As franchises expand, auteurs return, and nostalgia collides with risk, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most loaded movie years in over a decade.

After several years of recalibration across Hollywood, 2026 looks like a turning point. It’s a year where legacy franchises continue to dominate release calendars, but where original voices, ambitious auteurs, and prestige-driven studio bets are finally reclaiming space on the biggest screens available. From long-awaited sequels and cultural touchstones to bold swings from filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Steven Spielberg, and Robert Eggers, the theatrical landscape ahead feels unusually balanced—commercial without being complacent, ambitious without being reckless.

Star power will be everywhere. Zendaya anchors multiple tentpoles across studios. Timothée Chalamet, Ryan Gosling, Jacob Elordi, Tom Cruise, Robert Pattinson, Ariana Grande, and Margot Robbie all headline major releases. At the same time, a new generation of directors continues to push genre filmmaking into stranger, riskier territory.

These are the films—across scale, genre, and tone—that define 2026 as a year audiences will actually show up for.

Dead Man’s Wire

January 2026

Gus Van Sant returns with his first feature in seven years, dramatizing the true story of the 1977 kidnapping that transfixed Indianapolis and exposed the uneasy overlap between media spectacle and American desperation. Dacre Montgomery plays mortgage broker Richard Hall, taken hostage by Bill Skarsgård’s volatile Tony Kiritsis, whose demands turn a personal crime into a public standoff. Van Sant directs with restraint, favoring moral tension and character psychology over procedural thrills. With an ensemble that includes Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, and Al Pacino, the film positions itself as a quiet but unnerving study of power, obsession, and attention.

People We Meet on Vacation

January 9, 2026

Adapted from Emily Henry’s best-selling novel, this romantic drama centers on two longtime friends whose annual trips together become emotional fault lines rather than escapes. Emily Bader and Tom Blyth star as Poppy and Alex, whose closeness masks years of unspoken desire, resentment, and missed timing. Rather than leaning into grand romantic gestures, the film emphasizes accumulated moments and the cost of emotional avoidance. It’s positioned as a character-driven romance that prioritizes honesty over fantasy.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

January 16, 2026

Following the revival of the franchise, Nia DaCosta takes the reins for a darker, more introspective continuation of the post-apocalyptic saga. Ralph Fiennes stars as Dr. Ian Kelson, a figure navigating a world that has survived catastrophe but not reckoning. The film reportedly shifts away from pure survival horror toward ethical and philosophical fallout. DaCosta’s direction promises a colder, more haunting evolution of the series’ legacy.

The Moment

January 2026

Charli XCX headlines and co-writes this semi-autobiographical drama about a pop star on the brink of her first major tour, grappling with identity, control, and performance. Directed by frequent collaborator Aidan Zamiri, the film blurs the line between persona and person. Rather than mythologizing fame, it interrogates the emotional cost of visibility. Positioned as both self-examination and cultural commentary, The Moment aims to reflect the instability beneath modern stardom.

Send Help

January 2026

Sam Raimi returns to original filmmaking with a survival thriller that strips spectacle down to endurance and psychological tension. Rachel McAdams stars opposite Dylan O’Brien in a story built around isolation, decision-making under pressure, and the slow erosion of certainty. Raimi’s direction favors atmosphere and pacing over excess, marking a tonal departure from his genre roots. The film is framed as a lean, character-forward experiment from a director known for maximalism.

Wuthering Heights

February 13, 2026

Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel promises a volatile and unapologetically modern interpretation of obsession and emotional cruelty. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as Catherine and Heathcliff, with the film leaning into the story’s raw sexuality and moral chaos. Early footage and casting choices suggest a version unconcerned with restraint or tradition. Fennell’s signature provocation appears central to reintroducing the material to a new generation.

How to Make a Killing

February 20, 2026

Following his breakout debut Emily the Criminal, director John Patton Ford teams with A24 for a darker, more expansive character study. Glen Powell stars as a blue-collar man seeking an inheritance stripped from him at birth, uncovering corruption and complicity along the way. The film explores class resentment without moral simplification. Positioned between noir and social drama, it aims to challenge Powell’s screen persona while expanding Ford’s thematic reach.

Scream 7

February 2026

After years of behind-the-scenes turmoil, the franchise stabilizes with the return of Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott. The film refocuses on legacy, survival, and the emotional consequences of recurring violence. Rather than reinventing the formula, Scream 7 is positioned as a course correction. It aims to restore narrative continuity while acknowledging the franchise’s own instability.

The Bride!

February 2026

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second feature reimagines Bride of Frankenstein through a feminist and punk-inflected lens. Jessie Buckley leads a cast that includes Christian Bale, in a film that reframes monstrosity as self-determination rather than punishment. Visually bold and tonally confrontational, the film continues Gyllenhaal’s interest in power dynamics and bodily autonomy. Early reactions suggest a divisive but uncompromising vision.

The Breadwinner

March 13, 2026

Stand-up comic Nate Bargatze makes his feature debut in a comedy centered on a man struggling to adapt to life as a stay-at-home father. Directed by Eric Appel, the film balances observational humor with cultural critique around masculinity and domestic labor. Will Forte, Kumail Nanjiani, Zach Cherry, and Mandy Moore round out the ensemble. The project positions Bargatze as a surprisingly grounded screen presence.

Project Hail Mary

March 20, 2026

Ryan Gosling stars in the adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The story follows an astronaut who awakens alone on a spacecraft with no memory, slowly realizing he may be humanity’s last hope. Blending hard science with emotional isolation, the film emphasizes problem-solving as character development. Positioned as a cerebral blockbuster, it follows in the lineage of The Martian while aiming for deeper emotional stakes.

The Drama

March 2026

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s follow-up to Dream Scenario, centering on a couple whose engagement unravels after an unexpected revelation. The film explores intimacy under scrutiny, emotional performance, and modern anxiety. Borgli’s signature discomfort-driven storytelling pushes the relationship into existential territory. Positioned as both romantic and corrosive, The Drama leans into psychological unease rather than resolution.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

May 1, 2026

The long-awaited sequel revisits Miranda Priestly as her fashion empire collides with the realities of modern media. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all return, with the story reframing power through obsolescence rather than dominance. The film explores aging authority, cultural relevance, and professional reinvention. Rather than nostalgia alone, it positions itself as a generational reckoning.

Obsession

May 2026

Breakout filmmaker Curry Barker follows his festival success with a supernatural horror film centered on desire and manipulation. The story follows a music store employee who uses a cursed object to influence romantic outcomes, with escalating consequences. Rather than relying on shock, the film builds dread through emotional dependency. Positioned as a cult-leaning genre piece, it reflects the rise of intimate horror storytelling.

I Love Boosters

May 2026

Boots Riley returns with a sci-fi comedy that weaponizes absurdity against consumer culture and exploitation. The film follows a group of shoplifters targeting a fashion mogul, played within a heightened near-future setting. Featuring Demi Moore, Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, and Taylour Paige, the ensemble leans into satire without abandoning rage. Riley continues to blur political critique with surreal humor.

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

The Mandalorian & Grogu

May 22, 2026

The first Star Wars feature since 2019 expands Jon Favreau’s Disney+ juggernaut into a theatrical event, bringing Din Djarin and Grogu to the big screen. Pedro Pascal returns, joined by Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, as the film widens the galaxy without abandoning the franchise’s intimate father-and-child dynamic. Rather than a lore-heavy epic, the film is positioned as a character-driven adventure built on emotional continuity. Disney is betting that audiences still crave Star Wars when it feels personal rather than encyclopedic.

Masters of the Universe

June 5, 2026

Mattel’s first post-Barbie franchise swing adapts He-Man for a new generation, starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam and Jared Leto as Skeletor. The film attempts to balance nostalgia with mythic seriousness, reframing Eternia as a legitimate fantasy world rather than kitsch. Camila Mendes co-stars as Teela, grounding the story emotionally amid cosmic spectacle. With Barbie proving toy-based IP can thrive under strong authorship, this film arrives with unusually high expectations.

Power Ballad

June 2026

John Carney returns to music-driven storytelling with a bittersweet comedy about authorship, ego, and artistic theft. Paul Rudd stars as a struggling wedding singer whose song becomes a hit only after being claimed by Nick Jonas’ fading pop star. Rather than leaning into rivalry, the film focuses on regret and creative ownership. Carney’s work often thrives on emotional sincerity, positioning this as a gentle but pointed industry critique.

Disclosure Day

June 12, 2026

Steven Spielberg returns to the UFO genre with a screenplay by longtime collaborator David Koepp, framing extraterrestrial contact as a moral reckoning rather than spectacle. Emily Blunt stars as a meteorologist caught in an unexplained event, while Josh O’Connor plays a man determined to expose the truth. The film deliberately echoes Spielberg’s earlier sci-fi work, but with a darker, more contemporary anxiety. Positioned as both mystery and meditation, Disclosure Day suggests Spielberg revisiting awe through uncertainty.

Toy Story 5

June 2026

Pixar’s fifth chapter confronts its most modern antagonist yet: technology itself. Woody and Buzz face obsolescence in a world where children’s attention is dominated by screens, with Greta Lee voicing a tablet that becomes the toys’ existential threat. Rather than broad comedy, the film leans into questions of relevance and aging. Pixar appears intent on using the franchise to reflect its own place in contemporary culture.

Supergirl

June 2026

Following her introduction in Superman, Milly Alcock headlines a DCU expansion focused on Kara Zor-El’s reckoning with trauma and rage. Unlike Superman’s idealism, Supergirl’s story emphasizes dislocation and vengeance. Jason Momoa’s Lobo adds volatility and irreverence to the narrative. Positioned as a tonal counterweight within James Gunn’s DC reset, the film leans darker and more emotionally raw.

Moana (Live-Action)

July 2026

Disney adapts its animated hit into live-action under director Thomas Kail, with Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the title role. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, bridging the animated legacy with physical spectacle. The film emphasizes myth, movement, and cultural authenticity rather than replication. With audience skepticism high for live-action remakes, Moana aims to justify its existence through scale and performance.

The Odyssey

July 17, 2026

Christopher Nolan adapts Homer’s epic with Matt Damon as Odysseus, anchoring a globe-spanning production shot entirely on IMAX film cameras. The story emphasizes endurance, identity, and the psychological cost of heroism rather than mythic triumph. Featuring an ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson, the film is Nolan’s most ambitious undertaking to date. Positioned as both ancient epic and modern obsession, The Odyssey aims to redefine what cinematic scale means.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

July 31, 2026

Tom Holland’s Peter Parker enters college attempting to leave his superhero identity behind, only to confront consequences that refuse to stay buried. The film reframes Spider-Man as a character shaped by loss rather than legacy. New cast additions include Sadie Sink and Tramell Tillman, signaling tonal evolution. Marvel positions this installment as a quieter, more internal reset.

Coyote vs. Acme

August 28, 2026

After years in limbo, the live-action/animation hybrid finally reaches theaters following public backlash over its shelving. The story centers on Wile E. Coyote suing the Acme Corporation, blending courtroom satire with slapstick tradition. Will Forte and John Cena anchor the human cast. The film’s release itself has become a cultural statement about corporate decision-making and artistic preservation.

The Dog Stars

September 2026

Ridley Scott directs this post-apocalyptic adaptation starring Jacob Elordi as a survivor navigating a virus-ravaged Earth. The film prioritizes solitude and human connection over action-driven survival. Josh Brolin co-stars as a hardened former Marine offering reluctant mentorship. Scott’s return to sci-fi leans intimate rather than operatic.

Clayface

September 2026

The first non–Super-family film in the new DCU reimagines Clayface as body horror rather than villain spectacle. Written by Mike Flanagan and directed by James Watkins, the film centers on an actor whose desperation leads to catastrophic transformation. Naomi Ackie co-stars as the scientist enabling his descent. The project signals DC’s willingness to explore genre hybrids.

Practical Magic 2

September 18, 2026

Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reunite as the Owens sisters in a sequel that embraces legacy, grief, and generational consequence. Directed by Susanne Bier, the film adapts Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic. Rather than nostalgia alone, the story interrogates fate and choice. Millennial audiences anchor its anticipation.

Resident Evil

October 2026

Zach Cregger pivots from Weapons to reboot the franchise with a tone closer to the video games than previous adaptations. Austin Abrams leads as an everyman trapped in escalating horror. The film emphasizes dread and confinement rather than bombast. Positioned as survival horror first, franchise vehicle second.

Digger

October 2026

Alejandro G. Iñárritu directs Tom Cruise as a powerful man convinced he can save humanity, blending satire and existential spectacle. Described as a “comedy of catastrophic proportions,” the film reunites Cruise with prestige filmmaking after years of franchise dominance. The ensemble includes Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, and Emma D’Arcy. Warner Bros. positions it as awards-forward and divisive.

Verity

October 2026

**TAYLOR HILL/WIREIMAGE/BVLGARI; PABLO CUADRA/GETTY IMAGES**

Dakota Johnson stars in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s thriller as a writer entangled in psychological manipulation. Anne Hathaway plays the incapacitated author whose life and work conceal disturbing secrets. The film leans heavily into unreliable narration and emotional control. Amazon MGM Studios aims to capitalize on Hoover’s readership while deepening the genre stakes.

The Social Reckoning

October 9, 2026

**(David Jon/Chelsea Guglielmino/FilmMagic/Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)**

Aaron Sorkin revisits tech culture with a focus on whistleblower Frances Haugen, played by Mikey Madison. Jeremy Strong stars as Mark Zuckerberg, with the film examining accountability, scale, and moral consequence. Unlike The Social Network, this story centers impact rather than origin. It positions itself as a sequel in spirit, not plot.

The Whale Diver

November 2026

Austin Abrams stars as a diver swallowed by a sperm whale in a survival thriller inspired by biblical allegory. Directed by Brian Duffield, the film emphasizes claustrophobia and faith under pressure. Josh Brolin and Elisabeth Shue co-star. The premise leans surreal while remaining grounded in human panic.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

November 2026

This prequel centers on a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games. Joseph Zada takes on the role, with Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, and Kieran Culkin joining the ensemble. The film reframes the franchise’s mythology through institutional cruelty. Positioned as darker and more politically explicit.

Meet the Parents 4: Focker-In-Law

November 25, 2026

Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro return for a generational update, introducing Ariana Grande as the newest in-law. The film leans into aging masculinity and evolving family dynamics. Owen Wilson and Blythe Danner reprise their roles. Positioned as nostalgia with contemporary awareness.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew

November 2026

Greta Gerwig adapts the origin story of Narnia, starring Emma Mackey as the White Witch. Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan co-star, with rumored vocal casting for Aslan. The film receives an unprecedented IMAX theatrical run before streaming. Netflix positions it as a prestige fantasy cornerstone.

Jumanji 4

December 2026

The franchise returns with its ensemble cast intact, expanding the in-game mythology while preserving comedic chemistry. Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, and Kevin Hart reprise their roles. The film emphasizes escalation over reinvention. Positioned as holiday crowd-pleaser.

Avengers: Doomsday

December 18, 2026

The Russo brothers return to direct a crossover event bringing together nearly every corner of the MCU. Robert Downey Jr. re-enters the universe as Doctor Doom, reframing legacy into villainy. The film aims to reset narrative stakes after franchise fatigue. Marvel positions it as culmination rather than continuation.

Dune: Part Three

December 18, 2026

Denis Villeneuve adapts Dune Messiah as the final chapter in his trilogy. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Rebecca Ferguson return alongside newcomer Robert Pattinson. The film interrogates hero worship and consequence. Villeneuve closes the saga with political tragedy rather than triumph.

Werwulf

December 2026

Robert Eggers follows Nosferatu with a medieval werewolf horror set in 13th-century England. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe reunite with the director. The film blends folklore with existential terror. Eggers continues refining his obsession with myth and morality.