7 Upcoming Animated Films for Christmas 2026
If you love a festive trip to the cinema or cuddling up with the kids to watch a fun film at Christmas, you’ll be pleased to know the whole family will be spoilt for choice later this year.
The festive calendar is full of upcoming animations that are bound to put a huge smile on your children’s faces, and probably yours too.
If you can’t wait to book tickets or settle down for a cosy evening, here are the seven most anticipated animated films for Christmas 2026.
1. The Cat in the Hat
UK cinema release date: 6th November 2026
Originally scheduled for March 2026, The Cat in the Hat’s release was pushed back to 6th November to provide families with a feel-good film ahead of Christmas.
Based on The Cat in the Hat (1957), the film follows The Cat in the Hat as he embarks on the toughest case of his career: cheering up a pair of siblings struggling after moving to a new town.
Directed by Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and written by Erica Rivinoja (Trolls), it promises to provide children and adults alike with plenty of inevitable chaos and laughter.
Unlike previous films voiced by Mike Myers, this time comedy actor Bill Hader steps into the shoes of The Cat in the Hat, who is secretly working for a cosmic corporate entity.
Xochitl Gomez plays Gabby, the older sibling fans will know from the original 1957 book, and Tiago Martinez plays her younger brother, Sebastian, based on the book’s unnamed narrator.
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) takes on the role of the children’s mum. Also, Matt Berry (The IT Crowd) plays a talking fish who obeys The Cat’s rules, and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) is Mr Hoogaboom, The Cat in the Hat’s boss.
Other famous actors are also expected to appear in undisclosed roles, including Bowen Yang (SNL US), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Paula Pell (SNL US).
Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) also stars as Sherri, the Head of Human Resources at the cosmic corporate entity.
2. Hexed
UK cinema release date: 27th November 2026
Hexed takes Disney’s prestigious late-November release date, typically reserved for major animations, such as Zootopia 2 (2025) and Frozen 3 (2027).
Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn (Wish) and Jason Hand, the film follows impulsive teen Billie, whose newfound magical abilities transport her to the magical realm of Hexe, prompting her and her mum, Alice, to investigate the family’s connection to the world of witches.
Hailee Steinfeld takes on the lead role of Billie while Rashida Jones plays her cautious mother, Alice.
Also starring in Hexed are Stephen Fry as the sentient magical journal Elias Quire and Tracey Ullman as the enchanted feather Madame Quill.
3. Mickey’s Home Alone
UK broadcast date: December 2026
Where to watch: Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Jr.
Mickey’s Home Alone puts an animated twist on many people’s favourite Christmas film, Home Alone (1990).
The upcoming full-length animated movie is a direct homage to the 20th Century Studios flick, which Disney now owns, making it a perfect film to watch with the family this Christmas.
Directed by Shane Prigmore (The LEGO Movie 2), Mickey’s Home Alone will see Mickey Mouse excited for a cosy Christmas at home before Minnie surprises the gang with tickets to a world-famous Ice Palace.
During a chaotic rush to pack for the flight, Mickey and Pluto are accidentally left behind.
However, rather than facing the hapless burglars, the Wet Bandits, Mickey and Pluto face two back-garden pests, a weasel and a raccoon, attempting to break into their home to steal Mickey’s Christmas dinner.
While Mickey and Pluto work hard to protect their festive dinner, Minnie and the gang are desperately trying to make their way back home to Mickey and Pluto.
Mickey’s Home Alone also features two original songs written by Keith Harrison Dworkin: “Favourite Festive Feeling” and “Ho-Ho-Home for Christmas.”
4. Pip and Posy Seasonal Specials
UK broadcast date: December 2026 – TBC
Where to watch: Sky Kids and NOW
Three 22-minute Pip and Posy seasonal specials are scheduled for release this December, promising three festive stories to delight young children.
Produced by Magic Light Pictures (The Gruffalo/The Baddies), the festive specials offer an elevated take on Pip and Posy, with upgraded 3D CGI creating a more tactile, detailed animation.
The festive specials provide stories designed to support preschoolers’ emotional intelligence, offering themes of compromise, the turbulence of friendships, and sharing festive traditions.
In celebration of the upcoming Pip and Posy seasonal specials, Magic Light Pictures plans to launch a 3D interactive attraction, Pip and Posy Play at the Palace, at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
5. The Angry Birds Movie 3
UK cinema release date: 23rd December 2026
Initially scheduled for an early 2027 cinematic release, The Angry Birds Movie 3 was brought forward to 23rd December, securing the prime Christmas 2026 slot.
Directed by John Rice (The Angry Birds Movie 2) and written by Thurop Van Orman (The Angry Birds Movie 2’s co-director), the film offers plenty of fun and mayhem from the familiar voice cast.
For instance, Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) returns as Red, Josh Gad (Frozen) is Chuck, Danny McBride (Hot Rod) voices Bomb, Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) is Silver, Anthony Padilla plays Hal, Ian Hecox plays Bubbles, and Kim Kardashian’s son, Psalm West, voices Olly.
Many famous faces are also expected to appear in The Angry Birds Movie 3 voice cast, including Keke Palmer (The ’Burbs), stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser, Emma Myers (Wednesday), Lily James (Cinderella), Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever), Marcello Hernandez (SNL US), Tim Robinson (SNL US), MrBeast, and more.
6. Mog’s Bad Thing
UK broadcast date: 24th December 2026 (Christmas Eve) – TBC
Where to watch: Channel 4
Mog’s Bad Thing is a highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 award-winning special Mog’s Christmas.
The 24-minute special is an adaptation of Judith Kerr’s 2000 book of the same name, with the screenplay written by Joanna Harrison, best known for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
Mog’s Bad Thing follows the Thomas family once again as they set up a huge cat show in their back garden, with Mog set to be the star attraction.
However, all the excitement and preparation lead to Mog accidentally doing a “bad thing,” causing her to once again flee the scene and hide in the loft.
Mog risks missing out on the show and is forced to overcome her shame and rejoin the Thomas family.
Mog’s Bad Thing is expected to have an earlier theatrical release, but it is likely to air on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve 2026, securing its sought-after afternoon slot.
It is created by Lupus Films, best known for The Snowman and The Snowdog, with Robin Shaw once again directing.
7. The Baddies
UK broadcast date: 25th December 2026 (Christmas Day) – TBC
Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Every year, the BBC and Magic Light Productions come together to adapt a much-loved picture book from Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
For instance, past festive films include The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, and last year’s special, The Scarecrow’s Wedding.
Fans eagerly await the announcement every year, and many were delighted to hear that The Baddies will air on BBC One this Christmas.
While the broadcaster keeps its Christmas schedule a tightly guarded secret until close to the festive season, The Baddies is expected to follow in past films’ footsteps by airing in the late afternoon on Christmas Day.
The 30-minute special is directly adapted from the 2022 best-selling children’s book of the same name.
Also, it features a Gavin & Stacey-inspired voice cast, as Sheridan Smith voices The Narrator, Rob Brydon plays Ghost, and Alison Steadman is the Witch.
Other acclaimed actors have also joined The Baddies’ voice cast, including Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops) as Troll, Robyn Cara (Trying) as Girl, and Francesca Mills (The Witcher: Blood Origin) as Mouse.
Next List World Article >>> Upcoming Disney Films: 9 Releases Before 2030
