Pictures via Netflix / Illustration by What’s on Netflix
Keeping track of Netflix’s animated slate is a bit like chasing a moving target—for every exciting new announcement, another project quietly slips into the shadows. Following the release of Swapped, we thought we’d take stock, particularly just ahead of Annecy 2026, of what Netflix has coming up on its animation slate for the remainder of 2026 and beyond
Unlike last time we covered this list, there are a few we’re purposely leaving out. Red Wall, for example, was just announced to have been fully scrapped. Ron Howard’s The Shrinking of Treehorn is also thought to no longer be connected to Netflix, and a few other titles with an unclear future include Prince of Port Au Prince and The Witch Boy (among a few others we featured in our equivalent article last year).
We’re also leaving off The Buried Giant from Guillermo del Toro, and another one of the Skydance Animation movies: an untitled Don Hall film.
I Am Frankelda (Soy Frankelda)
Directors / Writers: Arturo Ambriz and Roy Ambriz
Voice Cast: Assira Abbate, Anahí Allué, Lourdes Ambriz, Antonio Badía, Gabriela Cárdenas, Sergio Carranza, Beto Castillo, and Jesse Conde
Genre: Stop-Motion Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Language: Spanish
Runtime: 114 Minutes
Netflix Release Date: June 16th, 2026
Stop-motion animation fans, rejoice! Originally titled Soy Frankelda, this stunning new Mexican animated feature from Arturo and Roy Ambriz (often known as the Ambriz Brothers) is officially making its way to Netflix globally this June and it has the blessing and full backing of Guillermo del Toro.
If you’re a fan of dark, female-led fantasy stories with a creature-feature twist, this is one you’ll absolutely want to add to your queue.
Set in 19th-century Mexico, the story follows Frankelda, a gifted writer whose dark and macabre tales are constantly ignored and dismissed by society. Refusing to suppress her voice, she pushes back against those who try to silence her. But things take a wild, fantastical turn when Frankelda is unexpectedly thrust into the depths of her own subconscious—where the terrifying monsters and creatures she penned actually come to life.
Rounding out the impressive behind-the-scenes team is production designer Bruce Zick, with a musical score by Kevin Smithers. Also of note: the film appears to have had a limited theatrical run prior to its Netflix debut, pulling in over $880,000 at the worldwide box office.
With its unique blend of period-piece drama, feminist themes, musical numbers, and breathtaking stop-motion artistry, I Am Frankelda is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s hidden animation gems of the summer.
Steps
Directors: Alyce Tzue and John Ripa
Producers: Jane Hartwell, Kim Lessing, and Amy Poehler
Animation Studio: Paper Kite Productions / Netflix
Voice Cast: Ali Wong, Stephanie Hsu, and Amanda Seyfried
Genre: 3D/CGI Animation, Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Expected Netflix Release Date: 2026 TBD
Picture Credit: Netflix
Produced through Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions banner, Steps flips the script on the classic Cinderella story by focusing on her notoriously “evil” stepsisters and hopes to bring some of that Disney princess magic to Netflix.
Currently in post-production after wrapping up its main production cycle in early 2026, this 3D animated comedy boasts an absolutely stellar comedic voice cast. Comedy powerhouse Ali Wong voices Lilith, while Everything Everywhere All at Once breakout star Stephanie Hsu voices her sister Margot. Taking on the role of Cinderella herself is none other than Amanda Seyfried.
Here is what you can expect from the plot of Steps:
“Think you know Cinderella’s ‘evil’ stepsisters? Think again! When misunderstood Lilith is blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball with a stolen magic wand, she accidentally turns her sister Margot into a frog and leaves the kingdom in the hands of a prince-obsessed mean girl. Now Lilith must team up with Cinderella (and a surprisingly dreamy troll) to save the kingdom, repair the fractured fairytale, and prove that even so-called villains deserve a shot at happily-ever-after.”
Adding to the comedic pedigree, musical comedy duo Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci (better known as Garfunkel and Oates) serve as Executive Producers on the project, having also previously been attached to write the script.
With its clever subversion of classic tropes, a vibrant CGI world brought to life by production designer Shelly Wan, and a powerhouse cast of funny women, Steps is looking like a guaranteed hit for family movie night.
Ray Gunn
Director: Brad Bird
Writers: Brad Bird and Matthew Robbins
Animation Studio: Skydance Animation
Voice Cast: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits, and John Ratzenberger
Genre: 3D Sci-Fi, Action / Adventure, Comedy
Expected Netflix Release Date: Late 2026
When it comes to upcoming animated projects on Netflix, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. Coming to us from Skydance Animation, Ray Gunn is the highly anticipated new feature from legendary animation director Brad Bird (the mastermind behind Pixar’s The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Iron Giant), and it’s been a long time in the making.
This 3D action-adventure promises a brilliant blend of sci-fi, comedy, and classic noir detective tropes, all wrapped up in a family-friendly(ish) package, and it’s the third movie to come to Netflix exclusively from Skydance Animation, following Spellbound and, of course, Swapped.
Here’s the official logline for the film:
“Set in Metropia, a gigantic city in an alternate future as seen from 1939, the story follows private eye Raymond Gunn, who is drawn into a case involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia star named Venus Nova.”
The retro-futuristic, “1930s vision of the future” aesthetic sounds incredibly promising, especially with this caliber of talent behind it. The voice cast is absolutely stacked, featuring the talents of Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, legendary musician Tom Waits, and Pixar voice-acting staple John Ratzenberger.
Behind the scenes, Brad Bird has reunited with iconic composer Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, The Batman, Up) to handle the film’s musical score.
Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory
Directors: Elaine Bogan and Jared Stern
Producers: Aron Warner and Timothy Yoo
Animation Studio: Sony Pictures Animation / Netflix
Voice Cast: Taika Waititi and Kit Connor
Genre: Action / Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Musical
Expected Netflix Release Date: 2027
Picture: Netflix
Recently confirmed for release in 2027, Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory asks a very logical (and hilarious) question: what happened to Willy Wonka after he turned a child into a giant blueberry?
Here is the official logline for the upcoming musical adventure:
“After Wonka is released from prison for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry in the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, he returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of rotten kids plot to break into the factory, steal a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, they’re in for a bit more than they can chew.”
Set in modern-day London, the film is being directed by Elaine Bogan (Spirit Untamed) and Jared Stern (DC League of Super-Pets).
The voice cast we know so far is absolutely perfect. Heartstopper fan-favorite Kit Connor will be voicing the teenage heist-mastermind, Charlie Paley. Meanwhile, the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka will be voiced by none other than Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit), who is also serving as an Executive Producer on the project.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 (Working Title: The Mitchells vs. the Mitchells)
Directors: Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans
Writers: Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin
Producers: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Kurt Albrecht
Animation Studio: Sony Pictures Animation / Lord Miller
Genre: 3D Sci-Fi, Family, Comedy, Sequel
Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Picture Credit: Netflix
Get ready for another wild family road trip! The Oscar-nominated 2021 hit The Mitchells vs. the Machines is officially getting a sequel. Originally scooped up by Netflix during the pandemic, the first film became a massive hit for the streamer, making a follow-up a no-brainer.
While exact plot details are still heavily under wraps, we do know the working title is currently “The Mitchells vs. the Mitchells.” Here is a brief tease of what we can expect from the storyline:
“While the first film saw the Mitchells, a fairly mild-mannered American family, take on the robot apocalypse, the sequel sees them encounter something even stranger and more dangerous … themselves.”
There is a slight changing of the guard behind the scenes, though the film remains in incredibly capable hands. The first film’s co-writer and director, Michael Rianda, is returning as an Executive Producer alongside Aditya Sood. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are also back to produce under their Lord Miller banner.
Stepping into the director’s chairs are Guillermo Martinez and JP Sans. Martinez is making his directorial debut, though he is already very familiar with the family—he served as the head of story on the original film, and boasts an impressive resume including LAIKA’s Kubo and the Two Strings and Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Co-director JP Sans recently wrapped up co-directing duties on The Bad Guys 2. The screenplay is being penned by the brilliant Molyneux sisters (Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin).
Untitled Ghostbusters Animated Feature
Director: Kris Pearn
Studio: Sony Pictures / Netflix
Genre: Creature / Monster, Fantasy, Family
Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Ghostbusters The Video Game
Who you gonna call? Netflix, apparently! Alongside an upcoming animated series, Netflix is also developing a wholly separate brand-new animated feature film set in the spooky, slime-filled universe.
Because the project is still very early in the “In Development” phase, the official logline simply notes that plot details are currently being kept under wraps. (Or, you might say, locked tightly inside the Ecto-Containment Unit!) We don’t yet know if this will follow the Spengler family from the recent live-action films, the original crew, or an entirely new team of paranormal exterminators.
However, we do know exactly who is sitting in the director’s chair. The film is being helmed by Kris Pearn, an animation veteran who is no stranger to Netflix subscribers. Pearn previously directed the hit 2020 Netflix original animated film The Willoughbys, as well as Sony’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.
Untitled Jack and the Beanstalk Project
Director: Rich Moore
Producer: John Lasseter
Animation Studio: Skydance Animation / Netflix
Genre: Fantasy, Family
Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Netflix’s massive, multi-year partnership with Skydance Animation continues to bear absolute fruit—or in this case, magic beans! In what will be their fourth movie for Netflix, Skydance Animation is currently cooking up a brand-new, animated take on a classic fable.
No logline or in-depth info yet, we can expect Skydance to put a twist on the story of Jack, the cow, and the giant in the clouds. The behind-the-scenes talent is enough to get any animation fan incredibly hyped.
The film is being directed by animation heavyweight Rich Moore. If you aren’t familiar with his name, you are certainly familiar with his work: Moore is an Oscar-winning director whose incredible pedigree includes Disney hits like Wreck-It Ralph, Zootopia, and Ralph Breaks the Internet, as well as classic episodes of The Simpsons and Futurama.
Leo 2
Studio: Happy Madison Productions / Netflix
Voice Cast: Adam Sandler
Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy, Sequel
Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Picture Credit: Netflix
One of Netflix’s biggest and most universally beloved animated hits is officially getting a sequel. Following the massive, record-breaking success of the 2023 film, Leo 2 is in production as of 2025.
While exact plot details are currently being kept tightly under wraps, we do know the most important piece of the puzzle: Adam Sandler is officially set to return to voice the titular, curmudgeonly (yet incredibly wise) class pet lizard, Leo.
Produced under Sandler’s own Happy Madison Productions banner, the first film was a massive win for Netflix, praised for its heart, hilarious musical numbers, and surprisingly poignant take on the anxieties of growing up. Will Leo find himself in a new classroom with a new batch of fifth graders? Will Squirtle the turtle return? For now, we’ll have to wait and see!
KPop Demon Hunters 2
Directors: Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang
Animation Studio: Sony Pictures Animation / Netflix
Genre: 3D/CGI Animation, Action / Adventure, Musical, Supernatural
Expected Netflix Release Date: 2029 (or later)
©2025 Netflix
Possibly the least surprising movie announcement on this list is a big return for KPop Demon Hunters. Currently in early development, Netflix is moving forward with a full sequel to the female-led, supernatural musical adventure.
While we don’t yet know what kind of demonic forces the world’s premier KPop girl group will be facing off against this time around, we do know the franchise remains in excellent hands. Directors Chris Appelhans (who previously helmed Netflix’s fantastic Wish Dragon) and Maggie Kang are both officially returning to co-direct the sequel.
If you are hoping to see this one pop up on your Netflix home screen soon, you might want to settle in for a bit of a wait. Some reporting has suggested a targeted release date of 2029, though it is highly likely that it will “probably be later” depending on how the animation pipeline progresses.
The Sea Beast 2
Directors: Chris Williams and Owen Sullivan
Producer: Jed Schlanger
Animation Studio: Netflix Animation
Expected Voice Cast: Karl Urban and Zaris-Angel Hator
Genre: Action / Adventure, Family, Sequel
Expected Netflix Release Date: TBA
Picture Credit: Netflix
Following a record-breaking debut in 2022, The Sea Beast officially became the most-viewed animated movie in Netflix’s history at the time. Naturally, it didn’t take long for the streamer to lock down the talent behind it. Announced back in early 2023, Academy Award-winning director Chris Williams signed a massive overall deal with Netflix to develop two brand-new projects—one of which is a direct sequel to The Sea Beast.
While an official, finalized logline hasn’t been released by Netflix just yet, Williams has offered up some very exciting details regarding where the story is heading next to THR.
The sequel will continue to follow monster hunter Jacob Holland (voiced by Karl Urban) and his newly adopted daughter, Maisie Brumble. However, their happily-ever-after won’t be quite as simple as the first film’s ending made it seem. Here is how Williams teased the plot:
“Suddenly Jacob is a parent, a parent to an especially willful kid, right? And so when you see them on the dock, you know that’s not what parenting looks like. It’s far messier, far more complicated and more trying at times than that. So the idea of the challenges of this new family became interesting to me.”
On top of the struggles of newfound parenthood, the sequel will explore a massive shift in the film’s universe: what happens to a world of hardened monster hunters when they suddenly give up their source of income and identity? Furthermore, will the beloved sea monster Red be making a return? When asked, Williams playfully teased, “Can I say… maybe?”
Behind the scenes, Williams isn’t tackling the sequel alone. He is officially being joined by the first film’s head of story, Owen Sullivan, who will be stepping up to co-direct the feature. Also returning is the first film’s producer, Jed Schlanger.
It is also worth noting that as part of his overall deal, Williams is simultaneously developing a brand-new, original fantasy project for Netflix. He has described that project as a cohesive world-building epic that sits tonally between The Lord of the Rings and The Princess Bride. Because Williams is developing both projects simultaneously, we don’t have a firm release window for The Sea Beast 2 just yet, but we will be keeping a very close watch on the horizon for any updates!
Don’t forget that all of Sony and Universal’s animated slate will also come to Netflix in the US (and, globally, for Sony beginning in 2027) in the years after their theatrical runs as part of first-window deals.
What new animated movie are you most looking forward to from Netflix? Let us know in the comments.
