2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for children’s movies and family-friendly theatrical releases. From long-running franchises and familiar characters to original stories built specifically for younger audiences, the upcoming slate offers a wide mix of styles, tones, and age ranges. Whether your child is excited about animated adventures, fantasy worlds, or sequels to movies they already love, there’s no shortage of options arriving on the big screen.
With four kids at home ranging from preschool age to 14-years-old, it can be a challenge for me to find movies I know the entire family will love, however, the lineup of 2026 children and family movies has a lot of “fun for all ages” options both in animated and live-action form.
Some of these movies are obvious picks for younger kids, others skew older, and a handful look like genuine “everyone in my family will love this” experiences. There are also several releases that bring back characters and franchises many parents grew up with, which adds a fun layer of nostalgia when planning family movie nights.
Below are the 2026 children and family movies I’m most looking forward to watching with my kids in theaters. I’ve included the movies in order of release date and I’ve added their MPAA age rating when available, so parents can quickly decide if a movie is appropriate for their kids. I’ve also included information about why these movies may be a great watch for children of various ages based on early first looks, trailers, and other available information.
Charlie The Wonderdog
Release Date: January 16, 2026
MPAA Rating: PG
This animated adventure balances heartfelt storytelling with fast-paced, laugh-out-loud superhero action. When the family’s beloved dog, Charlie (voiced by Owen Wilson), is abducted by aliens, he returns to Earth with extraordinary powers and an unexpected new identity: Charlie the Wonderdog.
Suddenly thrust into the role of the world’s greatest canine superhero, Charlie must face a cunning, power-obsessed cat bent on putting humanity at risk. Beneath the spectacle and humor, the story centers on the enduring bond between Charlie and his owner, Danny, reminding viewers that no amount of fame or power outweighs loyalty, love, and family.
We are a superhero obsessed family and also have a house filled with multiple pets so this feels like a natural fit for our entire family. Any opportunity to watch a superhero movie while also exploring family and pet bonds is a win in my book.
GOAT
Release Date: February 13, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
GOAT follows a small goat who is unexpectedly given the opportunity to compete in roarball, a high-intensity sport dominated by much larger animals. As he enters the professional league, he faces skilled opponents, demanding training, and mounting pressure to prove he belongs, with each match pushing him closer to the biggest game of his life.
I’m a fan of clever movie titles so that immediately caught my attention, the sport featured in the movie also seems easy to understand, which should help my younger kids stay oriented, while the competitive pressure and physicality will likely be a hit among my 11 and 14-year-old children who tend to be very competitive with each other.
If the movie doesn’t slow down too much for exposition, it should work well when attention spans vary and you want something that keeps moving without constant explanation.
Hoppers
Release Date: March 6, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Hoppers follows a teenager who uses experimental technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver. While living among animals in this new form, she becomes involved in events that threaten their environment and must navigate unfamiliar dangers while searching for a way to resolve the situation and return to her own body.
This movie sits comfortably in the middle of my family’s spectrum. The animal perspective and physical humor make it accessible for my younger kids, and I’m sure my outdoor loving two youngest daughter’s are going to love that aspect of the movie, while the technological premise will give my older kids more to engage with.
It appears to be a good option when you want something imaginative without being overwhelming or emotionally heavy.
The Pout-Pout Fish
Release Date: March 20, 2026
MPAA Rating: PG
Based on the children’s book of the same name, the film follows two unlikely aquatic companions who set out on a dangerous journey to save their underwater home after it is threatened by forces beyond their control. As they travel across the ocean, they face natural obstacles, hostile creatures, and setbacks that test their partnership and determination, ultimately forcing them to work together to protect the place they call home.
The book is already a hit among younger audiences and the movie’s focus on them makes it well-suited for families with young kids at home who enjoy character-driven stories and silly antics. My two older kids may find it slower than most of the other options on this list, but they both enjoy movies about fish (I’m looking at you Nemo) so I’m sure they will find something to like.
Based on the trailer there are plenty of fast moving moments but also some slower pacing at times. Plus it’s a familiar book which should make it an easy sell thanks to recognizable characters and general themes.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Release Date: April 3, 2026
MPAA Rating: PG
The sequel sends Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their allies beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into outer space, where a new threat spans multiple galaxies. As the group travels from world to world, they encounter unfamiliar enemies, shifting environments, and challenges tied to each galaxy’s unique rules. To stop the threat and restore balance, Mario must navigate these dangerous worlds while working with his allies to reach the heart of the conflict.
We’re a gaming family who play a lot of 2-player and 4-player Nintendo Switch games together and the first Mario Bros. animated feature film was a massive hit in our house. The bright visuals and nonstop motion are sure to keep younger viewers engaged and the humor is easy for kids and adults to get behind.
It’s also well served in a theater setting where different age groups are absorbing the movie in different ways but the same level of excitement. This is a “must see in theaters” title for all members of my household.
Animal Farm
Release Date: May 1, 2026
MPAA Rating: PG
The animated adaptation of Animal Farm follows the animals of a farm who rebel against their human owner and take control of the property themselves. As they attempt to build a new society based on equality, leadership gradually shifts, rules are rewritten, and power becomes concentrated among a small group of animals. Over time, the farm changes in ways that mirror the system the animals originally sought to escape.
As an educational watch, Animal Farm is perfect for my older kids who can engage with the move in a meaningful way as they are now starting to understand the book’s message through school activities, and current events. It encourages critical thinking about leadership, propaganda, and how language can be used to reshape truth over time.
While it’s not designed for very young children, in our home we believe that children are a lot smarter than they often get credit for, and learning important lessons starts at an early age. Just like the book of the same name, this movie should offer preteens and teens a stepping stone to discuss why systems fail, how good intentions can be exploited, and why questioning authority matters.
It’s less of a traditional family movie and more of a conversation starter which I really appreciate
Toy Story 5
Release Date: June 19, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Toy Story 5 follows Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the toys as they face a changing play environment where electronic devices begin to replace traditional toys. As the group is separated, reassigned, and forced into new situations, they must navigate shifting relationships and uncertain futures while trying to remain part of a child’s life.
There is never a point in time where I can see myself skipping out on a Toy Story movie in theaters. I love this series because it keeps my younger kids engaged with help from an ensemble of unique and goofy characters who they are now very familiar with, while my older kids are now at the age where they are more connected to the added emotional tension around growing up and leaving things behind.
It’s a movie franchise that consistently holds the attention of everyone from 3-years-old through our adult years.
Minions 3
Release Date: July 1, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Minions 3 follows the Minions on a brand new adventure. Details are pretty scarce about this one but we can expect plenty of misunderstandings and mistakes that lead to escalating situations. If there’s one thing we know about the Minions it’s that they are quick to scramble and fix the chaos they helped create.
My entire family loves the entire Minions universe and we’ll see anything with this crew of screwball characters who consistently deliver high energy antics. We go to the theaters to watch the Despicable Me and Minion movies because they are simple entertainment that delivers plenty of laughs for kids, teens, and adults.
Moana (Live-Action Release)
Release Date: July 10, 2026
MPAA Rating: PG
Disney’s live-action Moana follows Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian chief, whose island begins to suffer from a growing environmental crisis. Guided by the ocean, she sets out on a dangerous voyage beyond the reef to return the heart of Te Fiti, encountering powerful forces and unexpected allies along the way.
As her journey unfolds, Moana must confront the source of the imbalance threatening her people and restore harmony to the ocean and her home.
As a family movie, this is one of those releases that naturally spans a wide age range. Younger kids can follow the adventure and connect with Moana’s journey without needing to understand every mythological detail, while older kids are more likely to appreciate the scale, danger, and emotional weight of the quest.
In my household Moana has been viewed multiple times, but it’s not by far as popular as some other franchises. With that being said, my kids have loved almost every live-action version of Disney movies they have seen to date so this will be worth a watch in theaters in 2026.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
Release Date: August 14, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
After a powerful storm, the PAW Patrol is swept off course and lands on a remote island inhabited by dinosaurs. When Mayor Humdinger’s reckless actions trigger a volcanic eruption, the pups must navigate unfamiliar terrain, prehistoric dangers, and time-sensitive rescues. The story follows the familiar PAW Patrol structure while adding larger set pieces and environmental hazards that raise the stakes.
This movie is clearly designed with younger viewers in mind. Paw Patrol delivers on bright visuals, clear problem-solving beats, and recognizable character roles make it easy to follow, especially for preschool and early elementary audiences.
I may end up at the theaters with just my three, eight, and 11-year-olds, as I have for other “preschool age” movies, but I’m sure all three of them will enjoy the experience, even if my 11-year-old is mostly there just to have another theater experience. This may stand up as the best children’s movie of 2026 for my 3-year-old, then again, she’s already mastered Mario Kart, so Nintendo may still win out this year!
Coyote vs. Acme
Release Date: August 28, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
After a long string of disastrous failures involving gadgets supplied by the ACME Corporation, Wile E. Coyote finally decides to fight back, this time in court. Struggling lawyer Kevin Avery, who earns a living as a human billboard, agrees to take Coyote’s case and sue ACME for the damage caused by its products.
As the legal battle unfolds, Kevin and Coyote form an unlikely bond that fuels their resolve. Standing in their way is Buddy Crane, Kevin’s formidable former boss, now leading ACME’s defense and determined to crush the case.
I fully admit that my desire to see this movie with my kids is to introduce them to some nostalgia from my childhood but in a new, modern way. I also want to personally see the movie out of pure curiosity. You may recall that the movie was shelved by Warner Bros. Pictures as part of a tax write-off. The movie was picked up for distribution in 2025.
Outside of the history behind the making of the movie, I think my younger kids can laugh at the visual gags without needing context, while my older kids are at an age where they are starting to catch layered humor and references. I’m hoping for a fun, fast, and intentionally low-pressure movie that still teaches important lessons about corporate responsibility and fighting for what’s right.
Forgotten Island
Release Date: September 25, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Forgotten Island follows two lifelong friends who become stranded on the mysterious world of Nakali after an unexpected event pulls them away from home. As they search for a way to escape the island, they learn that its rules are tied to memory, forcing them to make difficult choices that could cost them the memories they share in order to return home.
This is one of the quieter and more emotionally driven films in the 2026 kids and family movies lineup. Based on the first look at the movie it appears to move deliberately, focusing on atmosphere and internal conflict rather than action-heavy sequences.
My too youngest kids love a great outdoor adventure which I’m hoping will be enough to keep them entertained.
Shaun The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (2026)
Release Date: October 31, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom follows Shaun and the flock when a mysterious creature begins causing havoc around Mossy Bottom Farm.
As the animals investigate the disturbances, they attempt to uncover the true identity of the “beast” while navigating a series of mishaps and escalating problems that threaten the farm. Their efforts to stop the chaos lead to unexpected revelations about what is really behind the strange events.
My kids love stop animation and I haven’t introduced them to a lot of Shaun The Sheep movies. With that being said, we are big fans of Halloween in our family and this seems like a fun experience during the spooky season.
My two youngest love physical humor and animal antics which should resonate with them with this new outing from Aardman Animations, while my two older kids are more likely to appreciate the clever visual problem-solving and cause-and-effect storytelling.
Shaun the Sheep films don’t rely on a bunch of spoken language which naturally encourages observation, inference, and patience which are obviously skills that translate well beyond movie night.
As a huge fan of Aardman Animations I’m hoping this becomes one of the best children’s and family movies of 2026.
The Cat In The Hat
Release Date: November 6, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
The Cat in the Hat follows the Cat as he arrives to disrupt an ordinary day for a group of children, pulling them into a series of unexpected adventures. As the Cat leads them from one strange situation to another, the day spirals into escalating chaos that challenges the children to navigate the consequences of his actions before everything goes too far.
This is a must-see with my three and eight year olds. The Cat In The Hat in general is likely to work best for families with preschool and early elementary kids who respond to visual energy and playful unpredictability.
With that said, I’m sure my older kids may enjoy parts of the movie, after all, just like me, they grew up with the entire Dr. Seuss library tucked neatly on the shelves of our home library.
The Butter Battle Book is still one of my favorite books of all time so I’m all in on this new adventure!
Hexed
Release Date: November 25, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Hexed follows an awkward teenager who discovers that his unusual behaviors are the result of hidden magical abilities. When his powers begin to manifest, he and his mother are drawn into a concealed supernatural world with its own rules and dangers. As they navigate this unfamiliar realm, both must confront the consequences of his abilities and find a way to restore stability to their lives.
This movie skews slightly older in tone, especially in its focus on identity and independence, but I have a feeling my younger kids, who are both big Harry Potter fans, will enjoy the film’s magic and magical visuals.
For my older two, I’m interested to see how the perceived emotional beats resonate and if they recognize the push-and-pull between structure and self-expression.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Release Date: November 26, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew follows Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, two children who discover a form of magic that allows travel between different worlds. Their experiments lead them to several strange realms before ultimately bringing them to a newly created land that will become Narnia. Along the way, they inadvertently release a powerful evil and witness the arrival of Aslan, events that shape the future of Narnia long before the stories that follow.
It’s Narnia, directed by Greta Gerwig, and that’s enough on its own to get me excited for this next adventure in the Narnia series. Younger kids can latch onto the wonder of world-hopping, talking animals, and magical imagery, while older kids are better positioned to follow the heavier themes surrounding temptation, responsibility, and unintended consequences.
My 14-year-old read the entire Narnia series years ago and I have a feeling she may head back for a second read either before or after watching this film.
Special Release Note: The movie is expected for a limited IMAX release before making it’s way over to Netflix.
Jumani 3
Release Date: December 11, 2026
MPAA Rating: PG-13
The fourth and final installment in the Jumanji franchise, it is the direct sequel to Jumanji: The Next Level, the third film in the modern version of the popular movie series. Details are pretty scares at this point in time.
For kids, this next movie in the Jumanji series will likely work especially well as a thinking-oriented adventure rather than just a spectacle-driven one. The movie franchise has done a good job of reinforcing ideas around teamwork, problem-solving, and understanding individual strengths and weaknesses within a group. It’s a movie franchise that invites discussion afterward about risk, cooperation, and growth.
Who am I kidding, my kids will be talking about explosions, the silly choices made by the movie’s characters, and that’s about it.
The entire reboot of the Jumanii series has been fun and I’m hoping this conclusion to the trilogy (of the new generation of Jumanji movies) places it among the best children’s and family movies of 2026.
With Moana also featuring Dwayne Johnson, it sure does seem to be shaping up to be another banner year for one of Hollywood’s biggest action movie stars of all time.
The Angry Birds Movie 3
Release Date: December 23, 2026
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
The Angry Birds Movie 3 follows Red, Chuck, and the rest of the flock. The full details for this movie haven’t yet been revealed but we can expect plenty of wild antics to ensue. I will update this synopsis as more details emerge later in the year.
As previously mentioned, my kids are big gamers and that includes Angry Birds on their phones and our Meta Quest 3. This movie which will round out our 2026 children’s and family movie schedule will be just about going to the theaters to watch something wacky.
The Angry Birds movies have never required sustained focus or deep investment, which helps when different age groups are watching together. While it may not linger in memory, the franchise is about enjoying a bunch of wackiness in the moment and that’s sometimes enough when you are at the theater with a child, or in my case, four children.
And that wraps up my 2026 children’s and family movies schedule. In 2026 it looks like we will have at least one movie outing per month.
There are also some big superhero movies we’ll take our kids to see that I didn’t include on the list above because they aren’t exactly considered “family-friendly” options for many parents.
As a Marvel loving family there’s a good chance that Wonder Man (January 27), Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31), and Avengers: Doomsday (December 18) will receive not just one, but potentially several viewings, thanks to discounted matinee pricing and our Marcus Theaters annual pass that my wife often takes advantage of with our homeschooled children.