Best Animated Feature 2026: Beyond Disney and Pixar

The Best Animated Feature category has become a battleground between studio giants and artistic innovators.

The Contenders

Beyond the Spider-Verse (Sony)

If it releases in 2025/2026, it is the presumptive winner. The trilogy ender has massive expectations.

Elio (Pixar)

Pixar's space adventure. Never bet against Pixar, though their dominance has waned.

The Wild Robot (Dreamworks) - Late 2024/Early 2025 release cycle dependent

A visual stunner adapting the beloved book.

The Indie Threat

Gkids and other distributors are bringing incredible anime and European animation. Films like The Boy and the Heron proved they can win.

Conclusion

Animation is not a genre; it's a medium. 2026 will continue to prove that.