The Pixar Renaissance: 7 Upcoming Movies That Prove The Studio Is Back On Top (2025-2028)

The animation world is witnessing a major comeback. After a period of experimental, director-driven originals that often went straight to Disney+, and a few theatrical releases that struggled to find their footing, Pixar Animation Studios has officially reasserted its dominance with a renewed creative vision and an undeniable box office smash. As of December 2025, the studio is riding the massive wave of success generated by its most recent release, a triumph that has set the stage for an exciting new era of high-concept original films and highly anticipated legacy sequels.

This resurgence is not accidental; it’s the result of a deliberate strategic overhaul led by Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, focusing on a strong return to the theatrical experience and a balanced slate. The upcoming years, spanning from 2025 to 2028 and beyond, promise a compelling mix of brand-new worlds and beloved characters. Here is a deep dive into the seven most important Pixar films currently on the horizon.

The Box Office Juggernaut: Inside Out 2’s Historic Success

The foundation of Pixar's current upswing is the phenomenal performance of *Inside Out 2*, released in 2024. The sequel to the 2015 hit was not just a success; it was a historic, record-breaking global phenomenon. The film's story, which introduced new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment to Riley's mind, resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

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The film quickly became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, reaching the coveted $1 billion mark in a staggering 19 days. This commercial success cemented the new strategy: that when Pixar delivers a universally appealing, high-concept story—whether original or a sequel—audiences will flock to the theaters. This performance provided the studio with the necessary momentum and confidence to greenlight an ambitious slate of future projects, balancing the need for reliable franchise revenue with the desire for original storytelling.

The Next Generation of Original Pixar Storytelling (2025 & 2026)

The true test of Pixar's creative vision lies in its original films, and the next two years will deliver two highly anticipated, unique concepts that continue the studio's tradition of exploring big ideas through relatable characters.

1. Elio (June 20, 2025)

*Elio* is Pixar's next major original science fiction adventure, promising a cosmic misadventure with a classic Pixar heart. The film centers on Elio, an 11-year-old space fanatic with a vivid imagination. His world is turned upside down when he is accidentally beamed across the galaxy and, in a case of mistaken identity, is pegged as Earth's intergalactic ambassador.

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The film is directed by Madeline Sharafian, known for the short film *Burrow*, and is based on a story originally conceived by Adrian Molina (co-director of *Coco*). The creative team, which also includes director Domee Shi (*Turning Red*), is exploring themes of confidence, finding your place in the universe, and the pressure of representing a species you don't fully understand. It's a return to the "what if" premise that made films like *Inside Out* and *Toy Story* so successful.

2. Hoppers (March 6, 2026)

Following *Elio*, Pixar will release *Hoppers*, a sci-fi comedy that dives into the world of animal communication. The film is directed by Daniel Chong, the creator of the beloved Cartoon Network series *We Bare Bears*, and produced by Pixar veteran Nicole Grindle.

The story follows Mabel, a 19-year-old animal enthusiast who discovers cutting-edge technology that allows her to communicate with and understand animals. The central theme explores the universal question: "What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying?" This film is a key part of the new slate, showcasing Pixar's commitment to bringing in fresh directorial voices like Chong while tackling a high-concept premise that appeals to a broad family audience.

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The Future of Pixar: Legacy Sequels and Unannounced Projects (2026 & Beyond)

While original stories like *Elio* and *Hoppers* are critical for the studio’s creative health, the undeniable commercial power of established franchises is fueling the long-term strategic plan. The upcoming slate confirms that Pixar is not shying away from its most beloved IPs.

3. Toy Story 5 (June 19, 2026)

The announcement of *Toy Story 5* was one of the biggest revelations in the new slate. The franchise is the studio's cornerstone, and its return is a major statement on the value of legacy sequels. While plot details remain scarce, the film is set to be the company's summer blockbuster for 2026. The return of Woody and Buzz Lightyear will undoubtedly draw massive crowds, serving as a powerful anchor for the studio's theatrical strategy.

4. Incredibles 3 (2028 or Later)

The Parr family is set to return for a third installment, continuing the story of the super-powered family. Series director Brad Bird is reportedly back to helm the project, which was revealed at a D23 event. The long gap between *The Incredibles* (2004) and *Incredibles 2* (2018) proved that audiences have a long memory for quality, and the return of the franchise is a major component of the studio’s plan to secure massive box office returns in the late 2020s.

5. Coco 2 (TBD)

A sequel to the Academy Award-winning 2017 film *Coco* is currently in development. The original film, which explored Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead, was a critical darling and a commercial success. While no release date is specified, the continuation of Miguel's journey in the Land of the Dead is a highly anticipated project that further diversifies Pixar's franchise portfolio.

6. Gatto (2027)

Beyond the confirmed sequels, Pixar has an unannounced original film titled *Gatto* slated for 2027. Details are completely under wraps, but the mysterious title suggests another entirely new concept, keeping the studio's tradition of surprise alive. This commitment to fresh, non-franchise entities is vital for maintaining the studio's reputation for creative innovation.

7. Unannounced Original Film (June 18, 2027)

Rounding out the current release schedule is an untitled original film set for release in the summer of 2027. This slot is historically reserved for the studio's biggest bets and most ambitious projects. The consistent scheduling of new, original stories, alongside the legacy sequels, is a clear signal that Pixar has learned from its recent past and is determined to maintain a balanced, creatively vibrant, and commercially robust output for the next decade.

The Strategic Pivot: Theatrical Focus and Creative Overhaul

Pixar's Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, has been transparent about the studio's need to overhaul its creative vision and business strategy. The early 2020s saw several original Pixar films, such as *Soul*, *Luca*, and *Turning Red*, being funneled directly to the Disney+ streaming service, which arguably diminished their cultural impact and commercial potential. The disappointing box office returns of director-driven originals like *Lightyear* and *Elemental* further necessitated a change.

The new direction is clear: a full-throated commitment to the theatrical release. The overwhelming success of *Inside Out 2* validated this strategy, proving that a major Pixar film can still be a multi-billion-dollar global event. The studio is now focused on ensuring that every film—whether an original like *Elio* or a sequel like *Toy Story 5*—is a cinematic event designed to bring families back to the movie theater, securing Pixar's future as the gold standard in feature animation.