3D animation isn’t exclusive to Pixar films anymore. From über-realistic product commercials to cartoon-looking metaverse avatars, animation trends are breaking faster than they ever have.
If you’re considering commissioning a 3D animation agency this year, you should have an idea of what’s trending, what’s on its way out, and what’s deserving of your money. So, what’s popular in 2025?
Here’s the scoop on the biggest 3D animation trends that agencies are marketing at the moment—and how brands are leveraging them.
1. Hyper-realistic CGI (The “Is This Real?” Effect)
Why It’s Booming
Thanks to advances in Unreal Engine 5 and AI-assisted rendering, agencies can now create near-photoreal animations without Hollywood budgets.
Where You’ll See
This aesthetic is ideal for product demos (cars, tech devices, and high-end watches come to mind), virtual influencers (like Lil Miquela 2.0), and medical/scientific visualization (like surgical simulations). If your product must appear tangible, hyper-realistic CGI is the way to go.
2. Cel-Shading (The “Anime Come to Life” Look)
Why It’s Back
Both nostalgia and the gaming boom have created a massive need for bold, comic-book-like 3D. Cel-shading costs less than realism but remains totally eye-grabbing.
Best Uses
Cel-shading is perfect for mobile game trailers (consider Genshin Impact-like visuals), edgy brand mascots (consider Coinbase’s animated ad campaigns), and adult animated shows (such as Netflix’s Arcane). In 2024, agencies are even combining 2D textures with 3D models with a twist of hybrids.
3. Real-Time Animation (No More Agonizing Rendering Delays)
The Game-Changer
Through technology like Unity and Unreal Engine, agencies are able to now animate in real-time, reducing production time from weeks to hours.
Who’s Using It?
Real-time animation is a favorite with e-commerce (providing instant 360° product turns), architecture practices (making walkthroughs customers can edit live), and streamers (think interactive concerts such as Fortnite in-game events). The major advantage? Customers are able to adjust in the moment during presentations, which makes it a real-time game-changer.
4. “Neo-Y2K” Aesthetic (Glitchy, Retro-Futuristic Flavors)
Why Gen Z Appreciates It
This aesthetic benefits from 2000s nostalgia around technology—CRT screen visuals, pixel-textures, vaporwave hues.
Astute Utilizations
The Neo-Y2K look is perfect for music video graphics (check out PinkPantheress’s MTV-inspired graphics), streetwear brand promotions, and tech companies wanting to project a hip, non-corporate image. Most agencies employ AI software to rapidly create glitch effects, accelerating production.
5. Isometric 3D (Tiny Worlds, Big Impact)
The Draw
Isometric 3D has diorama-like scenes breaking down complicated concepts—ideal when realism would be too much.
Best Clients
This style works well with SaaS businesses (describing software processes), corporate instructional videos, and infographic-based social media content. Most agencies are leveraging Blender, a free yet powerful application, to make amazing isometric images.
6. “Living Paint” Animations (3D That Feels Hand-Painted)
The Artistic Advantage
Envision Van Gogh’s Starry Night… moving. Agencies are applying AI-augmented brushstroke tools to achieve this high-end effect that looks like shifting artwork.
Splurge-Worthy
This style is perfect for museum exhibitions, luxury brand promotions (perfume, jewelry), and album artwork imagery. Still, it costs more, so it’s for single, prestige projects.
How to Select the Ideal Style for Your Project
| Goal | Best 2025 Style |
| Show product details | Hyper-real CGI |
| Go viral with Gen Z | Neo-Y2K glitch |
| Stand out as a luxury | Isometric 3D |
| Need speeds + edits | Real-timing rendering |
What’s Next? (Sneak Peek)
In the future, look forward to some intriguing innovations in 2026, including AI co-creation platforms that enable clients to guide projects in real-time, increased AR animations for Instagram and TikTok filters, and the emergence of “3D NFTs” as collectibles for brands.
Last Word of Advice when Hiring an Agency
When hiring an agency, make sure to:
1. Request trend-oriented portfolios (not merely work from the good old days).
2. Ask for a test render in your preferred style so you know if it looks as you imagined.
3. Talk about using AI from the beginning, since some shops will minimize its use while others love it to the max.
The Bottom Line
2025’s finest 3D animation doesn’t merely move, it hypnotizes you. Hyper-real or whimsical, abstract flavors, there is a perfect pairing for every brand. So, what trend would suit your brand best?
