Animation 2025: AI, VR, and the Hand-Drawn Comeback

The world of animation is evolving faster than ever, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year of bold, creative experimentation. Industry trend reports from groups like GarageFarm, Spiel Creative, and LAI Video reveal a landscape where cutting-edge technology meets a renewed love for classic artistry.

At the top of the list is AI-assisted animation. Rather than replacing artists, AI is increasingly being used as a collaborative tool. Animators are utilizing machine learning to assist with in-betweening—the painstaking process of filling in the frames between key poses, as well as refining complex tasks such as facial expressions and subtle movements.

The goal? Speed up production while letting artists focus more on storytelling and design.

Another hot trend is the rise of real-time VR and AR pipelines. These immersive technologies are changing how animated stories are told, making experiences interactive and even participatory. Studios are exploring ways for audiences to step inside animated worlds, blurring the lines between viewer and character.

Aesthetic innovation is also taking center stage. The use of hybrid 2D/3D animation is gaining traction, blending the charm of hand-drawn visuals with the depth and fluidity of CGI. Shows like Arcane and films like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse have already popularized this style, and it’s continuing to grow.

Interestingly, amid all the technological advances, there’s also a revival of hand-drawn animation. Frame-by-frame animation is making a comeback as audiences and creators alike rediscover its warmth, texture, and human touch.

In 2025, animation isn’t about choosing between old and new; it’s about blending both for richer, more creative storytelling.