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What family movies are coming out in 2026? The slate ranges from familiar characters in Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters to original animated adventures such as Hoppers. This ranking weighs family-audience relevance, premise or character recognition, release prominence, and the breadth of likely household appeal. It is an editorial guide, not a poll or measured anticipation score. Some 2026 releases have already arrived; others are still ahead on the U.S. calendar.
How this ranking works
The list compares franchise familiarity, animation versus live action, release timing, originality, and likely age-range breadth. Those are editorial criteria, not audience survey results. A well-known character can make a film easy to plan around, while a new premise may offer something less familiar. Neither guarantees that a movie will suit every child.
The Associated Press reported that 26 wide-release PG movies were slated for 2026, compared with 24 in 2025 and 18 in 2024. That is a count of slated PG releases, not a count of family films. AP also reported an NRG finding that 41% of Gen Z moviegoers went to theaters at least six times in the prior year, up from 31% two years earlier; the figure is not specific to family films. AP’s report offers industry context, but neither statistic measures anticipation for the ten titles below.
The 10 most anticipated family movies of 2026
1. Toy Story 5
U.S. release date: June 19, 2026. Format: Animated sequel.
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Pixar returns to Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the toys with a “Toy meets Tech” story. Disney’s official description introduces Lilypad, a tablet device whose ideas about what is best for Bonnie put the toys in conflict with a very different kind of plaything. Andrew Stanton directs, Kenna Harris co-directs, and Randy Newman returns for the score. The familiar ensemble and a contemporary premise give this sequel the broadest appeal on the list: longtime fans have a reason to return, while the toys’ encounter with technology gives the story a new point of tension. Disney’s film page lists the date and credits.
2. Hoppers
U.S. release date: March 6, 2026. Format: Original animated comedy.
In Pixar’s original premise, a young animal lover transfers her consciousness into a robotic beaver so she can communicate with animals and help protect their habitat. That unusual setup makes Hoppers the most distinctive counterpoint to the sequels and adaptations here: it has a clear animal-adventure hook without requiring viewers to know an existing franchise. Disney describes the film as a comedy. Disney’s official description supplies the premise and date.
3. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Release timing: A 2026 title; confirm the current date and territory with local listings. Format: Animated franchise film.
Rank #2
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Mario is one of the slate’s most recognizable family-facing properties, giving this film a natural draw for households already familiar with the games and their characters. The Associated Press includes it among 2026 films aimed at young moviegoers. Its position here reflects that franchise recognition, not a verified audience ranking. Check local release details and the final rating before making plans. AP’s 2026 family-movie report discusses the title.
4. Minions & Monsters
U.S. release date: July 1, 2026. Format: Animated franchise comedy.
The Minions are making a monster movie in 1920s Hollywood as sound enters filmmaking, according to the Associated Press’s summer guide. That period setting gives the familiar comic characters a different backdrop from their usual antics, while the movie-within-a-movie idea makes the premise easy to grasp. It is a strong pick for households that enjoy broad visual comedy and already know the characters. AP’s summer movie guide lists the date and setup.
5. Moana
U.S. release date: July 10, 2026. Format: Live-action adaptation.
Rank #3
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This live-action version adapts Disney Animation’s 2016 film. The Associated Press identifies Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Its familiar characters and story give families a clear reference point, while the change from animation to live action makes it a different viewing proposition from a straight sequel. For viewers deciding between this and the original, the main distinction is the new format, not an entirely new story. AP’s summer guide reports the casting; Disney’s release calendar lists the date.
6. The Mandalorian and Grogu
U.S. release date: May 22, 2026. Format: Star Wars science-fiction film.
The film brings the Star Wars characters Din Djarin and Grogu to the big screen, making it a prominent choice for families who already follow the franchise. AP included it among releases targeting young moviegoers but noted it was then unrated. That audience targeting is not an age rating or a guarantee of suitability. Parents should check the final rating and content guidance before deciding whether it fits their child. Disney lists the date on its release calendar; the AP report provides the audience and rating context.
7. Forgotten Island
U.S. release date: September 25, 2026. Format: DreamWorks Animation feature.
Rank #4
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The Associated Press describes this animated adventure as a story about two best friends who find a mysterious portal. That premise promises a new-world journey rather than a return to an established franchise, which makes it one of the slate’s more intriguing choices for viewers looking for a fresh setting. Further plot or character details are not established in the cited coverage. AP’s fall release guide lists the date and premise.
8. Hexed
U.S. release date: November 25, 2026. Format: Disney Animation feature.
AP describes an unconventional teenage girl who discovers magical abilities and family mysteries alongside her mother. A mother-and-daughter relationship gives this fantasy premise a family connection beyond its magic, while its late-November timing makes it a title to watch for holiday-season plans. AP’s fall guide supplies the date and description.
9. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
U.S. release date: July 31, 2026, according to AP’s 2026 report. Format: Superhero franchise film.
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Spider-Man’s familiar hero and high-profile franchise make this a likely household conversation, but superhero branding should not be mistaken for a child-friendly rating. AP names it among films targeting young moviegoers; that describes intended audience reach, not age suitability. Confirm the final rating and content guidance before choosing it for younger viewers. AP’s report lists the film and date.
10. The Cat in the Hat
Release timing: Listed as a 2026 family title; confirm its current U.S. date with the studio or local listings. Format: Animated adaptation.
The Cat in the Hat is a recognizable children’s character, making the title an obvious candidate for family watchlists. However, the release-calendar and premise details available for this guide do not establish a current schedule entry or a sufficiently detailed studio description. Treat it as a title to verify rather than a firm date-specific plan, and check the studio’s current listing before relying on its timing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Planning around the 2026 release calendar
The dates above are U.S.-focused; release timing can differ by territory and may change. Disney’s calendar gives June 19 for Toy Story 5 and July 10 for Moana, while AP’s fall guide lists September 25 for Forgotten Island and November 25 for Hexed. For any title still ahead, check a local cinema listing close to the date. If a movie has already opened in your area, current showtimes are more useful than an older slate announcement.
For age suitability, use the final rating and accompanying content guidance rather than a studio’s family positioning or a report that a film targets young moviegoers. Ratings and release details can vary by territory, so consult the local classification as well as the final film listing.
Quick Recap
Best new family movies to watch in 2026: choosing by household
- For a familiar animated franchise: Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie build on known characters or properties.
- For a new animated premise: Hoppers and Forgotten Island offer animal communication and a mysterious-portal adventure, respectively.
- For fantasy or science fiction: Hexed centers on magical abilities and family mysteries; The Mandalorian and Grogu and Spider-Man: Brand New Day draw on larger franchises, so check their final suitability for your child.
- For a live-action take on a known story: Moana revisits the 2016 animated film in a new format.
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