<P> Plans for a film based on the series began in 2001 , when Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures began approaching Stephen Hillenburg for a theatrical feature . He initially refused their offers , but began developing it in 2002 upon completion of the show 's third season . The first movie was theatrically released in the United States on November 19 , 2004 to critical and commercial success . It was originally planned to act as the series finale , but the franchise 's success led to the production of more episodes . A stand - alone sequel followed in 2015 and a third film is scheduled for release on July 22 , 2020 . </P>
<P> Plans for a film based on the series began in 2001 , when Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures began approaching Stephen Hillenburg for a theatrical feature . He initially refused their offers , but began developing it in 2002 upon completion of the show 's third season . The first movie was theatrically released in the United States on November 19 , 2004 to critical and commercial success . It was originally planned to act as the series finale , but the franchise 's success led to the production of more episodes . A stand - alone sequel followed in 2015 and a third film is scheduled for release on July 22 , 2020 . </P>
when is the next spongebob movie coming out
when is the next spongebob movie coming out
July 22 , 2020
July 22 , 2020