2026 already feels packed with new Dune and Spider-Man. Nostalgia returns with Devil Wears Prada and Practical Magic, and new films from Nolan, Gerwig, and Inarritu!
2026 is shaping up to feel huge at the movies! Big franchises return with new chapters of Dune, Spider-Man, and Avengers, while nostalgia keeps pulling people back with sequels to The Devil Wears Prada and Practical Magic. At the same time, new films from Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig promise full scale Imax moments that feel made for the theater, even if a Barbenheimer is not on the cards.
Star power is everywhere. Jacob Elordi, Tom Cruise, Ryan Gosling, Timothée Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, and Ariana Grande all have major releases lined up. Zendaya stands out with a packed year across Dune, Spider-Man, Nolan’s The Odyssey, and the A24 film The Drama. So, here are the 2026 releases that already feel impossible to ignore!
1. Dead Man’s Wire – January 9
After seven years away from directing, Gus Van Sant returns with a project that feels strange but oddly timely. It marks the longest break of his four-decade career, and he comes back by diving into a real-life story that already sounds unreal. Set in 1977, the film follows the kidnapping of mortgage broker Richard Hall, played by Dacre Montgomery, by Tony Kiritsis, an ambitious and unstable entrepreneur portrayed by Bill Skarsgard. What begins as a crime story slowly turns into something more layered, mixing tension with dark humor and social commentary.
Van Sant leans into the absurdity of the situation while keeping the stakes personal and unsettling. The supporting cast adds serious weight, with Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, and Al Pacino all bringing texture to the world around the central standoff. The result feels like a witty social thriller that questions power, obsession, and control, while still staying grounded in character.
2. People We Meet on Vacations – January 9
This film brings Emily Henry’s bright and emotional bestseller to the screen with a cast that fits the tone perfectly. Emily Bader and Tom Blythe play longtime best friends who have built a tradition around taking a summer trip together every year. These vacations are full of shared jokes, unspoken feelings, and the kind of closeness that feels easy because it has always been there. One summer changes everything. A single trip creates a quiet fracture that neither of them knows how to fix, turning memories that once felt warm into something heavier.
The story leans into romance but keeps its focus on friendship, right timing, and the moments people never talk about out loud. It understands how one decision can echo for years.
3. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – January 16
Coming off the modest box office win of Danny Boyle’s return to the horror franchise, the series moves forward with a new chapter and a new voice behind the camera. This installment is directed by Nia DaCosta, who is coming off a strong 2025 after earning serious praise for Hedda. Her involvement alone signals a shift in tone, with more attention on mood, character, and the quiet dread that lingers long after the jump scares fade. The story picks up directly from the events of 28 Years Later and stays rooted in the fallout of a world that never fully healed. Ralph Fiennes steps into the spotlight as Dr. Ian Kelson, a figure whose calm intelligence masks deeper questions about control, survival, and moral limits. Rather than rushing headfirst into chaos, the film takes its time building tension and lets unease settle into every frame.
4. Mercy – January 23
Set in 2029, this thriller drops us into a justice system that has crossed a dangerous line. An AI judge, played by Rebecca Ferguson, now holds real power in the courtroom. She is trusted to be fair, logical, and free of human bias. That faith is tested when the system is assigned a brutal murder case involving the death of a woman played by Annabelle Wallis. Her husband, a detective portrayed by Chris Pratt, once publicly supported the AI judge’s rise, making the situation deeply personal from the start. As the investigation unfolds, the detective finds himself pulled into the center of the case, not as an observer but as the main suspect. The story leans into moral tension rather than spectacle, asking how justice works when machines are in charge and emotions refuse to stay out of the way.
5. Send Help – January 30
It feels almost unreal that Sam Raimi has not directed an original feature film in seventeen years. For a filmmaker whose style helped define modern horror and blockbuster spectacle, that gap alone makes this project instantly exciting. This survival thriller marks a true return, not a sequel or a remake, but a fresh story driven by Raimi’s instinct for tension, pacing, and controlled chaos.
The casting only adds to the appeal. Rachel McAdams returns to the big screen after stepping away for a few years, and her presence brings a grounded emotional weight that suits the genre. Pairing her with Dylan O’Brien creates an unexpected dynamic, one that hints at vulnerability as much as physical endurance. Their chemistry anchors a story that seems more interested in human limits than easy shocks. There is a sense that Raimi is going back to basics here. He focuses on suspense and atmosphere rather than scale. It feels like a comeback built on confidence rather than nostalgia.
6. Wuthering Heights – February 13
This was never going to be a quiet or respectful take on Emily Brontë’s classic. With Emerald Fennell behind the camera, expectations immediately shift toward something bolder and impossible to ignore. Controversy feels built into the design. So do memes, heated takes, and a level of heat that will not surprise anyone familiar with her work. Even before release, casting news and early trailer moments have already set the internet in motion. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi lead the film, reuniting with Fennell after previous collaborations, and their pairing alone signals a charged dynamic. There is a modern edge running through this version, sharpened further by original music from Charli XCX, which adds a contemporary pulse to an old story built on obsession and longing.
7. How to Make a Killing – February 20
After breaking out with Emily the Criminal, John Patton Ford steps into a bigger spotlight with his move into the A24 world. His debut proved he knows how to build tension around characters living on the edge, and this new project feels like a natural evolution rather than a reset. The story follows a mysterious blue-collar man played by Glen Powell, someone shaped by loss and quiet anger, who goes searching for the inheritance that was taken from him after being disowned at birth. What begins as a personal mission slowly opens into something darker and more unpredictable. Ford keeps the focus tight on character, letting the mystery unfold at its own pace instead of rushing toward easy answers.
8. Scream 7 – February 27
After months of behind-the-scenes turmoil, the long and messy chapter surrounding the franchise’s latest installment is finally reaching its conclusion with a February release. The road here has been anything but smooth. The film became headline news for reasons far removed from the screen, including Melissa Barrera’s exit following her social media comments about the war in Gaza, and Jenna Ortega’s subsequent departure. What should have been a routine sequel cycle instead turned into a public unraveling that left the future of the series feeling uncertain.
Now, the focus shifts back to the movie itself, and the biggest draw is a familiar face returning to steady the ship. Neve Campbell is back, reclaiming her place as the franchise’s emotional anchor after sitting out the previous film due to a pay dispute. Her return carries real weight, especially for longtime fans who associate her presence with the series at its strongest.
9. The Bride! – March 6
A few wild trailers and a shuffled release date have only made this new take on Bride of Frankenstein feel more intriguing, but the real confidence comes from the people behind it. This marks Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second feature as a director, following the huge critical success of her debut, The Lost Daughter, which earned major awards attention and proved she has a clear voice behind the camera. Nothing about this project feels accidental. The film leans into a raw, rebellious energy that sets it apart from familiar retellings, giving the classic story a sharper edge and a modern pulse. The cast alone makes it hard to ignore. Jessie Buckley leads the charge after a run of performances that have kept her firmly in awards conversations, while Christian Bale reunites with Gyllenhaal years after their time together on The Dark Knight.
10. Project Hail Mary – March 20
Phil Lord and Chris Miller take on an ambitious adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, and the setup is instantly gripping. Ryan Gosling plays a reluctant astronaut who wakes up all alone on a spacecraft traveling toward another solar system, with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As fragments slowly return, he begins piecing together the truth of his situation through logic and sheer survival. What he discovers is devastating. He may be the only survivor of a mission designed to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. The film leans into isolation and curiosity. It lets the mystery unfold at a patient pace. Gosling carries much of the story on his own, relying on quiet moments and gradual realization to sell the scale of what is at stake.
11. The Drama – April 3
Zendaya and Robert Pattinson team up for a romantic dramedy that leans into discomfort, humor, and quiet dread in a way that feels very on brand for Kristoffer Borgli. Fresh off Dream Scenario, Borgli once again digs into identity and anxiety, this time through the lens of an engaged couple approaching their wedding. On the surface, everything looks settled. The plans are in motion. The future feels decided.
Then an unexpected revelation about one of them sends the relationship into a slow unravel. What should be a joyful countdown turns into a series of uneasy conversations and second guesses, with wedding prep acting as the perfect pressure cooker. Borgli finds comedy in the small details, especially the absurdity of how something as minor as table linens can trigger a full-blown existential spiral. Zendaya and Pattinson bring a sharp yet offbeat chemistry that keeps the film grounded even as it drifts into darker emotional territory. The result feels funny, awkward, and painfully relatable, especially for anyone who has ever mistaken certainty for stability.
12. The Devil Wears Prada 2 – May 1
The beloved 2006 dramedy is getting a sequel, and it looks set to mix fashion, power, and sharp humor once again. Meryl Streep returns as Miranda Priestly, whose Runway empire is now navigating the tricky waters of modern print media. The changing industry puts her in direct conflict with her former assistant turned high-powered executive, Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt. Old rivalries and unresolved tension come back to the surface, making the office as much of a battlefield as ever. Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy Sachs, now more seasoned and ready to hold her own. Stanley Tucci returns as Nigel, providing his signature wit and style. The film promises all the glamour, drama, and behind-the-scenes chaos fans loved the first time, updated for a world where fashion, media, and ambition collide like never before.
13. Mandalorian & Grogu – May 22
The first Star Wars feature since 2019’s Rise of Skywalker brings Jon Favreau’s Mandalorian universe to the big screen. Pedro Pascal returns as Mando, joined by the ever-adorable Grogu, in a story that promises the same mix of action, heart, and world-building that made the series a hit. New additions spice things up, with Sigourney Weaver joining the cast and Jeremy Allen White lending his voice to Rotta the Hutt, adding unexpected energy and personality to the story. Favreau’s expansion feels natural, giving the characters room to grow while exploring new corners of the galaxy. Fans can expect familiar thrills alongside fresh surprises, making this a Star Wars adventure that aims to stand on its own while celebrating everything that made The Mandalorian such a cultural phenomenon.
14. Disclosure Day – June 12
Steven Spielberg returns to the UFO genre with a screenplay by Jurassic Park writer David Koepp. Details are scarce, but the first trailer teaser raises big questions, with O’Connor declaring, “People have a right to know the truth.” Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, and Eve Hewson round out a strong cast, promising a mix of suspense, mystery, and human drama. Fans are already buzzing for what could be the director’s next unforgettable thriller.
15. Toy Story 5 – June 19
In Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, Woody and Buzz face their trickiest challenge yet: a tablet, voiced by Greta Lee. The digital rival tests their teamwork and wit like never before. Adding to the chaos, Conan O’Brien joins as Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy with a big personality. The film promises the humor, heart, and clever surprises that have made the franchise a favorite for fans old and new.
16. Moana – July 10
Disney’s 2026 live-action take on its beloved animated musical follows a daring wayfarer on a mission to save her island home. Thomas Kail, fresh off Hamilton, directs the film. He brings a stage-to-screen sensibility that promises big energy and stunning visuals. Dwayne Johnson returns as the charismatic Maui, while Catherine Laga’aia steps into the role of the brave heroine, bringing heart and determination to the story. Fans can expect adventure, music, and the magic that made the original a modern classic, now reimagined for a new generation.
17. The Odyssey – July 14
Christopher Nolan’s take on the Greek epic has brought together what feels like half of Hollywood. Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson are all on board, creating a star-studded ensemble that promises epic scale and intense performances. After the success of Oppenheimer across multiple premium formats, Nolan takes it further: this is his first blockbuster short entirely on Imax camera. This movie aims to immerse audiences in a scope rarely seen in modern cinema. The combination of a legendary director, a powerhouse cast, and groundbreaking visuals makes this one of the most anticipated films this year. Expect grand battles and emotional stakes, along with Nolan’s signature attention to detail that easily turns every frame into a cinematic event.
18. Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31
The MCU keeps expanding, but it will have been nearly five years since Spider-Man last swung onto screens when the new installment arrives. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, now starting college and hoping to leave his superhero life behind. Of course, new threats quickly force him back into action, blending the challenges of young adulthood with high-stakes heroics. The film also introduces fresh faces to the franchise, including Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Tramell Tillman, each bringing new energy and perspective to Parker’s world. Fans can expect a mix of action, humor, and heart as Spider-Man navigates the next chapter of his life.
19. Resident Evil – September 18
After breaking through with the unsettling horror hit Barbarian, Zach Cregger quickly moved from actor to filmmaker to one of Hollywood’s most talked-about directors. His 2025 follow-up, Weapons, only cemented that rise, turning him into a go-to name for bold genre projects. Now Cregger is taking on Resident Evil, with plans to stay closer to the original video games rather than the past films. Weapons standout Austin Abrams is set to lead the cast.
20. Verity – October 2
Following the success of It Ends With Us, Amazon MGM Studios brings another Colleen Hoover adaptation with Verity. Dakota Johnson stars as writer Lowen Ashleigh, hired to finish the latest novel of best-selling author Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway, after an accident leaves her unable to complete it. The story promises tension, secrets, and the intense emotional twists that have made Hoover’s novels irresistible to fans.
21. The Social Reckoning – October 9
Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up to The Social Network tells the story of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, played by Mikey Madison, who exposes the company’s knowledge of major safety issues. Jeremy Strong stars as Mark Zuckerberg, with an ensemble including Jeremy Allen White, Bill Burr, Wunmi Mosaku, Billy Magnussen, and Betty Gilpin. The film promises sharp writing, intense performances, and a deep dive into the high-stakes world of tech, power, and accountability.
22. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – November 20
This Lionsgate prequel returns to Panem by following a young Haymitch Abernathy during the brutal 50th Hunger Games. Joseph Zada takes on the role, with Whitney Peak alongside him. Familiar figures return through Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, joined by Kieran Culkin and Elle Fanning. The story leans into survival and strategy, showing how these early choices shape Haymitch long before the original trilogy begins.
23. Narnia – November 26
Greta Gerwig kicks off a new chapter of Narnia by adapting The Magician’s Nephew for the first of at least two films. Emma Mackey plays the White Witch, facing off against Aslan, rumored to be voiced by Meryl Streep. Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan round out the cast. The film will get a rare IMAX theatrical run before heading to Netflix, signaling real confidence in the scale of this reboot.
24. Avengers: Doomsday – December 18
The Russo brothers are back to steer the next Avengers film, and they are going big. A huge lineup of MCU favorites returns, including Chris Evans stepping back in as Captain America. The story pulls in heroes from across the Marvel universe, from the original X-Men to the Fantastic Four. All of them face a new threat in Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., setting up a crossover that feels massive in scale and ambition.
25. Dune: Part Three – December 18
The third chapter in the House Atreides saga brings a major new addition, with Robert Pattinson joining Timothée Chalamet for the first time in the series. Familiar faces return as well, including Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Rebecca Ferguson, keeping the core cast intact. Based on Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, this film moves into darker and more political territory. Denis Villeneuve has described it as the final installment in his Dune series, giving this chapter a sense of closure. It feels less about expansion and more about consequence, power, and the cost of prophecy.
So, which one are you most excited about?
