Best Animated Movies 2026: Every Must-Watch Animated Film
2026 is a landmark year for animation. Pixar delivers an original that might be their best in years, Illumination takes Mario to space, DreamWorks brings back Shrek, and Netflix drops a serious Oscar contender with Animal Farm. Whether you've got kids or you're just a grown-up who still loves cartoons (no judgment), here's every animated film you need to know about.
Disney & Pixar
The house of mouse and the kings of CG animation have a stacked year.
Hoppers (2026)
Pixar's latest original is something special. A 19-year-old animal lover named Mopsy uses technology inspired by Avatar to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver and infiltrate the animal world. Director Daniel Chong (of the Oscar-winning short Bao) crafts a story about genuine empathy — not saving animals, but understanding them. It's funny, gorgeous, and has a third act that hits you right in the chest. The beaver animation alone is worth the ticket price.
One of Pixar's best originals in years. Perfect for kids but has real depth for adults. In theaters now.
Toy Story 5 (2026)
Andrew Stanton returns to direct the fifth instalment, and somehow Pixar has done it again. The toys face their biggest threat yet — not a new toy, but a tablet called Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee) that threatens to replace physical playtime entirely. It's a smart, funny, surprisingly emotional take on the tension between technology and imagination. Conan O'Brien joins the cast as a new action figure, and Randy Newman's score is as moving as ever.
Toy Story remains the most consistently great franchise in cinema history. Released June 19 in theaters.
Moana (2026)
Actually, this is the original Moana re-released in theaters on July 10 as part of Disney's 100th-anniversary celebrations. Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson's musical adventure across the Pacific remains one of the best Disney animated films of the modern era. If you haven't seen it on the big screen, this is your chance. "How Far I'll Go" still gives chills.
The best Disney musical of the 2010s, back in theaters for a limited run. Catch it while you can.
DreamWorks & Illumination
The kings of commercial animation bring sequels, new worlds, and a whole lot of laughs.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)
Critics were mixed, but audiences showed up in droves — this has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026. Mario and Luigi head to outer space to save Princess Rosalina from Bowser Jr. Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, Glen Powell, and Brie Larson join the voice cast. The animation is bright and kinetic, drawing from the galaxy games in creative ways. It's pure fun.
Your kids will love it. You'll have a good time. And the box office doesn't lie — this is the year's biggest movie. In theaters now; coming to Peacock later.
Minions 3 (2026)
The third Minions movie lands July 1, and you already know what you're getting: yellow chaos, banana-based humour, and more gibberish than you can shake a stick at. This time the Minions travel back in time to medieval England, where they accidentally help a young knight become king. It's exactly as ridiculous as it sounds — and kids will be absolutely delighted.
If your kids love the Minions, this is a no-brainer. In theaters July 1.
Shrek 5 (2026)
Everyone's favourite ogre is back. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and Antonio Banderas all reprise their roles in what promises to be a nostalgic return to Far Far Away. Not much is known about the plot, but early buzz suggests it'll honor the original trilogy while bringing something new. DreamWorks has been on a hot streak (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was a masterpiece), so expectations are high.
Shrek is love, Shrek is life. The ogre returns December 23 — perfect holiday family viewing.
GOAT (2026)
Sony Pictures Animation delivers a sports comedy about a scrappy goat who dreams of playing roarball — a high-contact, basketball-like sport dominated by bigger animals. The voice cast includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, and Stephen Curry in his film debut. The animation borrows the Spider-Verse visual energy and the underdog message hits for kids and adults alike.
One of the best family movies of 2026. It's funny, looks incredible, and has something to say about perseverance. Streaming on Netflix.
Indie & International Animation
Some of the best animation of 2026 comes from outside the major studios. These are the films pushing the medium forward.
Animal Farm (2026)
Netflix's ambitious stop-motion adaptation of George Orwell's allegorical novel is one of the year's most talked-about films. Directed by Andy Serkis (his first animated feature), it uses gorgeous hand-crafted puppetry to tell the story of farm animals who overthrow their human owner — only to be corrupted by their own leaders. It's darker than you remember, and the animation makes it even more haunting. A serious Oscar contender in the Animated Feature category.
This is not a kids' movie. It's a stunning, thought-provoking adaptation for adults. Streaming on Netflix.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (2026)
Look, you're not watching this for the critically acclaimed storytelling. Your toddler wants to see their favourite rescue pups team up with dinosaurs. And that's exactly what this delivers. Ryder and the pups discover a hidden land where dinosaurs still roam, and they've got to save the day — as always. The animation is bright and serviceable, and the life lessons are solid.
If you have a toddler, this is non-negotiable. They will love it. In theaters August 14.
The Cat in the Hat (2026)
Bill Hader voices the Cat in this new animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss's beloved book. Unlike the 2003 live-action nightmare, this one actually captures the whimsical spirit of the source material. The animation is vibrant and playful, and Hader's vocal performance brings just the right mix of chaos and charm. Early reviews from festival screenings have been strong.
Finally, a Cat in the Hat adaptation that does the book justice. In theaters November 6.
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender (2026)
Paramount and Nickelodeon bring the beloved Avatar series to the big screen with a fully animated feature film. Set in the world of Avatar, it follows a new story with familiar characters. The animation is a stunning blend of anime-inspired action and Western storytelling. Early reactions from Annecy International Animated Film Festival were ecstatic — this might be the best animated film of 2026.
For fans of the series, this is the movie we've been waiting for. For newcomers, it's a perfect entry point into one of the best fictional worlds ever created. In theaters October 9.
Forgotten Island (2026)
Universal's surprise entry is a 2D-animated adventure about a group of misfit kids who discover a hidden island where extinct animals still exist. The hand-drawn animation is a breath of fresh air in a CG-dominated landscape, and the environmental message is heartfelt without being preachy. Think The Goonies meets The Fantastic Mr. Fox.
A love letter to 2D animation with a great story to match. In theaters September 25.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best animated movie of 2026?
Toy Story 5 and Hoppers are the frontrunners so far, both with strong critical reception. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender has been called the best animated film of the year by early festival audiences. Animal Farm on Netflix is the strongest contender in the adult-animation space. It's a stacked year with no single winner yet.
Where can I watch the new animated movies from 2026?
Most big studio releases (Toy Story 5, Hoppers, Shrek 5, Minions 3, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie) are theatrical releases that will hit streaming later. GOAT and Animal Farm are Netflix originals available to stream now. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender hits theaters October 9. Check our streaming guides for updates.
Are there any good animated movies for adults in 2026?
Absolutely. Animal Farm is a dark political allegory that's definitely not for kids. Hoppers and Toy Story 5 both have the emotional depth that Pixar is known for — they're for all ages but resonate with adults. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender appeals to anyone who loves great storytelling, regardless of age.
What Disney animated movies are coming out in 2026?
Disney Animation has a quieter year on the feature side — Hoppers is the big Pixar release. Disney is re-releasing Moana in theaters on July 10 as part of anniversary celebrations. The next major Disney Animation Studios original is expected in 2027. Toy Story 5 (Pixar) is the biggest Disney-associated release.
Is there a new Studio Ghibli movie in 2026?
As of mid-2026, Studio Ghibli has not announced a new feature film for this year. However, several Ghibli classics are available to stream on Netflix and HBO Max — including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke — which make perfect viewing while waiting for their next project.
Love Animation? Check Out What's Streaming
While you wait for Shrek 5 and Toy Story 5 to hit streaming, there are dozens of incredible animated films available right now on Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video.