The 38 Most Anticipated Movies of 2026

Hollywood is facing a period of huge change and uncertainty, particularly with the possible multi-billion-dollar deal between Netflix and Warner Bros., which could reshape the industry. But despite all the upheaval, there are still plenty of exciting new movies on the way – including original stories, adaptations of books, and fresh takes on familiar titles. Here’s a look at the most anticipated films set to be released in 2026.

People We Meet on Vacation (Jan. 9)

Emily Bader and Tom Blyth lead the cast of this movie, which is based on the popular novel by Emily Henry. The story centers around two old friends—a travel blogger who loves excitement and a quiet English teacher—who start taking their annual summer trips together again and discover a potential romantic connection.

The Rip (Jan. 16)

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, both from Boston, are teaming up again for a new action thriller. The film, directed and written by Joe Carnahan, follows a group of Miami police officers who stumble upon a hidden fortune. The cast also includes Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Kyle Chandler.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Jan. 16)

The new movie, a continuation of this year’s 28 Years Later, picks up immediately after the previous film ended. It follows Spike (Alfie Williams) as he gets involved with a dangerous cult led by Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) in a Britain overrun by the Rage virus. This film is a revival of the series that began in 2002 with Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, and both movies were filmed at the same time, with Nia DaCosta directing this installment.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (Jan. 30)

Gore Verbinski, the director of 2016’s A Cure for Wellness, is back with a new film that’s receiving positive buzz, with some critics comparing it to Everything Everywhere All At Once. The movie is a funny and unusual sci-fi story about a time loop. Sam Rockwell plays a man from the future who travels back in time to prevent robots from taking over. He teams up with people he meets in a diner – played by Juno Temple, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, and Zazie Beetz – to help him with his mission.

Send Help (Jan. 30)

Sam Raimi’s latest film, his first original work since 2009’s Drag Me to Hell, is a darkly funny and suspenseful thriller. It follows Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, who play a coworker and her boss. They must deal with their complicated relationship after being stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash.

The Moment (Jan. 30)

Pop star Charli XCX is expanding her talents to acting next year, with roles in several films. One of them is the first feature film from director Aidan Zamiri, who has previously worked with Charli on music videos like her song “360.” In the movie, she plays a fictionalized version of herself while on her first major tour. The film is a mockumentary inspired by her ‘Sweat’ tour, presented as a look back at 2024 and what might have happened if she’d made different decisions during the release of her album Brat.

Pillion (Feb. 6)

In his debut film, director Harry Lighton presents a moving and often funny story about an unexpected romance. The film stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård as two men – a shy gay man and a captivating biker – who explore a unique BDSM relationship. Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.

Wuthering Heights (Feb. 13)

The trailer for Emerald Fennell’s new film version of Wuthering Heights calls it “the greatest love story of all time,” which is a surprising description given the novel’s intense focus on abuse and emotional pain. Margot Robbie plays the young Catherine Earnshaw, and Jacob Elordi stars as the brooding Heathcliff, continuing to prove his talent for dark, dramatic roles.

How to Make a Killing (Feb. 20)

This darkly funny thriller takes inspiration from the classic 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets. It follows Glen Powell as a man who sets out to get his rightful inheritance by eliminating the seven relatives ahead of him in the family line.

Scream 7 (Feb. 27)

Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter for Scream, is writing and directing the seventh film. Neve Campbell is also returning to the franchise after not appearing in Scream VI. While Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega won’t be in this installment, Courteney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding are back, and they’ll be joined by new actors like Isabel May, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, and McKenna Grace.

The Bride! (Mar. 6)

Maggie Gyllenhaal, known for directing the acclaimed film The Lost Daughter, returns with a new horror movie inspired by the classic 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein. Jessie Buckley plays the bride, and Christian Bale takes on the role of Frankenstein’s monster.

Project Hail Mary (Mar. 20)

Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known for their creative collaborations, have joined forces with Drew Goddard to bring Andy Weir’s latest science fiction novel to the big screen. The film centers on an astronaut, played by Ryan Gosling, who mysteriously finds himself aboard a spaceship and must figure out how to save the world.

Mother Mary (April)

Director David Lowery is known for working in a variety of genres, including independent dramas like A Ghost Story and large-scale fantasy adventures such as Pete’s Dragon and The Green Knight. His latest film is a psychological thriller that centers on the complicated relationship between a singer (Anne Hathaway) and a fashion designer (Michaela Coel). Their connection is rekindled when the singer needs a dress for her return to performing.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Apr. 3)

While the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie received a range of opinions, it was a huge hit in theaters and packed with nods to the Mario games. The upcoming sequel, inspired by the 2007 game Super Mario Galaxy, is expected to follow suit. This time around, Benny Safdie and Brie Larson will be joining the cast as Bowser Jr., the villain, and Princess Rosalina.

The Drama (Apr. 3)

This new A24 drama, directed by Kristoffer Borgli (known for Dream Scenario) and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, centers on a couple whose wedding week is thrown into chaos when secrets are revealed. The plot is currently being kept under wraps, but a recent trailer suggests a compelling and potentially scandalous story.

Michael (Apr. 24)

Antoine Fuqua is directing a new movie about Michael Jackson’s life. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, will play the iconic singer. The filmmakers aim to tell a full and honest story, acknowledging the allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson without glossing over them. Colman Domingo and Nia Long will portray Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1)

Twenty years after the original Devil Wears Prada film, a sequel is in the works with the same creative team and many of the original cast members returning, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms, and Tibor Feldman. While details are still emerging, the story is expected to continue where the 2013 novel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns left off.

I Love Boosters (May 22)

Boots Riley, known for his imaginative films like Sorry to Bother You and the TV show I’m a Virgo, is back with another unpredictable and funny sci-fi comedy. This new movie follows a crew of shoplifters who target a famous fashion icon. The film stars Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, Demi Moore, and LaKeith Stanfield.

The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22)

Originally, Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni had planned a fourth season of The Mandalorian. However, due to production delays caused by the 2023 strikes, they decided to create a movie instead. The film will feature Pedro Pascal as the bounty hunter Din Djarin, Grogu (affectionately known as “baby Yoda”), and new characters like New Republic Colonel Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver, and Rotta the Hutt – Jabba the Hutt’s son, who first appeared in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, brought to life by Jeremy Allen White.

Disclosure Day (Jun. 12)

Details are scarce about Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film about UFOs, but the movie will star Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell.

Toy Story 5 (Jun. 19)

Pixar’s Pete Docter has described the plot of the fifth Toy Story movie as ‘Toy meets Tech.’ The story centers around Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), a frog-shaped tablet that quickly becomes the favorite toy of Bonnie, who is now eight years old. Joining the cast are Anna Faris and Conan O’Brien, alongside returning favorites like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Blake Clark, John Ratzenberger, and Tony Hale.

Supergirl (Jun. 26)

The recent Superman movie introduced Kara Danvers (played by Milly Alcock from House of the Dragon) as Superman’s cynical and fun-loving cousin. Now, she’s taking center stage in the second DC Universe film, where she teams up with a girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley) to get revenge on Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts) for the murder of Ruthye’s father.

Moana (Jul. 10)

Disney’s newest live-action film will feature Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, the strong-willed daughter of a Polynesian chief. She embarks on a journey beyond her island home to help her people. Dwayne Johnson returns to play the demigod Maui, a role he originally voiced in the animated film.

Cut Off (Jul. 17)

Jonah Hill’s new comedy follows two rich siblings who are suddenly cut off financially by their parents and have to figure out how to earn a living. The film stars Hill, Kristen Wiig, Bette Midler, and Nathan Lane, and Hill co-wrote the script with Ezra Woods.

The Odyssey (Jul. 17)

Tickets for Christopher Nolan’s new movie, based on the story of Homer’s epic, went on sale a year early, signaling it’s sure to be a huge hit. This is also Nolan’s most costly film to date, and uniquely, it was filmed entirely on IMAX 70mm film. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, playing the hero’s long journey home, and he’s joined by Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, and Zendaya as the goddess Athena who protects him.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Jul. 31)

The new Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland begins with this film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (who also directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). It brings back Michael Mando as the villain Scorpion, who first appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming. We’ll also see familiar faces like Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, but this movie will focus more on Spider-Man fighting everyday criminals rather than world-threatening villains.

Flowervale Street (Aug. 14)

David Robert Mitchell, the director of 2018’s Under the Silver Lake, returns with a new science fiction film featuring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. The story focuses on a family experiencing a series of bizarre occurrences in the 1980s suburbs.

Sense and Sensibility (Sep. 11)

As a total Austen fan, I was so excited to hear about a new take on Sense and Sensibility! The 1995 version with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman is practically perfect, a classic everyone loves. But this new adaptation, directed by Georgia Oakley, stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles as the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and I’m really curious to see their interpretation of these wonderful characters.

Resident Evil (Sep. 18)

This is the eighth film in the Resident Evil series, and like the 2021 reboot Welcome to Raccoon City, it’s a fresh start. However, this movie tells an entirely new story within the Resident Evil universe, without using any of the characters from the games. With Zach Cregger – known for directing Barbarian and Weapons – at the helm, it’s likely to be a compelling and genuinely scary addition to the franchise, and could even be the best Resident Evil movie so far.

Practical Magic 2 (Sep. 18)

Akiva Goldsman, who helped write the original movie, returned to co-write this follow-up to the 1998 film about two witch sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman). The story centers around the sisters, who were raised by their aunts (Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) after a curse took their parents. All four original actresses return, and they’re joined by new cast members Joey King, Xolo Maridueña, Maisie Williams, and Lee Pace. The sequel is based on a follow-up novel by Alice Hoffman, who also wrote the book the first film was based on.

Forgotten Island (Sep. 25)

Details about the story of the upcoming DreamWorks animated film, directed by Joel Crawford (who also directed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), are mostly a secret. However, it’s said to be about two best friends – voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano – who become stranded on a magical island called Nakali. The only way to escape is to erase all of their shared memories. The film’s voice cast also includes Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Manny Jacinto.

The Social Reckoning (Sep. 25)

Aaron Sorkin, who won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for the 2010 film The Social Network (about Mark Zuckerberg and starring Jesse Eisenberg), is now involved in a new film about Facebook. This one focuses on the 2021 data leak revealed by Frances Haugen. Sorkin is not only writing the screenplay but is also directing the film, taking over from David Fincher. Jeremy Strong will play Mark Zuckerberg in this new project.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Nov. 20)

As a huge fan of the Hunger Games universe, I was thrilled to hear Suzanne Collins released another prequel this year! And even better, Francis Lawrence – who did such a great job directing three of the original films – is returning to direct this one. It’s going to delve into Haymitch Abernathy’s story during the Second Quarter Quell, which takes place 24 years before Katniss ever volunteered. What’s really exciting is seeing some of our favorite characters from the first films reimagined – think a de-aged Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman), President Snow (Donald Sutherland), Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci), and Effie Trinket. The actors playing them this time around are Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, and Elle Fanning, respectively. And get this – Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are even coming back to reprise their roles, which is fantastic news!

Focker In-Law (Nov. 25)

Ben Stiller was the same age while filming the latest Meet the Parents movie as Robert De Niro was during the very first one. The new film also revisits the original premise: now it’s Greg (Stiller) and Pam’s (Teri Polo) son (Skyler Gisondo) introducing his partner to the family. The cast includes returning favorites Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Owen Wilson, and Blythe Danner, along with new additions Ariana Grande, Beanie Feldstein, and Eduardo Franco.

Dune: Part Three (Dec. 18)

Denis Villeneuve’s concluding film in the Dune series will be based on the novel Dune Messiah. It picks up the story 12 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, bringing Paul Atreides’s (Timothée Chalamet) journey and the resulting war to an end. Robert Pattinson is joining the cast, rumored to play the villain Scytale, and Jason Momoa will reprise his role as Duncan Idaho, who will return in some form after his death in the first movie.

Avengers: Doomsday (Dec. 18)

The latest Avengers movie is the first since 2019’s Endgame, and it’s aiming even bigger. It will feature a battle with Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.), alongside familiar heroes like the Wakandans and the Fantastic Four. Plus, characters from the older X-Men films and the new team from Thunderbolts will join the fight. This massive team-up is just the beginning, setting the stage for an even larger event planned for 2027’s Secret Wars.

Werwulf (Dec. 25)

Robert Eggers, the director behind films like The Witch and Nosferatu, is known for creating incredibly immersive and unsettling period horror. He achieves this through authentic language that transports audiences to strange and disorienting times. His next project is set in 13th-century England and will uniquely feature dialogue in Middle English. Returning to star are frequent Eggers collaborators Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson.

The Christophers (TBD)

The latest film from director Steven Soderbergh and writer Ed Solomon – who previously collaborated on projects like Mosaic, No Sudden Move, and Full Circle – is already getting great reviews. It’s a darkly funny story about a famous painter (Ian McKellen) and the talented forger (Michaela Coel) brought in by his family (James Corden and Jessica Gunning) to complete his unfinished artwork and sell it for a profit.

2025-12-26 16:08