Let’s be honest, finding an activity that everyone in the family can genuinely agree on is a modern-day miracle. But there’s one place that seems to have a universal appeal: the movie theater.
It’s more than just the reclining seats, big screen, and buckets of popcorn (though that is a plus!). I’ve found that the precious, uninterrupted quality time, sitting side-by-side, sharing a laugh, and then debating the best character or plot twist all the way home has created some of the best memories for my family. Connecting over a shared experience is special, and where the real magic happens.
Luckily, 2026 has a blockbuster slate of family films, paving the way for more family time. We’ve made it easy for you to plan ahead and get your crew excited. Here are 10 family-friendly movies we’re most looking forward to hitting the big screen in 2026!
‘Charlie the Wonderdog’
In Theaters: January 16, 2026
This animated adventure is a perfect blend of heart and hilarious superhero action. Beloved family dog Charlie (voiced by Owen Wilson) is abducted by aliens and—naturally—comes back with superpowers! He becomes the greatest superhero the world has ever seen: Charlie the Wonderdog! But Charlie’s heroism is tested as he battles a villainous, power-hungry cat threatening to upend humanity. At its core, this is a heartwarming story about the unbreakable bond between a boy (Danny) and his dog, proving that even with fame, Charlie’s greatest power is his family.
‘GOAT’
In Theaters: February 13, 2026
Produced by NBA legend Stephen Curry, this animated sports comedy is guaranteed to hype up the competition (and the laughs)! Will (voiced by Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin) is a little goat (aka underdog) with enormous dreams. He gets his “shot” to play “roarball,” an intense sport dominated by the fiercest animals around.
The release is timed perfectly with the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, making it the ideal movie to fuel your household’s sports fanaticism. And the cast has a stacked roster, including the voices of Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Jennifer Lewis, Jennifer Hudson, Gabrielle Union, and even Steph and Ayesha Curry themselves!
‘Hoppers’
In Theaters: March 6, 2026
In this new Pixar original, you can expect stunning animation, a unique story, and plenty of educational conversation fodder for the car ride home. Hoppers is about a sharp young girl named Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda) who uses cutting-edge technology to literally hop her consciousness into a robotic beaver. Why? To infiltrate the animal world and solve an ecological crisis!
You can never go wrong with a Pixar film that blends adventure with important, real-world themes like environmentalism. It’s sci-fi with a social conscience—and a secret agent beaver!
‘The Pout-Pout Fish’
In Theaters: March 20, 2026
Based on the beloved New York Times bestselling book, the story follows the hilarious and heartwarming mission of the grumpy recluse Mr. Fish (voiced by Nick Offerman) and his hyperactive sidekick, a sea dragon named Pip (voiced by Nina Oyama). They must work together to save their home. If the book is in your constant read-aloud rotation, it’s guaranteed to make a sweet, simple, ideal “first movie” experience for toddlers and preschoolers!
‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’
In Theaters: April 3, 2026
The 2023 Super Mario Bros movie was a global phenomenon (and yes, we all still sing Jack Black, as Bowser’s, “Peaches”). The sequel is here, and it’s sending everyone’s favorite plumbers into space! This time, the adventure is based on the popular Super Mario Galaxy video game. Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) are blasting off to a cosmic world! It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia for the parents who grew up glued to their Nintendo consoles and fresh, fast-paced action for the kids who love the newest adventures.
‘Toy Story 5’
In Theaters: June 19, 2026
Thirty years after the original film first tugged at our heartstrings, Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) are back! While Toy Story 4 felt like the emotional finale, the gang is reuniting for a fifth chapter—and it has a modern twist.
The teaser hints that the toys are taking on the ultimate new villain: technology! The film is rumored to center on the challenges of navigating a world dominated by screens, smart speakers, and high-tech toys. Which means that this sequel is poised to be an amazing opportunity for parents to talk with their kids about the balance between imagination, classic play, and screen time. Plus, we’re all dying to see how Woody finds his way back to the gang after he became a “lost toy” at the end of Toy Story 4!
‘Minions 3: Mega Minions’
In Theaters: July 1, 2026
Pure. Slapstick. Fun. This is the seventh film in the Despicable Me franchise (and the third just for the adorable Minions), giving a reliable burst of silly, summer holiday chaos. Details on the plot are scarce, but you can absolutely count on more hilarious, googly-eyed, gibberish-speaking adventures for Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) and his yellow henchmen. The Minions are a universally funny antidote to summer boredom, providing nonstop, easily digestible laughs for the whole family.
‘Moana’ (Live-Action)
In Theaters: July 10, 2026
Disney’s live-action adaptations are keeping the magic alive, and this one has a familiar face! Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is reprising his role as the voice and now the live-action persona of Maui. Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia steps into the sandals of Moana, the courageous young girl who answers the Ocean’s call. The film is sure to be a visually stunning retelling of the 2016 animated classic because it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and strong female leadership.
‘PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie’
In Theaters: August 14, 2026
The third big-screen adventure for Ryder and the pups is combining the familiar comfort of the PAW Patrol with two guaranteed kid-favorites: dinosaurs and volcanoes! In this film, the pups get shipwrecked on a mysterious dinosaur island. They team up with a stranded new pup named Rex and must work together to save the island from an erupting volcano—all thanks to the inevitable hijinks of Mayor Humdinger! For families with kids ages 3–7, this is a cinematic event. Combining teamwork, community service, and prehistoric action? Chances are, you’ll be seeing this one more than once!
‘The Cat in the Hat’
In Theaters: November 6, 2026
The iconic Dr. Seuss book is getting a new, beautifully animated treatment, guaranteed to be a hit just as the 2026 holidays kick off. The mischievous Cat (voiced by Bill Hader) has his toughest assignment yet: cheering up two siblings who are struggling with a difficult move to a new town. Expect an incredible amount of mayhem, magic, and general chaos as the Cat spreads joy the only way he knows how. And, it’s a great way to introduce the whimsy of the world of Dr. Seuss and The Cat in the Hat to a new generation!
