Tom and Jerry film franchise evolved from legendary theatrical shorts into a extensive collection of feature-length movies, primarily consisting of direct-to-video adventures and two major theatrical releases. Tom and Jerry Wiki | Fandom Theatrical Feature Films These are the only two entries released in cinemas worldwide. Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992) : The first feature-length film, notable for making the duo speak and sing, which received mixed reviews from fans. Tom & Jerry (2021) : A live-action/animated hybrid set in a posh New York City hotel. Direct-to-Video Movies Since 2002, Warner Bros. has released a steady stream of original movies and crossovers. Warner Bros. Entertainment Wiki Tom And Jerry Movies - IMDb
Tom and Jerry franchise is a cornerstone of animation history, evolving from seven-minute theatrical shorts in the 1940s to over 15 feature-length movies. While the original shorts won seven Academy Awards—a record for any cartoon series—the movies have taken the duo from the streets of New York to the planet Mars. Chronological List of Feature Films The franchise consists of two theatrical releases and a long-running series of direct-to-video films. 1992 Tom and Jerry: The Movie Theatrical 2002 Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring Direct-to-video 2005 Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars! Direct-to-video 2005 Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry Direct-to-video 2006 Tom and Jerry in Shiver Me Whiskers Direct-to-video 2007 Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale Direct-to-video 2010 Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes Direct-to-video 2011 Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz Direct-to-video 2012 Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse Direct-to-video 2013 Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure Direct-to-video 2014 Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon Direct-to-video 2015 Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest Direct-to-video 2016 Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz Direct-to-video 2017 Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Direct-to-video 2021 Tom & Jerry Theatrical (Hybrid) 2022 Tom and Jerry: Cowboy Up! Direct-to-video 2022 Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land Direct-to-video Fascinating Facts & "Firsts" Original Names: In their first appearance, Puss Gets the Boot (1940), the cat was named Jasper and the mouse was pre-productionally named Jinx . Named After a Drink: Their final names were chosen via an employee contest. Animator John Carr won $50 for suggesting "Tom and Jerry," inspired by a popular 19th-century Christmas cocktail (eggnog with brandy and rum). The Talking Controversy: One of the most controversial aspects of the 1992 film was giving the duo full dialogue . In almost all other media, they are famous for being silent characters who communicate through sounds and music. Oscars Dominance: Between 1943 and 1953, the series won seven Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film, tying Walt Disney’s Silly Symphonies for the most wins in that category. Live-Action Integration: Before the 2021 hybrid movie, Jerry Mouse famously danced with Gene Kelly in the 1945 film Anchors Aweigh . Eras of Evolution The style and tone of Tom and Jerry changed significantly based on the studio and director in charge: Hanna-Barbera (1940–1958): The "Golden Age" featuring high-quality hand-drawn animation and the most Oscar wins. Gene Deitch (1961–1962): Produced in Czechoslovakia, these shorts are known for their surreal, eerie atmosphere and strange sound effects. Chuck Jones (1963–1967): The Looney Tunes legend gave Tom a more expressive, "Wile E. Coyote" type of appearance.
The Complete Guide to All Tom and Jerry Movies: From Theatrical Shorts to Modern Adventures For over eight decades, the relentless chase between a clever house cat and a resourceful mouse has defined the golden age of animation. Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry began as a series of Academy Award-winning theatrical shorts. However, as the franchise evolved, the duo expanded into feature-length films. While purists might argue that the magic of Tom and Jerry lies in its 7-minute silent slapstick, the "movies" offer a fascinating, wild, and often controversial expansion of the franchise. From their humble live-action/animated hybrid debut to musicals, direct-to-video sequels, and a recent streaming-era reboot, here is the definitive list of all Tom and Jerry movies ranked by release.
Part 1: The Theatrical Era (1940s-1960s) Before the "movies," Tom and Jerry dominated the short-form format. However, in 1945, they technically "starred" in a feature film by appearing as supporting characters. 1. Anchors Aweigh (1945) Strictly speaking, this is a live-action MGM musical starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. However, it features one of the most famous live-action/animation hybrid sequences in cinema history. Gene Kelly dances with Jerry Mouse (and a cartoon Tom makes a cameo). While not a Tom and Jerry movie, it is the first time the characters appeared in a feature-length theatrical release. 2. Dangerous When Wet (1953) Similar to Anchors Aweigh , this MGM musical starring Esther Williams features a dream sequence where Tom and Jerry join her underwater. Again, a cameo—but historically vital to the duo’s big-screen legacy. True Theatrical Film (International): 3. Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992) This is the first actual feature film starring only Tom and Jerry. Produced by Film Roman and released internationally (famously not in the US by MGM/ Turner due to legal disputes), this movie is controversial. For the first time, Tom and Jerry spoke with clear dialogue (rather than just screams). The plot follows a girl named Robin who runs away from home and befriends the silent duo. The film introduced songs and a saccharine plot that betrayed the original shorts' violent DNA. It bombed but gained a cult following on VHS. all tom and jerry movies
Part 2: The Direct-to-Video Renaissance (2000–2010s) After Warner Bros. acquired Turner Entertainment (and thus Tom and Jerry), the studio began producing original animated movies. These films often placed the cat and mouse into literary classics or genre parodies. 4. Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring (2002) The first DTV movie produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Tom is left in charge of a magical ring that belongs to a young wizard. When the ring accidentally fuses to Jerry’s head, the chase goes haywire. This film returns the duo to their silent, slapstick roots with no human sidekicks dominating the screen. It is widely considered the most "classic" feeling of the early movies. 5. Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars (2005) Sci-fi parody. Tom and Jerry accidentally stow away on a spaceship to Mars. They discover Martians, a giant "Mousey" (Martian mouse), and a plot to destroy Earth. The humor is heavy on Looney Tunes -style sci-fi tropes. Notable for featuring a rare temporary alliance between Tom and Jerry to fight alien invaders. 6. Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry (2005) A direct parody of reality TV and racing movies. The plot follows a global "Super Race" where Tom and Jerry are contestants. The winner gets a mansion. This film has high-energy chase sequences and meta-humor about the show’s history. It is a fan favorite due to its breakneck pacing and lack of musical numbers. 7. Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers (2006) Pirate adventure. While searching for treasure, Tom and Jerry get caught in a time warp and end up on a pirate ship. They encounter a sea monster, a bumbling crew, and a treasure map. It’s standard DTV fare—fun but forgettable. 8. Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (2007) A Christmas musical. Set to Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker , Jerry dreams he lives in a magical toy kingdom. Tom is the villain trying to ruin the holiday. Unlike previous musical entries (1992), this one works because the songs are instrumental, and the slapstick remains intact. A holiday staple for many fans. 9. Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes (2010) The first of the "celebrity team-up" movies. Tom and Jerry become detectives in Victorian London. While they chase each other through Baker Street, they accidentally help Sherlock Holmes (voiced by Michael York) solve a jewel heist. The mystery plot is surprisingly clever, and the duo’s silent antics contrast well with Holmes’ verbose deductions. 10. Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz (2011) A remake of the 1939 classic, but with Tom and Jerry inserted into the plot. Tom plays multiple roles (including a guard for the Wicked Witch), while Jerry assists Dorothy. It follows the original film’s plot beat-for-beat. A sequel, Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz (2016), followed later. 11. Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse (2012) Sherwood Forest parody. Jerry is a thief helping Robin Hood, while Tom is a clumsy guard for the Sheriff of Nottingham. Includes Jamie Bamber as the voice of Robin Hood. Short (57 minutes) and action-packed. 12. Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure (2013) A take on Jack and the Beanstalk . Tom and Jerry live in a struggling storybook theme park. They climb a beanstalk and find a giant (who is actually lonely and friendly). Another musical-light entry. 13. Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon (2014) Fantasy entry. A witch-in-training (Athena) cares for a baby dragon. Tom and Jerry must protect it from an evil elf. This film is notable for giving Tom a rare, sympathetic role as the guardian of the duo. It has a slightly darker tone than usual. 14. Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest (2015) A crossover with the 1960s Hanna-Barbera show Jonny Quest . Tom and Jerry stumble onto a secret island where Jonny, Hadji, and Dr. Quest are fighting the villainous Dr. Zin. This is generally regarded as one of the best later DTV movies because it respects the Quest lore while inserting the cat-and-mouse chase naturally. 15. Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz (2016) The sequel to the 2011 film. Following the events of The Marvelous Land of Oz , Tom and Jerry help a new character (the Scarecrow’s son) fight the Nome King. It’s colorful but suffers from the lack of classic songs. 16. Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (2017) The most surreal entry. Tom and Jerry are inserted into the 1971 film. They chase each other through Wonka’s factory, causing the disasters (Augustus Gloop falling in the river, etc.). Unlike other crossovers, this one uses actual audio clips of Gene Wilder from the original movie, which feels jarring next to new voice actors for Tom and Jerry. 17. Tom and Jerry: Cowboy Up! (2022) The final DTV movie before the streaming shift. The duo heads to a ranch in the Wild West to help a young rider protect her land from a greedy mining boss. It is a return to basic animal slapstick without literary parodies.
Part 3: The Live-Action / Hybrid Modern Era 18. Tom and Jerry (2021) – Warner Bros. Pictures This is the first wide theatrical release of Tom and Jerry in the US since the original shorts. Directed by Tim Story, this is a live-action/animated hybrid set in New York City. Chloë Grace Moretz plays Kayla, a scam artist who gets a job at a fancy hotel hosting a wedding. Tom is hired to get rid of Jerry, who has moved into the hotel. Key points:
Silent rule: The filmmakers famously kept the rule that Tom and Jerry would never speak (with the exception of a single, infamous opera-singing scene). CGI vs. 2D: The characters are rendered in traditional 2D animation against a live-action background. Reception: Critics were mixed (praising the slapstick but hating the boring human plot), but it was a box office success ($136 million worldwide during COVID-19 restrictions). It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and HBO Max. Tom and Jerry film franchise evolved from legendary
Part 4: Upcoming & Spin-Off Features Tom and Jerry: The Mansion Cat (Upcoming – Rumored) As of 2025, Warner Bros. has announced they are developing a new animated feature film focusing on the duo in a "haunted mansion" style adventure, separate from the live-action universe. No release date has been confirmed. The Tom and Jerry Shorts Collections (Honorable Mention) While not "movies," many collections (like Tom and Jerry: The Chuck Jones Collection or The Hanna-Barbera Golden Collection ) are often sold as DVD "movies" in retail stores. For completionists, these are essential.
How to Watch the Tom and Jerry Movies in Chronological Order For a complete marathon, here is the suggested viewing order based on story continuity (though most are standalone):
Anchors Aweigh (1945) – Historical curiosity. Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992) – The "black sheep." The Magic Ring (2002) – Return to form. Blast Off to Mars (2005) & Fast and the Furry (2005) – The peak DTV era. The Sherlock Holmes / Wizard of Oz / Robin Hood cycles (2010–2017) – The crossover era. Tom and Jerry (2021) – The modern hybrid. Tom & Jerry (2021) : A live-action/animated hybrid
Final Verdict: Are They Worth Watching? The answer depends on what you want from Tom and Jerry .
For purists: Stick to the original 1940s-1950s shorts. Most movies (except Magic Ring and Fast and the Furry ) dilute the slapstick with boring human plots or songs. For kids under 10: The DTV movies are perfect. They are colorful, loud, and safe. A Nutcracker Tale and Cowboy Up! are great entry points. For completionists: You have to watch the 2021 live-action film. It’s flawed but fascinating. For the curious: Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes stands head-and-shoulders above the others as a genuinely clever parody.