It's hard to believe 2026 is already halfway over. As summer rolls on and new releases keep coming, this year has proven to be a standout for animated films. From original stories to long-awaited sequels, there's no shortage of excellent choices. And with highly anticipated titles like Wildwood, Steps, and Hexed still on the horizon, the best may be yet to come.
Some movies have soared to new heights, while others have quietly faded. Some franchises delivered successful sequels, while others sparked debate between critics and fans. Whether they debuted in theaters or on streaming, these films have been fantastic additions to the world of animation. From January through June, here are the best animated movies of 2026, ranked.
6. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
A sequel to the charming 2023 hit, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie brings back fan favorites for a cosmic adventure. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black reprise their roles, joined by Brie Larson as Rosalina and Donald Glover as Yoshi. The film focuses on family bonds—Mario and Luigi as brothers, Rosalina and Peach as sisters, and Bowser and Bowser Jr. as father and son. It delivers the same thrilling action and excitement as the first, with interstellar themes that sci-fi fans will love.
Despite being the first movie this year to cross $1 billion at the box office, it's not without criticism. The Rotten Tomatoes scores—42% from critics versus 88% from audiences—show a sharp divide. You either love it or hate it, but it's undeniably a major contributor to 2026's animated lineup.
5. Goat
Sony Animation proves again they can deliver engaging, visually rich stories with Goat. This clever play on "greatest of all time" follows a young goat named Will Harris (Caleb McLaughlin) who dreams of playing roarball. He must overcome doubters and prove that size doesn't matter—it's the size of the game in the player. The cast is stacked with talent from acting, sports, and music, including David Harbour, Gabrielle Union, Nicola Coughlan, Stephen Curry, and Jennifer Hudson. With a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and strong box office performance, Goat is a perfect pick for families who love sports-themed movies.
4. Minions and Monsters
In the latest Despicable Me franchise entry, director Pierre Coffin's Minions and Monsters follows James and Henry as they try to make a monster movie in Old Hollywood. Set before the events of 2015's Minions, this is the third Minions film and seventh overall. It opens with a hilarious sequence of the Minions accidentally killing their masters, then becomes a charming, slapstick-heavy tribute to classic Hollywood. The early stretches are the best, offering a sophisticated satirical shift. The middle act drags a bit, but the finale delivers the chaotic comedy fans expect. Despite earning the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in the series, it opened soft at the box office, suggesting waning interest. Still, it's one of the better films in the franchise and will find its audience on digital.
3. Toy Story 5
Disney once again revives a beloved franchise with Toy Story 5, featuring characters that feel like family. It's a crowd-pleaser that delivers all the feels and nostalgia fans expect. The film has been a major box office player, with the largest debut of the year at $312 million, and has already surpassed $1 billion globally. Its theme—exploring technology and children's screen time limits—is more relevant than ever, making it a valuable addition to the canon.
2. Hoppers
Considered by many as Avatar for kids, Hoppers follows Mabel (Piper Curda) as she fights to save a wild... (the original excerpt cuts off, but the film is praised for its environmental message and stunning animation). It's a visually breathtaking adventure that resonates with young audiences and critics alike.
For more animated gems, check out our list of 10 Overlooked Animated Gems That Deserve Your Attention or explore the best animated buddy comedy movies.
