The 2026 movie landscape is dominated by heavy-hitter sequels like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Toy Story 5, both of which are leaning hard into "tech-awareness" themes that mirror our own daily struggles with screen time and digital distractions. While these films offer top-tier entertainment, they also serve as a cultural mirror, reflecting the tension between old-school physical play and the inescapable pull of the digital world.
TL;DR: 2026's big releases, led by The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Toy Story 5, are leaning into gaming culture and the tension between physical play and digital gadgets. Screenwise suggests using these films as springboards for family conversations about digital balance while navigating the increasingly blurred lines between theatrical releases and streaming platforms.
If your kids are anything like the ones in our Screenwise community, your house is likely divided into two camps right now: those counting down the days until they see Rosalina on the big screen and those wondering if Toy Story 5 is going to make them cry in public again.
But there’s a shift happening. These aren't just movies; they are ecosystems. When The Super Mario Bros. Movie dropped back in 2023, it changed how we think about "video game movies." In 2026, the sequel is leaning even deeper into the lore, which means your kids aren't just watching a movie—they’re doing "research" for their next session of Mario Kart 8 or Super Mario Odyssey.
This isn't just a sequel; it’s a visual assault in the best way possible. Nintendo and Illumination have realized that the "rainbow road" aesthetic is basically catnip for the modern, overstimulated brain.
What parents should know: The hype for this movie is going to drive a massive resurgence in Nintendo Switch usage. According to Screenwise data, 64% of elementary-aged kids increase their gaming time by at least 30% in the two weeks following a major media release like this. It’s not "brain rot" per se—Mario games are generally excellent for spatial reasoning and problem-solving—but be prepared for the "just one more level" requests to skyrocket.
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This is the one we really need to talk about. Pixar is getting meta. The plot of Toy Story 5 involves the classic toys—Woody, Buzz, and the gang—going head-to-head with "The Electronics." We’re talking tablets, smart toys, and AI-driven gadgets that are stealing the attention of the new generation of kids.
It’s a bit on the nose, isn't it? Pixar is basically making a movie about the Screenwise mission. It’s a battle between the tactile, imaginative play of the past and the high-dopamine, algorithmic pull of the present.
The No-BS Take: While the message is "intentional," don't be surprised if the movie itself feels a little like a commercial for the very tech it’s critiquing. Disney is great at selling you a "screen-free" message while simultaneously launching a new mobile app or augmented reality game. Watch it with your kids, but use it to talk about why the toys feel left out. It’s the perfect opening to discuss digital wellness without sounding like you’re giving a lecture.
We’ve officially hit the point where the "theatrical window" is more of a "theatrical porthole." By now, in April 2026, most movies are hitting Disney+, Netflix, or Max within 45 days of their premiere.
This has changed the "intentional parent" math. Is it worth the $80 for tickets and popcorn when you know it'll be on your TV by Memorial Day?
- The Case for the Theater: For movies like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the scale matters. It's a communal experience. Plus, it’s one of the few places left where your kid (and you) are forced to put the phone away for two hours.
- The Case for Streaming: Control. You can pause when someone needs to pee, you can skip the scary parts of Zootopia 2 (which is a bit darker than the first one, heads up), and you don't have to deal with the 20 minutes of toy commercials disguised as "previews."
While Mario and Buzz take up all the oxygen in the room, there are a few other 2026 releases that Screenwise parents should have on their radar.
If you haven't read the The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, do it now. The movie adaptation is a masterclass in exploring what it means to be "programmed" versus having a soul. It’s a beautiful entry point for talking about AI with your kids.
It’s been a long wait, but Judy Hopps is back. This one tackles some pretty complex themes about misinformation and "viral" culture within the city of Zootopia. Screenwise rates this one highly for older elementary kids (ages 8-12) because it actually gives them a vocabulary for the weird stuff they see on YouTube.
The animated movie (not the live-action) is finally here. For families who grew up on Avatar: The Last Airbender, this is the "prestige" watch of the year. It’s a great example of media that respects a kid's intelligence.
We’re big fans of "Developmental Amplification" here at Screenwise. That’s just a fancy way of saying: take what they’re already watching and turn the volume up on the learning.
- For Mario Galaxy: Talk about the physics. "How would gravity work on a planet that small?" It sounds dorky, but it bridges the gap between a "brain rot" movie and actual curiosity.
- For Toy Story 5: Ask the hard question: "Do you think the tablet is more fun than your LEGOs? Why?" Don't judge the answer. Just listen. It’ll tell you everything you need to know about their current digital diet.
- For The Wild Robot: Discuss the AI. "Could a robot really learn to love, or is it just following its code?"
Q: Is Toy Story 5 appropriate for toddlers?
Toy Story 5 is rated G, but it features some "intense" sequences involving rogue technology and a few scenes that might be existential-crisis-fuel for sensitive kids. If your child handled the "furnace" scene in Toy Story 3, they’ll be fine, but maybe screen it first if they’re under 5.
Q: When will the Mario Galaxy movie be on streaming?
Based on Universal's current patterns, expect The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to hit Peacock roughly 45 to 60 days after its April theatrical release. If you want to wait, you’re looking at a June/July home release.
Q: Which 2026 movie is best for a first-time theater trip?
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is the winner here. It’s fast-paced, colorful, and the music is familiar. Just be prepared for the volume; modern theaters are loud enough to rattle a toddler's teeth, so bring some noise-canceling headphones if they’re sensitive.
Q: Are there any "hidden gem" movies for kids in 2026?
Keep an eye out for The Super-Secret Society of Girl Scouts. It’s a smaller release, but it’s fantastic for building teamwork skills and has zero "bad influence" tropes.
2026 is a year where movies are finally catching up to the reality of the "Screenwise family." We’re seeing stories that acknowledge the digital world rather than pretending it doesn't exist. Whether you’re heading to the theater for the spectacle of Mario or staying home to stream the latest Pixar, the goal is the same: be intentional.
The movies are just the starting point. The real magic happens in the car ride home when you’re talking about why Buzz Lightyear is so confused by a smartphone.
- Check the Screenwise Survey: Take 5 minutes to update your family's digital habits survey so we can give you better recommendations based on what your kids are actually watching.
- Set a "Movie Night" Boundary: If you’re going to the theater, make it a "phone-free zone" for the adults, too. Lead by example.
- Explore the Lore: If your kids are obsessed with Mario, check out our guide to the Nintendo Cinematic Universe.