Illumination's 7 Funniest Animation Moments to Get You Excited for Migration

As an animation studio, Illumination is a little over a decade old but they've created some of the most-successful and beloved animated films in the medium. Their latest, Migration, will be the studio's "lucky 13" release, written by Emmy-winning writer Mike White (The White Lotus) and featuring the vocal performances of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, and Keegan-Michael Key. 

Migration continues in the path of prior Illumination films with a comedy forward story about the Mallard family going on an adventure outside of their comfort zone. With Migration hitting theaters nationwide on Dec. 22, 2023, NBC Insider figured it's the perfect time to wade into the Illumination library and pick some of the funniest moments they've brought to life. 

RELATED: Meet the Cast of Migration's Mallard Family

Despicable Me - "It's So Fluffy"

In the first of Gru's (Steve Carell) adventures with his girls in Despicable Me, the reluctant dad gets wheedled into trying for a flurry unicorn at the carnival stand. Of course, the villain can't pursue it the normal way and goes overboard to win the prize that earns an appreciative: "It's so fluffy!"

The Grinch - Sleigh Ride

In this animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss' holiday classic book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Grinch expands upon and adds new flourishes to many of the memorable scenes from the book. In this case, it's the Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) unveiling his new Santa-worthy sled he's going to use to steal the Who's holiday cheer. But first, he needs to do a test drive...and it goes hilariously bad.

Minions - King Bob!

In Minions, the Minions head out to sea, the Australian outback, Bollywood in India, the moon and eventually London where they arrive at Buckingham Palace to crown Bob as the King of Britain. His speech to his subjects remains an all-timer. 

Sing - The Auditions

Sing takes off as soon as the doors open for Buster's (Matthew McConaughey) animal auditions. From reticent sheep to hyper red pandas, the ridiculous jukebox assembly line of critters crooning sets the tone and energy of the whole film. 

Despicable Me 3 - Minion Audition

After parting ways with Gru (Steve Carell) in Despicable Me 3, the Minions bum rush the security guard at Mondial Studio in pursuit of...pizza! (Not bananas.) On the lot, they end up accidentally auditioning for a live variety show and it's just as bizarre and gut-busting as you can imagine.

The Secret Lives of Pets - Snowball's Plans

In The Secret Lives of Pets, the pets are out in the wild where they connect with Snowball (Kevin Hart) in the wake of the Viper's demise. Aiming to avenge the snake's reputation, Snowball gets a bit overdramatic and complex with his plans that make no sense to anyone except him. The ball of white fluff becomes more unhinged the longer the scene goes and Hart nails the insanity. 

RELATED: Watch For These Easter Eggs With The Super Mario Bros. Movie Streaming on Peacock

The Super Mario Bros. Movie - Nihilist Star

Yes, Bowser's (Jack Black) rendition of "Peaches" is one of the very best scenes in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, so we decided to go with the less obvious scene that had us cackling: when the crazed star captured in the cage gives his creepy, nihilistic monologue to poor Luigi (Charlie Day). It's so unhinged and deliciously weird that it remains a favorite. 

While you wait for Migration to open on Dec. 22, dig into the Illumination library streaming now on Peacock!