Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s The Cat in the Hat brings Dr. Seuss’s mischievous feline to the big screen, with Bill Hader voicing the Cat. The voice cast also includes Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Paula Pell, Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera, Bowen Yang, Tituss Burgess, and Tiago Martinez.
The film is directed by Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni and opens in theaters and IMAX on November 6, 2026.
Music plays a big role in this version of the story. Lorne Balfe wrote the score, while two original songs have already been released ahead of the film.
A full soundtrack album is scheduled to arrive from WaterTower Music on October 30, 2026.
The Cat in the Hat Soundtrack (2026) Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film | The Cat in the Hat |
| Directors | Erica Rivinoja, Alessandro Carloni |
| Studio | Warner Bros. Pictures Animation |
| Animation Partner | DNEG Animation |
| Film Release Date | November 6, 2026 (U.S. theaters and IMAX) |
| Composer | Lorne Balfe |
| Album Title | The Cat in the Hat (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
| Label | WaterTower Music |
| Album Release Date | October 30, 2026 |
| Original Songs | “The Cat in the Hat Theme Song,” “CATastrophe” |
The Cat in the Hat Soundtrack Overview
The official album, titled The Cat in the Hat (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), is set for release by WaterTower Music on October 30, 2026. It is expected to combine Balfe’s original score with the film’s two original songs.
Those songs are the “The Cat in the Hat Theme Song” and “CATastrophe.” Both were released as singles in the weeks before the album.
The directors have said the theme song was built around a live band, designed to match the Cat’s high-energy personality.
Who Composed The Cat in the Hat Soundtrack?
The score was composed by Lorne Balfe, a Scottish composer born on February 23, 1976. He works across film, television, and video games, and the studio describes him as a GRAMMY Award-winning composer.
Balfe announced his involvement in the film on June 12, 2026. He also co-produced the theme song with Tim Minchin.
His résumé includes a notable list of WaterTower Music projects, among them The Lego Batman Movie (2017) and Black Adam (2022). He is also known for composing the Annapurna Pictures logo sting and for conducting the Game Awards Orchestra.
Balfe built the Cat in the Hat score around a live big band, with Chris Egan arranging the music and James Brett conducting. Sessions were recorded and mixed by Peter Cobbin and Kirsty Whalley at Abbey Road Studios and the Warner Bros. Eastwood Scoring Stage. The album also features the USC Trojan Marching Band performing a rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”
Original Songs in The Cat in the Hat
“The Cat in the Hat Theme Song” (feat. Bill Hader)
Tim Minchin, the Olivier Award-winning writer behind Matilda the Musical, wrote this song from the Cat’s point of view. It is performed by FITZ & Tim Minchin, featuring Bill Hader.
Lorne Balfe and Minchin produced the track, with Sam Farrar handling vocal production. Farrar and Rich Aitken provided additional production.
“CATastrophe” by Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff co-wrote “CATastrophe” with Matthew Koma, Madison Love, and Brian Phillips. Koma and Phillips produced the song.
The film’s press materials describe it as the emotional anchor of the movie. It was released through Atlantic Records in early October 2026, and a trailer featuring the song followed.
Song Heard in The Cat in the Hat Trailer
The official trailer features a version of “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots, taken from the band’s album Blurryface. The song’s theme of longing for the past suits the film’s story, where the Cat shows the siblings a watch that can turn back time.
This is a trailer song only. It is separate from the film’s confirmed original songs and from Balfe’s score.
Lorne Balfe Filmography
| Year | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | The Lego Batman Movie | Composer |
| 2022 | Black Adam | Composer |
| 2022 | Top Gun: Maverick | Music score producer |
| 2026 | The Cat in the Hat | Composer |
Where to Listen to The Cat in the Hat Soundtrack?
“The Cat in the Hat Theme Song” and “CATastrophe” are already available to stream and download on major digital music services. The complete soundtrack album, including Lorne Balfe’s score, is scheduled to arrive from WaterTower Music on October 30, 2026. Check your preferred streaming platform on that date for the full release.
FAQs
Who composed the music for The Cat in the Hat (2026)?
Lorne Balfe composed the film’s original score.
When is The Cat in the Hat soundtrack album released?
The album is set for release on October 30, 2026, a week before the film opens.
Which label is releasing the soundtrack?
WaterTower Music is releasing the official soundtrack album.
Who performs the theme song?
FITZ & Tim Minchin perform it, with Bill Hader featured as the Cat. Tim Minchin wrote it.
Who sings “CATastrophe”?
Hilary Duff performs it. She co-wrote it with Matthew Koma, Madison Love, and Brian Phillips.
Have any songs from the soundtrack been released yet?
Yes. “The Cat in the Hat Theme Song” came out in early September 2026, and “CATastrophe” followed in early October 2026.
What song plays in The Cat in the Hat trailer?
The trailer features a version of “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots. It is a trailer song and is separate from the film’s confirmed original songs.
When does The Cat in the Hat open in theaters?
The film opens in North American theaters and IMAX on November 6, 2026, with international releases beginning November 4.
Where was The Cat in the Hat score recorded?
Lorne Balfe recorded the live big-band score with arranger Chris Egan and conductor James Brett at Abbey Road Studios and the Warner Bros. Eastwood Scoring Stage.
Related reading: browse the full movie soundtrack guide hub or see what else is new on our streaming soundtrack directory.