BEST ANIMATED MOVIES 2026 · US EDITION
The best animated movies of 2026 span several audiences and approaches. Family adventures sit beside anime, stop-motion, political satire, mature romance and adult science fiction. This 30-film guide treats animation as a medium rather than a synonym for children’s entertainment.
The calendar follows US releases, so a film that opened abroad or at a festival earlier may still qualify for a 2026 American debut. Released options and upcoming titles are separated, and hybrids are identified rather than presented as fully animated productions.
Best animated movies 2026 at a glance
Swipe the table horizontally on a small screen. Follow a movie title to its details.
| Movie | US release / type | Status | Genre | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoppers | March 6, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Animation / adventure / comedy | Disney+ — included with subscription (US; checked October 2, 2026) |
| Toy Story 5 | June 19, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Animation / family / comedy | Disney+ — included with subscription (US; checked October 2, 2026) |
| Swapped | May 1, 2026 — Netflix premiere | RELEASED | Animation / comedy / family | Netflix — included with subscription (US; checked October 2, 2026) |
| Steps | November 20, 2026 — Netflix premiere | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Animation / fantasy / comedy | Upcoming Netflix release |
| Forgotten Island | September 25, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Animation / fantasy adventure | Released; check the linked distributor or service for current US availability. |
| All You Need Is Kill | January 16, 2026 — First US theatrical release | RELEASED | Anime / science-fiction action | Digital purchase and Blu-ray |
| Minions & Monsters | July 1, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Animation / comedy / adventure | Digital purchase; physical editions available |
| GOAT | February 13, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Animation / sports / action comedy | Digital purchase and physical editions |
| Scarlet | February 6, 2026 — US limited theatrical; 2025 original release | RELEASED | Anime / fantasy adventure / action | Digital purchase and physical editions |
| Hexed | November 25, 2026 — Theatrical | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Animation / fantasy / family | Upcoming theatrical release |
| Wildwood | October 23, 2026 — Wide theatrical | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Stop-motion animation / fantasy / family | Upcoming theatrical release |
| Ray Gunn | December 18, 2026 — Netflix premiere | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Adult animation / science fiction / mystery | Upcoming Netflix release |
| In Waves | December 11, 2026 — Netflix premiere | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Animation / romance / drama | Upcoming Netflix release |
| ChaO | April 10, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Anime / romantic comedy / fantasy | Digital and Blu-ray release; retailer terms vary |
| Labyrinth | May 10, 2026 — Two-day theatrical engagement | RELEASED | Anime / science-fiction fantasy | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| The Super Mario Galaxy Movie | April 1, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| Charlie the Wonderdog | January 16, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| Tafiti: Across the Desert | January 30, 2026 — Limited theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| Buffalo Kids | February 6, 2026 — Limited theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| The Pout-Pout Fish | March 20, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| The Last Whale Singer | June 5, 2026 — Limited theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Adventure, Musical, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie | August 14, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| Coyote vs. Acme | August 28, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| The Angry Birds Movie 3 | December 23, 2026 — Theatrical | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation | Upcoming theatrical release |
| The Cat in the Hat | November 6, 2026 — Theatrical | CONFIRMED UPCOMING | Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy | Upcoming theatrical release |
| Animal Farm | May 1, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Comedy, Animation, Adventure | US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed |
| Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom | September 18, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Horror | Released; check the linked distributor or service for current US availability. |
| Another World | June 5, 2026 — Limited theatrical | RELEASED | Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Action | Digital purchase advertised; retailer terms vary |
| Cosmic Princess Kaguya! | January 22, 2026 — Netflix premiere | RELEASED | Anime / animation / musical fantasy | Released; check the linked distributor or service for current US availability. |
| Decorado | May 15, 2026 — Theatrical | RELEASED | Adult animation / dark comedy | Digital purchase advertised; retailer terms vary |
Released family animation
RELEASED
1. Hoppers
The robot-animal concept gives animation a reason to shift perspective between human intention and animal movement. It is the science-fiction comedy stop on this animation route.
US release: March 6, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Animation / adventure / comedy
Director: Daniel Chong
Starring / voices: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm
Runtime: 105 minutes
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Disney+ — included with subscription (US; checked October 2, 2026)
Best for: Animation viewers
Release and film details · US subscription availability · Official Disney trailers
RELEASED
2. Toy Story 5
A digital rival changes the visual world surrounding the familiar toys. Returning viewers can approach it as a story about play changing across generations.
US release: June 19, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Animation / family / comedy
Director: Andrew Stanton; co-director Kenna Harris
Starring / voices: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Greta Lee
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Disney+ — included with subscription (US; checked October 2, 2026)
Best for: Animation viewers
RELEASED
3. Swapped
Different animal bodies let physical comedy express a change in viewpoint. The identity swap is the central reason to select this among animal adventures.
US release: May 1, 2026 — Netflix premiere
Genre: Animation / comedy / family
Director: Nathan Greno
Starring / voices: Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Netflix — included with subscription (US; checked October 2, 2026)
Best for: Animation viewers
Release and film details · US subscription availability · Official trailer on Netflix
RELEASED
4. Forgotten Island
Filipino mythology supplies the fantasy setting, while friendship and memory give it an emotional stake. That combination makes it distinct from a generic escape quest.
US release: September 25, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Animation / fantasy adventure
Director: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado
Starring / voices: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Lea Salonga
Runtime: 109 minutes
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Released; check the linked distributor or service for current US availability.
Best for: Animation viewers
RELEASED
5. Minions & Monsters
The Hollywood setting lets the Minions’ visual comedy intersect with movie-monster imagery. It belongs in the broad comic-adventure branch of the selection.
US release: July 1, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Animation / comedy / adventure
Director: Pierre Coffin; co-director Patrick Delage
Starring / voices: Pierre Coffin, Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jesse Eisenberg
Runtime: 90 minutes
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Digital purchase; physical editions available
Best for: Animation viewers
RELEASED
6. GOAT
An invented sport allows animal scale and movement to shape the action. The smaller competitor supplies an accessible underdog thread through the athletic spectacle.
US release: February 13, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Animation / sports / action comedy
Director: Tyree Dillihay
Starring / voices: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Aaron Pierre
Runtime: 100 minutes
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Digital purchase and physical editions
Best for: Animation viewers
RELEASED
7. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
A cosmic expansion of Nintendo’s world gives game fans the clearest reason to choose this. Its PG label supports parental guidance, not an assumption of universal suitability.
US release: April 1, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Starring / voices: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black
Runtime: 1h 38m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Game-loving families
RELEASED
8. Charlie the Wonderdog
A superpowered family pet supplies a simple character hook. Viewers seeking animal-led comedy have a different option from the larger game and toy franchises.
US release: January 16, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
Director: Shea Wageman
Starring / voices: Owen Wilson, Tabitha St. Germain, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez
Runtime: 1h 35m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Superhero-animal adventures
RELEASED
9. Tafiti: Across the Desert
A desert expedition places an unlikely animal friendship inside a rescue story. Its first US release belongs to 2026 despite an earlier international opening.
US release: January 30, 2026 — Limited theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: Nina Wels
Starring / voices: Cosima Henman, Steve Hudson, Kathleen Renish
Runtime: 1h 22m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Friendship quests
2025 international release; 2026 US theatrical release.
RELEASED
10. Buffalo Kids
Train travel and a historical American setting differentiate this from contemporary animal animation. Its 2026 US release is separate from its earlier overseas history.
US release: February 6, 2026 — Limited theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: Juan Jesús García Galocha, Pedro Solís García
Starring / voices: Alisha Weir, Gemma Arterton, Sean Bean, Stephen Graham
Runtime: 1h 22m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Historical family adventure
RELEASED
11. The Pout-Pout Fish
A picture-book character moves into a feature-length ocean quest. The adaptation offers familiarity, while a new companion provides contrast within the journey.
US release: March 20, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: Ricard Cussó, Rio Harrington
Starring / voices: Nick Offerman, Nina Oyama, Jordin Sparks, Amy Sedaris
Runtime: 1h 29m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Undersea friendship stories
RELEASED
12. The Last Whale Singer
Song is a narrative tool in this animated ocean adventure. It is a musical selection with creature peril, rather than a wildlife documentary or gentle nature program.
US release: June 5, 2026 — Limited theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Musical, Animation
Director: Reza Memari
Starring / voices: Vincent Tong, Bruce Dinsmore, Chimwemwe Miller
Runtime: 1h 31m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Musical animal adventures
RELEASED
13. PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
The franchise’s rescue structure moves into a dinosaur setting. Familiar characters make the premise easy to place, while the feature adds volcanic danger.
US release: August 14, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: Cal Brunker
Starring / voices: Carter Young, Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews
Runtime: 1h 28m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: PAW Patrol and dinosaur fans
RELEASED
14. Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
Stop-motion farm comedy offers a word-light alternative to dialogue-heavy features. Its mild horror classification refers to a seasonal creature element, not adult horror intensity.
US release: September 18, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Horror
Director: Steve Cox, Matthew Walker
Starring / voices: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Nina Sosanya, Paul Whitehouse
Runtime: 1h 21m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: Released; check the linked distributor or service for current US availability.
Best for: Stop-motion Halloween comedy
Anime & Japanese animated films
RELEASED
15. All You Need Is Kill
This anime uses a repeated battle as its organizing rule. Choose it for science-fiction action; do not group it with younger-child cartoons merely because it is animated.
US release: January 16, 2026 — First US theatrical release
Genre: Anime / science-fiction action
Director: Kenichiro Akimoto
Starring / voices: Ai Mikami, Natsuki Hanae, Kana Hanazawa
Runtime: 82 minutes
Where to watch: Digital purchase and Blu-ray
Best for: Anime viewers
2025 festival debut; first US theatrical release in 2026. Adult animation; not a young-child recommendation.
RELEASED
16. Scarlet
Mamoru Hosoda’s revenge fantasy places a sword-bearing heroine in a story crossing eras. Its PG-13 content makes it a selection for older animation viewers.
US release: February 6, 2026 — US limited theatrical; 2025 original release
Genre: Anime / fantasy adventure / action
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Starring / voices: Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, Kōji Yakusho
Runtime: 111 minutes
US content rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Digital purchase and physical editions
Best for: Anime viewers
RELEASED
17. ChaO
An unlikely maritime couple provides the romantic-comedy angle. The Japanese voice cast and distributor information help viewers distinguish the edition they intend to watch.
US release: April 10, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Anime / romantic comedy / fantasy
Director: Yasuhiro Aoki
Starring / voices: Anna Nagase, Ouji Suzuka
Where to watch: Digital and Blu-ray release; retailer terms vary
Best for: Anime viewers
Original Japanese release 2025; US release 2026.
RELEASED
18. Labyrinth
A smartphone becomes the setting for a divided identity. The US theatrical engagement was a two-day event, so that date should not be read as an ongoing screening promise.
US release: May 10, 2026 — Two-day theatrical engagement
Genre: Anime / science-fiction fantasy
Director: Shoji Kawamori
Starring / voices: Suzuka, Taizo Harada, Takuto Teranishi; English voices Shay Rudolph, Jesse Inocalla, Nicholas Leung
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Anime viewers
US event May 10–11; do not imply ongoing theatrical availability.
RELEASED
19. Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
Virtual performance and a visitor from the Moon bring a traditional reference into a modern musical fantasy. Allow time for its unusually long anime-feature runtime.
US release: January 22, 2026 — Netflix premiere
Genre: Anime / animation / musical fantasy
Director: Shingo Yamashita
Starring / voices: Yuko Natsuyoshi, Anna Nagase, Saori Hayami
Runtime: 143 minutes
Where to watch: Released; check the linked distributor or service for current US availability.
Best for: Anime viewers
Live-action/animation hybrid
RELEASED
20. Coyote vs. Acme
This is a live-action/animation hybrid, included because the cartoon lead and physical-comedy tradition are central. The courtroom framework gives the hybrid format a specific purpose.
US release: August 28, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: Dave Green
Starring / voices: Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, Eric Bauza
Runtime: 1h 41m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Mixed-age cartoon comedy
Live-action/animation hybrid.
Adult & older-audience animation
RELEASED
21. Animal Farm
The animated form carries political satire, threats and power struggles. A PG label does not make the subject a gentle animal story for small children.
US release: May 1, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Animation, Adventure
Director: Andy Serkis
Starring / voices: Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Glenn Close, Woody Harrelson
Runtime: 1h 36m
US content rating: PG
Where to watch: US release recorded; current viewing availability not confirmed
Best for: Families discussing political allegory
2025 festival debut; US theatrical release May 2026.
RELEASED
22. Another World
Tommy Ng Kai Chung’s animated fantasy addresses life, death and the world beyond. This belongs with darker, older-audience animation, despite its visually fantastical premise.
US release: June 5, 2026 — Limited theatrical
Genre: Fantasy, Animation, Drama, Action
Director: Tommy Kai Chung Ng
Starring / voices: Kai-Chung Cheung
Runtime: 1h 51m
Where to watch: Digital purchase advertised; retailer terms vary
Best for: Animation beyond children’s cinema
2025 international debut; 2026 US release. Dark themes involving death and destructive anger.
RELEASED
23. Decorado
A mouse questioning a controlled world gives Alberto Vazquez’s feature a satirical target. Depression and death place it firmly in the adult-animation conversation.
US release: May 15, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Adult animation / dark comedy
Director: Alberto Vazquez
Where to watch: Digital purchase advertised; retailer terms vary
Best for: Adult animation viewers
Feature expansion of the 2016 short; original festival release 2025. Adult themes include depression, death and social control.
Confirmed upcoming — previews, not reviews
These scheduled films are previews. Their inclusion does not claim that the finished films have been reviewed or ranked alongside released selections.
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
24. Steps
The upcoming Cinderella variation turns attention toward characters normally placed at the edge of the tale. Follow its eventual release for the animated fairy-tale reinterpretation.
US release: November 20, 2026 — Netflix premiere
Genre: Animation / fantasy / comedy
Director: Alyce Tzue and John Ripa
Starring / voices: Ali Wong, Stephanie Hsu, Amanda Seyfried, Nikki Glaser
Where to watch: Upcoming Netflix release
Best for: Animation viewers
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
25. Hexed
Disney’s announced magical-world adventure centers a mother and teenager together. Put it on the future-animation calendar while the finished film’s audience guidance remains pending.
US release: November 25, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Animation / fantasy / family
Director: Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand
Starring / voices: Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Jodie Foster, Walton Goggins
Where to watch: Upcoming theatrical release
Best for: Animation viewers
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
26. Wildwood
LAIKA’s forest quest brings stop-motion into the year’s fantasy selection. Its announced child-abduction stakes mean craft interest and family suitability should be considered separately.
US release: October 23, 2026 — Wide theatrical
Genre: Stop-motion animation / fantasy / family
Director: Travis Knight
Starring / voices: Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali
Where to watch: Upcoming theatrical release
Best for: Stop-motion animation viewers
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
27. Ray Gunn
An adult detective story in a futuristic metropolis broadens the range of subjects here. Brad Bird’s involvement is a reason to follow the release, not an advance quality verdict.
US release: December 18, 2026 — Netflix premiere
Genre: Adult animation / science fiction / mystery
Director: Brad Bird
Starring / voices: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits
Where to watch: Upcoming Netflix release
Best for: Adult animation viewers
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
28. In Waves
A romance interrupted by illness gives this upcoming animation a mature dramatic focus. Choose it for emotional storytelling rather than expecting comic escapism.
US release: December 11, 2026 — Netflix premiere
Genre: Animation / romance / drama
Director: Phuong Mai Nguyen
Starring / voices: Will Sharpe, Stephanie Hsu
Where to watch: Upcoming Netflix release
Best for: Animation viewers
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
29. The Angry Birds Movie 3
The announced sequel introduces a parental role for Red. Keep it in the upcoming group until its December opening and final content details can be checked.
US release: December 23, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Director: John Rice
Starring / voices: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Rachel Bloom, Danny McBride
Where to watch: Upcoming theatrical release
Best for: Angry Birds fans
CONFIRMED UPCOMING
30. The Cat in the Hat
Warner Bros.’ animated adaptation is scheduled for November 6. Earlier October marketing should not be used to describe its current release plan.
US release: November 6, 2026 — Theatrical
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation, Fantasy
Director: Alessandro Carloni, Erica Rivinoja
Starring / voices: Bill Hader, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson
Where to watch: Upcoming theatrical release
Best for: Dr. Seuss and fantasy-comedy fans
How to use this guide
These are editorial discovery selections based on documented story premises, creative teams, different viewing interests and genre variety. They are not a claim of firsthand screenings, an objective ranking, or a list sorted by one review score. No invented star ratings or audience statistics are used. A 2026 US debut can follow an earlier international or festival release. Future films, where present, are previews rather than evaluated favorites.
Frequently asked questions
Are all 30 animated films for children?
No. Adult and older-audience animation has its own section. Animal Farm, Another World and Decorado deal with themes that require a different decision from a younger-child adventure.
Is the 2026 Moana included?
No. The 2026 Moana is a live-action adaptation and belongs in the family guide. Coyote vs. Acme is included here as an explicitly labeled live-action/animation hybrid.
Why are some anime films older on other databases?
A Japanese opening or festival premiere may predate the US debut. The year criterion here is a 2026 public US release, with earlier history identified where relevant.
Continue your movie search
Start with the 2026 best-movies guide. Plan ahead with the upcoming calendar or check this month’s US releases.
