Best Brand – Animated 2026

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Bluey – BBC Studios, Ludo Studio

 

Bluey is embraced by all ages for its portrayal of family life and celebration of play. It was the #1 most streamed (US) series/film for a second year and the #1 series globally on Disney+. For the first time, Bluey ascended to #1 Preschool Toys property (US) and was 2025 TOTY License of the Year and a finalist for four TOTYs (2026). Launches include award-winning toys/games (Moose Toys), LEGO® and LEGO DUPLO®, Converse (collection/customizable), apparel, Pottery Barn, Jazwares’ Squishmallows, Little Tikes, and Bush’s Beans. There was also a focus on videogames, including Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen, an original story-led adventure by Joe Brumm (Halfbrick). Games got families moving with Bluey: Bust-a-Move (Nex Playground) and Just Dance. Bluey debuted as a Christmas NYT Bestseller, released first Christmas single and surpassed 1billion audio streams. Bluey’s World was on TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places of 2025.” Awards include the 2025 International Emmy, the Kidscreen Awards, and the Webby Award for Best Overall Social Presence.

CHIIKAWA – SPIRALCUTE (Alifish)

 

In 2025, Chiikawa expanded its IP business across diverse areas, including merchandise, animation, events, theme parks, and exhibitions, maximizing its IP value. In September, Chiikawa’s first official flagship store in China opened in Shanghai, featuring Shanghai-exclusive design elements and limited-edition products that cleverly blend the IP with local culture (winning consumer favor). The launch featured collaborations with Shanghai’s iconic trolleys and subway passages. In October, Chiikawa collaborated with Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl Tower for a pop-up event. Giant inflatable models of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi were displayed at the tower, becoming a landmark sight. The event generated over a billion online impressions. CHIIKAWA DAYS is a large-scale themed exhibition in Hong Kong presented by AllRightsReserved in special cooperation with Spiralcute International. Spanning a month at K11 MUSEA and the Tsim Sha Tsui Harbourfront. Chiikawa has partnered with Heytea, Chow Tai Fook, KFC, Vinda, CASETiFY, Mcdonald’s, 7-11, Thermos, and more.

 

Hello Kitty and Friends – Sanrio

 

Hello Kitty and Friends stands out as a best-in-class animated brand by continually evolving its storytelling to reflect a truly global, inclusive audience. Through the flagship series Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, a robust slate of animated shorts, and a stop-motion animated series on Netflix that topped global charts, the brand has expanded its universe with new characters, perspectives, and personality-driven storylines. This past year, we made select episodes available in multiple languages, increasing accessibility and allowing fans worldwide to experience the joy, friendship, and kindness at the heart of the brand. Now in its 12th season, Supercute Adventures has amassed millions of YouTube views, demonstrating sustained audience growth and digital impact. By balancing nostalgic charm with fresh narratives, diverse representation, and global reach, Hello Kitty and Friends continues to set the standard for animated brands that connect and inspire audiences everywhere.

Paddington – STUDIOCANAL Kids & Family Ltd.

 

Paddington is one of the most powerful family brands in the global licensing market. With almost 70 years of storytelling, the franchise has expanded into a true multi-platform brand, anchored by three blockbuster films generating over $700 million at the global box office, making it the largest independent family film franchise of all time. Paddington’s award-winning TV series is available in over 230 territories, driving consistent international exposure and long-term brand equity. The brand reaches over 400 million fans annually, supported by more than three million social followers and over 530 million YouTube views, delivering sustained consumer engagement at scale. Paddington sits at the heart of global retail, underpinned by carefully curated collaborations across lifestyle, luxury, and experiential categories that convert brand love into commercial performance. Last year’s brand programme demonstrates strategic expansion, strong monetisation, and enduring relevance, reinforcing Paddington’s position as a globally scalable, high-performing licensing brand.

Peanuts – Peanuts Worldwide

 

In 2025, the world joined in a truly global celebration for the 75th anniversary of Peanuts.

Peppa Pig – Hasbro

 

In 2025, Peppa Pig proved it is not just a beloved preschool series but one of the most powerful and licensable animated brands in the world. The launch of a bold new storyline, Mummy Pig’s pregnancy and the birth of baby Evie, marked a new era for the franchise and became a global cultural moment, generating over 33 billion earned media impressions and reigniting consumer demand. Licensees moved at speed to bring the story to life across toys, merchandise, publishing, music, live experiences, and more, creating a connected ecosystem that extended far beyond content. From plush, role play, and apparel launches to new songs, cinema experiences, and in-store activations, partners leaned in to drive relevance, retail impact, and engagement. This was not a one-off campaign but a lasting evolution of the brand. By expanding the Peppa Pig family, the introduction of Evie unlocked renewed franchise interest and long-term growth potential.

The Smurfs – Peyo Company

 

With a new TV series season, a global theatrical release, and two major partnerships with Rihanna and KPop supergroup SEVENTEEN, 2025 was an amazing year for The Smurfs brand, growing from an evergreen family and nostalgia favorite to a fashionable, high-visibility pop-culture phenomenon. More than just a theatrical release, the 2025 Smurfs movie starring Rihanna as Smurfette was a “cultural moment” supported by high-profile premieres and remarkable consumer products drops. The SEVENTEEN | SMURFS collaboration produced incredible digital moments, global appeal, and overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic reactions from both KPop fans and Smurfs fan communities, making it a global cross-media event bridging generations and styles thanks to shared values and storytelling. It created an immense appetite for a promising 2026 merchandise program. In 2025, the Smurfs reached an amazing milestone of over 1,000 active licensees worldwide. To name a few, global licensed collaborations were launched with such brands as Fenty Beauty, Fenty Puma, Crocs, American Tourister, H&M, Richard Orlinski, Minecraft, and Roblox.

Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir – Miraculous Corp

 

2025 was dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary decade-long journey of Miraculous! Alongside an impressive lineup of 10th anniversary products from partners including Playmates Toys, Playmobil, Insight Editions, Panini, and jewelry brand Gnoce, hundreds of additional items launched worldwide from the franchise’s more than 300 licensing partners. Celebrations were amplified through over 25 immersive events and high-impact retail activations, culminating in a landmark 10th anniversary event at the Eiffel Tower in Paris that united fans globally. Major retailers brought the anniversary to life, including La Grande Récré, El Corte Inglés, Rofu, and Smyths across Europe; Hamley’s in the Middle East; FAO Schwarz in the U.S.; and Sears in Mexico. These initiatives featured exclusive promotions and fan giveaways, including a family trip to Paris. Creator panels at San Diego Comic-Con and CCXP in Brazil, along with location-based experiences from Château de Versailles to the Jardin d’Acclimatation, reinforced Miraculous as a global cultural phenomenon.

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