Join The Celebration: Major Disney Movie Anniversaries In 2026
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
June 30, 2026
Revisit beloved Disney movies hitting milestone anniversaries this year with fun facts, Easter eggs, and behind-the-scenes details
2026 marks 20 years since Disney and Pixar’s Cars came out and 25 years since Anne Hathaway first charmed audiences in The Princess Diaries! In fact, lots of classic Disney animated movies and live-action favorites have big anniversaries in 2026, making now the perfect time to load up your Watchlist. Prepare to reminisce about when you first saw these gems in theaters, or stream them for the first time on Disney+. Scroll on for fun facts about each movie, including details on technological breakthroughs, cast trivia, and more.
Noteworthy Disney Animation Movie Anniversaries In 2026
In 2026, we’re spotlighting animated fan favorites that are celebrating milestone anniversaries.
Big Ears & Big Adventures: Dumbo (1941)
The heartwarming tale of how a baby elephant’s uniquely large ears take him to new heights.
When was Dumbo released?
The movie soared into theaters on October 23, 1941.
How many years is Dumbo celebrating?
Dumbo (1941) celebrates 85 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about Dumbo?
Did you know that Dumbo (1941) was actually Walt Disney’s personal favorite of the movies he made? It only cost $812,000 to make and is one of the shortest feature-length Disney movies at just 64 minutes. It won an Oscar® for Music (Scoring of a Musical Picture) and was nominated for Music (Song) for “Baby Mine.”
A Journey Beyond Your Wildest Imagination: Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Alice finds herself on a surreal adventure that winds through a topsy-turvy world filled with fantastical characters.
When was Alice in Wonderland released?
The world premiere took place in London, England on July 26, 1951. The movie was released in the United States two days later, on July 28, 1951.
How many years is Alice in Wonderland celebrating?
Alice in Wonderland (1951) celebrates 75 years in 2026.
What is an interesting fact about Alice in Wonderland?
Walt Disney had long wanted to bring Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel to the big screen, and a live-action version was almost made in 1933, but was ultimately shelved.
Add Alice in Wonderland (1951) to Watchlist
Can You Spot Them All?: 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Pongo and Perdita embark on a quest to save their Dalmatian puppies from the evil fashionista and dognapper, Cruella De Vil.
When was 101 Dalmatians released?
The pups first bounced into theaters on January 25, 1961.
How many years is 101 Dalmatians celebrating?
101 Dalmatians (1961) celebrates 65 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about 101 Dalmatians?
Based on Dodie Smith’s novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, 101 Dalmatians was Disney’s first animated movie to be set at the same time period that it was made, rather than the distant past. It is also the first to be set in a specific real-world place: London, England. The movie made extensive use of the Xerox process to transfer animators’ pencil drawings directly onto cels, easing the process of creating the nearly 6.5 million spots featured on the 101 animated dogs.
Add 101 Dalmatians (1961) to Watchlist
A Mouse Tracks Down A Rat: The Great Mouse Detective
Basil of Baker Street adventures through the streets of London as he tries to solve the case of a toy maker’s mysterious disappearance.
When was The Great Mouse Detective released?
Basil’s adventure premiered in theaters on July 2, 1986.
How many years is The Great Mouse Detective celebrating?
The Great Mouse Detective celebrates 40 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about The Great Mouse Detective?
The pivotal Big Ben scene features some of Disney’s earliest uses of computer animation. To ensure the sequence was as true-to-life as possible, layout artist Mike Peraza took a tour of the real Big Ben, noting all of the clock’s details. The movie was the directorial debut of legendary duo John Musker and Ron Clements, who went on to direct The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), and Hercules (1997).
Add The Great Mouse Detective to Watchlist
An Enchanted Castle & A Soundtrack For The Ages: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
As Belle sets off on an adventure of a lifetime to rescue her father, she stumbles upon the enchanted castle of a mysterious beast.
When was Beauty and the Beast released?
The movie premiered in New York City on November 13, 1991, followed by its theatrical release on November 22, 1991.
How many years is Beauty and the Beast celebrating?
Beauty and the Beast (1991) celebrates 35 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about Beauty and the Beast?
Nearly 600 animators, artists, and technicians brought this beloved Disney Princess movie to life. It was also the first animated movie to receive a Best Picture Oscar® nomination. Originally not planned as a musical, the music went on to achieve immortality across generations, with the title track, "Beauty and the Beast", winning the Oscar® for Music (Original Song).
Add Beauty and the Beast (1991) to Watchlist
An Outsider Gets A Chance At Friendship: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Quasimodo leaves his sheltered life in the clock tower of Notre Dame Cathedral for a life-changing adventure, meeting the kind and beautiful Esmeralda along the way.
When was The Hunchback of Notre Dame released?
The movie swung into theaters on June 21, 1996.
How many years is The Hunchback of Notre Dame celebrating?
The Hunchback of Notre Dame celebrates 30 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
The movie was the first collaboration between Disney’s American and Paris-based studios. Its premiere at the Superdome in New Orleans was celebrated with a parade through the French Quarter.
Add The Hunchback of Notre Dame to Watchlist
Noteworthy Pixar Movie Anniversaries In 2026
These beloved Pixar movies marked the start of two new franchises.
A Gentle Giant & A Fast-Talking Jokester: Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
When Sulley and Mike Wazowski discover that Boo, a human child, has entered Monstropolis, they race to return her to her world before anyone else finds out.
When was Monsters, Inc. released?
The family movie premiered on November 2, 2001.
How many years is Monsters, Inc. celebrating?
Monsters, Inc. celebrates 25 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about Monsters, Inc.?
Monsters, Inc. was directed by Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, Pete Docter, also behind the Pixar movies Up, Inside Out, and Soul. The movie kicked off the tradition of subtly featuring characters from upcoming Pixar movies, with Nemo from Finding Nemo appearing as one of Boo’s toys.
Add Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. to Watchlist
A Race Car Learns That You Go Farther Together: Disney and Pixar’s Cars
A hotshot race car learns the importance of community and the value of true friendship in the small town of Radiator Springs along Route 66.
When was Cars released?
Cars premiered in theaters on June 9, 2006.
How many years is Cars celebrating?
Cars celebrates 20 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about Cars?
Inspired by a cross-country road trip taken by director John Lasseter and his family, Cars was one of Pixar’s most research-intensive projects. Creators traveled Route 66, taking in the scenery and atmosphere that inspired the fictional town of Radiator Springs. Take a peek at the real-life recreation of Radiator Springs in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park.
Add Disney and Pixar’s Cars to Watchlist
Live-Action Movies Celebrating Major Milestones In 2026
The Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical celebrated 20 years in 2026. Here are some of the other live-action Disney movies with notable anniversaries.
Man’s Best Friend Saves The Day: 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Filled with adventure and comedy, this charming live-action reimagining of the animated classic is a standout family favorite.
When was 101 Dalmatians released?
The movie hit theaters on November 27, 1996.
How many years is 101 Dalmatians celebrating?
101 Dalmatians celebrates 30 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about 101 Dalmatians?
Helmed by The Mighty Ducks director Stephen Herek, the movie stars Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil, Jeff Daniels as Roger, Joely Richardson as Anita, and more than 200 Dalmatian puppies. Training so many pups was no easy feat. Filmmakers went above and beyond to prioritize their welfare throughout the production.
Add 101 Dalmatians (1996) to Watchlist
From Clumsy Outcast To Charming Royal: The Princess Diaries
A shy teenage girl learns the astonishing news that she’s the princess of a European kingdom and begins her comical journey to the throne.
When was The Princess Diaries released?
It arrived in theaters on August 3, 2001.
How many years is The Princess Diaries celebrating?
The Princess Diaries celebrates 25 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about The Princess Diaries?
Directed by rom-com veteran Garry Marshall, the movie marked the start of a long and illustrious Disney career for Anne Hathaway. She recently starred in the major 2026 blockbuster, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and is an honoree at the Disney Legends Award Ceremony at D23 2026. The Princess Diaries was filmed on the same soundstage as Mary Poppins, in which Julie Andrews (also in The Princess Diaries as Queen Clarisse Renaldi) played the titular character over three decades earlier.
Add The Princess Diaries to Watchlist
Captain Jack Sparrow Sails Again: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Captain Jack Sparrow tries to evade the ghoulish Davy Jones as he once again boards The Black Pearl in an action adventure movie that’s perfect for a family movie night.
When was Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest released?
The Pirates of the Caribbean sequel sailed into theaters on July 7, 2006.
How many years is Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest celebrating?
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest celebrates 20 years in 2026.
What are some interesting facts about Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest?
Before its theatrical release, the movie premiered at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on June 24, 2006. The movie was a huge summer blockbuster that went on to gross over $1 billion worldwide, making it the third movie in history to do so. The movie franchise was inspired by the popular attraction, which first opened at Disneyland in 1967.
