As a cinephile who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, let me tell you, folks, the movies we’re gonna see in 2026 are shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular!
2024 hasn’t ended yet, and movie enthusiasts are already eagerly awaiting purchasing tickets for several movies set to release in 2026. There are numerous films expected to amaze audiences in 2025, but with each studio or industry update, 2026 appears poised to compete as one of the most significant years in cinematic history. As many of these films are only just beginning production, fans will have to exercise patience before catching these highly-anticipated movies. However, it’s never too soon to get excited, so we’ve put together a list of the films that we can hardly wait to watch on the big screen in 2026.
2026 will offer a diverse array of movies for movie enthusiasts across the board, be it die-hard Marvel fans, horror film aficionados, or comedy connoisseurs. Ranging from blockbusters poised to shake up the box office to the comeback of respected independent directors, these are the films worth keeping tabs on as they draw nearer and nearer to their release dates.
SOULM8TE
2022 saw “M3GAN,” a film produced by Blumhouse, gross over $180 million at the box office following its theater release. The movie centered around a dangerous AI doll that went to extreme measures to safeguard a young girl. This was despite growing concerns from the girl’s aunt, portrayed by Allison Williams. What made this film stand out was the viral TikTok dance challenge, a “SNL” skit parody, and a trailer featuring a Taylor Swift tune, which collectively transformed the killer doll horror movie into one of the most unexpected blockbusters of 2023.
It’s not unexpected that the world of “M3GAN” will grow with two upcoming sequels: “M3GAN 2.0,” slated for summer 2025, and “SOULM8TE,” due in 2026. In a fascinating turn of events, “SOULM8TE” will revolve around a man’s possession of an artificial intelligence android after the passing of his spouse, with events that may mirror or surpass the unsettling scenes seen in “M3GAN.” Kate Dolan, known for directing the horror film “You Are Not My Mother,” will be at the helm, expressing her excitement about exploring timeless human truths and diving deep into these complex themes. Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, and Claudia Doumit have been cast in the lead roles as of now.
Weapons
Discussing unexpected successes in horror films, the 2022 release “Barbarian,” directed by Zach Cregger, left audiences spellbound. Notably, this was a significant departure from his earlier work with The Whitest Kids U’ Know and his debut directorial attempt with the critically-derided comedy “Miss March” in 2009. Despite initial challenges in production, “Barbarian” resonated strongly among viewers through word-of-mouth promotion, ultimately earning over $45 million at the box office.
Excitedly speaking as a fan, I can’t help but feel the anticipation building for Cregger’s upcoming movie, which was in hot demand among studios before finding its perfect home at New Line Cinema for a full theatrical release. Known as “Weapons” right now, this highly-anticipated sequel is set to hit theaters in 2026 and boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan. Originally destined to star Pedro Pascal and Renate Reinsve, it’s unfortunate they had to withdraw from the project, but with such a talented lineup, there’s still plenty to look forward to. At this point, details about the storyline are scarce, but it’s been hinted that it will revolve around missing high school students and has been likened to “Magnolia.
Aang: The Last Airbender
For followers of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” it’s been quite some time filled with exciting developments. Despite the original Nickelodeon show airing just three seasons during the mid to late 2000s, it has since spawned multiple sequels, remakes, and adaptations. There have been a few reinterpretations of the series that fans would rather brush aside, such as M. Night Shyamalan’s 2010 live-action movie or the recent Netflix version which disappointed some viewers due to changes they found upsetting. However, 2026 promises an eagerly awaited addition to the “Avatar” storyline that fans are looking forward to.
2021 saw the official announcement that a live-action sequel for “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is in the works, set to hit cinemas on January 30, 2026. Details about its plot are scarce, but it’s been tentatively titled “Aang: The Last Airbender,” indicating that it may delve deeper into the exploits of the cherished airbending hero from the acclaimed animated show.
As a passionate gamer, I’m thrilled to share the news that Eric Nam is stepping into Aang’s shoes for his on-screen debut! Meanwhile, Dave Bautista is set to join the Avatar universe, although we don’t know yet who he’ll be playing in this upcoming feature film. With the “Avatar” franchise delivering a mix of hits and misses since the original series ended, there’s no denying that everyone’s eyes will be on this movie as fans eagerly anticipate a sequel that can match up to those amazing three seasons.
The Cat in the Hat
2026 marks another instance where Dr. Seuss’s beloved character, The Cat in the Hat, will grace the silver screen. However, it’s not the first attempt; in 2003, Mike Myers starred in a live-action version titled “The Cat in the Hat.” This film led to a halt in live-action adaptations of Dr. Seuss’ works by Audrey Geisel, his widow. While it has its dedicated fanbase now, we can be grateful that the Seuss legacy will get another opportunity to animate The Cat on the big screen. This is despite the challenges faced during development at Illumination Entertainment, a company renowned for creating animated versions of “The Lorax” and “The Grinch,” but which struggled to bring The Cat in the Hat to life over the years.
In March 2026, a fresh adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat,” produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, will hit the cinemas. Bill Hader, known for his time on “Saturday Night Live,” will take on the lead role. Interestingly, Hader had previously played the character in an “SNL” sketch during his debut as a host. Joining him are fellow “SNL” veterans Bowen Yang and Paula Pell, along with Quinta Brunson, Xochitl Gomez, and Matt Berry to complete the voice cast. Alessandro Carloni, who previously co-directed “Kung Fu Panda 3,” is directing alongside Erica Rivinoja. Here’s hoping they do the classic children’s book proud.
Project Hail Mary
For several years now, Ryan Gosling has been a standout in the movie industry. He received an Oscar nomination for his role in the 2023 film “Barbie”, and in 2024, his performance in “The Fall Guy” was one of the year’s top action movies, despite not doing well financially. However, it looks like 2026 could see another hit from Gosling with the release of “Project Hail Mary”. This film is based on a 2021 sci-fi novel by Andy Weir and will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who are known for successful movies such as “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, “21 Jump Street”, and “The LEGO Movie”.
“Project Hail Mary” will star Gosling as Ryland Grace, an amnesiac astronaut uncovering the mystery of why he’s the last man standing in a crew searching the galaxy for an end to Earth’s near-demise. Gosling will be joined by fellow Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller, who wowed audiences in 2023 with back-to-back performances in “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest.” There’s sure to be a lot of buzz in the science fiction community over this adaptation of the 2022 Hugo Award finalist, but given it’s one of the few non-franchise films scheduled for release in 2026 so far, it might also be a sleeper hit for mainstream audiences.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
There was understandable apprehension before the premiere of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” given the often underwhelming reception that video game adaptations have received in cinemas. Notably, the “Super Mario” series had previously suffered a failed adaptation in the ’90s. Despite concerns about the casting choices (with Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black among them), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” astounded at the box office by earning over $1 billion, and was generally lauded as a respectable, albeit flawed, representation of the legendary Nintendo franchise.
Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination, along with Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of “Mario,” have officially announced that a sequel to the movie is underway, tentatively set for release in April 2026. The original directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, as well as screenwriter Matthew Fogel, will return for this new project. Intriguingly, the post-credit scene of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” hints at Yoshi potentially having a significant role on the big screen. Additionally, actors Charlie Day and Seth Rogen have shown enthusiasm about expanding their characters. The only uncertainty now is whether Nintendo will meet fans’ expectations by casting Danny DeVito as Wario in the film, which could make it one of the most eagerly awaited movies of 2026.
Avengers: Doomsday
At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, a major surprise was unveiled during the Marvel Studios panel when Kevin Feige announced that directors Anthony and Joe Russo would return to guide the next two “Avengers” films, as well as revealing that the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga will shift its focus from Kang the Conqueror to Victor von Doom, one of Marvel Comics’ most formidable villains. The news left many in Hall H and online stunned when it was revealed that “Avengers: Doomsday” is slated for 2026, with Robert Downey Jr. set to portray Doctor Doom, a development that has some fans expressing concern.
Despite some Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans disapproving of the choice to reprise Robert Downey Jr.’s role as Iron Man in “Avengers: Endgame,” there’s no denying that people will flock to cinemas to witness his performance. Moreover, with RDJ having recently won an Oscar for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in the best picture winner “Oppenheimer,” it’s clear that seeing the legendary Marvel actor tackle one of the comics’ most complex villains is bound to be a remarkable event. Here’s hoping the on-screen Doctor Doom doesn’t disappoint us again for the third time.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
It’s quite remarkable that no new “Star Wars” movie has been released since “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” came out in 2019, but the franchise hasn’t been idle on Disney+. They’ve been producing a variety of streaming series, with “The Mandalorian,” starring Pedro Pascal as the bounty hunter, being particularly successful. This series has focused on his adventures after discovering a Jedi child named Grogu, who’s a target for Imperial factions. The finale of Season 3 seemed like a long-awaited moment for “Star Wars” enthusiasts, as the Mandalorian army, led by Bo-Katan (played by Katee Sackhoff), have been working to retake Mandalore from Moff Gideon’s forces. This paves the way for “The Mandalorian and Grogu” to debut in cinemas in 2026.
There’s plenty to look forward to as the latest installment of the “Star Wars” storyline commences filming. With the expansive scope of the Disney+ series, it’s hard not to anticipate grand events in a film centering around Din Djarin and his companions, including some fresh characters. Sigourney Weaver has already announced her involvement in this movie, undoubtedly attracting hordes of sci-fi enthusiasts. Unfortunately, Carl Weathers won’t be returning as Greef Karga following his passing earlier this year.
Masters of the Universe
It’s almost hard to believe that a live-action “Masters of the Universe” film is actually scheduled to be released in 2026. The iconic Mattel series, “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” originally aired in the mid-1980s, and actually had a live-action film adaptation released back in 1987, starring Dolph Lungdren as the iconic shirtless hero. The history of a failed “Masters of the Universe” reboot movie goes back as far as 2007, but it’s only recently that actual movement has been made on the project, with a current theatrical release date of June 5, 2026. Travis Knight, who made his live-action directorial debut with 2018’s “Bumblebee,” is set to direct it for Amazon MGM Studios.
The movie might be gaining momentum due to Mattel’s triumph with “Barbie” in 2023, which had a rocky start but turned out to be a contender for best picture. Additionally, the resurgence in interest for the franchise could be due to Netflix’s “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power,” which enjoyed a five-season run on their streaming platform. Currently, there’s optimism because the early cast selection seems promising; Nicholas Galitzine from “The Idea of You” is set to play He-Man, while Camila Mendes known for “Riverdale” will portray Teela.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Over the coming years, DC Comics enthusiasts who felt frustrated with the lack of clear direction in the cinematic universe have something exciting to look forward to. This is because James Gunn has taken over as CEO of DC Studios and will be directing “Superman,” featuring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Isabela Merced, and Nathan Fillion. This is a major revamp of the DC universe in films, and in 2026 we can expect the release of “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” starring Milly Alcock, who will make her debut as Clark Kent’s cousin in a film coming out next year.
Certainly, taking over from Melissa Benoist’s cherished portrayal of Supergirl on The CW will be no small feat for Alcock, but with James Gunn at the helm, we can expect innovative steps forward. As of now, the movie is scheduled for a June 26, 2026 release, with Craig Gillespie directing – a seasoned filmmaker known for female-centric films like “Cruella” and the Academy Award-nominated “I, Tonya.” Not much else has been disclosed about the project, except that it will largely be based on the 2022 comic by Tom King. Given Supergirl’s rich comic book history, this film promises to be a theatrical superhero adventure worth experiencing.
Shrek 5
Over the past decade, there had been a period of calm in the “Shrek” universe following 2010’s “Shrek Forever After” and 2011’s “Puss in Boots,” which could imply that the popular animated franchise may have lost some of its magical appeal. However, during this time, Shrek himself gained a reputation as an Internet meme icon, albeit for less desirable reasons. But the series made a comeback in 2022 with “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” featuring Antonio Banderas reprising his role as the cunning feline adventurer. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and exceeded expectations at the box office.
In summary, the finale of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” hinted at a potential return to the world of Far, Far Away for Puss and Kitty Softpaws in an upcoming “Shrek” movie, with production for “Shrek 5” confirmed for late 2023. The original cast members, including Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, and Cameron Diaz, will reprise their roles, under the direction of veteran director Walt Dohrn. The film is scheduled to hit theaters in July 2026. Fingers crossed that the new “Shrek” movie follows the lead of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” by incorporating a more enchanting, fairy tale-esque visual style.
The Batman – Part II
2022 saw the vindication of DC’s skeptics when “The Batman,” with Robert Pattinson as an exceptional Bruce Wayne, hit the screens. Written and directed by Matt Reeves, this movie was a blockbuster success and revitalized public enthusiasm for a solo, darker Batman series. This came despite James Gunn’s plans for a unified universe of characters. Colin Farrell is set to reprise his role as the Penguin in an upcoming HBO series. A sequel for Pattinson’s Batman will follow on October 2, 2026.
In the upcoming movie known as “The Batman – Part II,” much discussion has arisen about the direction the series might take. While nothing is set in stone, Barry Keoghan’s appearance as The Joker at the film’s end (and in a cut scene) certainly hints that he may play the character again in future installments. Moreover, Robert Pattinson himself has expressed interest in exploring the Court of Owls within a sequel, a desire that seems to align well with Reeves’ vision for Gotham.
Untitled Jordan Peele film
It’s no surprise that there’s much speculation about Jordan Peele’s upcoming projects. Known for his impressive work in comedy and filmmaking, he has solidified his position as a leading modern director with critically acclaimed horror films like “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Nope.” His production company, Monkeypaw, has also been involved in intriguing productions such as “Monkey Man” and “Candyman.” Peele’s next directorial project is set to hit theaters on October 23, 2026 – a perfect timing for Halloween.
There’s not much to get enthusiastic about when a movie lacks any details like a potential cast, but considering Jordan Peele’s impressive past work, it’s always intriguing to see what he creates next. Perhaps this time around, he might bring in his old comedy partner, Keegan Michael-Key, which could undoubtedly generate even more interest among cinema-goers.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
The movie adaptation of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” underscored the immense impact Suzanne Collins’ book series had when it was adapted for the big screen. With a star-studded cast including Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, and Hunter Schafer, the film’s box office success demonstrated that viewers craved more tales set in Panem. Another movie, scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, will focus on another beloved character from the original book trilogy.
As a devoted Hunger Games enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the focus of our upcoming journey is none other than the 50th edition of The Hunger Games, famously won by the charismatic Haymitch Abernathy, as played by the talented Woody Harrelson in the initial movie series. The book adaptation for this installment is slated for release early in 2025, while a cinematic reprisal was officially confirmed last June. Recent whispers hint that Mike Faist, star of “Challengers,” will embody Haymitch in the new film – exciting news for all Hunger Games fans, but particularly for me, as I’ve been an ardent admirer of Harrelson since our time together on “West Side Story.
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2024-09-09 14:31