Top 10 Best Animated Films of 2026 (So Far)

#10: “Swapped” (2026)

Skydance Animation got off to a rocky start, but the studio’s third feature, “Swapped,” is easily their best thus far. Although that isn’t the highest bar to clear, Skydance significantly ups their game here in terms of animation, atmosphere, and worldbuilding. At the forefront is Nathan Greno, who co-directed “Tangled,” which shines through in this film’s vibrant visuals. While the story centers on talking animals, “Swapped” is at its best when it lets the character animation and Siddhartha Khosla’s musical score do the talking. Even if the “Freaky Friday” setup isn’t anything groundbreaking, the story does throw some genuine curveballs, helping “Swapped” to stand out. In fact, it gained 38.7 million views in a week, setting a new record for Netflix.

#9: “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (2026)

Like its 2023 predecessor, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” might not be the most character-driven animated film. In the spirit of a “Mario” platformer, though, the film is a sugar rush without a dull moment in sight. Illumination once again brings a cinematic flair to the animation, with richer details than you’d find in a typical cutscene. On a pure spectacle level, the film is worth experiencing on the silver screen, making the audience feel as if they, too, are soaring through the stars. Lifelong Nintendo fans will be treated to an onslaught of cameos and references that, yes, may overshadow the plot. Yet, the kid in us has a hard time complaining when a film manages to work in Star Fox and Wart!

#8: “Decorado” (2025)

This Spanish animated feature comes from director Alberto Vázquez, who previously brought us “Birdboy: The Forgotten Children” and “Unicorn Wars.” Vázquez has compared “Decorado” to “The Truman Show.” While both films share similarities, Truman found himself trapped in a painfully ordinary world with something strange transpiring behind the scenes. Arnold the Mouse’s world is far from ordinary. Every day is unhinged cartoon chaos, although Arnold’s life mirrors ours to an extent, as he deals with unemployment, a capitalistic system, and a desire to break free from his surroundings. As the title suggests, the scenery steals the show here, with Vázquez’s trademark style making for a sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, and always engaging ride. Arnold may feel confined, but Vázquez’s craft knows few limits.

#7: “All You Need Is Kill” (2025)

You might be surprised to learn how many people don’t realize that “Edge of Tomorrow,” starring Tom Cruise, was based on a Japanese light novel, “All You Need Is Kill.” For those who’ve always wanted a more faithful interpretation, this anime feature is closer to the source material. That’s not to say there aren’t some significant changes, namely, shifting the main perspective from Keiji to Rita. This presents a familiar story in a fresh light, with director Kenichiro Akimoto’s film ultimately standing on its own. Izumi Murakami’s character designs and the kinetic action distinguish the film from other entries in the timeloop subgenre. You may feel like you’ve heard this story before, but the filmmakers aren’t merely repeating themselves.

#6: “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” (2026)

Imagine Isao Takahata’s “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” crossed with Mamoru Hosoda’s “Belle.” You’d get something along the lines of this zany anime musical. The setup is taken from a timeless tale, but the execution couldn’t be more modern, incorporating elements such as streaming, virtual reality, and a pop soundtrack. Beyond the lively animation and infectious music, the film tells a heartfelt story about a young Moon girl looking for a happier ending. A girl from Earth becomes equally invested in securing an ending for both of them that isn’t written in the stars. Although the titular character’s fate may seem preordained at first, “Cosmic Princess Kaguya” is anything but predictable, truly reinventing a story for a new generation.

#5: “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” (2026)

One of the most anticipated animated features of the year is technically the final two episodes of Gooseworx’s internet phenomenon, “The Amazing Digital Circus.” However you define it, “The Last Act” was a cinematic event, grossing millions at the box office in what’s been a game-changing year for filmmakers who started on YouTube. Michael Kovach’s voiceover work as Jax is a standout, solidifying his place as the Digital Circus’ saddest figure. While we wish a few characters got more screentime, this feature-length finale builds to a bittersweet resolution that provides satisfying answers to our most lingering questions. With some of the most striking animation in the series and the emotional stakes at an all-time high, this was an experience well worthy of the big screen.

#4: “Goat” (2026)

From “Into the Spider-Verse” to “KPop Demon Hunters,” Sony Pictures Animation has been on a hot streak as of late. “Goat” is another slum dunk, turning its pun title into something far more inspired. The underdog - or under-goat - story may not stray too far from the formula, but Tyree Dillihay executes it with stimulating visuals and immersive environments. The central sport of “roarball” operates much like basketball, although playing on courts made of lava and ice makes for a far more interesting game. Sony’s signature style goes hand in hand with a subject like sports, taking what’s already an intense pastime and dialing it up to eleven in ways that only animation can. Maybe not the greatest of all time, but an expertly played game.

#3: “Hoppers” (2026)

While Pixar has been through peaks and valleys in recent years, “Hoppers” puts the animation powerhouse back on top. Director Daniel Chong of “We Bare Bears” brings his nutty sense of humor to the equation in what proves to be one of Pixar’s biggest swings to date. The result is also among their funniest films, but the jokes don’t come at the expense of the movie’s heart. What starts as a story about communicating with nature evolves into one about communication in general. As over-the-top as matters get, the film is surprisingly mature and nuanced in its exploration of finding that middle ground between progress and preservation. We dare even say it’s more layered than another Disney-owned movie with a similar setup.

#2: “I Am Frankelda” (2025)

Watching even one frame from this gothic, stop-motion musical, you’d swear it came from a master like Henry Selick, Tim Burton, or Guillermo del Toro. Actually, the latter mentored directors Arturo and Roy Ambriz, who previously worked on the series “Frankelda’s Book of Spooks.” The brothers bring Frankelda to the silver screen in what’s not only their feature directorial debut, but also Mexico’s first stop-motion feature. While “I Am Frankelda” is stuffed to the brim with lore and characters, the film is at its best when the filmmakers let the astounding visuals and operatic music do the talking. It’s a wondrous, exciting, and explosively imaginative feat from Cinema Fantasma, a studio that might not be a household name. After this, hopefully they will be soon.

#1: “Toy Story 5” (2026)

You may still protest that they should’ve stopped at “3,” but “Toy Story” continues to defy the odds with a fifth entry that more than earns its place in the franchise’s legacy. Not only does “Toy Story 5” continue to evolve the characters, namely Jessie. It’s also a timely reflection of where animation is in 2026. Thirty years ago, Pixar was a shiny new toy with CG animation becoming dominant. Now, Pixar and other studios are facing change as generative AI threatens human artists. You can definitely see the real-world parallels to this film’s toy vs. tech narrative. Yet, the commentary doesn’t overshadow the comedy, creativity, or heart. Just when you think these toys won’t make you cry a fifth time, they get you again!

What’s your favorite animated movie of 2026 so far? Let us know in the comments.