymore—he’s training the next Dragon Warrior. Now chosen as the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, he’s supposed to chill and pass on his wisdom… until a powerful, shape-shifting sorceress shows up looking for his Staff of Wisdom.
With chaos on the horizon, Po teams up with a fast-talking Corsac fox (Awkwafina), and together they learn that sometimes, the real heroes are the ones you least expect
Expect the signature laughs, epic martial arts sequences, and a surprise lesson in trust, teamwork, and passing the baton.
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The Secret Life of Pets
If you’ve ever wondered what pets get up to when you leave the house, this movie spills all the secrets. Spoilt terriers, rebellious bunnies, and a gang of abandoned pets on a wild mission make this movie chaotic in the best way.
Also, Kevin Hart as Snowball? Instant win.
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Paw Patrol: The Movie – Puppy Powers Activated
Your little siblings (or kids) will be obsessed. The Paw Patrol pups gain superpowers from space crystals and must save Adventure City from total destruction.
Think of it as the Avengers but in dog form—and somehow even cuter.
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Transformers One
Before Optimus Prime and Megatron became enemies, they were friends. This origin story dives into the emotional and political drama behind their fallout and gives you a fresh perspective on Cybertron’s history.
You’ll laugh, maybe cry, and definitely look at robots differently.
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Home
When the Boov—a bunch of clueless aliens—take over Earth, they relocate all humans… except for Tip (voiced by Rihanna), a sharp and stubborn girl who manages to dodge the invasion. Then she bumps into Oh (voiced by Jim Parsons), a fugitive Boov who’s way too emotional for his own good.
What starts with suspicion turns into a wild adventure as they team up to find Tip’s mom and maybe save the planet from an even bigger alien threat. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and yes—the soundtrack is fire.
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BONUS
Wicked
Okay, so Wicked isn’t animated—but it absolutely earns its spot. This magical musical reimagines The Wizard of Oz through the eyes of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a green-skinned girl who forms an unlikely friendship with the ever-popular Glinda (Ariana Grande). With powerful vocals, big emotions, and a plot twist that flips the fairy tale you thought you knew, Wicked is the perfect pick for musical lovers and anyone craving a little sparkle with their drama.
Whether you’re here for animated series or just some fun, Iyanu is the perfect place to start—it’s beautifully animated, culturally rich, and a win for African storytelling.
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