There’s nothing better than a session at the movies… splurging on popcorn and choc-tops, and settling in for a few hours of entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. Wondering what’s in store for this year? Here’s your guide to the best new kids’ movies out in 2026.
Looking for the best kids’ movies to keep the whole family entertained in 2026?
From animated adventures to heartfelt live-action tales, this year promises a lineup bursting with imagination, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic.
Whether you’re planning a movie night or a trip to the theatre, these upcoming releases are sure to delight children and parents alike. Get ready to discover the most anticipated kids’ films that will light up screens and spark young minds this year!
Best new kids’ movies coming out in 2026
The Pout-Pout Fish
THE POUT-POUT FISH is the hilarious and heartwarming story of an unlikely duo: Mr Fish a prickly recluse and Pip a hyperactive sea dragon. When catastrophe strikes, they must embark on a daunting undersea quest in search of a fabled mythical fish to grant their wish to save their homes. A seemingly impossible mission into the great unknown, their adventure is littered with infuriating roadblocks, unexpected dangers, dazzling wonders, irrepressible characters and heart-pounding excitement. So begins a full-throttle all-or-nothing race-against-the-clock, as these subaquatic misfits call upon all the strength, friendships and wisdom they’ve gained on their journeys to try to save the places that mean most to them!
- Release date: 1 Jan 2026
- Rated: G
- Running time: 92 mins
- Stars: Nick Offerman, Nina Oyama, Miranda Otto, Remy Hii, Mark Coles Smith, Nazeem Hussain, Jordin Sparks, Amy Sedaris
Grand Prix of Europe
Edda, a young mouse with big dreams of becoming a race car driver, lives in the vibrant world of a fairground operated by her father, Erwin. As the 50th anniversary of the European Grand Prix approaches, Edda sees a golden opportunity to turn her dreams into reality and save her father’s struggling business. When she meets her racing idol at the grand event, Edda is inspired to take a daring step. With determination and courage, she decides to get behind the wheel herself, racing against time and destiny to make her mark and bring hope to her family’s livelihood.
- Release date: 8 Jan 2026
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 98 mins
- Stars: Gemma Arterton, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Hayley Atwell, Lenny Henry, Rob Beckett
David
Beyond the giant’s shadow, the shepherd boy embarks on a journey to show his people that true power lies not in kingship, but in faith and freedom.
- Release date: 15 Jan 2026
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 115 mins
- Stars: Brent Dawes, Phil Cunningham
GROW
A pampered cat takes for granted the lucky hand he has been dealt after he is rescued and loved by Rose, a kind-hearted and passionate student. When he loses his ninth life, fate steps in to set him on a transformative journey.
- Release date: 15 Jan 2026
- Rated: PG
- Running time: 107 mins
- Stars: Golda Rosheuvel, Nick Frost, Jeremy Swift, Priya-Rose Brookwell, Dominic McLaughlin, Jane Horrocks, Tim McInnerny
GOAT
From Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the artists that made KPop Demon Hunters, comes GOAT, an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world. The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates aren’t thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionise the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”
- Release date: 12 March 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Running time: 96 mins
- Stars: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson
Hoppers
An animal lover seizes an opportunity to use technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver, uncovering mysteries in the animal world beyond anything she could’ve imagined.
- Release date: 26 March 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, Piper Curda
The Magical Faraway Tree
Based on Enid Blyton’s best-selling children’s classic, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran – a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary, eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learn to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.
- Release date: 26 March 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, Jennifer Saunders
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros., and follows The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which was released in 2023 and earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide. Both the 2023 film and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie are produced by Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo.
The film will be co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and will be released worldwide by Universal Pictures.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is directed by returning filmmakers Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, from a screenplay by returning screenwriter Matthew Fogel, with Brian Tyler returning to compose the score.
- Release date: 1 April 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Running time: 45 minutes
- Stars: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Kevin Michael Richardson, Brie Larson
The Sheep Detectives
The film follows George Hardy (Jackman), a shepherd who loves his sheep and raises them only for their wool. Every night, he reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand, never suspecting that not only can they understand, but they argue for hours afterwards about whodunnit. When George is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep realise at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The local cop, Tim Derry (Braun), on the other hand, has never solved a serious crime in his life, so the sheep conclude they will have to solve it themselves, even if it means leaving their meadow for the first time and facing the fact that the human world isn’t as simple as it appears in books.
- Release date: 7 May 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Hong Chau, Emma Thompson, Tosin Cole, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Conleth Hill, Mandeep Dhillon
Minions 3
Minions 3 marks the third instalment in the beloved Minions film series and the seventh overall entry in the Despicable Me franchise. The yellow, goggle-wearing troublemakers return for more hilarious adventures in this highly anticipated sequel. Set for release on June 18, 2026, fans can expect the signature slapstick comedy and infectious mayhem that have made these characters global favourites.
- Release date: 18 June 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Pierre Coffin
Toy Story 5
The toys are back! In Toy Story 5, Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the gang face their toughest challenge yet when they go head-to-head with a brand-new threat to playtime: technology. This “Toy meets Tech” adventure sees our beloved characters navigate an increasingly digital world where traditional toys must prove their worth.
This fifth instalment promises the heartwarming storytelling Pixar fans have cherished for decades.
- Release date: 18 June 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee
Supergirl
This isn’t your typical superhero origin story. Supergirl follows Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock from House of the Dragon) on a galactic quest for revenge, far from Earth. Unlike her cousin Superman, who was raised by loving parents, Kara witnessed everyone around her die on a dying planet for 14 years, making her a darker, more complex hero. Teaming up with young alien Ruthye to track down her father’s killer, Kara journeys across the galaxy with her dog Krypto and encounters bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa). Releasing June 26, 2026.
- Release date: 25 June 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Milly Alcock
Moana
In Disney’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
- Release date: 9 July 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Rena Owen, Dwayne Johnson, Frankie Adams, John Tui, Catherine Laga‘aia
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Return to Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story for the deadly 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This prequel follows young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada), who fans know as Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, as he’s selected to compete in this brutal edition of the Games. The star-studded cast includes Ralph Fiennes as a younger President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson reportedly return in cameos. Releasing November 20, 2026.
- Release date: 19 November 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Kieran Culkin
Disney’s Hexed
An awkward teenage boy and his Type-A mom discover that what makes him unusual might be magical powers that will turn their lives and a secret world of magic upside down.
- Release date: 26 November 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Josie Trinidad, Jason Hand
Jumanji 3
The gang’s getting back together for one final adventure! Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan return for the fourth and final instalment in the modern Jumanji franchise.
Director Jake Kasdan is back at the helm with what Johnson promises will be a “massive, fun, heartfelt adventure” that serves as the series’ grand finale. In a touching tribute, Johnson will wear a necklace containing the dice from Robin Williams’ original 1995 Jumanji film to honour the late actor who started it all. Releasing December 11, 2026.
- Release date: 26 December 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Awkwafina, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Nick Jonas, Bebe Neuwirth
The Angry Birds Movie 3
Red, Chuck, and the whole feathered flock are back for more electrifying adventures! Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Rachel Bloom, and Danny McBride return to voice the beloved characters in this third instalment of the animated franchise based on the popular mobile game.
Joining the flock are exciting new voice cast members, including Emma Myers, Keke Palmer, Lily James, Tim Robinson, and YouTube superstars MrBeast and Salish Matter. Smosh duo Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox also return as Hal and Bubbles. Expect more slingshot action, laughs, and family-friendly fun.
- Release date: 26 December 2026
- Rated: CTC
- Stars: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Rachel Bloom, Danny McBride, Emma Myers, Keke Palmer, Tim Robinson, Lily James, Marcello Hernandez, Walker Scobell, Sam Richardson, Anna Cathcart, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Nikki Glaser, James Austin Johnson, Psalm West, MrBeast, Salish Matter, Anthony Padilla, Ian Hecox
