Credit: DisneyThe Walt Disney Studios is currently on a historical hot streak. After a record-breaking 2024 and a highly anticipated 2025, the 2026 movie slate is shaping up to be a cinematic juggernaut. With a heavy focus on blockbuster sequels and innovative animation, Disney is positioned to achieve a rare “three-peat”—securing at least three billion-dollar hits for the third consecutive year.
As we look toward 2026, the combination of Pixar’s return to form, the continued dominance of Walt Disney Animation, and the rebirth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe creates a “perfect storm” for box office gold. Here is the breakdown of the films expected to lead the $1 billion charge, as well as the new animated features set to capture audiences.
The Road to a Three-Year Winning Streak
In 2024, Disney reclaimed the box office crown with Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2. With 2025 saw massive returns from Zootopia 2, Avatar Fire and Ash, and Lilo & Stitch, all eyes are on 2026.
If Disney hits the $1 billion mark with three films in 2026, it will solidify this era as one of the most profitable stretches in Hollywood history. Based on franchise pedigree and audience demand, three films are already heavy favorites to cross that ten-figure threshold.
The $1 Billion Club: 2026 Contenders
1. Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026)
The most obvious contender for the billion-dollar club is the return of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. With Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Victor von Doom and the Russo Brothers back in the director’s chairs, Avengers: Doomsday is arguably the most anticipated film of the decade. Avengers films have historically performed at an elite level, and this installment is expected to be a global cultural phenomenon.
2. Toy Story 5 (June 19, 2026)
Pixar’s flagship franchise remains one of the most consistent performers in animation history. Both Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 comfortably surpassed the $1 billion mark. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the fifth installment will tackle a modern dilemma: the toys’ struggle to remain relevant in a world dominated by electronics and screen time. Given the multi-generational nostalgia attached to Woody and Buzz, a billion-dollar run is almost a foregone conclusion.
3. Frozen III (November 25, 2026)
Walt Disney Animation Studios is heading back to Arendelle for the Thanksgiving corridor. The first Frozen earned $1.28 billion, while Frozen II shattered records with $1.45 billion. Elsa and Anna are global icons, and with a six-year gap since the last film, the pent-up demand for Frozen III is expected to drive massive international numbers, likely securing Disney’s third billion-dollar hit of the year.
New Frontiers in Animation: Pixar and Disney Studios
While sequels provide the financial floor, Disney is also betting on new creative ventures to expand their animated footprint in 2026.
Hoppers (March 6, 2026)
Pixar’s newest original IP, Hoppers, introduces a quirky sci-fi premise that feels like classic Pixar. The story follows a young girl named Mabel who “hops” her mind into a robotic beaver to go undercover and talk to animals. Featuring the voices of Jon Hamm and Bobby Moynihan, Hoppers is Pixar’s attempt to prove that original stories can still thrive alongside massive franchises.
Moana (Live-Action) (July 10, 2026)
While not a “new” animated film, the live-action reimagining of Moana bridges the gap between Disney’s animated legacy and its blockbuster future. Starring Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his role as Maui, this film aims to replicate the $1 billion success of previous live-action remakes, such as The Lion King and Aladdin.
The 2026 Release Calendar at a Glance
- Hoppers (Pixar): March 6, 2026
- Avengers: Doomsday (Marvel): May 1, 2026
- The Mandalorian & Grogu (Lucasfilm): May 22, 2026
- Toy Story 5 (Pixar): June 19, 2026
- Moana (Live-Action): July 10, 2026
- Frozen III (Disney Animation): November 25, 2026
Final Outlook: A Year for the History Books
Disney’s 2026 strategy is a masterclass in brand management. By anchoring the year with “sure-fire” hits like Avengers, Toy Story, and Frozen, the studio creates the financial stability needed to take creative risks on films like Hoppers.
If the current momentum holds, 2026 will not just be another successful year for the Mouse House—it will be the final piece of a three-year dominance that proves the theatrical experience is alive and well, so long as the name “Disney” is on the marquee.
Which 2026 Disney release are you most excited for? Will Frozen III or Avengers: Doomsday take the top spot? Let us know in the comments!