At a Glance
- The 95-year U.S. copyright maximum has been reached, putting classic characters into the public domain on Jan. 1 2026.
- The 2026 batch adds Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Blondie, Nancy Drew, Sam Spade, and Miss Marple to the public domain.
- Creators can now use and repurpose these works without permission or payment.
- Why it matters: The new public-domain library unlocks creative freedom for artists, writers, and filmmakers.
On Jan. 1 2026, a wave of beloved cartoons, comics, books, films, and songs entered the public domain, giving creators a fresh playground of iconic characters and stories. From the jazz-era flapper Betty Boop to the detective Miss Marple, the 2026 release offers a mix of nostalgia and opportunity. The shift follows a long-standing 95-year copyright rule that now opens a treasure trove for re-imagination.
Classic Characters Join the Public Domain
The first appearances of characters like Betty Boop-who debuted in the 1930 short Dizzy Dishes-now belong to the public domain. Mickey Mouse and his dog Pluto, with new cartoons entering the public domain, join the ranks of cultural icons. Winnie the Pooh, Blondie, Nancy Drew, Sam Spade, and Miss Marple also enter the public domain, each bringing distinct storytelling styles.
- Betty Boop – Jazz-era flapper, dog origin
- Mickey Mouse – Classic cartoon hero
- Winnie the Pooh – Endearing bear
- Blondie – Comic strip heroine
- Nancy Drew – Teen sleuth
- Sam Spade – Hardboiled detective
- Miss Marple – Elderly sleuth
Literary and Film Treasures
The 2026 batch also frees a selection of classic books and films. The first four Nancy Drew books, the full-book version of The Maltese Falcon, and Murder at the Vicarage all become public domain. Hollywood classics such as All Quiet on the Western Front, Cimarron, The Blue Angel, King of Jazz, and the Marx Brothers’ Animal Crackers also join the public domain.
- Nancy Drew books (1930)
- The Maltese Falcon (full book)
- Murder at the Vicarage
- All Quiet on the Western Front
- Cimarron
- The Blue Angel
- King of Jazz
- Animal Crackers
Musical Gems
A host of songs from the Great American Songbook will also be free. The Gershwin brothers’ Embraceable You, I’ve Got a Crush on You, But Not for Me, and I Got Rhythm enter the public domain. Other hits include Georgia on My Mind, Dream a Little Dream of Me, and early 1925 recordings like Manhattan, Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, and The St. Louis Blues.
- Gershwin classics (1920s)
- Georgia on My Mind
- Dream a Little Dream of Me
- Manhattan (1925)
- Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
- The St. Louis Blues
Jennifer Jenkins said:
> “It’s a big year.”
Key Takeaways
- The 95-year copyright rule has opened a vast array of classic characters, books, films, and songs to public use.
- Creators can now freely adapt and re-imagine Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, Nancy Drew, and more without permission or fees.
- The 2026 public-domain release offers a rich mix of nostalgia, cultural heritage, and creative opportunity.
The new public-domain library invites artists, writers, and filmmakers to explore and reinvent beloved stories, ensuring these cultural treasures remain alive and accessible for generations to come.
