Not Only 'Hoppers': 5 Most Anticipated Animated Movies to Be Released in 2026
From sequels to iconic franchises to original projects inspired by the mythology of different countries.
Animation is experiencing a golden age. KPop Demon Hunters set a Netflix record, and Ne Zha 2 was the most profitable project of 2025.
The secret to its success is simple: good animations appeal to everyone, from toddlers to their grandmothers. In 2026, four giants – Pixar, Illumination, DreamWorks, and Disney – will compete for audiences, and each has something special in store.
1. 'Toy Story 5'
Release Date: June 19, 2026
The fifth installment of the iconic Pixar franchise brings back an aged (and bald) Woody and his friends: Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Forky, and more. This time, the toys must confront a new threat: the high technology that has captivated modern children.
They are aided by a frog-shaped tablet voiced by Greta Lee. Andrew Stanton, a two-time Oscar winner and the creator of Finding Nemo and Wall-E, will direct.
2. 'Forgotten Island'
Release Date: September 25, 2026
DreamWorks Animation is developing a new Shrek movie and releasing the original project, Forgotten Island, this year. Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who brought us the wonderful Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, directed the movie.
Inspired by Philippine mythology, the plot follows two friends who are trapped on a mystical island. To escape, they must give up all their memories.
The voice cast includes singer HER, Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Manny Jacinto. This is DreamWorks' first original script in many years – their previous hit, The Wild Robot, was an adaptation.
3. 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'
Release Date: April 1, 2026
The sequel to one of the highest-grossing animations of all time is subtitled Galaxy Movie, referencing the 2007 game Super Mario Galaxy.
The plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi, will once again embark on a journey to outer space. Anya Taylor-Joy and Jack Black reprise their roles, while Brie Larson and director Benny Safdie join the voice cast. The biggest surprise for fans is the appearance of the dinosaur Yoshi.
4. 'Hexed'
Release Date: November 25, 2026
Despite the previous failures, Disney continues to take risks with original projects. The new animated movie Hexed tells the story of an awkward teenager whose quirks turn out to be magical abilities.
Along with his mother, he discovers a secret world hidden from humanity. Creators promise that the atmosphere will be similar to that of Frozen and Zootopia, but without the songs – creative director Jared Bush confirmed that there will be no musical numbers.
5. 'Minions & Monsters'
Release Date: July 1, 2026
Following the colossal success of the fourth Despicable Me movie, one thing became clear: the Minions franchise would live on forever. In 2024, Universal and Illumination began production on the third movie starring the mischievous yellow creatures.
Series veteran Pierre Coffin is directing once again, and Brian Lynch wrote the screenplay. The story takes place in 1920s Hollywood, where the Minions attempt to create their own classic horror movie.
Judging by the teasers, it's going to be wild – the Minions have already recruited Mini-Cthulhu to play the lead.
