10 Most Anticipated Movies Yet To Release In 2026 (#1 Will Surprise No One)

Let me tell you, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for movies. We’re not just talking about a few releases; it feels like every studio is swinging for the fences with potential blockbusters and even bringing back some beloved franchises. The buzz is already incredible after hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Project Hail Mary absolutely killed it. But honestly, the best is yet to come – as April wraps up, Hollywood’s really gearing up to unleash its biggest films of the year, and I, for one, am excited!

Although some big movies have already come out in 2026 and been well-received, the biggest releases are still ahead of us. Theaters are preparing for the summer, with a mix of scary movies and international blockbusters. With so much more to look forward to, many movie fans believe the best films of the year haven’t even arrived yet.

Lots of exciting movies are coming out in 2026, from superhero blockbusters to the next installment of Dune. ScreenRant has compiled a complete list of the most anticipated releases. Get ready to clear your schedule and budget, because you won’t want to miss these films!

10. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

As a longtime fan, I’ve been waiting a decade for this! Finally, in November 2026, we’re getting a Hunger Games prequel, and from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be incredible. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping dives into the story of Haymitch Abernathy and his experiences during what sounds like the most brutal Games ever held in Panem. With Joseph Zelda and Elle Fanning leading the cast, and Francis Lawrence directing, alongside Suzanne Collins’ involvement, this film feels like a real return to form for the franchise. It’s a bold move to promise the biggest installment yet, but if anyone can deliver, it’s this team. The pressure is on, but I have a feeling Sunrise on the Reaping will absolutely live up to the hype.

9. Supergirl

James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe is about to get bigger, and it could challenge Marvel’s dominance. Following the initial success of Superman, the next film, Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock, arrives on June 26th. This movie will be a key test – will Gunn’s fresh approach to superheroes continue to resonate with audiences? Directed by Craig Gillespie, early trailers for Supergirl have excited fans with their close adaptation of the popular Tom King comics. With many claiming audiences are tired of superhero movies, Supergirl’s performance is particularly crucial, as it will largely define the future direction of the DC Universe.

8. Backrooms

The popular online horror story known as the Backrooms is hitting the big screen on May 29th. Directed by Kane Parsons for A24, this movie represents a new trend in Hollywood by being the first major studio film based on a “creepypasta” – a horror story originally shared online. While made with a relatively small budget, Backrooms is predicted to be a big success due to the existing fanbase of creepypastas, building on the popularity of films like Slenderman. Fans are also hoping the movie will expand on the unsettling backstory of the viral meme Parsons originally created years ago.

7. The Mandalorian & Grogu

On May 22nd, the world of Star Wars returns to the popular story of The Mandalorian and Grogu with a new movie. It’s been seven years since the Disney+ series first captivated audiences, and now Pedro Pascal’s character, Din Djarin, is bringing their adventures to the big screen. This film is being positioned as an action-packed blockbuster, and it’s a crucial release for the Star Wars franchise after a string of recent box office failures. The story follows Din and Grogu as they team up with the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hut, forcing them to confront their pasts along the way. Early box office predictions are promising, and The Mandalorian & Grogu could signal a resurgence for the Star Wars series.

6. Toy Story 5

Movies should evoke emotion, and Disney’s Toy Story 5, coming June 19, 2026, is likely to do just that. The film builds on the beloved Toy Story franchise, which holds a special place in many people’s hearts. This fifth installment will see Woody and his friends facing their most challenging threat yet: the rise of technology. In a world dominated by smartphones and apps, the toys are at risk of becoming irrelevant, putting Woody in more danger than ever before. Toy Story 5 will explore what happens when our heroes confront the possibility of becoming obsolete.

5. Godzilla Minus Zero

Godzilla is returning to the big screen on November 6th with Godzilla Minus Zero, the newest film from director Takashi Yamazaki, who previously worked on the first Godzilla movie to win an Academy Award. This fall’s release will continue the story begun in Godzilla Minus One, bringing back the Shikishima family as they face a new disaster. Set two years after the first film, a new monster threatens Japan, forcing Koichi and Noriko to confront their pasts and deal with Godzilla once again. With high expectations following the success of Godzilla Minus One, fans are optimistic that Yamazaki’s direction will deliver another compelling and dramatic story.

4. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

This July 31st, Spider-Man is getting a new beginning in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, but this time, he’s facing a fresh start, feeling isolated and a bit disillusioned. The movie will show us a different side of Spider-Man as he tries to rebuild his life and reputation, and along the way, he’ll encounter familiar faces like the Punisher and the Hulk. Spider-Man: Brand New Day promises a new storyline, exciting new characters, and a deeper look into Peter Parker’s struggles, ultimately solidifying his role as New York City’s iconic hero.

3. Dune: Part Three

This Christmas, the epic Dune saga concludes. Director Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel will follow Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he navigates the challenges and consequences of becoming emperor. Based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah, the film explores the perils of unchecked power and features a stellar cast, including returning favorites Zendaya and Florence Pugh. Dune: Part Three promises to be a stunning visual experience that will draw large crowds to IMAX theaters throughout the holiday season.

2. The Odyssey

As a huge film fan, I’m incredibly excited for Christopher Nolan’s new movie, The Odyssey, hitting theaters on July 17th. It’s easily one of the most anticipated films of the year! He’s tackling Homer’s epic poem in a way we’ve never seen before, and from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be visually stunning. Everything was filmed with IMAX cameras, and with a reported $250 million budget, the scale of this production sounds absolutely massive. Pre-sales through IMAX have been crazy, which isn’t surprising given how much everyone loved Oppenheimer. Nolan’s really at the top of his game right now. I have a feeling The Odyssey is going to be huge – it could even become his biggest box office hit, surpassing The Dark Knight!

1. Avengers: Doomsday

Even though the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced some challenges lately, Avengers: Doomsday was always expected to be the biggest movie of 2026. Arriving in theaters on December 18th, this action-packed film will likely compete with Dune: Part Three for the top spot at the box office, especially with Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom. With a massive budget and the Russo Brothers directing, Avengers: Doomsday aims to recreate the excitement of Avengers: Infinity War. Many dedicated Marvel fans hope this team-up movie will restore their faith in the franchise. Regardless of its success, the December release of Avengers: Doomsday is guaranteed to be a major event everyone will be discussing.

2026-04-22 04:21