The Cat in the Hat, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s new take on the Dr. Seuss classic with Bill Hader as the Cat, opened in US theaters on Friday, November 6, 2026, and earned about $20 million to finish second behind Godzilla Minus Zero. It is rated PG, has an A from CinemaScore audiences and a split verdict from critics. It plays with the new Looney Tunes short Daffy Season and has no streaming date yet. This page has the box office, the review verdict, a parents’ guide, the voice cast and where to watch. It is spoiler-free.
Last updated on November 14, 2026. Box office figures run through Thursday, November 12.
The Cat in the Hat Quick Answers
- Box office: about $20 million opening weekend in 4,003 theaters, No. 2. See the box office.
- Review verdict: critics are split, with Rotten Tomatoes between 45% and 49%, but audiences gave it an A CinemaScore. See the reviews.
- Rating: PG for action, some peril, mild language and rude humor. See the parents’ guide.
- Voice cast: Bill Hader, Xochitl Gomez, Tiago Martinez and more. See the cast.
- Streaming: no digital or streaming date announced. See where to watch.
The Cat in the Hat (2026) at a Glance
| Detail | The Cat in the Hat |
| US release | Friday, November 6, 2026, in theaters and IMAX |
| Directors | Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni |
| Studio | Warner Bros. Pictures Animation |
| Based on | Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book The Cat in the Hat |
| Rating | PG, for action, some peril, mild language and rude humor |
| Opens with | The Looney Tunes short Daffy Season |
| Streaming | No digital or streaming date announced |
What Is The Cat in the Hat About?
The Cat is a mischievous helper who cheers up children, but he has caused too much mess and is in trouble with his boss. He gets one last chance to make kids happy without the damage. His toughest job is Gabby and Sebastian, two siblings who are homesick after moving to a new town. A lost magical device that can reverse time sends the three of them on an adventure. Reviewers say the tone is closer to Monsters, Inc. and Looney Tunes than to the original book.
The Cat in the Hat Voice Cast
| Actor | Character |
| Bill Hader | The Cat in the Hat |
| Xochitl Gomez | Gabby |
| Tiago Martinez | Sebastian |
The voice cast also includes Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera, Bowen Yang, Paula Pell and Tituss Burgess.
The Cat in the Hat Box Office
- Opening weekend (November 6 to 8): about $20 million from 4,003 theaters, the widest release of the weekend, according to The Numbers and ComicBasics. Thursday previews added about $1 million.
- The competition: it finished second behind Godzilla Minus Zero, which opened to about $31.6 million.
- Total so far: about $26.8 million domestic through November 12, according to The Numbers.
- Audience reaction: an A CinemaScore, which Warner Bros. hopes will build word of mouth through the holidays.
What Are the Reviews Saying?
Critics are split. Rotten Tomatoes has hovered between 45% and 49% and Metacritic sits at 46 to 47, while audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it an A.
| Outlet | Verdict |
| TheWrap | Negative, calls it a forgettable and safe endorsement of the status quo |
| Showbiz Junkies | B, calls it a fun, magical adventure |
| Attractions Magazine | Positive, calls it a delightful surprise |
| Cinema Hook | Middling attempt at reworking a classic |
The most common praise is for Bill Hader’s energy as the Cat and the colorful animation. The most common criticism is that the film is a safe, generic family movie that waters down the chaos of the book.
Is The Cat in the Hat Good for Kids? Parents’ Guide
The MPA rated it PG for action, some peril, mild language and rude humor. Attractions Magazine suggests it suits roughly second to fifth graders and warns that a monster jump scare and extended peril in the third act may frighten younger or sensitive viewers. Showbiz Junkies calls it suited to kids of all ages, with messages about family, what makes a home and friendship. The Daffy Season short that plays before it has a couple of intense moments too.
Is the 2026 Film Better Than the 2003 Cat in the Hat?
Critics say yes. The 2003 live-action film with Mike Myers holds 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with 45% to 49% for the new animated version, and audiences gave the new film an A CinemaScore. The 2003 film opened to about $38 million.
The Cat in the Hat Trailer
The video above is the main trailer from Warner Bros.’ YouTube channel.
Where to Watch The Cat in the Hat
The Cat in the Hat is playing in theaters, including IMAX, across the US. Check your cinema’s listings for showtimes and for the exact running time including the short. Warner Bros. has not announced a digital or streaming date, and the film is not on Netflix. We will update this page when a date is confirmed.
More Movies to Watch
If you are planning a family cinema trip, see our guide to Godzilla Minus Zero for the weekend’s No. 1 film, or our You Can See Everything guide for the documentary that has been a hit with older audiences. For holiday viewing at home, see our list of new Christmas movies and where to watch them.
The Cat in the Hat FAQ
When did The Cat in the Hat come out?
It opened in US theaters on Friday, November 6, 2026, after being moved from an earlier February date.
Who voices the Cat in the Hat?
Bill Hader.
Who directed The Cat in the Hat?
Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, who also wrote the screenplay.
Is The Cat in the Hat based on the book?
Yes. It is based on Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book and is the second feature film adaptation after the 2003 live-action film.
What is The Cat in the Hat rated?
PG for action, some peril, mild language and rude humor.
Is The Cat in the Hat scary for kids?
A monster jump scare and extended peril late in the film may frighten younger or sensitive children, according to Attractions Magazine. Most reviewers say it suits school-age kids.
Is The Cat in the Hat good?
Critics are split, with Rotten Tomatoes between 45% and 49%, but audiences gave it an A CinemaScore.
How much did The Cat in the Hat make on opening weekend?
About $20 million in the US and Canada from 4,003 theaters, second behind Godzilla Minus Zero.
Is there a short before The Cat in the Hat?
Yes. The Looney Tunes short Daffy Season plays before the film.
How long is The Cat in the Hat?
Outlets report different running times, so check your local cinema listing for exact times including the short.
Is The Cat in the Hat streaming?
Not yet. It is in theaters only, and no digital or streaming date has been announced.
Is The Cat in the Hat on Netflix?
No. It is only in theaters.
Sources: release date, credits and cast are from Wikipedia and Behind The Voice Actors. Box office is from The Numbers, Box Office Watch and ComicBasics. The rating is from The Numbers, Showbiz Junkies and Attractions Magazine. Reviews are from TheWrap, Showbiz Junkies, Attractions Magazine, Cinema Hook and Rotten Tomatoes. This page is not affiliated with Warner Bros.
Image credit: the featured image uses Wikimedia Commons photos of Bill Hader (Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0), Xochitl Gomez (The White House, public domain) and Quinta Brunson (Mandilea16, CC BY 4.0), cropped, with an original ReadersFusion background. No stills from the film are used. If you are a rights holder and would like anything changed, see our terms of service or contact us.
