10 Movies Like Leo To Watch After Adam Sandler’s Netflix Hit

Adam Sandler’s Netflix original animated film, Leo, has quickly become one of the most popular movies on this streaming giant’s platform, and luckily for fans, there are 10 fantastic movies similar to Leo that are worth watching afterward. Leo is only the second animated film created by Sandler’s production company, Happy Madison Productions, the first of which is a 2002 musical comedy-drama called Eight Crazy Nights. It has received generally positive reviews from audiences and critics alike since its Netflix-exclusive release in late November 2023.

Leo follows the titular tuatara, voiced by Sandler, who longs to escape his life as a class pet after finding out he is only a year away from reaching the average lifespan of his species. By the end of Leo, he has managed to provide sage advice to most of the kids in his class, and even their mean substitute teacher, finding out along the way that he could live up to 25 more years. This touching and funny animated film is unique in many ways, but luckily for fans, there are 10 great animated movies with similar styles or themes that can fill the void left by finishing Leo.

Related

Leo Cast Guide: Who’s Joining Adam Sandler In The Netflix Animated Movie

Adam Sandler’s first animated movie with Netflix brings along an impressive voice cast in the story of the titular lizard.

10 Flushed Away — Released In 2006

Produced by DreamWorks Animation

Flushed Away is an animated adventure comedy film with a star-studded cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen, Billy Nighy, and Andy Serkis. The story follows Jackman’s character, a pet rat who gets flushed down the toilet and must journey through the sewers to find his way home again. While DreamWorks has dominated the last decade of animated films, Flushed Away is a classic from the days before the company’s dominance, which often causes it to be overlooked. It’s a great candidate for fans of Leo because of its pet-centered premise and similar blend of comedy and adventure.

9 The Secret Life Of Pets — Released In 2016

Produced by Illumination Entertainment

The Secret Life of Pets is a 2016 animated comedy film that follows a Jack Russell Terrier named Max (Louis C.K.), who must find his way home after getting lost in the city with his owner’s new dog, Duke (Eric Stonestreet). The Secret Life of Pets is one of the highest-grossing animated movies distributed by Universal Pictures, and its smashing success led to a sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2. With plenty of laughs and an engaging adventure story holding it together, this movie is the perfect option for fans of Leo looking for a similar film.

8 Rango — Released In 2011

Produced by Nickelodeon Movies, Blind Wink Productions, & GK Films

Rango is a 2011 animated Western comedy that follows a pet chameleon named Rango (Johnny Depp), who stumbles his way into becoming the new sheriff of a town called Dirt after he is stranded in the Mojave Desert. Rango won the award for Best Animated Feature at the 84th Academy Awards, and it has since become a classic in the world of animated films. As another animated classic that follows the adventures of a stranded pet, Rango is a great option for fans of Leo. It also achieves a similar level of comedy, and boasts a fantastic cast that includes Billy Nighy, Stephen Root, and Isla Fisher.

7 Puss In Boots: The Last Wish — Released In 2022

Produced by DreamWorks Animation

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish is the sixth installment in the iconic Shrek Franchise, and the sequel to the 2011 classic, Puss in Boots. The film is centered around Antonio Banderas’ titular character, who seeks to restore eight of his nine lives by locating the fallen Wishing Star. Like the other films in the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is full of hilarious new takes on iconic fairy tale creatures and characters, and it brings the trademark Shrek creativity to an all-new level. This is one of the funniest and cleverest animated films out there, making it perfect for fans of Leo.

6 Ratatouille — Released In 2007

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios

Ratatouille is a 2007 animated comedy-drama that follows a young rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt), who dreams of becoming a chef one day. He finally gets the chance when he befriends a young human named Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), learning to control his movements by pulling his hair while hiding in his chef’s hat. Ratatouille is one of the best animated films ever made, evidenced by its Academy Award win for Best Animated Feature. The film’s touching story and clever humor make it one of the best options for fans of Adam Sandler’s Leo.

5 Finding Nemo — Released In 2003

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios

Finding Nemo is one of the most iconic animated films of the 21st century, and it’s the perfect thing to watch, or rewatch, for those seeking a similar movie to Leo. Following a clownfish named Marlin (Albert Brooks) who traverses the ocean in search of his missing son, Nemo (Alexander Gould), this film is perfect for adults and kids alike, and its timeless humor lines up nicely with Leo‘s. Finding Nemo also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, solidifying its status as one of the best animated movies ever.

4 Over The Hedge — Released In 2006

Produced by DreamWorks Animation

Over the Hedge is an animated buddy comedy that follows a raccoon named RJ (Bruce Willis), who must replenish the stockpile of food belonging to a bear named Vincent (Nick Nolte) after he accidentally destroys it while trying to steal some of the food. Over the Hedge has an irresistible cast that includes Steve Carell and Wanda Sykes alongside Willis and Nolte. Like Leo, Over the Hedge has an immersive narrative and layered comedy that makes it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

3 Ice Age — Released In 2002

Produced by Blue Sky Studios

Another classic in the world of animated movies, Ice Age, tells the story of three prehistoric animals who set out to return a human baby to its tribe after stumbling upon the child and his dying mother. Ice Age‘s intelligent humor and carefully crafted story made it an instant classic, and led to the creation of the Ice Age franchise, which now includes four sequels. One reason this is a great option for Leo fans is that it now has the sequels to lean on after finishing the original, making it a prime form of diversion for those who enjoy animated films.

Related

Every Ice Age Movie, Ranked Worst To Best

With the latest installment, The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild now on Disney+, here’s the ranking of all the Ice Age movies, from worst to best.

2 Rio — Released In 2011

Produced by Blue Sky Studios

Rio is a 2011 animated musical comedy that follows two Spix’s Macaws who fall in love in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, and have to escape the grasp of a smuggler named Nigel (Jemaine Clement). The talented cast includes Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, and many more, and its animal-centered story makes it another great option for fans of Leo. This hilarious film also boasts an outstanding score and eye-popping animation that elevates its quality even further.

1 Kung Fu Panda — Released In 2008

Produced by DreamWorks Animation

Kung Fu Panda is an animated martial arts comedy that follows a young Panda (Jack Black) who strives to become the prophesied Dragon Warrior and save China from the evil snow-leopard, Tai Lung (Ian McShane). Kung Fu Panda‘s riotous success led to a string of sequels, making it one of the most lucrative animated movie franchises ever. It tells a gripping story with powerful themes of self-belief and perseverance, and its clever humor should be right up Leo fans’ alley.