Get ready for an extraordinary year! 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental period for animation, promising a cinematic feast for audiences of all ages. From the return of everyone’s beloved, billion dollar franchise like Toy Story 5 and Minions 3, to exciting original adventures like Pixar’s Hoppers and the unique sports comedy GOAT, the creative boundaries of the medium are being pushed further than ever before with the upcoming animated movies in 2026. Prepare to be enchanted, as classic tales are being reimagined and brand new worlds debut on the big screen!
The animated blockbuster forecast for 2026
Hold onto your seats as 2026 is poised to be an unprecedented year for animated cinema, rolling out a dazzling schedule of your beloved franchise sequels and groundbreaking original tales that will redefine the medium.
January release
1. Charlie the Wonderdog
Follow the heartwarming journey of a shy boy, Danny, whose imagination transforms his cherished dog, Charlie into the superhero star of their own vibrant comic book world. A charming, action packed new animation movie in 2026, the film explores the power of friendship and magic of a child’s inner world.
February releases
1. GOAT
This 2026 animated film is the ultimate underdog story. A film from the visionary animation house behind Spider-Verse, this one is a kinetic and style driven sports comedy. Meet Will Harris, a young goat with aspirations of becoming a professional in the high intensity, futuristic sport of roarball. One of the best animated movies to release next year, this movie is an inspiring tale of talent, and grit that aims for greatness, produced by Stephen Curry.
2. The Last Whale Singer
A new animation movie in 2026 that is an epic oceanic quest, this is a stunning, and soulful feature that follows a self doubting teenage humpback whale who must find his own voice and fight a monstrous leviathan to save his family and the ocean. Prepare yourself for a visually majestic and musically rich underwater epic with this upcoming animated movie in 2026.
March releases
1. Hoppers
Pixar delivers another high concept original film with a scientific twist this time, in this 2026 animated film. Following the story of a 19-year old animal lover named Mabel, who gets a chance to use groundbreaking technology to ‘hop’ her consciousness into the bodies of various animals, this film promises a hilarious and surprising emotional exploration. Created from a perspective of empathy, Hoppers is surely one of the most awaited and best animated movies to release next year.
2. The Pout-Pout Fish
Based on a beloved children’s book, this feature brings to life the hilarious and heartwarming story of a deep sea fish who believes his destiny is to simply sulk. A delightful journey of self discovery this upcoming animated movie in 2026 proves that happiness is a choice, even for a pout-pout fish.
April release
1. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Illumination and Nintendo blast off into space for a new cinematic Mario adventure. Reuniting the stellar voice cast, this sequel takes the Super Mario Brothers far beyond familiar territory and into the breathtaking, star-filled world of the Super Mario Galaxy game.
May release
1. Animal Farm
An upcoming animated movie in 2026, which is a classic that is reimagined, Animal Farm is based on George Orwell’s timeless and cautionary tale of farm animals who overthrow their human owners to create an egalitarian society. A stunning new animated adaptation of the novel, prepare for a visually powerful and thought provoking story about freedom, power, and corruption.
2. Animal Friends
A 2026 animated film that is an R-rated road trip, Animal Friends is a departure from the traditional family friendly animation. This film centers around a road trip comedy that promises raucous and a star studded adventure as a cast of animated animals embark on a wild journey.
June release
1. Toy Story 5
The gang is back, but this time with the stakes higher than ever! Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of the classic toys face a new reality where their jobs might be becoming exponentially complicated by new technology. This new animated movie in 2026 blends heart and modern themes in the fifth chapter of Pixar’s crown jewel.
July release
1. Minions 3
The chaotic, yellow fan favourite creatures return for another anarchic comedy adventure in this upcoming animated movie in 2026. Gru’s beloved sidekicks are set to cause more hilarious trouble and confusion in a story that continues the blockbuster Despicable Me saga.
August release
1. Coyote vs Acme
The classic Looney Tunes gets a meta cinematic treatment in this new animated movie in 2026. Wile E Coyote finally hires a lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation for their dangerously faulty products in a visually dynamic, live action/animate courtroom comedy.
September release
1. Forgotten Island
From DreamWorks Animation comes this captivating original adventure that is steeped in Philippine mythology. Two best friends find themselves trapped in a magical, hidden world where the only path home requires the ultimate sacrifice, that is forgetting each other forever.
October release
1. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
The first animated feature film from Avatar Studios, this story focuses on Avatar Aang and his friends, Katara, Sokka, and Toph in their older years. A must see for fans, this 2026 animated film explores the next chapter for the heroes who saved the world.
November releases
1. The Cat in the Hat
Warner Bros. Animation revisits the whimsical world of Dr Seuss with a fresh, stylised blend of 2D and CG animation. Prepare for a colourful and zany adventure with the iconic and mischievous Cat in the Hat.
2. Hexed
Walt Disney Animation Studios delivers an original fantasy with this 2026 animated film. An awkward teenage boy and his Type-A mom discover that he possesses magical powers, plunging them into a hidden world of spells and mystery that turns their lives wonderfully upside down.
December release
1. The Angry Birds Movie 3
Red and Chuck return for the third installment of the blockbuster franchise based on a mobile game. Expect more flightless fury, green pig schemes, and a high flying, comedic battle for the survival of the Bird Island.