Tom and Jerry: The Forbidden Compass (Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass) is a 2025 Chinese-American animated comedy fantasy family film directed by Gang Zhang from a screenplay by Gang Zhang. The film premiered in China on August 2, 2025.
In a classic Tom and Jerry situation—a chase through a museum—he unexpectedly activates a mystical artifact called the "Forbidden Compass." As a result, Tom and Jerry are transported through time and space to an ancient, fantastical world far removed from the familiar.
There their adventure begins: between jokes, classic clashes and escapes, they encounter new allies, strange creatures and dangers related to the compass. In the process of chaotic events and unexpected twists - the plot relies on comedy, action and a spirit of adventure, with the goal not only to return home, but also to protect the compass from evil forces.
This is the first full-length film in the franchise.„Tom and Jerry“", which is entirely in computer (CG) animation.
Director Gang Zhang — known for his experience in Chinese animation — brings his own style, which combines comedy, action, and fantasy/adventure elements, with attention to visual style and effects.
Compared to classic hand-painted and slapstick series, here the animation is modern, aimed at a more global audience — with smoother movements, more saturated backgrounds, and „epic“ visual moments when the characters travel through time portals, ancient worlds, and magical landscapes.
At the same time — this is not an "art" animation — the style is commercial, family-oriented, with humor and action. The film relies on fun, adventure, and the symbolism of time and the compass as the engine of the plot.
„Tom and Jerry: The Forbidden Compass“" is not an attempt at deep, emotional or philosophical cinema — it is a fun, light, adventurous and colorful film that aims to bring joy and smiles, especially to younger audiences. If we approach it with the idea of "adventure, let's just have fun", the film does the job — with good animation, a new concept and the spirit of a classic Cat and Mouse Mess.
To sum it up, this is a pleasant, light-hearted, and modern "Tom and Jerry" adventure — with compromises, but also with charm.
