A Preview Of Family-Friendly Movies And Television Arriving In 2026
Families everywhere are already marking their calendars for the incredible entertainment headed our way in 2026. From animated adventures to live-action spectacles, this year promises something magical for viewers of all ages.
Whether you love superheroes, classic characters, or brand-new stories, get ready for a lineup that will keep everyone smiling from January through December.
Disclaimer: This preview reflects publicly announced titles and schedules at the time of writing, but release dates, episode timing, and streaming availability can change due to production and programming updates.
Always confirm the latest details through official studio or platform announcements before publishing or scheduling coverage.
1. Hoppers
Pixar’s original film Hoppers is scheduled for March 6, 2026. While details remain under wraps, the studio’s track record speaks volumes about the quality families can expect.
Imagine settling into your theater seat with popcorn in hand, ready to discover a world crafted by the animation masters.
Because Pixar knows how to blend humor with heart, this one promises to deliver laughs and maybe a few happy tears too.
2. Toy Story 5
Andy’s beloved toys return for another chapter that explores friendship in ways we haven’t seen before.
Woody, Buzz, and the gang face new challenges as they navigate identity and belonging in this highly anticipated sequel. Families who grew up with these characters can now share the magic with their own children when Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19, 2026.
Honestly, few franchises capture the bittersweet beauty of growing up quite like Toy Story does.
3. Moana Live-Action
Disney reimagines the island adventure that captured hearts worldwide with real actors and stunning ocean vistas.
Moana’s journey to restore balance returns with all the songs you love, now performed in a whole new way. Perhaps the most exciting part is seeing how filmmakers bring Te Fiti and Maui to life beyond animation.
Moana (live-action) is scheduled for July 10, 2026, which lines up neatly with summer viewing.
4. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)
Nintendo’s plumber blasts into space for a cosmic adventure that promises to be out of this world.
Nintendo and Illumination’s sequel is officially set for April 3, 2026, and it’s being positioned as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, with the first trailer revealed via Nintendo Direct in November 2025.
Gamers and movie fans alike will appreciate the creative ways filmmakers adapt the beloved video game mechanics. Spring break just got a whole lot more exciting for families everywhere.
5. The Mandalorian And Grogu
Star Wars fans finally get to see their favorite bounty hunter and his adorable companion on the big screen.
After captivating audiences on Disney+, Mando and Baby Yoda embark on a theatrical adventure filled with action and heart. The bond between protector and child resonates with parents everywhere, making this more than just another space opera.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is set for May 22, 2026, which lands right in that Memorial Day corridor.
6. Tv Shows: Hey A.J.!
Former NFL player Martellus Bennett created this animated series that brings his imaginative storytelling to Disney Junior audiences.
Young viewers discover valuable lessons wrapped in entertaining adventures designed specifically for preschool and early elementary ages. Bennett’s background as an athlete and artist gives the show a unique perspective rarely seen in children’s programming.
Weekday mornings transform into learning opportunities when kids tune in starting this January.
7. Tv Shows: Pole To Pole With Will Smith
Will Smith embarks on an epic journey from the Arctic to Antarctica, documenting incredible wildlife and environmental wonders along the way.
National Geographic’s stunning cinematography combined with Smith’s charismatic narration creates educational entertainment the whole family can enjoy together. Geography lessons become adventures when viewed through the lens of exploration and discovery.
Pole to Pole with Will Smith is slated to premiere January 14, 2026, with National Geographic positioning it as a major event series.
8. Tv Shows: Phineas And Ferb New Episodes
Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb continue their tradition of building impossible inventions during summer vacation while their sister tries to bust them.
The revival’s new run began in 2025, so this is better framed as a continuing option families can still watch in 2026, not a new 2026 arrival. Nostalgia meets new material as parents introduce their kids to characters they grew up loving.
Really, few shows master the art of entertaining multiple generations simultaneously quite like this one does.
9. Tv Shows: Percy Jackson And The Olympians Season 2
Walker Scobell returns as the demigod son of Poseidon for another season of Greek mythology brought to modern-day life.
Fans of Rick Riordan’s beloved book series eagerly await new adaptations that honor the source material while adding cinematic flair. Mythology suddenly becomes fascinating when presented through the eyes of relatable teenage heroes facing ancient monsters.
January brings the perfect excuse to curl up and binge-watch epic quests from the comfort of home.
10. Tv Shows: Marvel’s Spidey And His Amazing Friends
Preschoolers get their own web-slinging adventures as Spidey teams up with Ghost-Spider and Miles Morales to protect their neighborhood.
The series has been renewed again, with more episodes on the way, even if exact 2026 timing can shift based on scheduling. Simplified storylines teach problem-solving and friendship while maintaining the excitement that makes Spider-Man universally beloved.
Saturday morning cartoons find new meaning when your little one discovers their first superhero obsession.
