Every Upcoming Pixar Movie, Ranked by Our Excitement (& Toy Story’s Billions Can’t Win This One)

by

Pixar Animation Studios recently released its 29th feature film, *Elio*, marking 30 years since its first full-length movie, *Toy Story*. The studio has built a large collection of films and plans to add even more before the end of the decade. Currently, five new Pixar movies are scheduled for release, mostly sequels to popular titles. However, Pixar is also working on a few original stories to continue its tradition of creating films like *Ratatouille* and *WALL-E* that aren’t based on existing properties.

As a huge Pixar fan, I’ve been keeping a close eye on their upcoming films. It’s exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking – you always hope the next one will be amazing, but sometimes they miss the mark, like with *The Good Dinosaur* or *Cars 2*. So, I’ve put together my own ranking of the next five Pixar movies, listing them from the ones I’m most hyped about to the ones that feel a little less promising.

5. Coco 2

Pixar’s *Coco* is a beautiful and heartwarming musical celebration of family. The original film had a neat, self-contained story-the main character even passed away at the very end. While some might think revisiting the Land of the Dead feels a bit like a cash grab, especially with *Coco* now featured prominently in Disney parks, the world created in the film still has a lot of potential for new stories.

Because the emotional power of *Coco* came from it being a single, complete story, many worry that *Coco 2* might lessen the impact of the first film. However, people had the same concerns about *Inside Out 2*, which turned out to be a huge success. That film’s strong performance at the box office suggests Pixar will continue making sequels, and it was actually a very good story. If *Coco 2* isn’t as well-received, hopefully Pixar will recognize when it’s best to leave a film as a standalone experience.

4. Incredibles 3

The third *Incredibles* movie, currently scheduled for release in 2028, will be directed by Peter Sohn, who previously directed *Elemental* and *The Good Dinosaur*. This marks the first time Brad Bird won’t be directing an *Incredibles* film, though he is still writing the screenplay.

The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe proves that superhero franchises can flourish, and the world of *The Incredibles* feels ready for more stories – suggesting a good chance for *Incredibles 3*. While *Incredibles 2* wasn’t as strong as the first film – similar to what happened with *Cars 2* and *Monsters University* – *Cars 3* managed to improve things. However, a third *Incredibles* movie without Brad Bird directing might not appeal as much to dedicated fans, though younger audiences likely wouldn’t mind.

3. Toy Story 5

Many worried that *Toy Story 4* would tarnish the reputation of the excellent *Toy Story 3*. However, it pleasantly surprised viewers, serving as a heartfelt conclusion to the *Toy Story* series, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same incredible level as the previous films. It’s a bit unfair to compare it to such masterpieces, though.

Another *Toy Story* movie, focusing on kids’ love of technology and another storyline where Buzz malfunctions, doesn’t seem likely to be as successful as *Toy Story 4*. However, unexpected things can happen. Any parent knows that children eventually shift from physical toys to digital devices, and that’s a natural part of growing up. Giving Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, a more central role in *Toy Story 5* is a smart decision, but it’s difficult to feel enthusiastic about a sequel that essentially revisits familiar ground and retreads a previously satisfying conclusion – again.

2. Gatto

Enrico Casarosa, the director of *Luca*, is working on a new animated comedy called *Gatto*, set to release in June 2027. The story follows a black cat in Venice who owes a lot of money to a powerful cat mob boss. Desperate, he’s forced to form an unlikely and transformative connection with someone new.

While details about the cast are still under wraps, early concept art for the movie *Gatto* hints at a vibrant and colorful visual style, similar to *Luca*. The animation will also be distinct, featuring a unique, painterly look that breaks from Pixar’s usual style. Just this change in artistic approach makes *Gatto* seem like a film worth watching.

1. Hoppers

The early buzz around *Hoppers* is exciting because its unusual story – a teen’s mind moved into a robotic beaver to stop an environmental catastrophe – feels reminiscent of classic Pixar films from the 2000s. Like *Ratatouille* or *WALL-E*, it takes a wonderfully strange idea and has the potential to become something special. Plus, the first trailer showcased a distinct comedic style, similar to the witty, conversational humor found in writer/director Daniel Chong’s TV show, *We Bare Bears*.

I don’t think Pixar’s *Hoppers* will be funnier than *Hundreds of Beavers*, which is still my favorite funny movie about beavers from the 2020s. But honestly, right now, it seems like *Hoppers* has the biggest chance to be truly amazing. Here’s the trailer so you can check it out!

Hoppers hits theaters on March 6, 2026, Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19, 2026.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/toy-story-5-plot-details-updates-concept-art-images/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-15 18:12