2026 is shaping up to be a great year for movies at the cinema.
The newest parts of the Dune, Spider-Man, and Avengers series are coming out, and there's also a chance to relive some old favorites from the 2000s with sequels to Devil Wears Prada and Practical Magic.
Plus, new films from Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig are set to appear on Imax screens. (But not at the same time, so you won’t get another Barbenheimer moment.)
As for big names, there are movies featuring Jacob Elordi, Tom Cruise, Ryan Gosling, Timothée Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, and Ariana Grande.
Zendaya is having a major year too with the A24 movie The Drama, Nolan’s The Odyssey, and the third Dune, as well as Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Here are the most highly anticipated movies in 2026, including their release dates.
Dead Man’s Wire (January 9)
Dacre Montgomery (left) and Bill Skarsgard in Row K Entertainment’s Dead Man’s Wire.
Dacre Montgomery (left) and Bill Skarsgard in 'Dead Man’s Wire.'
Row K Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
This is the first movie Gus Van Sant has made in seven years, which is a big gap in his career.
The film tells the strange and real story of a mortgage broker named Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery) being kidnapped by an aspiring entrepreneur named Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgard). Other actors in the film include Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, and Al Pacino. It’s a witty social thriller.
People We Meet on Vacation (January 9)
(L-R) Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex in People We Meet on Vacation.
Emily Bader as Poppy and Tom Blyth as Alex in 'People We Meet on Vacation.'
Michele K. Short/Netflix
This is based on Emily Henry’s popular book and stars Emily Bader (My Lady Jane) and Tom Blythe (The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as best friends who go on annual summer trips together, but one trip causes a big problem between them.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (January 16)
'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'
Ralph Fiennes in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.'
Columbia Pictures
This is the next movie in the 28 Years Later series, which follows the story of Ralph Fiennes’ character, Dr. Ian Kelson.
Directed by Nia DaCosta, who had a good year in 2025 with the film Hedda, it continues where the previous movie left off.
Mercy (January 23)
It's 2029, and an AI judge (played by Rebecca Ferguson) is in charge of a brutal murder case.
The victim (Annabelle Wallis) is the wife of a detective (Chris Pratt) who had previously supported the judge’s appointment. Things get complicated when the detective becomes the main suspect.
The Moment (January 30)
Charli XCX has been busy with acting roles in festival films like Erupcja, Sacrifice, and 100 Nights of Hero.
This has all led up to The Moment, a semi-autobiographical film where Charli plays a pop star preparing for her first headlining tour. She also writes and produces the film with director Aidan Zamiri, who works with her often.
Send Help (January 30)
Rachel McAdams in 'Send Help'
Rachel McAdams in 'Send Help.'
Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
This movie is an exciting return for Sam Raimi, who hasn’t directed an original film in 17 years.
It’s a survival thriller with Rachel McAdams coming back to acting after a break, and she stars with Dylan O'Brien.
Wuthering Heights (February 13)
(L-R) Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights
Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw in 'Wuthering Heights.'
Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
Expect some controversy and heated scenes with this adaptation of the classic Emily Brontë novel.
Directed by Emerald Fennell, it has already sparked a lot of reactions just from casting and trailers. The film stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, who worked with Fennell before, and features music by Charli XCX.
How to Make a Killing (February 20)
Glen Powell in A24's 'How to Make a Killing'
Glen Powell in 'How to Make a Killing.'
Courtesy of A24
This film is from John Patton Ford, who previously directed Emily the Criminal, starring Aubrey Plaza.
Now he’s working with A24, telling the story of a mysterious man, played by Glen Powell, who is searching for an inheritance he was denied when he was abandoned at birth.
Scream 7 (February 27)
Neve Campbell stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's Scream 7.
Neve Campbell in 'Scream 7.'
Paramount Pictures
The Scream series reaches its end with this film.
After some drama, including Melissa Barrera leaving due to social media comments about the war in Gaza and Jenna Ortega leaving, the return of Neve Campbell, who hadn’t been in the last movie because of a pay dispute, is the big highlight.
The Bride!
(March 6)
Jessie Buckley in 'The Bride!'
Jessie Buckley in 'The Bride!'
Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection
This movie is a punk-inspired retelling of Bride of Frankenstein.
Though there were some surprises with trailers and a delayed release date, the talent is strong. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, this is her second movie as a director, following her Oscar-nominated debut The Lost Daughter. The cast includes Oscar winners and nominees, led by Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, Gyllenhaal’s co-star from The Dark Knight.
The Breadwinner (March 13)
Nate Bargatze stars in 'The Breadwinner'
Nate Bargatze stars in 'The Breadwinner.'
Frank Masi
Stand-up star Nate Bargatze is making his first movie as a comedy actor.
He plays a new dad who finds it hard to adjust to being home all the time, and it leads to some funny moments. Other actors in the movie include Will Forte, Zach Cherry, Kumail Nanjiani, and Mandy Moore. The film is directed by Eric Appel, who also made 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.'
Project Hail Mary (March 20)
Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary.'
Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary.'
Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
Phil Lord and Chris Miller direct this movie based on the book by Andy Weir, who also wrote 'The Martian.'
Ryan Gosling plays an astronaut who wakes up with no memory on a space ship heading to another solar system. He slowly finds out he is the only one left from a mission to save Earth.
The Drama (April 3)
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in the poster for 'The Drama'
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in the poster for 'The Drama.'
Courtesy of A24
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson are in a romantic comedy-drama directed by Kristoffer Borgli.
They play an engaged couple who face a big problem as they prepare for their wedding. A surprising truth about one of them makes their lives turn upside down. It turns out, making decisions about table linens can lead to a major crisis.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1)
'Devil Wears Prada 2'
The sequel to the 2006 movie follows Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, as her fashion empire struggles with changes in the media world.
She now faces off against her former assistant, who became a powerful executive. Emily Blunt returns as Andy Sachs, and Stanley Tucci is back as Nigel.
Obsession (May 15)
'Obsession' filmmaker Curry Barker
'Obsession' filmmaker Curry Barker Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb
The biggest hit at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival was a horror movie from a first-time director.
It’s about a music store worker who uses a magical toy to win the love of his crush.
I Love Boosters (May 22)
Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters.'
SXSW
This sci-fi comedy from Boots Riley, known for 'Sorry to Bother You,' stars Demi Moore, Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, and Taylour Paige.
The story follows a group of shoplifters who target a harsh fashion business leader.
Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22)
The Mandalorian, Grogu
'The Mandalorian & Grogu.'
Disney+/Lucasfilm / Courtesy Everett Collection
This is the first Star Wars movie since 2019's 'Rise of Skywalker.'
Jon Favreau expands the Mandalorian story on the big screen. Pedro Pascal returns as Mando, and the adorable Grogu is back. They will also be joined by Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, who voices Rotta the Hutt.
Masters of the Universe (June 5)
The Idea of You star Nicholas Galitzine plays He-Man opposite Jared Leto’s Skeletor and Camila Mendes’ Teela in the live-action version of the ‘80s toy line and animated series.
This is the first toy-to-film project for Mattel after the success of 'Barbie.'
Power Ballad (June 5)
The latest feel-good musical movie from director John Carney follows Paul Rudd as a wedding singer named Rick and Nick Jonas as a pop star named Danny, who is past his prime.
When Danny uses Rick’s song and makes it a hit, Rick sets out to claim the credit he feels he deserves in this Lionsgate movie.
Disclosure Day (June 12)
'Disclosure Day'
'Disclosure Day' Universal
Steven Spielberg is making a movie about UFOs with a script by David Koepp, who also wrote 'Jurassic Park.'
Details are not yet revealed, but the first trailer features Josh O’Connor saying, “People have a right to know the truth.” Other actors in the film include Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, and Eve Hewson.
Toy Story 5 (June 19)
(L-R): Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) in Toy Story 5.
Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) in 'Toy Story 5.'
Disney/Pixar
In Disney and Pixar’s 'Toy Story 5,' Woody and Buzz have to face their biggest challenge yet: a tablet (voiced by Greta Lee).
Also in the film is Conan O’Brien as a toy that helps with potty training, called Smarty Pants.
Supergirl (June 26)
After a brief appearance in Superman, the party-loving Kara Zor-El, played by House of Dragon star Milly Alcock, is taking the spotlight with Krypto on a journey across the galaxy for revenge.
Jason Momoa plays the mercenary Lobo in this DC Studios spinoff.
Moana (July 10)
Catherine Laga'aia in the live-action 'Moana'
Catherine Laga’aia in the live-action 'Moana.'
Courtesy of Disney
This live-action version of the 2026 Disney animated film 'Moana' is directed by Thomas Kail, who also directed 'Hamilton.'
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, and Catherine Laga’aia is cast as the main character.
The Odyssey (July 17)
Matt Damon in The Odyssey
Matt Damon in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey.'
Universal Pictures/X
Christopher Nolan’s version of the Greek epic brings together a huge cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson.
This film is the first big movie shot entirely on Imax cameras, following the success of 'Oppenheimer.'
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31)
While the MCU continues to add new movies, it will be nearly five years since the last Spider-Man film.
Tom Holland's Peter Parker is now in college, trying to forget his superhero life, but gets pulled back into action by new threats. Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Tramell Tillman are among the new characters added to the story.
Coyote vs. Acme (Aug. 28)
A live-action animated comedy is finally hitting theaters after years of delays, following Warner Bros.' decision to pause the movie in 2023.
The film follows a storyline from a court case between Wile E. Coyote and ACME Corporation. Will Forte and John Cena are part of the live-action cast.
The Dog Stars (Aug. 28)
Ridley Scott's latest film is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller based on a novel by Peter Heller.
Jacob Elordi plays a survivor of a global virus along with an ex-Marine neighbor, played by Josh Brolin, as they search for a better life.
Clayface (Sept. 11)
This is the first non-Superman or -Superwoman movie in the new DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran.
It's a body horror film written by Mike Flanagan about an actor who becomes disfigured and decides to be turned into clay by a scientist, with dire consequences. James Watkins, known for Speak No Evil, directs this film.
Practical Magic 2 (Sept. 18)
This sequel brings back the magic and misfortune of two sisters who are also witches, played by Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock.
Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest reprise their roles in this movie directed by Susanne Bier. It's based on a 2021 book by Alice Hoffman called The Book of Magic.
Resident Evil (Sept. 18)
After making a name for himself with Barbarian, filmmaker Zach Cregger is directing this Resident Evil movie.
He aims to make it more true to the video game series. Austin Abrams, who played in Weapons, will star in this film.
Digger (Oct. 2, 2026)
This is Alejandro G. Iñárritu's first English-language film since The Revenant in 2015.
The movie's tagline is “a comedy of catastrophic proportions.” Tom Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, a powerful man trying to prove he's humanity's savior. Other cast members include Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, Riz Ahmed, and Emma D'Arcy.
Verity (Oct. 2)
This is another adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, following the success of It Ends With Us and the less successful Regretting You.
Dakota Johnson plays a writer named Lowen Ashleigh who is asked to finish a novel by Anne Hathaway's character, Verity Crawford, who can't complete her work due to an accident.
The Social Reckoning (Oct. 9)
Aaron Sorkin's follow-up to The Social Network stars Mikey Madison as Frances Haugen, a whistleblower who leaks data showing Facebook's knowledge of safety issues.
Jeremy Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg. The cast also includes Jeremy Allen White, Bill Burr, Wunmi Mosaku, Billy Magnussen, and Betty Gilpin.
Whalefall (Oct. 16)
This film features Austin Abrams as a scuba diver who is swallowed by a sperm whale.
It's an action thriller with a biblical twist. Directed by Brian Duffield, the cast also includes Josh Brolin, Elisabeth Shue, and John Ortiz.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Nov. 20)
This Lionsgate prequel focuses on Haymitch Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson in the original series, as he competes in the 50th annual Hunger Games.
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch, and Whitney Peak co-stars. Jesse Plemons plays Plutarch Heavensbee, opposite Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to return.
Meet the Parents 4: Focker In-Law (Nov. 25)
The Fockers are back, with Ariana Grande in her first role since Wicked as a future in-law to Ben Stiller's Greg Focker.
Skyler Gisondo plays the younger Focker, joining Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner, Owen Wilson, and Teri Polo in this Paramount film.
Narnia (Nov. 26)
Greta Gerwig is adapting C.S. Lewis's The Magician's Nephew as the first of at least two new Narnia films.
Emma Mackey plays the White Witch, with Meryl Streep rumored to play Aslan. Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan are also in the movie, which will have an exclusive run in Imax theaters before heading to Netflix.
Jumanji 4 (Dec. 11)
This is the third film in the Jumanji series, with Nick Jonas, Rhys Darby, and Danny DeVito returning.
Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson, and director Jake Kasdan are also part of the cast.
Avengers: Doomsday (Dec. 18)
The Russo brothers are back to direct the latest Avengers movie, with the return of many beloved characters, including Chris Evans as Captain America.
The superheroes, including members from the original X-Men and Fantastic Four, will confront Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.
Dune: Part Three (Dec. 18)
The third film about the House Atreides features Robert Pattinson joining Timothée Chalamet.
Returnees include Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Rebecca Ferguson. The film is based on Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah and is planned as the final in Denis Villeneuve's Dune series.
Werwulf (December 25)
After making movies about witches, Vikings, and vampires, Robert Eggers is making another horror film.
This time, it's about werewolves. The movie, coming out in 2025, is set in 13th century England. It will be part of Focus Features and will bring back Eggers' cast from his previous film, *Nosferatu*, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe.
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