If you feel like you just stepped out of the theater from Moana 2 or Zootopia 2, take a breath. The cycle never stops. Honestly, keeping track of the release calendar for family films is basically a full-time job at this point. Studios shuffle dates like a deck of cards, and what was "definitely" coming out in November suddenly vanishes until next spring.
But 2026 is looking stacked. We aren't just talking about the usual churn of sequels—though, let's be real, there are plenty of those. We’re seeing a mix of high-concept Pixar originals, a very space-heavy Nintendo sequel, and the return of a certain cowboy who probably should have retired ten years ago.
If you're looking for kid movies coming out soon, specifically as we head deeper into 2026, here is the ground truth on what is actually hitting the big screen.
The Heavy Hitters: Pixar and Disney's 2026 Slate
Disney is leaning hard into nostalgia while trying to prove they still have that "original" spark. It’s a weird tension. You’ve got a massive legacy sequel on one hand and a bizarre sci-fi experiment on the other.
Toy Story 5 (June 19, 2026)
Yes, they’re doing it again. Most of us thought Toy Story 4 was the definitive "goodbye," but Pixar has other plans. Andrew Stanton is back in the director's chair for this one, which gives some of us hope that it won't just be a cash grab.
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The plot is actually kind of interesting. Instead of a new kid or a lost toy, the gang is facing off against technology. Basically, Buzz and Woody are competing for attention against tablets and phones. It’s a "Toys vs. Tech" vibe that feels a little too real for parents who have to pry iPads out of their kids' hands every night.
Hoppers (March 6, 2026)
This is the one Pixar nerds are actually talking about. It’s a brand-new original story. No sequels, no prequels.
The premise is wild: a girl named Mabel uses "brain-hopping" technology to put her consciousness into a robotic beaver. Why? To go undercover in the animal kingdom. It sounds like a fever dream, but Pixar usually excels when they go this weird. If it lands, it could be the next Inside Out. If not, well, it’s a movie about a robot beaver.
Moana Live-Action (July 10, 2026)
Technically not "animated," but let's be honest, it’s for the same crowd. Catherine Laga‘aia is taking over the title role, while Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is returning as Maui. It’s coming out remarkably fast after the animated sequel, but Disney knows the iron is hot. Expect a lot of CGI water and very expensive ticket prices.
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The Blockbuster Sequels You Can't Escape
Illumination and Nintendo are basically printing money at this point. If you thought the "Peaches" song was the peak of the Mario mania, get ready for round two.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 3, 2026)
The official title seems to be leaning into the Galaxy branding. This isn't just a "Mario 2." It’s taking the plumbers into space. Chris Pratt and the rest of the gang are returning, and rumors are swirling about Brie Larson voicing Rosalina. Expect gravity-defying set pieces and a soundtrack that will be stuck in your head for three months.
Minions 3 (July 1, 2026)
Love them or hate them, the yellow tic-tacs are inevitable. Illumination has set a prime July 4th weekend release for this one. There aren't many plot details yet, but does it really matter? There will be slapstick, gibberish, and probably a very successful Happy Meal tie-in.
Surprising Originals and New Adaptations
Away from the "Big Two," we’re getting some of the most interesting projects of the year. Some of these have been in development hell for years.
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- The Cat in the Hat (November 6, 2026): Warner Bros. is trying to do for Dr. Seuss what they did for LEGO. This is a fully animated version, not the live-action nightmare from the early 2000s. Bill Hader is voicing the Cat, which is honestly perfect casting.
- GOAT (February 13, 2026): Sony Pictures Animation is behind this one. It’s a sports comedy about a goat who wants to play "roarball." It’s being described as a mix of Zootopia and Spider-Verse in terms of energy.
- PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie (August 14, 2026): If you have a toddler, you already know. The pups are going to a dinosaur island. There will be volcanoes. There will be toys. You will probably be asked to buy them.
- Wildwood (May 22, 2026): This is the one for the "cool kids" (and their parents). Laika, the studio behind Coraline, is finally releasing their next stop-motion epic. It’s based on the Colin Meloy novels and looks absolutely stunning.
Why the 2026 Calendar Keeps Shifting
You might notice some dates look a bit different on various websites. That’s because the industry is still dealing with a massive "bottleneck." Between post-production delays and studios trying to avoid opening against a Marvel movie, dates are fluid.
Kid movies coming out soon are especially prone to this because they rely so heavily on "vacation windows." If a movie misses the start of summer or the Thanksgiving break, its box office potential drops significantly.
Also, keep an eye on streaming. While most of the titles above are theatrical-first, Disney+ and Netflix often announce "surprise" family drops only 2-3 months in advance. Snoopy’s Big City Adventure is expected on Apple TV+ sometime this year, though a hard date is still elusive.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Moviegoers
Planning a movie outing isn't as simple as just showing up anymore. If you want to actually enjoy these releases without the stress, here is how to handle the 2026 slate:
- Check the MPAA Ratings Early: Studios are pushing "family" movies into PG-13 territory more often lately (looking at you, Avengers: Doomsday). While most on this list are safely PG, keep an eye on Wildwood—Laika films can get pretty spooky.
- Monitor "Premium" Formats: For The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, you’ll want to book IMAX or Dolby Cinema well in advance. These big-budget sequels sell out opening weekends fast.
- Watch the Re-Releases: 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Madagascar. Look for limited-time theatrical re-releases in late spring; it's a great way to introduce the "classics" to younger kids for a cheaper ticket price.
- Sync Your Subscriptions: If you’re waiting for Hoppers or Toy Story 5 to hit streaming, the window is usually about 60 to 90 days after the theater premiere. Don't cancel your Disney+ subscription in June if you want to see the new Pixar flick by September.
The theater experience is getting more expensive, but the 2026 lineup suggests that studios are at least trying to put some visual spectacle back into the "family night out." Whether it's a robot beaver or a plumber in space, there’s enough variety to keep the kids quiet for at least two hours.