These works were not only critically acclaimed and achieved unprecedented box office success, but also became true cultural phenomena that still linger in the collective memory.
The good news is that the 2026 animated line-up is shaping up to have the same creative ambition, betting on captivating themes and fascinating technical innovations. Here is our list of the six animated gems we are most excited about this new year. Happy watching!
GOAT
Release date: February 13, 2026
For those unfamiliar with the subject, Stephen Curry is considered a living legend in the NBA, but he has also been making waves off the court. A few years ago, Curry founded a new production company, Unanimous Media, and partnered with Sony Pictures, and since then, he has been involved in various films and television shows.
Now, Curry is venturing into animated film with GOAT. The production follows Will — voiced by Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things — a little goat determined to conquer the professional leagues of “roarball.”
It’s a story of overcoming adversity that draws parallels with Curry’s own career: the struggle of someone who is underestimated and ends up revolutionizing the game.
The official synopsis describes the following:
“This original action-comedy set in an all-animal world follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball — a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that ‘smalls can ball!’”
GOAT also features the original voices of Stephen Curry, Gabrielle Union, and David Harbour.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Release date: April 3, 2026
From the Mushroom Kingdom to the stars!
After saving the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser’s clutches in Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad head into space. The first installment broke all box office records after its release in 2023, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide.
Despite the usual secrecy surrounding Nintendo and Illumination, the plot of the original game and the latest movie trailer offer definitive clues about this installment.
Everything indicates that the protagonists will travel into deep space aboard the Comet Planetarium, where they will meet Rosalina, who will be played by Brie Larson.
This time around, the main villain will be Bowser Jr., whose mission will be to rescue his father, who remains captive in the custody of Mario and Luigi.
With its release scheduled for April 2026, it is inevitable to wonder whether this sequel will surpass the cultural phenomenon that changed the rules of the game.
Toy Story 5
Release date: June 19, 2026
Following the success of the fourth installment of Toy Story, which scored 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and proved that Woody and Buzz still had stories to tell, Pixar Animation Studios confirms the return of the acclaimed franchise. Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by McKenna Harris, Toy Story 5 will reunite the original voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Tony Hale.
The plot picks up after the emotional ending of the previous film, in which Woody said goodbye to his friends to live as a “lost toy” with Bo Peep.
However, this new sequel proposes a necessary reunion to face the most powerful “enemy” to date: technology.
This installment’s conflict doesn’t stem from a new toy, but rather from kids’ growing fascination with tablets and electronic devices. With Jessie taking on a leading role, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang must find a way to regain their owners’ attention in a world that seems to have forgotten the value of traditional toys.
Minions 3
Release date: July 1, 2026
Great news for fans of the yellow tide! Minions 3 will hit theaters earlier than expected: its release date has been moved up to July 1, 2026, almost a year ahead of the original schedule.
Since its debut in 2010, the Despicable Me saga has been an unstoppable phenomenon. The Minions, in particular, have proven their box office power: their first solo film grossed $1.159 billion, while the sequel, Minions: The Rise of Gru, reached $940.2 million, breaking domestic audience records.
Although plot details are being kept under wraps, it has been confirmed that the film will be a direct sequel to Minions: The Rise of Gru.
The dynamic trio of Kevin, Stuart, and Bob will return with their unmistakable energy to explore a new chapter in their formative years.
This project is a true “all-star reunion” for the franchise. The direction is in the hands of its original architect, Pierre Coffin, who not only defined the aesthetic of the saga but also returns to lend his voice to the protagonists. He is joined by Brian Lynch, the screenwriter of the original 2015 film, ensuring that this new adventure retains its essence.
Coyote vs. Acme
Release date: August 28, 2026
In 2026, movie theaters will welcome Coyote vs. Acme, a family comedy that combines live action with animation.
The plot presents us with a premise that is as hilarious as it is unprecedented: after decades of suffering catastrophic failures with ACME Corporation products in his eternal pursuit of the Road Runner, the Coyote decides to take his frustration to court.
To do so, he hires a human lawyer — as unfortunate as he is — to sue the industrial giant.
With this production, director Dave Green seeks to redeem the iconic Looney Tunes character. Speaking to Empire, Green explained that his goal is to dispel the myth of the Coyote as a villain: “We want to pop that myth and get into his soul and show you what really makes him tick.”
According to sources close to the project, the film is a comedic delight with an unexpected heart, ensuring that audiences will empathize and join #TeamCoyote.
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
Release date: October 9, 2026
Directed by Lauren Montgomery and co-directed by William Mata, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender serves as a continuation of the Nickelodeon animated television series that aired between 2005 and 2008, as well as the first production from Avatar Studios.
Starring the voices of Dave Bautista, Eric Nam, Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, and Steven Yeun, the plot takes place a few years after the events of the original series and follows everyone’s favorite characters, now as young adults.
Despite the secrecy surrounding the script, rumors suggest that the plot will explore the fragility of peace in a world still trying to heal the wounds of the Hundred Year War.
You won’t want to miss a single one of these titles! Let us know which ones you’re most excited about.