Home / Arts and Entertainment / 2026 Animation Slate: Epic Sequels & Original Wonders
2026 Animation Slate: Epic Sequels & Original Wonders
16 Jul
Summary
- Original Team Avatar returns as young adults in new animated film.
- DreamWorks' Forgotten Island explores Filipino mythology and friendship.
- Laika's Wildwood promises a visually unique stop-motion adventure.
The latter half of 2026 is poised to deliver an exceptional array of animated films, blending beloved franchise continuations with fresh, original narratives. A significant event will be the return of the original Team Avatar, who reunite as young adults in a new movie set to explore uncharted territory between the original series and The Legend of Korra.
DreamWorks Animation is set to release Forgotten Island, a fantasy adventure drawing from Filipino mythology. This film follows two best friends who discover a portal to a magical island, with the narrative focusing on their bond and the challenges of memory. Its culturally specific storytelling aims for wide appeal.
Laika, the renowned stop-motion studio, is back with Wildwood, their first feature in seven years. Adapting a popular fantasy novel, the movie promises a visually stunning and unique world, expanding the studio's legacy of handcrafted artistry. This film, along with others, showcases the diverse animation styles audiences can anticipate.
Further highlights include PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, a prehistoric adventure for younger audiences, and The Cat In The Hat's first fully animated theatrical feature, reimagining the iconic character. Disney Animation's original Hexed and Brad Bird's long-developed Ray Gunn offer more mature fantasy and noir science fiction respectively, rounding out a packed year for animation enthusiasts.
