Disney Rewatch Guide: Must-See Movies Before the 2026 Slate Launches

There is something timeless about the excitement that greets each new Disney movie, no matter our age. Many Disney films have left an indelible mark on our minds.​

Therefore, whenever a movie’s next part is listed on Disney’s release calendar, excitement builds. Movie Insiderz offers a Disney rewatch guide for movies to enjoy before Disney’s 2026 releases.​

But before that, let’s take a look at Disney’s scheduled releases for the year 2026.

Disney’s scheduled releases for 2026​

Hoppers (March 6)

Hoppers is an original Pixar animated film slated for release on March 6, 2026. The story revolves around a 29-year-old Asian-American girl who transfers her consciousness into a robot beaver.​

Directed by Daniel Chong, the film’s narrative centers on scientists developing a technology that allows humans to “hop” into lifelike robotic animal bodies, thereby facilitating communication with animals.  

It’s refreshing to see Disney represent an Asian-American protagonist and explore how her cultural background intersects with the main storyline.

Star Wars film- The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22)

Helmed by Jon Favreau, the Star Wars film The Mandalorian and Grogu will be coming to theatres next year after a six-year hiatus from Disney on the Star Wars universe.​

Plenty of confusions surround the film’s plot despite a recent trailer release. However, the major synopsis reveals about Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogus’ latest mission. We don’t know yet what their mission is.​

Even if there is no clarity on the plot, we predict heavy action, as seen in the trailer. Whether or not the evil Empire has fallen, the trailer did generate a buzz that the Star Wars film was worthy of its comeback after six long years.  

Pixar’s Toy Story 5 (June 19)

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the chief creative officer of Pixar, Pete Docter, revealed that Toy Story 5 will highlight the challenges faced by the toys in a technology-filled world.

The legendary Toy Story character toys- Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang- will have to face the trouble of modern children who are more hooked to their screens rather than physical toys.​

An 8-year-old will be seen playing with his tablet called Lillypad, and the toys will be longing to have the company of children who are now glued more to their gadgets.

Live-action remake of Moana (July 10)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Fandango (@fandango)

Moana needs no introduction, as everyone has loved her with all their hearts. The demi-god Maui has been a source of excitement for us when Moana sets on a sailing adventure to save her people from the island.

The actual adventure for Moana is to find her own identity alongside her ancient ancestors, who are there to guide her all the way, especially her grandmother.

Now, the film is getting a live-action remake, and we cannot hold our excitement. We just cannot stop imagining the beautiful sea sceneries and the playful iconic moment of the sea waves with young Moana at the beach

The director, Thomas Kail said,

“It’s a movie that has a connection to the Earth. You know, it’s a movie that has a soul.” [Source]

Optimism surrounds the upcoming live-action remake of Moana, especially after the recent success of the Lilo & Stitch live-action adaptation. Fans appreciated the fresh take on the classic, particularly the expanded focus on Lilo’s sister, which added emotional depth to the story. This positive reception comes as a relief for Disney, following the underwhelming box office performance of the Snow White remake.  

Hexed (November 2026)

Hexed is another Disney original expected to be released in November 2026. It will be a story of an awkward teen controlled by his Type-A mother.​

Who is a Type-A mother, you might be asking? A Type-A mother is the one who is comforted by making routines and schedules for their kids and family. She likes to stick to predictability and consistency for her people, even if it means setting a meal and bedtime.

So now you’re getting where the story will be going? But wait, it is not only about the annoyed teen- it will inculcate the transformation of their lives with the possible magical powers of the teen.  

Disney Rewatch guide: Films that you can watch before Disney’s 2026 releases

After we have shed some light on the upcoming 2026 releases from Disney, here are some notable ones that you could watch before their next installments come out.

Moana

The classic 2016 film followed the exact story that is going to be adapted as a live-action film in 2026. The heart of goddess Te Fiti needs to be restored, which was stolen by the demigod Maui.​

Moana sets off on the quest to save her dying island with her ancestral knowledge and Maui’s guidance. Her growing determination makes her a skilled wayfinder and helps to discover her own identity, clearly restoring the balance to the world.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian series

You can watch this Disney+ series before The Mandalorian and Grogu film since the upcoming film is set in the same timeline and will continue with the adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu.

The timeline is set between Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi and Episode VII- The Force Awakens. Although the script was originally meant for a fourth season but it had to be released in the form of a feature-length film due to the 2023 Hollywood labour disputes.

Hence, it would be better to understand the timelines first. You never know, an upcoming series might be in the pipeline to connect the happenings of the previous season and the upcoming Star Wars film.​

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4 and 5 are directly connected, which means watching Toy Story 4 is a prerequisite. The story of Toy Story 4 is a direct prequel to Toy Story 5.

In Toy Story 4, Woody and Buzz were separated at the end, and this is where the narrative picks up in Toy Story 5. The story involves themes of toys facing challenges with technology, but alongside the reunion of these two characters.​

Woody’s fate will be embedded in Toy Story 5 despite their parting in Toy Story 4. Hence, Woody and Buzz remain the central aspects of the entire Toy Story 5.

Which Disney movie are you most excited to revisit? Let us know in the comments!