The 6 Best Animated Movies of 2026 So Far, Ranked: Toy Story 3, Swapped, and More
Animation Is Having a Moment in 2026
2026 has been an unexpectedly strong year for animated films. From Pixar to Illumination, from heartwarming originals to franchise sequels, animation studios have been delivering the goods. Collider recently ranked the best animated movies of the year so far — and the list is stacked with titles that deserve your attention.
The Top 6 Animated Films of 2026
1. Toy Story 3 — Wait, didn't Toy Story 3 already happen? Yes, but this is a reimagining from Pixar that takes the beloved characters in a bold new direction. Woody, Buzz, and the gang navigate a world where kids have moved on to AR toys, and the existential questions hit harder than ever. With Tom Hanks and Tim Allen returning, this is Pixar at its most ambitious.
2. Swapped — A body-swap comedy from DreamWorks Animation that follows a teenager and her grandmother who accidentally switch bodies during a family reunion. Think Freaky Friday meets Coco. The voice cast includes Awkwafina and Jamie Lee Curtis, and the emotional finale has been making grown adults cry in theaters.
3. Minions and Monsters — Illumination mashed up its two biggest franchises — Minions and classic Universal Monsters — into one chaotic, surprisingly funny adventure. The Minions accidentally reanimate Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man, and chaos ensues. It's silly, energetic, and the kids absolutely love it.
4. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — Following up the billion-dollar success of the first Mario movie, Nintendo and Illumination went cosmic with this sequel. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser blast into space to save the Luma galaxy. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic returned, and the film became another massive box office hit.
5. Hoppers — Pixar's original sci-fi comedy about a team of rabbits sent to explore an alien planet. It's weird, heartwarming, and visually stunning — classic Pixar.
6. Alpha — A stunning hand-drawn animated film from Cartoon Saloon (Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea) about a young wolf finding her pack. It's the most visually beautiful animated film of the year and a strong Oscar contender.
Whether you're a parent looking for family-friendly entertainment or just an animation fan, these six films represent the best 2026 has to offer so far.
Post a Comment for "The 6 Best Animated Movies of 2026 So Far, Ranked: Toy Story 3, Swapped, and More"