22+ Most Anticipated Movies of 2026 | Upcoming Films to Watch
Published: 30 Dec 2025
The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cinematic lineups in recent memory. From long-awaited franchise returns and prestige literary adaptations to bold original stories and major studio tentpoles, the upcoming slate reflects how the film industry is balancing nostalgia, innovation, and audience demand. Studios are leaning into proven IPs while also betting on auteur-driven projects that promise strong storytelling and visual ambition.
What makes the 2026 movie calendar particularly compelling is its diversity. Audiences can expect everything from large-scale science fiction and horror sequels to emotionally driven dramas, animated favorites, and culturally resonant reboots. Many of these films are backed by celebrated directors, award-winning casts, and globally recognized franchises, making them highly anticipated across theatrical and streaming platforms.
Project Hail Mary (Mar. 20)
Based on Andy Weir’s best-selling novel, Project Hail Mary is one of the most talked-about science fiction films scheduled for 2026. The story centers on a lone astronaut tasked with saving Earth from an extinction-level threat, blending hard science with emotional depth and survival-driven storytelling. Fans of The Martian are particularly excited, as the source material carries a similar balance of realism, humor, and high-stakes problem-solving.
Anticipation for the film is driven by its ambitious premise and the strong reputation of the novel among sci-fi readers. With space exploration, alien science, and humanity’s survival at its core, Project Hail Mary is expected to appeal to audiences who enjoy intelligent, character-focused science fiction rather than spectacle alone.
Scream 7 (Feb. 27)
The Scream franchise continues its modern resurgence with Scream 7, a sequel that is expected to further expand the series’ self-aware horror legacy. Known for blending slasher thrills with sharp commentary on horror tropes, the franchise has maintained cultural relevance for decades, and the seventh installment is already generating strong interest among fans.
What keeps audiences invested is the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself while honoring its roots. With returning legacy elements mixed with newer characters, Scream 7 is anticipated to deliver suspense, twists, and meta-horror commentary that both longtime fans and newer viewers can appreciate.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1)
Few fashion-centered films have had the cultural impact of The Devil Wears Prada, and its sequel is one of the most commercially intriguing releases on the 2026 calendar. Set years after the original, the film is expected to revisit the high-pressure world of fashion media while reflecting how the industry—and its power dynamics—have evolved.
Audience excitement largely stems from nostalgia combined with curiosity. The original online films remains a pop-culture staple, and a sequel offers the opportunity to explore legacy characters in a modern context shaped by digital media, influencer culture, and shifting workplace values.
Toy Story 5 (Jun. 19)
Pixar’s Toy Story 5 continues one of the most beloved animated franchises of all time. The series has built a reputation for emotional storytelling that resonates with both children and adults, making each new installment a major cinematic event.
While details remain limited, expectations are high that the film will introduce fresh themes while honoring the emotional depth established by previous entries. For families and longtime fans alike, Toy Story 5 represents another chance to revisit characters that have defined modern animation for nearly three decades.
The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22)
Expanding the Star Wars universe onto the big screen, The Mandalorian and Grogu marks a significant crossover moment between streaming success and theatrical storytelling. Following the massive popularity of the Disney+ series, this film is expected to bring the fan-favorite duo into a larger cinematic narrative.
Interest in the project is fueled by its established fanbase and the broader appeal of the Star Wars brand. By combining character-driven storytelling with franchise-scale spectacle, the film is positioned as one of the most commercially significant releases of 2026.
People We Meet on Vacation (Jan. 9)
Adapted from Emily Henry’s popular novel, People We Meet on Vacation focuses on the evolving relationship between two longtime friends whose annual trips together slowly reveal deeper emotional stakes. The film is anticipated for its character-driven storytelling and strong appeal to fans of modern romantic dramas.
The Rip (Jan. 16)
The Rip is expected to be a high-intensity thriller that leans into tension, moral conflict, and survival instincts. While details remain limited, early interest is driven by its gritty tone and potential to deliver a sharp, fast-paced cinematic experience.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Jan. 16)
Continuing the legacy of the iconic zombie franchise, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple expands the post-apocalyptic world decades after the original outbreak. Fans are eager to see how the story evolves, especially with the franchise’s reputation for blending horror with social commentary.
Send Help (Jan. 30)
Send Help is positioned as a survival-focused thriller, centering on characters trapped in extreme circumstances where rescue feels increasingly uncertain. Its appeal lies in contained storytelling, psychological tension, and human resilience under pressure.
The Moment (Jan. 30)
This drama-driven film explores how a single pivotal event can reshape relationships and personal choices. The Moment is anticipated for its emotional depth and grounded narrative, making it attractive to audiences who favor intimate, character-led cinema.
Pillion (Feb. 6)
Based on acclaimed source material, Pillion is expected to deliver a bold and unconventional narrative. The film has drawn attention for its provocative themes and artistic approach, appealing to viewers who appreciate boundary-pushing storytelling.
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (Feb. 13)
Blending dark humor with high-stakes tension, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die stands out for its unique title and genre-crossing premise. The movie is anticipated to attract audiences looking for something fresh, unpredictable, and tonally distinct.
Wuthering Heights (Feb. 13)
This new adaptation of the classic Emily Brontë novel revisits one of literature’s most intense love stories. With its gothic atmosphere and emotional complexity, Wuthering Heights is expected to appeal to fans of period dramas and literary cinema.
How to Make a Killing (Feb. 20)
How to Make a Killing leans into dark comedy and crime, exploring ambition, ethics, and consequence. Its appeal comes from its satirical edge and potential to blend humor with sharp social observation.
The Bride! (Mar. 6)
A reimagining of classic monster mythology, The Bride! offers a fresh perspective on a familiar legend. Anticipation is fueled by its stylized approach and the promise of a modern narrative layered over iconic source material.
Mother Mary (April)
Mother Mary is an upcoming drama expected to explore faith, identity, and personal transformation through an intimate narrative lens. Anticipation comes from its serious thematic focus and its potential to deliver a layered, performance-driven story that resonates with audiences seeking meaningful cinema.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Apr. 3)
Following the massive success of Nintendo’s previous animated outing, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie brings one of the franchise’s most beloved game worlds to the big screen. With its cosmic settings and iconic characters, the film is highly anticipated by families, gamers, and animation fans alike.
The Drama (Apr. 3)
True to its title, The Drama is expected to focus on emotionally charged storytelling centered around relationships and human conflict. The film is drawing interest for its minimalist approach and appeal to viewers who appreciate grounded, character-focused narratives.
Michael (Apr. 24)
Michael is one of the most closely watched biographical films of 2026, centered on the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. Audience anticipation is driven by the global cultural impact of the artist and curiosity around how his story will be portrayed on screen.
I Love Boosters (May 22)
This indie-leaning title stands out for its quirky tone and offbeat premise. I Love Boosters is expected to blend humor with personal storytelling, appealing to audiences who gravitate toward unconventional films with strong creative identity.
Disclosure Day (Jun. 12)
Disclosure Day is positioned as a high-concept thriller, exploring themes of truth, secrecy, and global consequences. With its timely subject matter and suspense-driven structure, the film is anticipated to attract viewers interested in politically and socially charged storytelling.
Conclusion
The 2026 movie lineup reflects a dynamic mix of franchise favorites, literary adaptations, bold originals, and emotionally driven stories. With major studios and acclaimed creators pushing cinematic boundaries, these upcoming releases highlight how storytelling continues to evolve across genres and audiences. Whether you’re planning theatrical visits or future streaming watchlists, these are the movies expected to shape the film conversation throughout 2026.
