Feature-length animation has been in an exciting and high-quality moment in the modern era, with the wide array of sequels to classic animated franchises, as well as engaging original films that are moving the medium forward. However, the great state of the industry is not only thanks to the successful animated films of the past few years, but also to the array of exciting projects about to be released.
Whether it be the latest releases from tried-and-true classic studios or new faces leaving their mark on the medium, many exceptional animated films are set to come out over the next few years, becoming must-watch experiences for any and all fans. These aren’t the only animated films of note set to premiere soon, but these are some of the most striking and effective releases that audiences need to keep an eye on.
‘Swapped’ – Release Date: May 1st, 2026
With the vocal talents of Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple, as well as bringing together a lot of ex-Disney talent, Swapped is setting itself up to be Netflix’s defining animated offering of 2026. The film sees Jordan and Temple as a woodland creature and a majestic bird, who suddenly go from being mortal enemies to unlikely allies as their bodies are suddenly swapped. The duo soon ends up getting a greater understanding of the others’ perspectives as they fight to survive the deadly wilderness.
While the animated offerings of Skydance Animation haven’t exactly blown away audiences yet, Swapped seems to have the exact levels of charm and earnestness required to make for a really impactful animated hit. It’s definitely setting itself up to recapture that sense of Disney magic in a new and engaging way, and especially after his Academy Award win, you simply can’t underestimate the star power and influential pull of Michael B. Jordan.
‘Minions & Monsters’ – Release Date: July 1st, 2026
Illumination has been one of the most consistent studios for massive blockbuster success in the world of animation, having just had massive box-office success with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Minions & Monsters hopes to follow up on the already lucrative and widely beloved franchise with yet another goofy installment of animated hijinks and mischief. The film sees the Minions getting into all sorts of rambunctious adventures in Hollywood, as well as going on a quest to find some real underworld monsters to use for their movie.
While the series has been perceived as relatively simplistic and basic by some critics, there is a clear passion and love for it, most prominently seen by the previous Minions film, which spawned the massive “gentle minions” trend. While it’s still early to determine whether this film will have a similar trend, it’s certain to deliver the same signature Minions style of humor, potentially becoming a box-office juggernaut in the process.
‘Shrek 5’ – Release Date: June 30th, 2027
While Shrek was once a titan of an animation franchise during the 2000s, the franchise has been in a large dry spell as DreamWorks prioritized some of its other IPs and original films. However, following the massive success of the spinoff film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, now is the perfect time for the long-awaited fifth film to strike, with Shrek 5 poised to be yet another box-office smash for the franchise.
However, even more than simply being a new entry in the franchise, the potential for this animated satire feels rife with creative brilliance. The original films were all-time icons of animated comedy movies, being some of the first films that come to mind when considering this specific subgenre. Also to keep in mind is just how much the prospects and culture surrounding Shrek have changed since the last entry, with it feeling all but inevitable for this modern film to comment on that in some way.
‘The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender’ – Release Date: October 9th, 2026
Even over a decade and a half since its conclusion, Avatar: The Last Airbender remains one of the most celebrated and exceptionally crafted animated series of all time. As such, the prospect of a cinematic continuation of the franchise following the beloved characters into adulthood has all sorts of expectations and hype in following up on a legend of 21st-century animation. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender hopes to recapture the true magic of the franchise with the same creative forces as that original series.
The film will follow Aang and his friends embarking on a global quest to find an ancient power that has the potential to save his culture from extinction. So many people have wanted to see a continuation of these characters for so long now, as it will certainly be praised and loved by fans if it even comes close to recreating the magic of the original series.
‘Hexed’ – Release Date: November 25th, 2026
Walt Disney Animation Studios has certainly had more success with their franchise sequels than original films in recent years, yet Hexed seems to be oozing with that sense of charm and likability that makes an original Disney film flourish. Set for the classic Thanksgiving week release, the film will follow an awkward teen discovering that his distinct quirks are actually magical powers, transforming the lives of himself and his mother as they uncover a mysterious magical realm.
Many details are still shrouded in mystery, aside from its distinct mother-son theming and an overwhelming focus on all things magic. It almost feels like a Disney spin on Harry Potter, and considering the fact that the studio hasn’t had an original animated film since the lackluster Wish in 2023, this feels like the perfect opportunity to remind audiences that Disney are titans of original animated storytelling.
‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ – Release Date: June 18th, 2027
Few animated films of recent memory have been as overwhelmingly praised and influential as the Spider-Verse saga, with many fans waiting with bated breath over the climactic conclusion to the trilogy, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. The fact that so little has been shown about the film has been stinging fans for years now, considering not only the fact that Across the Spider-Verse ended on a cliffhanger, but the original release date of the film was 2 full years ago in March 2024.
It’s certain to feature the same strikingly beautiful and electrifying animation that made the previous two films such fan-favorites, with the prospects of Miles now being on the run from the Spider Society and facing off against an alternate-universe Prowler version of himself instantly hooking audiences. The film is one of the safest bets as far as brilliant animated films are concerned, as fans are begging that the film not get delayed again.
‘Forgotten Island’ – Release Date: September 25th, 2026
The next film from DreamWorks Animation will be Forgotten Island. This original story brings together Joel Crawford, director of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and first-time director Januel Mercado to create a striking, colorful story of friendship, adventure, and memories. The film follows a duo of long-time best friends who find themselves stranded on a fantastical but dangerous island, searching for a way home but possibly having to sacrifice their lifetime of memories together.
From the trailer alone, it’s easy to see that Forgotten Island has the same sense of striking, exceptional animation that made The Last Wish such a surprise fan-favorite. Combining this animation style with some entertaining original characters and a vast island of creative potential of its premise seems to be a recipe for some genuinely great animation that perfectly exemplifies the strengths of modern DreamWorks. It certainly has the potential to be a perfect DreamWorks movie if it can effectively recreate the charm of The Last Wish.
‘Ally’ – Release Date: 2027
Ally acts as a massive rarity within the animation industry, seeing the absolutely legendary South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho making the jump to animation. Considering just how creative and brilliantly original his filmmaking has been in the likes of Parasite, Memories of Murder, and Mickey 17, the concept of Bong creating an animated film is as shocking as it is exciting. The film is still a far way out, but its very existence and production is cause for excitement, especially after the first look release of the main character’s baby blue design.
Ally follows a lovable squid dreaming of becoming the star of a wildlife documentary, but those plans of stardom come to a sudden halt when an aircraft sinks into the ocean, threatening the safety of the peaceful maritime world. From the premise alone, it’s easy to see how Bong can utilize his signature themes of class and capitalistic greed throughout this story, while simultaneously imbuing it with the charm and lovability that animation can provide.
‘Toy Story 5’ – Release Date: June 19th, 2026
No singular franchise of computer-animated films has been as simultaneously influential and critically praised as the Toy Story films. The prospect of additional sequels following the legendary ending of Toy Story 3 still feels weird, but it doesn’t take away any of the must-watch qualities of Toy Story 5. The film sees the toys having to deal with the difficulties of technology, with Bonnie receiving a tablet that has put their jobs out of commission.
While some are wary about such a direct anti-technology message, if any franchise is going to tackle this topic with grace and care, it’s going to be Toy Story. The animation feels as breathtaking as always, as there is a simple charm and coziness to seeing these beloved characters back on the big screen. It’s up in the air whether the film will live up to the other Toy Story films, but either way, it’s still absolutely the must-watch animated blockbuster of the year.
‘Wildwood’ – Release Date: October 23rd, 2026
LAIKA has made a name for itself by creating some of the most beautifully crafted stop-motion animated films of the modern era, with layered storytelling that appeals to children and adults alike. However, the studio hasn’t released a film since 2019’s Missing Link, with their upcoming Wildwood finally looking like a return to form for the legendary animation studio. The film is setting itself up to be the studio’s most ambitious film to date, a sprawling adventure with massive stakes that pushes stop-motion to its absolute limits.
The film follows a girl’s desperate quest to save her baby brother as they travel through a forbidden forest filled with magical creatures, lovable allies, and dangerous enemies. Her quest will have massive ramifications as this entire magical realm threatens to fall out of balance if she fails. Large chunks of the film are still shrouded in mystery, but LAIKA has such an exceptional track record that it’s impossible to imagine Wildwood being anything less than a work of art.
Wildwood
- Release Date
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October 23, 2026
- Director
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Travis Knight
- Writers
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Chris Butler, Carson Ellis, Colin Meloy