List of Pakistani animated films
Animated movies produced in Pakistan that were released by the end of 2023.
Pakistan’s animation industry has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, with filmmakers and studios pushing creative boundaries to produce animated films that resonate with both local and international audiences.
From full-length feature films to thought-provoking short films, Pakistani animators are carving out a niche in the global animation landscape. This article provides a detailed overview of notable Pakistani animated films, including theatrical releases, short films, and upcoming projects.
Featured Films
This section highlights Pakistani animated feature films that have made a significant impact on the industry. These films are notable for their storytelling, animation quality, and cultural relevance.
3 Bahadur (2015)
Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and produced by Waadi Animations and SOC Films, 3 Bahadur is Pakistan’s first full-length animated feature film. It tells the story of three brave children who fight against corruption and evil in their town. The film was a milestone in Pakistani animation and marked the beginning of the 3 Bahadur franchise. Distributed by ARY Films, the film was well-received and paved the way for more animated projects in the country.
3 Bahadur: The Revenge of Baba Balaam (2016)
The second installment in the 3 Bahadur series, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, continues the adventures of the young heroes as they face a new villain, Baba Balaam. Produced by Waadi Animations and SOC Films, and distributed by ARY Films, this sequel built on the success of the first film and further solidified the franchise’s popularity among Pakistani audiences.
3 Bahadur: Rise of the Warriors (2018)
The third and final installment of the 3 Bahadur franchise, this film concludes the story of the young heroes as they unite to save their town from a powerful enemy. Once again directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and produced by Waadi Animations and SOC Films, the film was praised for its animation quality and engaging narrative. It was distributed by ARY Films.
Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor (2018)
Directed by Uzair Zaheer Khan and produced by 3rd World Studios, this film is notable for being the first Pakistani animated movie produced entirely using Unreal Engine. It follows the journey of a young boy, Allahyar, and his animal friends as they fight to protect wildlife. With its environmental message and stunning visuals, the film was critically acclaimed. It was distributed by Mandviwalla Entertainment.
The Donkey King (2018)
Directed by Aziz Jindani and produced by Talisman Studios, The Donkey King became the highest-grossing animated feature film in Pakistan. A satirical take on politics, the film tells the story of a donkey who unexpectedly becomes the king of animals. Its humor and social commentary resonated with audiences of all ages. Distributed by Geo Films, it gained immense popularity both locally and internationally.
Tick Tock (2018)
A family-friendly animated film directed by Omar Hassan and produced by S4 Solutions Productions, Tick Tock blends adventure and comedy. Featuring popular actors like Ahsan Khan, Alyy Khan, and Maria Memon, the film marked a new direction for Pakistani animation by incorporating live-action elements. It was distributed by Hum Films.
Allahyar and the 100 Flowers of God (2023)
A sequel to Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor, this film continues Allahyar’s adventures as he embarks on a new mission to save endangered species. Directed by Uzair Zaheer Khan and produced by 3rd World Studios, it was widely praised for its animation quality and strong environmental themes. The film was distributed by Mandviwalla Entertainment.
The Glassworker (2024)
Directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker is Pakistan’s first anime-influenced 2D animated film that was long-listed at the 97th Academy Awards. Set in a fictional world, the film explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. It has generated significant buzz for its unique art style and emotional storytelling. Distributed by Geo Films, this film is expected to be a landmark achievement for Pakistani animation.
Short Films
Pakistani animators have also produced impactful short films that address social issues and showcase innovative storytelling techniques. Here are some notable examples:
Sitara: Let Girls Dream (2020)
Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and produced by Netflix and SOC Films, this short film highlights the issue of child marriage in Pakistan. Through the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a pilot, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by girls in patriarchal societies. The visually stunning film received international recognition and was widely praised for its message.
Shehr e Tabassum (2020)
Arafat Mazhar’s Shehr e Tabassum is a sci-fi short film set in Pakistan in the year 2071. Produced by Puffball Studios, it explores themes of artificial intelligence, surveillance, and societal change. Praised for its futuristic vision and thought-provoking narrative, the film became a standout example of Pakistan’s ability to experiment with animation genres beyond the mainstream.
Swipe (2020)
Another thought-provoking short film by Arafat Mazhar, Swipe critiques the rise of digital addiction and its impact on society. Produced by Puffball Studios, it tells the story of a man addicted to an app called iFatwa, which controls his life. The film’s dark humor and social commentary made it a significant addition to the growing body of socially conscious animated films in Pakistan.
Upcoming Films
The future of Pakistani animation looks promising, with several exciting projects in the pipeline. Here are some upcoming animated films to watch out for:
My Daddy My Superhero (2025)
Directed by Aziz Jindani and produced by Talisman Animation Studios, this 3D animated feature film is a heartwarming family story about a young boy who believes his father is a superhero. With its mix of thrilling action sequences and emotional depth, the film aims to appeal to audiences of all ages.
Under the Blaze (2025)
Directed by Awais Shaukat and produced by Awartsy, Under the Blaze addresses the issue of child labor in Pakistan’s brick kilns. It is the first animated film to tackle this sensitive topic, aiming to raise awareness and inspire change through powerful storytelling and visually striking animation.
The Chronicles of Umro Ayyar
Based on the legendary character Umro Ayyar from South Asian folklore, this film promises to be an adventurous tale filled with magic, mystery, and action. Directed by Arsalan Ali and produced by Ingenuity Productions, it is one of the most anticipated projects in Pakistani animation, bringing a beloved literary figure to life through modern animation techniques.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s animation industry has evolved significantly, proving that local studios and filmmakers are capable of delivering high-quality animated content that resonates with audiences. From the pioneering 3 Bahadur series to the visually captivating Allahyar films, and the groundbreaking The Glassworker, Pakistani animators are making their mark both nationally and internationally.
Beyond entertainment, animated films in Pakistan are also serving as a powerful medium for social commentary, tackling issues such as child marriage (Sitara: Let Girls Dream), surveillance and technology (Shehr e Tabassum), and child labor (Under the Blaze). These projects demonstrate that animation in Pakistan is not just about storytelling but also about inspiring change.
With a growing number of projects in the pipeline and a rising demand for animated content, the future looks promising. As studios continue to push creative boundaries and explore new themes, Pakistani animation is poised to gain further recognition on the global stage. Whether through full-length feature films, socially conscious short films, or upcoming ambitious projects, the industry is steadily carving out a unique identity. The journey has just begun, and the best is yet to come.
