If there's one thing parents eagerly await at the end of the year, it's the list of new family movies coming out. 2026 is packed with exciting releases, offering plenty of family-friendly entertainment options.

So, what are the most anticipated family movies coming out in 2026? Top new movies to add to your 2026 must-watch list include The Cat in the Hat, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Toy Story 5, to name just a few. These films promise a mix of nostalgia, adventure, and heartwarming stories, making them perfect for family viewing. And if you can't make it to the cinemas, don't stress because all of your favourite family movies will be available on streaming services after their initial cinema run - phew!

The Best New Family Movies in 2026

New Family Movies in Cinemas Now

1. Wicked: Part Two

If you couldn't get enough of Wicked in 2024, don't fret because the second instalment is coming to cinemas in 2025!

Following on from Part One, Wicked: Part Two delves even further into the tumultuous relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

2. Zootopia 2

The sequel to the wildly popular Zootopia (released in 2016) is hitting cinemas in 2025, and we can't wait!

Zootopia 2 is a sequel to the original adventure and sees veteran detective partners Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde face one of their toughest cases yet when a mysterious newcomer - a sly reptile - arrives in the bustling animal city of Zootopia and begins stirring up trouble. As the pair dive into undercover work to uncover what the newcomer is really up to, they journey into unexplored corners of the city and confront challenges that test their police skills 

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman will be back to voice our favourite duo, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. Other favourite characters such as Mr Big, Clawhauser, and Flash the Sloth will return alongside a new, creepy and highly venomous viper named Gary. 

3. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

In this undersea caper, our ever-excited hero, SpongeBob SquarePants, wakes up with one goal in mind: prove he's really "a big guy" worthy of respect from his boss and friends in Bikini Bottom. When a ghost pirate, The Flying Dutchman, appears and issues a challenge, SpongeBob teams up with his best pal Patrick Star and the rest of his quirky crew for a wild expedition into the ocean's most mysterious regions that forces SpongeBob to face what "being big" truly means.

4. The Pout-Pout Fish

The beloved picture-book favourite is swimming onto the big screen, with The Pout-Pout Fish making a splash in Australian cinemas in 2026.

The Pout-Pout Fish follows the famously gloomy fish as he discovers that even the poutiest pout can turn into something brighter with a bit of help from friendship, courage, and a dash of ocean magic.

Young fans will love seeing familiar characters from Deborah Diesen's picture book glide, swoosh and shimmy across the screen, while parents can settle in for a heartwarming message wrapped in plenty of visual delight. This new Australian adaptation promises a gentle, joyful outing for families looking to share a feel-good moment.

5. Grand Prix of Europe

 

Grand Prix of Europe is a heart-warming, high-speed adventure about chasing your dreams, believing in yourself, and cheering on the ones you love.

The story follows Edda, a brave and spirited young mouse who dreams of becoming a race car driver. When her family's fairground business needs a little help, she sees a chance to make her dream come true by entering the big race, the Grand Prix of Europe! With courage in her heart and a need for speed, Edda steps up to take on the adventure of a lifetime.

6. GROW

GROW follows a young girl who's sent to spend time with her no-nonsense aunt, where life is a little quieter, a little stricter and full of muddy boots and early mornings in the garden. What starts as an unlikely pairing soon turns into something special as the two team up to grow a giant pumpkin for the town's much-loved annual contest. Along the way, GROW delivers laughs, gentle lessons, and warm moments about patience, teamwork, and finding common ground across generations. 

New Family Movies Coming Out in 2026

7. Hoppers

Release date: 26 March 2026

Disney-Pixar's 2026 instalment has arrived, and it looks like a hopping good time — pun intended! 

Hoppers is an animated adventure that blends heart, humour and a gentle environmental message. The story follows Mabel, an animal-loving girl who discovers a new technology that allows humans to "hop" their consciousness into robotic animal bodies and communicate with wildlife. Curious and determined, Mabel uses the invention to enter the animal world, only to uncover a threat to their natural habitat. As she navigates friendships, identity and the delicate balance between humans and nature, Mabel must find the courage to stand up for the wild places she loves.

Warm, funny and imaginative, Hoppers explores empathy, conservation and seeing the world through someone else's eyes

8. The Magic Faraway Tree

Release date: 26 March 2026

Us parents might actually be more excited about this new release than the kids! For those who grew up reading the iconic Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, you'll be thrilled to hear that a live-action remake is coming to cinemas in 2026 with a stellar cast reprising all your favourite characters!

Nicola Coughlan and Andrew Garfield are among the cast as they lead us on the tale of three siblings — Beth, Joe and Franny — who discover a magical forest in the English countryside. At the centre of this magical forest is the Faraway Tree, home to bold and peculiar characters and a portal to several eccentric lands, including the Land of Take What You Want and the Land of Goodies. 

9. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Release date: 2 April 2026

With a superstar cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an animated action-comedy film set in the world of Nintendo's famous Super Mario Bros series and serves as a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023).

10. Toy Story 5

Release date: 18 June 2026

Yes, you read that right - a fifth Toy Story movie is coming out! There is so much to be excited about in the latest Toy Story movie.

While a full trailer hasn't been released yet, we do know that Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will be back as Woody and Buzz, alongside other favourite toys such as Forky, Hamm, Slinky Dog, Bullseye, and Jesse. This time around, the toys are up against a new threat: technology. Toy Story 5 will focus heavily on the impact technology, eg, iPads, mobile phones, Xbox, and computer games, is having on kids and their ability, or lack thereof, to play with traditional toys. 

11. Minions 3

Release date: 2 July 2026

We can't believe there is yet another Minions movie in the works, but there you have it, Minions 3 is hitting cinemas in 2026! 

Universal and Illumination have confirmed that everyone's favourite tiny, mischievous henchmen will return to the big screen in June 2026. And as for the plot, few details have been released, so we're still unsure of what's in store for us in 2026. 

The last time we saw Gru and his devoted Minions, they were just getting started on their journey to world domination in Minions: The Rise of Gru. The mid-credits scene teased a major connection to the original Despicable Me, with Dr Nefario introducing Gru to a high-tech airship that looked suspiciously familiar. Could this mean Minions 3 will bridge the gap between the prequels and the 2010 blockbuster that started it all? There's also the question of Wild Knuckles, Gru's former mentor and legendary villain, who faked his own death in The Rise of Gru. Could he make a return for another action-packed mission? Or will Gru and the Minions take on an entirely new foe as they continue their rise in the villain world?

12. Moana

Release date: 9 July 2026

Did you hear the news? Moana is getting the live-action treatment! Disney's beloved wayfinder is sailing back onto the big screen with a brand-new cast, fresh visuals, and all the heart, humour, and adventurous spirit families fell in love with the first time around.

Expect lush island landscapes, shimmering blue oceans, and epic voyages that feel even more immersive in live action. Moana's fierce determination and infectious bravery shine through as she sets out once again to restore balance to her world, and Maui's larger-than-life antics are set to hit differently when brought to life by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson swaggering across the screen.

Kids will adore seeing Moana's world look so real, they could almost splash into it, while parents can look forward to the same uplifting story about courage, culture, and trusting your inner compass. 

13. The Cat in the Hat

Release date: 19 March 2026

Don your striped hats and embrace the whimsical world of Dr Seuss once more as The Cat in the Hat is making a triumphant return!

Universal Studios is bringing The Cat in the Hat back to the big screen with a brand-new animated adaptation, set for release in March 2026. This fresh take on the classic 1957 tale promises to captivate both new audiences and longtime fans. Leading the voice cast is the versatile Bill Hader as the mischievous Cat. Joining him are Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang, Xochitl Gomez, and Paula Pell, rounding out a stellar ensemble.

14. Shrek 5

Release date: 26 December 2026

 

After 26 long years, the swamp's most famous ogre is finally making his return to the big screen. Shrek 5 is officially happening, set to hit theatres in 2026, just in time for the 26th anniversary of the original Shrek movie. 

Fans will be thrilled to know that Cameron Diaz, Mike Myers, and Eddie Murphy are all returning to voice their iconic characters, but beyond that, DreamWorks is keeping the plot under wraps. One thing's for sure: for Shrek and Fiona to be pulled away from their peaceful swamp life, something big must be going down.

One possible storyline could focus on their kids, who would now be teenagers, and if raising ogre toddlers was tough, imagine the chaos of dealing with angsty, rebellious ogre teens. There's also the question of what's been happening in Far Far Away since we last left off? Has Prince Charming finally taken a hint? Did Donkey and Dragon's kids turn into full-fledged troublemakers? And what about all the fairytale misfits - are they still living their best storybook lives, or has something gone terribly wrong?

15. The Angry Birds Movie 3

Release date: 26 December 2026

The feathered chaos is back, and things are about to get hilariously explosive all over again. Angry Birds 3 promises bigger battles, sillier gags, and even more reasons for families to fall back in love with Red, Chuck, Bomb and the rest of the wonderfully unhinged flock.

This new chapter launches the birds and pigs into yet another round of mischief, teamwork, and wildly unnecessary problem-solving. Red is still trying to keep his cool, Chuck is still moving faster than anyone can keep up with, and Bomb... well, let's just say he hasn't exactly stopped blowing things up. Expect new characters, new gadgets, and a storyline filled with the kind of slapstick comedy that has kids cackling and parents secretly giggling along.

Taking the kids to the cinema is our saving grace on rainy weekends, during school holidays, or on days when you need them to focus on something other than you! We regularly update this list with new family movies coming to cinemas and kids' movies now available for streaming, so keep checking back to make your next date with your little movie buffs!

More Family-Friendly Shows

Families looking for more screen-time favourites can also explore other popular entertainment guides on ellaslist. You can browse a curated list of popular ABC Kids Shows, check out our round-up of fun Podcasts for Kids, or find top picks in our guide to the Best Kids' Movies on Netflix, which offers plenty of family-friendly titles for cosy nights at home.
 

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