Animated Central
by Animated Central Editorial

The 15 Best Animated Movies of 2026 (So Far)

Our ranked list of the best animated films released or announced for 2026. From studio blockbusters to indie gems.

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Animation Is Having a Moment

2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for animation. Studios are taking bigger creative risks, streaming platforms are investing heavily, and the line between "animated" and "live-action" continues to blur.

The Rankings

1. Inside Out 3 (Pixar)

Pixar returns to one of its most beloved franchises. This time, Riley is in college navigating even more complex emotions. Early screenings suggest it's Pixar's most emotionally mature film yet.

2. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (Sony)

The conclusion to the Spider-Verse trilogy. If it's anywhere near as good as Across the Spider-Verse, it'll be a masterpiece.

3. The Wild Robot 2 (DreamWorks)

The sequel to 2024's surprise hit. The original was one of the best-reviewed animated films of the decade, and the sequel explores the relationship between technology and nature further.

4. Moana 2: Expanded Edition (Disney)

A theatrical re-release with 25 minutes of new footage, essentially making it the definitive version of the 2024 sequel.

5. Shrek 5 (DreamWorks)

Yes, it's real. The original cast is back, and the early concept art suggests DreamWorks is taking the franchise in a surprisingly fresh direction.

Ones to Watch

  1. Dog Man (DreamWorks) — Based on Dav Pilkey's graphic novels
  2. Elio (Pixar) — Sci-fi adventure about a kid who becomes Earth's ambassador to aliens
  3. Transformers One Sequel (Paramount) — Following the origin story hit
  4. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Extended — Anime-influenced, theatrical cut
  5. Nimona: Season 1 (Netflix) — The film becomes a series

Indie & International

  1. The Summit of the Gods sequel (French/Japanese co-production)
  2. Mars Express 2 (French sci-fi animation)
  3. My Father's Dragon 2 (Cartoon Saloon)
  4. The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store (Japanese)
  5. Memoir of a Snail sequel (Adam Elliot, Australia)

Why You Should Care

Animation isn't just for kids. The medium is producing some of the most innovative, emotionally resonant storytelling in cinema. If you're sleeping on animated films, you're missing out on some of the best movies being made.