If your children are already asking what movies are coming next, they're not alone. Studios have packed the year with highly anticipated releases, beloved characters and exciting new adventures designed to keep families entertained. The lineup of kids movies coming out in 2026 includes everything from long-awaited sequels and animated blockbusters to fresh stories that could become the next big family favourites. Whether your household loves talking animals, magical worlds, superheroes or laugh-out-loud adventures, there is plenty for families to look forward to at the cinema this year.
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If 2025 delivered some memorable family films, 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger. From long-awaited sequels and beloved children’s book adaptations to exciting new animated adventures, families will have plenty of reasons to head to the cinema. Whether your child loves talking animals, dinosaurs, superheroes or magical worlds, there is something on the release calendar to suit almost every age and interest.
Here are some of the most anticipated kids’ movies coming out in 2026.
Toy Story 5
More than 30 years after the original film introduced audiences to Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Pixar is returning to one of its most successful franchises. This new adventure explores how toys compete for children’s attention in a world increasingly dominated by technology and screens. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice Woody and Buzz, while several new characters join the story. The film is scheduled for release in June 2026. For many parents, this will be a nostalgic trip back to childhood. For today’s kids, it could become their first Toy Story cinema experience.
Hoppers
Pixar’s original animated film for 2026 follows a young animal lover who uses advanced technology to communicate with animals by inhabiting a robotic beaver. The result is a funny and heartfelt adventure that combines environmental themes with Pixar’s trademark humour and emotion. Original stories have become increasingly rare in animation, making Hoppers one of the most intriguing family releases of the year.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
The pups are heading to dinosaur territory in their latest big-screen adventure. When the PAW Patrol team becomes stranded on an island filled with dinosaurs, they must work together to protect both the island and its prehistoric inhabitants from disaster. Given the enormous popularity of the television series among younger children, this is likely to be one of the biggest preschool releases of the year.
The Cat in the Hat
Dr Seuss’s famous troublemaker returns in a brand-new animated adaptation. Featuring a fresh take on the classic story, the film aims to introduce the beloved character to a new generation while staying closer to the spirit of the original books. Families familiar with Dr Seuss’s whimsical worlds will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
Fans of the hugely successful Avatar universe have been waiting years for this one. The animated feature follows older versions of the beloved characters from the original series and expands the world that captivated millions of viewers around the globe. While younger children may not fully appreciate the deeper themes, tweens and teens are likely to be counting down the days until release.
The Angry Birds Movie 3
The feathery rivals return for another adventure packed with comedy, chaos and over-the-top action. The previous films proved surprisingly popular with family audiences and the third instalment hopes to continue that success. Expect plenty of visual humour and familiar characters that younger viewers already know and love.
The Magic Faraway Tree
Based on the classic children’s books by Enid Blyton, this magical adventure follows a family who discover an extraordinary tree filled with fantastical worlds and unforgettable characters. With a strong cast and decades of literary popularity behind it, this could become one of the standout family films of the year. For parents who grew up reading the books, this adaptation offers a chance to share a beloved childhood story with their own children.
GOAT
One of the newer animated releases generating buzz for 2026, GOAT promises a fun sports-themed adventure with humour, heart and plenty of action. Family audiences looking for something completely new may find this one particularly appealing.
Why 2026 Looks Like a Great Year for Family Movies
What stands out about the 2026 movie slate is its variety. Studios are not relying solely on sequels. Alongside established franchises such as Toy Story and PAW Patrol, audiences will also see fresh stories, classic book adaptations and entirely new worlds. For parents, that means more opportunities to find films that appeal to the whole family rather than just one age group. For children, it means a year filled with dinosaurs, talking animals, magical adventures, superheroes and plenty of laughter.
Conclusion
From the return of Woody and Buzz to dinosaur-filled rescue missions and magical trees that transport children to extraordinary worlds, 2026 is packed with family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re planning school holiday outings, birthday treats, or simply looking for the next movie night favourite, these upcoming releases are well worth adding to your watchlist. The hardest part may simply be deciding which one to see first.
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