Most popular children's movie characters

*Shrek 5* is among the anticipated animated movies for 2026, continuing the adventures of this beloved ogre and his companions. This ensures his enduring popularity and appeal to children.

Stitch is one of Disney's most active and enduring licensing characters, with his popularity surging ahead of a live-action *Lilo & Stitch* film. He is a top-selling toy and merchandise character in 2025-2026, appearing across virtually every product category.

A live-action remake of *Moana* is scheduled for July 10, 2026, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Interactive plush and figures are already top sellers, highlighting her sustained popularity.

Mickey Mouse remains a global powerhouse in merchandise, with plush toys, dinnerware, and costumes consistently selling well. Disney+ expansions and annual film releases keep him highly relevant and a constant favorite among children.

The *Frozen* franchise continues to be immensely popular, with *Frozen 3* and even rumors of *Frozen 4* in development. This ensures Elsa's continued presence as a beloved character with powerful ice and snow abilities.

*Toy Story 5* is anticipated for release in 2026, bringing Woody back to the big screen alongside Buzz Lightyear and the gang. This new film will address themes of technology and playtime, ensuring his continued popularity.

With *Toy Story 5* set for 2026, Buzz Lightyear will continue to be a central and popular character for children. His adventures as a space ranger action figure resonate strongly with young audiences.

Following the massive success of *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* is launching into theaters on April 1, 2026. This ensures Mario's continued relevance and popularity among children.

Bluey is listed as one of the most popular kids' characters in 2026, with high global demand due to its multi-age appeal and cultural visibility. Her imaginative adventures resonate with a wide audience.

The Minions continue to enjoy evergreen popularity due to their humor and universal appeal. A new movie, *Minions & Monsters*, is slated for release in 2026, ensuring their sustained presence in children's entertainment.

SpongeBob remains a cult-favorite, with new movies like *The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants* (December 19, 2025) and *Plankton: The Movie* (2025) keeping the character highly relevant. His popularity is also driven by viral memes and nostalgia.

Peppa Pig maintains stable demand in the preschool category globally and is one of the most recognizable preschool IPs in Europe and Asia. Her cheerful adventures make her a consistent favorite for young children.

Sanrio characters are timeless icons with strong fan-driven demand in both kids' and adult lifestyle markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. Their popularity is fueled by global collaborations and TikTok trends.

This new animated adventure film, featuring Owen Wilson as the voice of Charlie, is a highly anticipated children's movie for 2026. It balances heartfelt storytelling with superhero action, introducing a fresh, heroic character.

The new Pixar animated film *Hoppers* is aiming for a massive comeback for the studio and is highly anticipated for 2026. Mabel, who uses robotic tech to transfer her mind into a robotic beaver, is a central character in this exciting new story.

*Shaun The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom* is an upcoming movie for 2026, offering a fun experience for fans of stop-motion animation. Shaun's clever and mischievous nature continues to entertain audiences.

A new animated movie adaptation of *Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat* is scheduled for release in 2026. This will reintroduce the classic, mischievous character to new generations of children.

The movie *Coyote vs. Acme* is set to be released on August 28, 2026, where Wile E. Coyote sues the ACME Corporation. This introduces the classic character to new audiences in a modern and engaging way.