As the new year rolls in, we’re excited for a lot of new media to be released this 2026, such as music, games, series, and movies. Animated movies have also captured attention, with major studios and creators preparing a lineup filled with visually stunning stories and long-awaited sequels. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure or a bold tale, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for animated movies.
With that, let’s see our roster of the 10 best animated movies releasing in 2026.
GOAT – February 13
Can you become the “Greatest Of All Time?” In GOAT, this animated movie follows Will, a young goat played by Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things), who gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the pros and play “roarball,” an intense and full-contact sport dominated by the fastest and fiercest animals in the world. While Will’s new teammates aren’t too excited about having a small goat on their team, he’s determined to show that, despite his small stature, he can shake up the game.
Hoppers – March 6
You can’t say animated movies without mentioning Disney. Hoppers is the newest entry of Pixar Animation Studios. In this animated sci-fi action comedy, we follow a group of scientists who invent a way to “hop” human minds into lifelike robotic animal bodies resembling beavers.
However, animal-lover Mabel Tanaka, voiced by Piper Curda (Disney Channel’s ANT Farm), stumbles upon this technology and uses it to save the animals from their home being destroyed. The movie will also feature major actors such as Meryl Streep, Dave Franco, and Kathy Najimy.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – April 3
A highly anticipated animated movie sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie takes Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad into outer space across the galaxy to face off against Bowser Jr. The film brings back its first movie’s voice cast of Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya-Taylor Joy, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key.
We’ll also be seeing Princess Rosalina, a new addition to the movie, played by Brie Larson (Captain Marvel). There’s only a little info we know about how this movie adapts its 2007 base game. But with the success of its predecessor, we have high expectations that this sequel will be one hell of a ride.
Toy Story 5 – June 19
We’re getting another Toy Story movie? Being the fifth installment in the series, Toy Story 5 brings us back once again to our favorite cast of toys, such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the gang. The toys seem to be facing a new challenge with the rise of smart tablets.
Woody’s reunion with Buzz, however, comes as a surprise, especially knowing how he left with Bo Peep to explore the world and bring fun to kids in the previous movie. We just have to wait and see how this tale turns out when the movie drops.
Minions 3 – July 1
Another title coming from Illumination is none other than Minions 3. Originally slated for a 2027 release, it appears that the animated movie is dropping much earlier, with a mid-year release date. There’s little that we know about the movie’s premise, as there haven’t been any teaser trailers or news about the story. But it might pick up from Minions: Rise of Gru, and we follow a young Gru well into his teenage years.
Coyote vs. Acme – August 28
Back from the dead, the Coyote vs. Acme live-action animated legal comedy film is finally coming to theaters later this year. Originally shelved in 2023, the animated movie has been revived, and fans of the original cartoon and newcomers to these iconic Looney Tunes characters are thrilled with the news of its release.
Based on the 1990 “Coyote v. Acme” magazine article, the movie’s plot centers around Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme corporation for repeatedly selling him faulty products in every pursuit of his against the Road Runner. An ensemble cast of Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Luis Guzman is joining this movie.
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender – October 9
You’ve been waiting for this since childhood. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender animated movie is releasing this Fall 2026. It follows the GAang into their young adult years as Aang and his friends learn of an ancient power that could save his culture from extinction and protect the peace they’ve fought for as kids.
While we won’t be seeing our iconic voice cast from the original animated series, the list of voice actors for this older story is promising. We have Eric Nam as Aang, Dionne Quan as Toph, Jessiva Matten as Katara, Roman Zaragoza as Sokka, Steven Yeun as Zuko, and even Dave Bautista as the film’s villain. Other cast members we’re looking forward to include Taika Waititi and Ke Huy Quan.
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom – October 31
Iconic for their stop-motion animations, Aardman Animations has a new entry for animated movies this year with Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. It’s the third feature film in the Shaun the Sheep franchise and has a spooky premise waiting.
With Halloween approaching at the Mossy Bottom Farm, a disaster strikes when the Farmer accidentally ruins his prized pumpkin patch. Shaun wants to help out and becomes a “mad scientist” to save the pumpkins. His antics spiral out of control, and now a beast is roaming the woods of Mossingham. Shaun and the flock must now band together and save everyone in this new adventure.
The Cat in the Hat – November 6
Who would’ve guessed we’d have a new Dr. Seuss movie? Well, we’re getting a new The Cat in the Hat adaptation with this Warner Bros. Pictures Animation film. Starring Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live) as the titular cat in the hat, we follow the cat attempting to cheer up siblings Gabby, voiced by Xochitl Gomez, and Sebastian, voiced by Tiago Martinez, as they move into a new town. Hopefully, this movie brings chaotic fun as much as the original 2003 film did.
The Angry Birds Movie 3 – December 23
Last but not least, we have The Angry Birds Movie 3. As the final major animated movie dropping this 2026, this third installment brings audiences back to the iconic birds from the famous mobile game. Currently, information about the story remains under wraps. However, some interesting voice cast members we see joining this film include Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson and the Olympians), Emma Myers (Wednesday), Josh Gad (Frozen), Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox (Smosh on YouTube), MrBeast (MrBeast on YouTube), and more.