- Updated on December 28, 2025
Animation continues to be one of the most creative and commercially successful corners of Hollywood movie-making.
Nowadays, animated movies are exciting not only for kids but also for grown-ups. After a surge of groundbreaking titles in recent years, the next wave of animated films — spanning big-budget sequels, original stories, and imaginative adaptations — promises to keep audiences of all ages entertained.
From returning franchise favorites to bold new concepts, here’s a look at some of the most anticipated upcoming animated movies from Hollywood.
Upcoming animated films:
GOAT
- Voice cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson
- Director: Tyree Dillihay
- Release date: February 13, 2026
GOAT is a sports-comedy that brings together a diverse ensemble cast. While plot details are still emerging, the film promises a mix of action, humor, and inspiration — leveraging both star power and imaginative animation to tell its story.
Hoppers
- Voice cast: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, Dave Franco, Kathy Najimy, Ego Nwodim, Sam Richardson, Vanessa Bayer, Aparna Nancherla
- Director: Daniel Chong
- Release date: March o6, 2026
Hoppers is a quirky sci-fi action-comedy about a teenager whose mind is transferred into a robotic beaver in order to communicate with animals and protect their habitat from destruction. With an imaginative premise and an ensemble voice cast, the film promises the emotional depth and inventive humor audiences expect from Pixar’s original stories.
The Ark and the Aardvark
- Voice cast: Miles Teller, Aubrey Plaza, Jenny Slate, Rob Riggle, Craig Robinson, Stephen Merchant
- Director: John Stevenson
- Release date: April 30, 2026
This animated adventure comedy follows Gilbert the aardvark, who accidentally becomes leader of a quirky group of misfit animals tasked with guiding all the creatures onto Noah’s Ark. With laughs, heart, and a spirited voice cast, The Ark and the Aardvark blends classic tales with fresh comedic twists.
Wildwood
- Voice cast: Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tom Waits, Richard E. Grant
- Director: Travis Knight
- Release date: Not declared
Wildwood is an epic fantasy adventure based on the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis.
The story of the movie follows Prue and her friend Curtis as they journey into a hidden magical forest to rescue her kidnapped baby brother – confronting mysterious forces and unforgettable characters along the way.
Laika’s signature handcrafted visuals and all-star voice cast make this one of 2026’s most unique animated offerings.
Ray Gunn
- Voice cast: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Jamie Costa, John Ratzenberger
- Director: Brad Bird
- Release date: Not declared
Directed by animation veteran Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille), Ray Gunn is a neo-noir sci-fi action comedy produced by Skydance Animation for Netflix. The film centers on the titular character in a stylized futuristic world. With Bird’s distinctive blend of action and wit plus a dynamic cast, it’s one of the year’s most anticipated streaming animated movies.
The slate of upcoming animated movies demonstrates Hollywood’s ongoing commitment to creativity, diversity, and storytelling innovation. From sequels to beloved franchises like Zootopia and SpongeBob to original projects like Hoppers and Wildwood, there’s something for fans of every age. With a blend of heartwarming narratives, imaginative worlds, and star-studded voice casts, the future of animated cinema looks brighter — and more exciting — than ever.
