The 14 movies we’re most looking forward to in 2026

As a critic, I’m still thinking about some of the fantastic movies we saw in 2025 – it really was a strong year for cinema. But honestly, I’m thrilled to be looking ahead! 2026 promises some incredible things: Christopher Nolan is going for something massive and sweeping, Steven Spielberg is diving back into sci-fi with aliens, and I’m especially excited to see what Greta Gerwig comes up with next. Plus, the rumor of a Quentin Tarantino and David Fincher team-up? That sounds like pure movie magic. Here’s a quick rundown of the 2026 releases I’m keeping an eye on – scribbled down during a night out, actually!

‘Wuthering Heights’ (Feb. 13)

The new take on Emily Brontë’s classic novel, ‘Wuthering Heights,’ is already causing a stir among book lovers, with opinions sharply divided on whether it will be a brilliant success or a disappointing misstep. Director Emerald Fennell, known for her provocative films like ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Saltburn,’ is clearly aiming to shock and entertain. The trailer alone—featuring images like lobsters in top hats and Margot Robbie in an anachronistic red sunglasses—has sparked a strong reaction. Fennell doesn’t do subtle, and so far, her bold choices appeal to me. The question is whether this adaptation will be a satisfying, though familiar, retelling of the passionate and destructive love story between Cathy and Heathcliff, or if the film’s very title is a hint that it’s something more unexpected. With a release date near Valentine’s Day, it’s clear Fennell wants to create a film that’s both intense and sensual. — Amy Nicholson

‘The Bride!’ (Mar. 6)

Filmmakers are finding new inspiration in classic monster stories like “Nosferatu” and “Frankenstein,” and Maggie Gyllenhaal is adding to that trend with a vibrant and updated take on “The Bride of Frankenstein.” This new version, signaled by an exclamation point in the title, reunites Gyllenhaal with Jessie Buckley, who starred in her first film as a director, “The Lost Daughter.” The story is now set in 1930s Chicago, and draws inspiration from films like “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Wild at Heart” in its portrayal of the monster and his bride as a couple on the run. Featuring a stellar cast including Christian Bale as the creature, alongside Penélope Cruz and Annette Bening, the film promises to be a bold and creative vision – the kind of ambitious project more filmmakers should attempt, no matter the result. — Mark Olsen

‘Project Hail Mary’ (Mar. 20)

I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming film adaptation of Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary.” Weir already showed us with “The Martian” that watching a smart person think their way out of trouble can be just as thrilling as any action sequence, and it was brilliant! This new movie, directed by the hilarious Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, seems to double down on that concept. Ryan Gosling plays a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with the fate of Earth in his hands, and it’s all about him figuring things out through science – just like “The Martian.” But what really has me hooked is that it looks genuinely funny! Big-budget sci-fi often takes itself so seriously, so a genuinely humorous take feels like a really bold – and potentially brilliant – move. In a world of sequels and reboots, it’s a refreshing risk, and I think it could be something truly special.

‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ (May 22)

Rather than continuing with a fourth season, the show is now a standalone movie releasing over Memorial Day weekend. This shows confidence in the show’s creator, Jon Favreau, and its loyal fans – and a hope that those fans still enjoy going to the cinema. You don’t need to have watched any of the previous episodes to understand the film – it’s a simple story about a bounty hunter and Baby Yoda. Despite an early trailer featuring Sigourney Weaver, don’t expect a crossover between Star Wars and Alien. The real surprise? Jeremy Allen White is playing Jabba the Hutt’s son – hopefully, there will be a scene where he cooks! – Joshua Rothkopf

‘Disclosure Day’ (June 12)

I preferred when this film was just called “Untitled Steven Spielberg UFO movie.” That title alone would have guaranteed huge box office numbers and got me really excited. Right now, details are scarce, except that Spielberg is collaborating again with David Koepp, who co-wrote “Jurassic Park” and “War of the Worlds.” The preview shows crop circles, strange animal behavior, Colin Firth with a beard, secretive government agents, and Emily Blunt seemingly controlled by an alien force. It’s a very unsettling trailer, and it reminds me a bit of M. Night Shyamalan’s work. This movie is definitely much darker than Spielberg’s classic, “E.T.” — Glenn Whipp

‘The Odyssey’ (July 17)

I’ve always been amazed by Christopher Nolan’s ability to make incredibly complex stories into huge cinematic experiences – think about tackling nuclear physics with “Oppenheimer,” wormholes in “Interstellar,” or the intensity of “Dunkirk.” Now, he’s taking on something truly ambitious: Homer’s “The Odyssey,” a poem written almost three thousand years ago! It follows Odysseus’s epic journey home after the Trojan War, filled with encounters with Cyclopes, sirens, shipwrecks, and even angry gods. It’s not a straightforward adventure; it’s about the delays, the temptations, and the dangers along the way. Knowing Nolan, and with a fantastic cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, all shot in stunning IMAX, I have a feeling he’s going to create something truly special – a modern epic that brings this ancient story to life for a new audience. It’s a real challenge to adapt a 27-century-old poem, but if anyone can do it, it’s him.

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ (Aug. 28)

One of the movies I’m most excited to see in 2026 is actually a re-release. I was lucky enough to see an early screening of “Coyote vs. Acme” in November 2023, when there was still a chance Warner Bros. might find a new distributor for it after controversially canceling it. The movie is hilarious – it follows Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation for its faulty products. He finally gets a voice through his lawyers, played by Will Forte and Lana Condor, who argue against John Cena’s confident defense attorney. Director Dave Green and writer Samy Burch perfectly captured the energetic humor of Looney Tunes while also adding a surprising amount of heart. Unfortunately, the film’s future has been very uncertain. But when it finally hits theaters, I’ll be rushing to see it as fast as I can! — A.N.

‘Digger’ (Oct. 2)

Fans have been waiting a long time – around 25 years, in fact – for a movie like this from Tom Cruise. His last Oscar nomination came for his memorable role in “Magnolia.” Early in his career, Cruise consistently challenged himself with new roles and avoided sequels, until “Mission: Impossible II” in 2000. Lately, he’s concentrated on his hugely successful “Mission: Impossible” series, bringing it to a spectacular conclusion. Now, with that franchise finished, he’s taking on a new project directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for films like “Birdman” and “The Revenant.” Iñárritu describes the movie as a chaotic and hilarious comedy, which might appeal to those who wished Cruise would revisit a more unconventional role like the one in “Tropic Thunder.” Hopefully, this film signals a return to bolder creative choices for Cruise.

‘Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew’ (Nov. 26; on Netflix Dec. TBA)

Greta Gerwig’s next project is highly anticipated, and for good reason – after the success of “Barbie,” she’s likely to create something special. Details are scarce right now, only a list of actors—including Emma Mackey, Daniel Craig, and potentially Meryl Streep—and a few filming locations have been revealed. However, I’m optimistic about this adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s fantasy novel. Gerwig proved with “Little Women” that she can make classic stories her own, and she won’t simply retell this one. While this installment of The Chronicles of Narnia is known for being lighthearted and filled with religious themes, it’s worth checking out – the talking animals alone make it worthwhile. — J. Rothkopf

‘Dune: Part Three’ (Dec. 18)

As a huge fan of Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” films, I was thrilled with how the first two movies did – over $1.1 billion worldwide and 15 Oscar nominations! It’s amazing how he’s brought Frank Herbert’s notoriously difficult novel to life as a major blockbuster. But the third film, the finale, is where things get really interesting. It jumps ahead in the story, with Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides now emperor – a position he doesn’t even want – and dealing with a huge war fought in his name. Zendaya and Florence Pugh are back too. The thing is, the book this movie is based on, “Dune: Messiah,” wasn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser. A lot of readers were disappointed it didn’t deliver another straightforward victory. Villeneuve has been building towards this ending for years, and now we’ll see if he can take a book that divided people and create a truly epic and satisfying conclusion. I’m really hoping he pulls it off!

‘Werwulf’ (Dec. 25)

Robert Eggers, the director behind unsettling films like “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” says his new medieval werewolf movie is his darkest work yet. Considering those previous films were already incredibly disturbing – and his upcoming “Nosferatu” promises more of the same – that’s a bold statement. A sound crew member reportedly needed a hug after reading the script, which gives you a sense of how intense it will be. Expect a grim and atmospheric experience, set in 13th century England, with dialogue spoken in Middle English. The cast, including familiar faces like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson, will likely deliver powerful performances in this dark and challenging film.

‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth’ (TBA)

Quentin Tarantino believes a movie focusing on Brad Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, from “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” would be great, but he won’t be directing it. Luckily, Pitt has brought in David Fincher – marking their fourth collaboration after acclaimed films like “Seven” and “Fight Club.” This partnership gives fans hope that a Booth-centric film will be successful. Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly declined a small role as Rick Dalton. The new movie will be set in 1977, continuing the stylish, nostalgic look at Los Angeles from the original film.

‘The Entertainment System Is Down’ (TBA)

Swedish director Ruben Östlund, known for films like “Force Majeure,” “The Square,” and “Triangle of Sadness,” creates sharply satirical movies that often provoke strong reactions. His latest film takes place on a long-distance flight where the entertainment system fails, forcing passengers to deal with their boredom and examine themselves. The movie stars Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, Daniel Brühl, Nicholas Braun, and Samantha Morton, and was filmed, in part, using an actual retired 747 airplane. A24 will distribute the film in the U.S., and Östlund is aiming for a historic third Palme d’Or win at Cannes. By blending his penchant for the shocking and bizarre with a surprisingly relatable scenario, this film could be the most genuinely unsettling horror movie of the year.

‘Her Private Hell’ (TBA)

It’s been ten years since Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn’s last film, the unsettling “The Neon Demon,” which explored fame and Los Angeles. Though he’s created two streaming series since then, his unique visual style and provocative storytelling have been missed. Fortunately, he’s returning this year with a new film, “Her Private Hell.” Details are scarce beyond a short teaser hinting at a cool vibe. Filmed in Tokyo in 2025, the movie stars Charles Melton, Sophie Thatcher, Kristine Froseth, and Havana Rose Liu, and features music by Pino Donaggio, a composer known for his work with Brian De Palma in the 1980s. Given Neon’s strong presence at the Cannes Film Festival, that’s where we’ll likely first see “Her Private Hell.” — M.O.

2026-01-01 13:32