2025 saw a return to form for Hollywood and the theater experience. Films like ‘Sinners’ and ‘Superman’ drew audiences into packed auditoriums like we haven’t seen since the pandemic of 2020. Looking to continue the trend, 2026 is an absolutely packed year for film in its own right. Like…seriously…I picked 15 when I sat down to write this article, but it could have been at least double this many movies…minimum.
Superheroes and classic horror story icons will fly and torment their way into theaters throughout the year, and it may be difficult to decide just what might be worth your hard-earned dollar bucks and time. This article compiles a list of 15 of the most anticipated films of 2026.
Films that we will undoubtedly be talking about throughout the year.
Films that will undoubtedly be in the awards conversations one year from now.
Avengers: Doomsday
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr, Simu Liu, Pedro Pascal
Release Date: December 18, 2026
In the years since ‘Avengers: Endgame’ hit theaters, Marvel hasn’t exactly put out some of its best work. There have been gems here and there, but those felt more like diamonds in the rough than anything else. Confusing marketing tactics aside, the ‘Doomsday’ hype train IS starting to pick up a head of steam. With the release of the X-Men Teaser Trailer, the fans are starting to slowly but surely climb back on board.
While ‘Doomsday’ still has an uphill battle of expectations to climb, bringing back legacy characters while also including some of the newer heroes from Phase 5 has definitely caught the attention of many across social media. The cast announcement was a HUGE deal that we all followed with glee, so there is a lot to be excited about. ‘Doomsday’ may not fill the gargantuan shoes that ‘Endgame’ has left, but it will certainly be an event that consumes the water coolers for days.
Street Fighter
Director: Kitao Sakurai
Cast: Jason Mamoa, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Joe Anoa’i, Curtis Jackson, Mel Jarnson, Eric André
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Make no qualms about it, ‘Street Fighter’ is NOT going to be the best movie we’ve ever seen. It certainly isn’t going to be the next ‘Casablanca.’
The film looks campy and cartoony.
The characters look like they jumped out of a console.
And that’s all fans needed to get hyped for this film. No one expects it to be great, but we expect it to be fun, and the film looks like it’s going to absolutely nail that aspect.
The cast is a hodgepodge of famous athletes, musicians, and actors, pulled together by the universe to deliver one of the next cult classics. The teaser that was released gave the impression that the cast had an absolute blast during filming, and that is just as important an asset as anything else. Moviegoers may not think the movie was great, but cast chemistry can be extremely rehabilitating for a film. ‘Street Fighter’ will be, for sure, one of the best times we all have collectively in a theater this year.
Digger
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Cast: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Emma
Release Date: October 2, 2026
With only a teaser trailer and a poster to speak of, there really isn’t that much that we know about Alejandro Iñárritu’s ‘Digger.’ The film stars Tom Cruise as the most powerful man in the world, going on a quest to prove that he’s the world’s savior…before the destruction he’s unleashed destroys the world. That’s it. That’s really all we know to this point.
The hype and anticipation for ‘Digger’ rests solely on the shoulders of Cruise and Iñárritu’s illustrious careers. Love him or hate him, Cruise is a proven draw, and Iñárritu, having not released a film since ‘Bardo’ in 2022, has moviegoers excited to see what the Oscar-winning director has in store for audiences next. As more and more information is released throughout the year, anticipation will only continue to climb.
Disclosure Day
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, Colman Domingo
Release Date: June 12, 2026
The name Steven Spielberg alone will put butts in seats, but ‘Disclosure Day’ marking his return to Sci-Fi, more specifically Sci-Fi horror, will be guaranteed to make a splash at the launch of summer in June 2026. Returning to the big screen for the first time since 2022’s ‘The Fabelmans,’ Spielberg seems set to terrify moviegoers once again with a cast that includes Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, and, just off a stunning performance in the new ‘Knives Out’ film, Josh O’Connor.
While not much is known about the film outside of a hype campaign that began with a countdown in Times Square and a teaser trailer, anticipation is certainly palpable. The internet has been buzzing about this movie since its announcement a month ago. ‘Disclosure Day’ will absolutely be the perfect way to kick off Summer 2026.
Coyote vs Acme
Director: Dave Green
Cast: Will Forte, John Cena
Release Date: August 28, 2026
We were never supposed to see ‘Coyote vs Acme.’ It was a tax cut for Warner Bros. to recoup lost money from previous failed projects.
And then ‘The Day the Earth Blew Up’ happened.
Following the success of ‘Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up,’ Ketchup Entertainment made a play for the vaulted ‘Coyote vs Acme’ and got it. This was, of course, after the cast, Will Forte, primarily, constantly advocating for its release as well as the fans.
As of this writing, the only footage seen from the film has been in the form of stills that were released several years ago. Yet again, the internet saves the day, and come August, ‘Coyote vs Acme’ will have its day in a theater riding a wave of anticipation built up throughout the year.
Clayface
Director: James Watkins
Cast: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie
Release Date: September 11, 2026
There is virtually nothing known about the upcoming DCU edition, ‘Clayface.’ To date, there is no teaser nor poster to speak of. Fans have been subsisting off of set leaks and paparazzi photos since filming began, helping to build anticipation for the film. That has not tempered fan excitement in the least, rather launched a hype train that should hit a fever pitch around the time of San Diego Comic Con.
The little that is known revolves around the inspiration for James Watkins’ upcoming horror addition to the DCU. Those of us who grew up on ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ are well acquainted with the introduction of Matt Hagen to TAS in ‘Feat of Clay pt 1’ and ‘Feat of Clay pt 2.’ The story and the vibe of TAS will suit the foray into horror that Watkins is going for, but will also tie right into what James Gunn is looking to achieve in the recently launched DCU.
Evil Dead Burn
Director: Sébastian Vanicek
Cast: Luciane Buchanan, Hunter Doohan, Erroll Shand
Release Date: July 24, 2026
The ‘Evil Dead’ Series has been a staple since the first film crept into cinemas in 1982. Following in the legacy set by the famous Ash Williams, played by the iconic Bruce Campbell, and Campbell’s long-time partner, Sam Raimi, ‘Evil Dead Burn,’ also with a writing credit to Raimi, seeks to raise the stakes set by the most recent addition, ‘Evil Dead Rise.’
With no trailer, poster, or even plot synopsis to speak of, ‘Burn’ is working on name recognition alone, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The most recent films, 2013’s gorefest ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Evil Dead Rise’ have revived interest in a franchise that, before 2013, hadn’t seen an entry since 1992’s ‘Army of Darkness’ will most assuredly lead it to another box office success. Personally, the ‘Evil Dead’ films are my favorite horror films, and I couldn’t be more excited to get into a theater and watch this film.
How to Make a Killing
Director: John Patton Ford
Cast: Glenn Powell, Margaret Qualley, Ed Harris, Topher Grace, Zach Wood
Release Date: February 20, 2026
‘How to Make a Killing’ is, personally, my first MUST-SEE film of the year. Glenn Powell had a major showing last year with ‘The Running Man,’ in which he was stupendous, and this new A24 film looks to continue that trend. Portraying the disowned grandson of a rich and powerful man played by Ed Harris, Powell’s Beckett attempts to make his way up the financial ladder by murdering his relatives.
From the looks moviegoers have seen in stills and in the teaser trailer that was released, ‘How to Make a Killing’ looks to be quite the high-octane thriller with a touch of Powell’s comedic chops. Personally speaking, this is one of my most anticipated films of the year. The cast that includes Margaret Qualley, coming off of an existential performance in ‘The Substance, and Topher Grace of ‘Spider-Man 3’ fame, is stupendous. ‘How to Make a Killing’ looks to be the first great thriller of 2026.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Director: Destin Daniel Creton
Cast: Tom Holland, Sadie Sink, Zendaya, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bernthal, Jacob Batalon
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Outside of images, leaks, and a few castings, there is very little known about ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ That, of course, does nothing to temper the immense amount of that surrounds the return of Tom Holland’s webslinging superhero. Even with the little that we do know, there are a few things that have moviegoers chomping at the bit to see this film. Sadie Sink has been cast in a role that has yet to be disclosed, Jon Bernthal will follow Charlie Cox’s Daredevil jump to the big screen in a Spider-Man film, bringing The Punisher to theaters, and Mark Ruffalo will return as Bruce Banner.
There is plenty to be excited about. It’s difficult to undersell such a tried-and-true franchise like Spider-Man. Fan calls for the trailer are growing louder with all of the love ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ has been getting, which has helped to intensify the hype. For me, ‘Spiderman: Brand New Day is a day one viewing for me, and I’d bet I’m not the only one.
Michael
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Cast: Jafaar Jackson, Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Nia Long
Release Date: April 24, 2026
The beat dropped and the lyrics kicked in: “keep on, with the force, don’t stop, don’t stop ’til you get enough,” and instantly moviegoers were ready for the next great music biopic. Michael Jackson is an absolute icon and long overdue for the biopic treatment. His impact on music is impossible to overstate. The multi-platinum ‘King of Pop’ was always destined for the biopic treatment.
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With ‘Michael’ hitting theaters in April, Jackson’s music is sure to get a heavy amount of play as fans sneak ever closer to release day. In fact, there’s already been an uptick since the release of the trailer rocked the world back in December 2025. The overwhelming consensus was positive, and fans are extremely excited to see Jafaar Jackson put on his uncle’s glove. ‘Michael’ is an absolute must-see.
Project Hail Mary
Director: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller
Release Date: March 20, 2026
I am a proud Ryan Gosling Fanboy. Gosling can act. Gosling can dance. Gosliing can sing. Gosling can play piano. I’m not exactly sure there was something that Ryan Gosling couldn’t do, so when ‘Project Hail Mary,’ an end of the world sci-fi adventure with Gosling starring as the world-saving teacher rocketed into space, was announced, I knew it was a must-see. That seems to be the consensus across the board as ‘Project Hail Mary’ is one of this year’s most anticipated films.
Based upon the book by Andy Weir, author of ‘The Martian,’ the trailer provided movie goers an epic look at protagonist, Ryland Grace, and the rock alien he befriends in space. If that doesn’t sell you on this movie, then I don’t know what will. ‘Project Hail Mary’ will be hitting theaters in late March, and you can bet I’ll be there.
Supergirl
Director: Craig Gillespie
Cast: Milly Alcock, Jason Momoa, David Krumholtz, David Corenswet, Eve Ridley
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Riding high off of the success of 2025’s ‘Superman’ and the HBOMax series, ‘Peacemaker’s second season, ‘Supergirl’ has some EXTREMELY lofty expectations, and it looks to have the chops to live up to them. Milly Alcock, having made a brief cameo in ‘Superman,’ looks more than worthy of the Kryptonian S, nail Kara Zor El’s ‘Not Quite Kal’ personality. That will be important as the DC Universe and Studio Head, James Gunn, aim to keep the momentum that they’ve been building as of late.
Dropping a trailer in December 2025, ‘Supergirl’ continued to build anticipation with the return of fan favorite superdog, Krypto, and a first look at the highly anticipated Lobo, played by always amazing Jason Momoa. The film will follow Kara’s origin before she makes her way to Earth, adapting the iconic graphic novel ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.’ ‘Supergirl’ hits theaters in late June and looks to be a repeat hit for the on-the-rise DCU.
The Bride!
Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, Penélope Cruz, Peter Saarsgard
Release Date: March 6, 2026
Take one dash Bonnie and Clyde Bank Heist and one part Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein,’ and you’ll get the third outing from director Maggie Gyllenhaal, ‘The Bride.’ ‘The Bride!’ unites Jessie Buckley as the titular Bride and Christian Bale as, you guessed it, Frankenstein’s Monster. Joined by Jake Gyllenhaal, Penelope Cruz, and Peter Saarsgard the ingredients are there for an all-time heist banger. Buckley has definitely helped to drive interest in the film after her turn as Agnes Shakespeare in 2025’s ‘Hamnet.’
There was immediate hype upon the trailer’s release way back in September 2025, and that hasn’t really waned in the least. The trailer itself was epic, and if you’ve been lucky enough to catch the trailer in a theater, more particularly an IMAX theater, then you can’t help but absolutely die to see this film. ‘The Bride!’ crashes into theaters early this year with a March release date.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White,
Release Date: May 22, 2026
‘The Mandalorian’ debuted on Disney+ a long, long time ago in a galaxy far away known as the year 2019. ‘Saving Private Ryan’ gif aside, the anticipation for the culmination of 7 years of storybuilding is clamoring to a fever pitch as audiences hurtle towards ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’s May debut, bringing ‘Star Wars’ back to the big screen for the first time since the show itself debuted back in 2019. ‘Star Wars’ fans have been waiting impatiently for the triumphant return to the big screen, and this film looks to bring it in a big way.
Bringing Din Djarin and Grogu to the big screen for the first time, as well as many fan favorite characters like Zeb Orrelios, ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’, has set expectations high, so it’s a plus that they’ve brought back series showrunner and lifelong ‘Star Wars’ nerd, Jon Favreau, back in the director’s chair. Upon the release of the first trailer, fans were locked in. Even for a fandom that’s known to be extremely toxic, the film looks to have pretty universal support. Expect anticipation to grow as May gets closer.
The Odyssey
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, Zendaya,
Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Elliott Page, John Leguizamo, Ryan Hurst, James Remar, Benny Safdie
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Star-studded cast aside, the true draw with ‘The Odyssey’ is Christopher Nolan’s return to the big screen. The film was announced around the release of Nolan’s latest outing, ‘Oppenheimer,’ and that was pretty much it. Moviegoers were in their seats with their popcorn and drinks, while the theater attendants were asking them to please leave. The film doesn’t even have a release date. The first film shot entirely on IMAX cameras, ‘The Odyssey’ looks ready to live up to the epic reputation of the almost 3,000 year old source material.
Receiving mere teasers to date, unless you caught the Prologue before ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ and the obvious, very well-known story, the focus has mostly been around the cast and the internet’s new interest in historical accuracy in their fiction. Matt Damon looks poised to nail his role as Odysseus, and the support he receives from the likes of Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland will only help to make ‘The Odyssey’ an action-packed saga of Odysseus’s fight to get home. Of course, mentioning historical accuracy and not mentioning Benny Safdie and his armor would just be in poor taste, and my take on the “controversy” is this: the armor looks cool. Just enjoy things. Regardless of annoying internet trolls and their chicanery, ‘The Odyssey’ is on pace to be one of the biggest films of the year, if not the decade.
Bonus: Dune: Part 3
Director: Denis Villanueve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, Robert Pattinson, Javier Bardem,
Anya Taylor-Joy
Release Date: December 18, 2026
Y’all thought I forgot ‘Dune 3.’ Regardless of my personal aversions to the ‘Dune’ films, they do not negate how big a film this will be when it hits theaters arm in arm with ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ in December. With a solid portion of the previous films’ cast returning, ‘Dune 3’ will round out the final installment of the trilogy and wrap up the story of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides.
To date, unless you’ve read the books, there isn’t much known about the film outside of casting. That hasn’t helped to temper anticipation, however, as Denis Villanueve and his gorgeous eye for cinematography alone are enough to keep fans ready and waiting for ‘Dune’s day in the theater. ‘Dune 3’ will most certainly be a welcome addition to the 2026 theater club when it hits theaters in late 2026.
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