Get ready for the ultimate 2026 Hollywood watchlist! Discover the biggest and most amazing blockbusters releasing this year, including their plots, cast highlights, budgets, and why each film is expected to dominate the global box office.
With major franchise sequels taking center stage, we’re getting long-awaited continuations of beloved series like Spider-Man, Avengers, and Dune. Horror fans will also have plenty to scream about with new entries in the Scream and Insidious franchises promising fresh frights. Plus, animated features are bringing family-friendly entertainment from Pixar’s Toy Story 5 to Disney’s live-action Moana remake.
This guide covers the year’s most anticipated releases across every genre and season, helping you plan which 2026 movies deserve a spot on your must-watch list.
The Russo Brothers return to helm Avengers: Doomsday, releasing December 18, 2026, featuring an impressive cast including Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Vanessa Kirby. The most shocking revelation confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 is Robert Downey Jr.’s return as the titular villain Doomsday, marking his involvement in both this film and the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars.
Star Wars Brings The Mandalorian to the Big Screen
Director Jon Favreau brings Din Djarin’s story to theaters with The Mandalorian movie, scheduled for May 22, 2026. Pedro Pascal reprises his role alongside Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt and Sigourney Weaver in an undisclosed role. This standalone film promises to return the Star Wars franchise to the big screen, continuing the beloved adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu.
Dune: Messiah Continues Denis Villeneuve’s Epic Saga
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Messiah arrives Christmas Day 2026, with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya expected to reprise their roles alongside newcomers Anya Taylor-Joy and Florence Pugh. Set 12 years after the events of Dune, the story follows Paul Atreides as the Padishah Emperor, continuing Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic saga.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Swings Back into Action
Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and releasing July 31, 2026. The screenplay comes from No Way Home writers Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna, ensuring continuity with the previous installment. Holland is also speculated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, potentially connecting the web-slinger’s solo adventures with the larger MCU narrative.
Horror Films Set to Terrify Audiences: 2026 Hollywood Watchlist
Director Nia DaCosta takes the helm of this highly anticipated sequel, starring Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O’Connell. Set for release on January 16, 2026, this follow-up to the 2025 sequel continues the story decades after the 2002 original. Cillian Murphy produces and may make a surprise appearance, adding excitement for franchise fans.
Scream 7 Returns Sidney Prescott for Another Ghostface Battle
Neve Campbell returns as Sidney Prescott alongside Courteney Cox for another terrifying encounter with Ghostface. Releasing February 27, 2026, this installment notably excludes the Carpenter sisters while bringing back Kevin Williamson, writer of previous Scream films, as director.
Thread: An Insidious Tale Expands the Popular Horror Universe
Jeremy Slater directs this sixth installment of Blumhouse’s Insidious franchise, starring Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani. Scheduled for August 21, 2026, the film centers on otherworldly beings terrorizing the living, continuing the supernatural horror legacy.
Soulm8te Brings More Terrifying AI Dolls from M3GAN Universe
Kate Dolan directs this M3GAN spin-off featuring Claudia Doumit, Lily Sullivan, and David Rysdahl. Releasing January 2, 2026, the film follows a humanlike AI doll forming a connection with a lonely character after his wife’s passing, with James Wan co-producing this chilling exploration of artificial intelligence horror.
Set for release on June 19, 2026, Toy Story 5 brings back beloved characters Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and Slinky Dog (Blake Clark) under the direction of Andrew Stanton. This fifth installment tackles a contemporary challenge as Buzz and Woody face their most modern obstacle yet: children replacing traditional toys with digital gadgets and technology.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Takes Mario to Space Adventures
Following the success of previous adaptations, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie launches April 3, 2026, with directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic at the helm. Chris Pratt returns as Mario alongside Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Charlie Day (Luigi), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), and Jack Black (Bowser). Inspired by the Nintendo Wii title, this animated movie 2026 takes the iconic plumber on intergalactic adventures beyond the Mushroom Kingdom.
Minions 3: Mega Minions Delivers More Yellow Chaos
Originally scheduled for 2027 but moved up to July 1, 2026, Minions 3: Mega Minions continues the franchise’s legacy under Pierre Coffin’s direction. Steve Carell reprises his role as Gru while Pierre Coffin returns to voice the beloved yellow characters, promising another installment of the chaotic humor that has made this 2026 movie release a highly anticipated family entertainment option.
The Cat in the Hat Reimagines Classic Dr. Seuss Story
Arriving November 6, 2026, this American 3D animated musical marks the third screen adaptation of the classic 1957 Dr. Seuss book. Directors Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni lead an impressive voice cast featuring Bill Hader, Quinta Brunson, and Bowen Yang, bringing fresh interpretation to the timeless story for 2026 movies audiences.
Christopher Nolan brings his signature cinematic vision to Homer’s classic tale with The Odyssey, arriving July 17, 2026. The star-studded cast features Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Zendaya, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, and Robert Pattinson. This 2026 movie release promises to showcase the legendary journey following the Trojan War.
Masters of the Universe Brings He-Man Back After 40 Years
Travis Knight directs this long-awaited return of the beloved character, featuring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man alongside Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto as Skeletor. Set for June 5, 2026, this action movie 2026 follows Prince Adam marooned on Earth as he fulfills his destiny to battle for Eternia.
Mortal Kombat II Continues the Video Game Fighting Saga
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come Delivers More Survival Horror
Steven Spielberg returns to sci-fi territory with Disclosure, set for release on May 15, 2026. This original UFO mystery reunites the legendary director with screenwriter David Koepp and features an impressive ensemble cast including Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell.
The Bride! Presents Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Female-Focused Frankenstein
Maggie Gyllenhaal directs The Bride!, arriving March 6, 2026, offering a fresh female perspective on the classic 1935 Bride of Frankenstein. Christian Bale stars as Frankenstein alongside Jessie Buckley as The Bride, with Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Penelope Cruz, and John Magaro rounding out the stellar cast. The story follows a murdered woman reborn as Frankenstein’s companion who becomes both a police target and social movement leader.
Project Hail Mary Adapts Andy Weir’s Sci-Fi Novel with Ryan Gosling
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller helm this highly anticipated adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, releasing March 20, 2026. Ryan Gosling stars as astronaut Ryland Grace, who awakens alone on a space station with amnesia, only to discover he’s humanity’s last hope against a cosmic event threatening Earth with a new ice age. Sandra Hüller and Lionel Boyce co-star in this high-stakes space thriller.
Michael Chronicles the King of Pop’s Life and Legacy
Antoine Fuqua directs Michael, the comprehensive biopic of Michael Jackson hitting theaters April 24, 2026. Jaafar Jackson portrays the King of Pop in this exploration of his life, struggles, and unprecedented global success. The film features Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, and Larenz Tate, promising an intimate look at one of music’s most influential figures.
The highly anticipated sequel brings back the iconic duo of Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway on May 1, 2026. Director David Frankel returns alongside the original cast including Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and newcomer Kenneth Branagh. Based on the novel “Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns,” this 2026 movie release promises to deliver the sharp wit and fashion-forward storytelling that made the original a classic.
Animal Friends Combines Live-Action with Animated Characters
Peter Atencio directs this innovative live-action/animated hybrid featuring Ryan Reynolds, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Momoa, Vince Vaughn, Dan Levy, and Addison Rae. Set for May 1, 2026, this upcoming blockbuster combines real actors with animated animal characters in what promises to be a unique cinematic experience for audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment.
The beloved parody franchise returns on June 12, 2026, with director Michael Tiddes helming the project alongside original stars Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Dave Sheridan. Co-written by Shawn, Marlon, and Keenen Ivory Wayans with Rick Alvarez, this latest installment promises more pop culture and horror film references that made the series a cult phenomenon.
Wuthering Heights Adapts Emily Bronte Classic with Margot Robbie
Emerald Fennell directs this February 13, 2026 adaptation of Emily Bronte’s timeless novel, featuring Margot Robbie as producer alongside Jacob Elordi. The film centers on the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, bringing classical literature to modern audiences.
Street Fighter Reboots the Iconic Video Game Franchise
Director Kitao Sakurai takes charge of this October 16, 2026 reboot after replacing the original directors Danny and Michael Philippou. Based on the iconic video games, this new Street Fighter movie aims to revitalize the beloved franchise for contemporary viewers.
Clayface Transforms Batman Villain into Horror-Thriller
Releasing September 11, 2026, director James Watkins transforms the iconic Batman villain into a standalone horror-thriller tragedy. Starring Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, and Max Minghella, this live-action film is produced by Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris, expanding the Batman universe into darker territory.
Young Adult and Fantasy Adventures: 2026 Hollywood Watchlist
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Explores Haymitch’s Origin Story
Set for release on November 20, 2026, this highly anticipated prequel directed by Francis Lawrence delves into Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory as the victor of the 50th Hunger Games. The film stars Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemmons, and Ralph Fiennes, exploring the tragic aftermath of Haymitch’s family’s murder by President Snow.
Supergirl Launches New DC Universe Chapter with Milly Alcock
Craig Gillespie directs this June 26, 2026 release featuring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El alongside Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, David Krumholtz, and Emily Beecham. Based on Tom King’s comic miniseries, this 2026 movie serves as the latest chapter in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, following Supergirl’s galactic adventures with Krypto the Superdog.
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender Returns to Animation
Lauren Montgomery directs this October 9, 2026 animated feature starring Eric Nam as adult Aang, with Dave Bautista and Dante Basco joining the cast. This newest Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise installment reunites beloved characters Toph, Sokka, Katara, and Zuko as the first film in a planned trilogy.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Continues Popular Children’s Franchise
Cal Brunker returns to direct the third theatrical PAW Patrol installment, releasing August 14, 2026. McKenna Grace voices Skye alongside Fortune Feimster and Jennifer Hudson in this family-friendly adventure that continues the franchise’s big-screen success.
The sheer breadth of entertainment scheduled for 2026 demonstrates Hollywood’s commitment to delivering both crowd-pleasing spectacles and compelling original stories. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic charm of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the epic scope of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, or the innovative storytelling of emerging filmmakers, this year’s slate offers unprecedented diversity. Start planning your movie calendar now – with releases spanning from January’s Soulm8te through December’s highly anticipated Dune: Messiah, 2026 is set to be an unforgettable year at the cinema.
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