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International Animation Day

Celebrate International Animation Day with your favorite animated characters! Watch old classics or discover some new favorites - it's time to get creative!

Wednesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 28

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYCreatives

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate International Animation Day on October 28th! This special day was created in 2002 by ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d'Animation) to recognize the art of animation and its importance in film, television, gaming, and other forms of entertainment. From traditional drawings to 3D computer graphics - animation has come a long way since it began over 100 years ago. So let's get creative this year and come up with some new ideas for our favorite animated characters!

TIMELINE

International Animation Day Timeline

Birth of Animation

French scientist Charles-Émile Reynaud debuted Pantomimes Lumineuses, the first projected animation, in France.

Mickey Mouse Debut

Walt Disney releases "Steamboat Willie", introducing the world to Mickey Mouse, one of the most iconic animated characters.

First Feature-Length Animation

Disney releases "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated film, marking a milestone in animated film history.

Pixar Revolution

Pixar releases "Luxo Jr.", the first 3D computer animated film, heralding in a new era of animation.

Birth of International Animation Day

ASIFA (Association Internationale du Film d'Animation) establishes International Animation Day to honor and celebrate the art form.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Animation Day

Watch an animated movie

Choose a classic or new animated movie to spend the night watching with friends or family. For the classics, pick up a copy of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Fantasia.

CREATE

Create your own animation

Take out your phone, laptop, tablet and give animation a try. Use any drawing app or animation software and create your own cartoon character.

VISIT

Visit an animation museum

Look for museums dedicated to animation nearby. These places often feature exhibits about the origins of different styles of animation and can be great sources of education.

ATTEND

Attend an animation festival

Many cities host annual animation festivals where you can watch all types of animated films, meet filmmakers, and learn more about the industry.

HOLD

Hold an Animation Night

Gather your friends and family together for an evening full of animations. Pop some popcorn, put on your favorite animated movie, take turns drawing cartoons and play fun games related to animations.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Animation Day

Animation inspires imagination

Good animations can grab our attention and help us escape into another world - if only for a few minutes. It gives us the opportunity to explore new places and characters without ever leaving the comfort of our couches. So let International Animation Day be the perfect reminder to leave reality behind and embrace our imaginations!

Animation is fun and creative

Animation can be a great way to express your creativity. Whether you're making a short film or creating your own video game, animation lets you bring your ideas to life in a fun and unique way. Plus, it's a great way to get the whole family involved, since everyone can have a chance to contribute!

Animations are universally relatable

No matter where you come from or what language you speak, animations can bridge the gap between people of different cultures. They tell stories that are entertaining, educational and meaningful, with visuals that are engaging and eye-catching. Thus, they can serve as an important tool for connecting people around the world!

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