Pixar’s Hoppers scores high on Rotten Tomatoes as critics call it a return to form! Can Jon Hamm’s animated film conquer the box office too?
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Hoppers has done something that Pixar hasn’t managed in nearly a decade! And that’s uniting critics who are unanimously praising an original story by the studio. It currently sits at a near-perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes before its wide release.
Which makes it the best-reviewed original film since Coco. In the post-pandemic era, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 was impressive, but it was a sequel, and a few movies that weren’t connected to a pre-existing franchise didn’t live up to the studio’s name, such as the last release, Elio.
But Hoppers, featuring a voice cast led by Piper Curda, Meryl Streep, Jon Hamm, and more, seems to be the studio’s comeback! Now, let’s look at what critics are saying about Hoppers, followed by its box-office projections.
| Title | Hoppers |
| Genre | sci-fi comedy |
| Production Company | Pixar Animation Studios |
| Running Time | 105 minutes |
| Director | Daniel Chong |
| Release Date | March 6, 2026 |
Early Reviews Hail Hoppers as the Best Pixar Film in Years
Critics aren’t just calling Hoppers good, but one of the best Pixar films, and that’s a big win for the studio! Many have praised its pitch-perfect comic timing and were nearly stunned by every aspect of the movie, from its story to its visuals, and more!
#Hoppers is Pixar at its peak. Visually gorgeous with a clever story, it packs rib-aching humor. Yet the incredibly sad, moving, & chilling moments are what truly elevate it. It’s undoubtedly one of Pixar's best in ages. A return to form for the studio & another win for @Disney pic.twitter.com/gOiVnYtvb3
— 🔸 Juan* – Awards Season Expert (@filmsbyJuan) February 18, 2026
HOPPERS is absolutely incredible, it left me in complete awe with how much this movie resonated with me.
The life lessons and deep thoughts put into this film blew me away. The characters, the colors, and the unexpected moments left me speechless. #Hoppers #Pixar pic.twitter.com/EqKww9hbs7
— Draven (@DravenReacts) February 20, 2026
#Hoppers is Pixar firing on all cylinders—visually stunning, razor-sharp story, and non-stop rib-aching laughs. Easily one of Pixar's strongest originals in years. A true return to form and another massive Win for @Disney. 🦫🔥 pic.twitter.com/ONmqBPddRk
— Remo Crypto boy (@Crypto_Remo786) February 18, 2026
Pete Docter says Pixar’s ‘HOPPERS’ must be seen at a movie theater.
"And it's great one to see in a theater. I won't give it away. But there's a few moments that are just beautiful to see with a whole audience there and listen to the reaction."
(Via: @BAFTA) pic.twitter.com/0IW67qCAUn
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) February 5, 2026
HOPPERS is the most insane Pixar film I’ve ever seen—it dials everything up to 11 and never looks back.
It’s full of heart and consistently throws jokes and unexpected turns at you that land perfectly. There are plenty of memorable moments to experience with a large crowd. pic.twitter.com/GTRl5EgFv5
— Russ Milheim – The Direct (@RussMilheim) February 20, 2026
Others have recognized the depth in this animated movie, which one would think is only aimed at children, but packs wisdom for people of all ages! Most importantly, Hoppers has been described as a movie that must be viewed on the big screen, meaning it’s a communal experience, meant to entertain a whole theater, and that’s precisely what Pixar needed!
Now Jon Hamm’s Hoppers Is Set to Win Over the Box Office
Critical acclaim is one thing, and box office recovery is another, because a film can please pundits all it wants, but its true test lies with the average moviegoer. Industry projections estimate an opening weekend between $40 million and $50 million on the domestic front (via Box Office Pro).
That’s decent for a film that is not a follow-up to a major hit. And with all the glowing reviews, it seems like Hoppers will start with modest numbers and eventually reach high figures.
So, what are your predictions for the film? And do you think it will be a box office success? Let us know in the comments below!
Hoppers is set to release on March 6, 2026.
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