The Biggest and Most Anticipated Movies of 2026

The movies of 2026 are expected to shatter box office records. “Scream 7,” “Send Help,” “Dune: Part Three,” and “Michael” are a few anticipated movies coming out this year. This year, the movie trends predicted to pack out movie theaters are the rise of sequels and franchise films, as well as movies based on video game adaptations and the Sci-fi genre.

Disney Dominates Upcoming Blockbusters

Disney is the billion-dollar movie factory, and this year, that list is sure to grow with anticipated movies like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Disney has also been building anticipation since 2025 by dropping the trailer for a live-action version of “Moana” and teasing the tablet villain in “Toy Story 5,” which has caught the interest of both kids and adults.

Stars that will appear in multiple blockbusters this year include Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Anne Hathaway. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson will share the screen twice, and Anne Hathaway alone has five films released this year, including the long-awaited sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Movies for Every Mood

If you are looking for a fun movie for the family to enjoy together, a twisted love story, or to see your favorite video game come to the big screen, there are movies for you to choose from in the list below, and plan your next movie day.

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”(January 16) – Rated R

The second movie from the “28 Years Later” trilogy, set to hit theaters on January 16, is titled “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film takes place after the events of “28 Years Later.” The returning cast will include Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O’Connell.

“Mercy”(January 23) -PG-13

What happens when the judicial system is AI-powered? In the movie “Mercy” starring Chris Pratt as Det. Chris Rave races against time to prove he is innocent of his wife’s murder. Releasing in theaters on January 23, the action movie is full of twists and mysteries as Pratt and AI Judge Maddox, played by Rebecca Ferguson, work together to reveal the truth behind his wife’s murder.

“Send Help” (January 30) – Not Rated

Returning from her significant screen hiatus on January 30 in the film “Send Help,” Rachel McAdams stars as Linda Liddle. In the horror thriller directed by Sam Raimi, McAdams’ character is awkward and mocked by her boss at the office. But after a plane crash leaves them as the only two survivors on a deserted island, Liddle undergoes a personality change and literally becomes the boss from hell to survive the island and retaliate against the boss who mocked her.

“How to Make a Killing” (February 20)- Rated R

The next anticipated movie of the year from the A24 verse is “How to Make a Killing,” with Glen Powell as the star hitman. Powell plays Becket Redfellow, whose mother is disowned by her wealthy family and, as an adult, slowly takes out family members, pushing him up the family tree to receive the hefty payout. “How to Make a Killing” will premiere in theaters on February 20.

“Scream 7” (February 27) – Rated R

What is a “Scream” movie without final girl Neve Campbell? On February 27, reprising her role as Sidney Prescott and also returning is Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter. Ghostface Killer has tracked Sidney to a new town, but this time the target is her daughter, played by Isabel May. Teaming up with the iconic Gale Weathers, played by Courteney Cox, the duo tries one last time to put a stop to the Ghostface murders.

“Project Hail Mary” (March 20) – Not Rated

On March 20, Ryan Gosling and his extraterrestrial buddy Rocky team up to save the planet in the anticipated movie “Project Hail Mary.” Based on the novel by Andy Weir, Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a science teacher-turned-astronaut with no memory of his mission or how he arrived in space. However, he works through his memory lapse and pieces together what is causing the sun to die out.

“Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” (March 20) – Not Rated

Also releasing in theaters, the same weekend as “Project Hail Mary” is “Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour.” Directed by James Cameron, the film will go behind the scenes of Billie Eilish’s last tour for the 2024 album of the same name, which features songs like the sensual “Lunch,” “Wildflower,” and “Birds of A Feather.”

“The Drama” (April 3) – Not Rated

In their first movie together, set to release on April 3, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson teased the film “The Drama” by sharing pictures on Instagram. Without giving away too many plot twists in the trailer, “The Drama” is about a couple set to get married, but things take an awkward turn when a secret is discovered about one of the lovers’ pasts. However, there is limited information about the plot twist that keeps fans on the edge of their seats and guessing as they watch.

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (April 3) – PG

Gamers and families will again crowd the theaters on April 3 to see the second movie based on the “Super Mario” games. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” will feature a returning cast, including Jack Black as Bowser, Chris Pratt as Mario, and Charlie Day as Luigi. But joining the cast is Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Lawson. And the new villain, Baby Bowser, played by Benny Safdie, will power up in an attempt to save his father, Bowser, from his tiny prison.

“Michael”(April 27) – Not Rated

Two words: Michael Jackson! The highly anticipated biopic movie of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is in theaters on April 27. The musical genius is played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. “Michael” follows the journey of Jackson as he grows up in front of and behind the camera, and the moments and events that shaped him into a cultural icon. MJ has continued to break records even in death, and just from the trailer, the movie theater might have to run a day playing only “Michael” to accommodate all his fans.

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” (May 1) – Not Rated

A cult favorite is returning with a sequel after 20 years on May 1. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” focuses on Miranda Priestly, played by the legendary Meryl Streep, as she navigates the transition from print to digital media, pitting her against her former assistant, Emily Charlton. Don’t worry, gal pal Anna Hathaway is returning as Andy, as well as the fashionable Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling. Other famous cameos appearing in the film are Lady Gaga, Donatella Versace, and Lucy Liu.

“Mortal Kombat II”(May 8) – Rated R

Another movie game lover will flock to see this year is “Mortal Kombat II,” coming to theaters May 8. The ultimate fight to save the Earthrealm and protect it from Shao Kahn is inviting Johnny Cage. Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, will fight alongside the returning cast, including Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, and Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden.

“Toy Story 5″(July 19) – Not Rated

Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s gang of toys, now Bonnie’s toys, are back, and this time they’re out to save playtime. In theaters July 19, find out if Woody and the rest of his toy pals overthrow Lily Pad to win back Bonnie’s attention.

Live-Action “Moana”(July 10) – PG

After the success of the first two “Moana” movies, Disney is back with the live-action “Moana” movie, releasing July 10. Leading the cast as Moana is Catherine Laga-aia, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will reprise his role as demigod Maui.

“The Odyssey” (July 17) – Not Rated

“The Odyssey,” releasing on July 17, will be an IMAX cinema experience filled with action based on the classic tale by Homer. The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’s son.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (July 31) – Not Rated

Tom Holland and his favorite girl, MJ, played by Zendaya, are back for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” another chapter in the Spider-Man multiverse, releasing on July 31. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” picks up with Peter Parker after he wished the world would forget his Spider-Man identity as he lives his life in college. But Parker finds himself putting on the suit one more time when he faces off against the Punisher, played by Jon Bernthal.

“Dune: Part Three”(December 3) – Not Rated

“Dune: Part Three,” the last installment of the “Dune” film series, will conclude on December 3. Joining Zendaya in another film and new to the “Dune” franchise is Robert Patterson, who plays the movie’s villain. The storyline will take place 12 years after the last film finished. According to IMDb, the summary of “Dune: Part Three” is, “It follows Muad’dib, heir to unimaginable power, as he brings to fruition the ancient scheme to create a superbeing ruler among men, not in the heavens.”

Cut Movie Costs This Year

A trip to the movies is a day for fun, not stress. With numerous hit movies coming out this year, trips to the movies will start to add up. Before purchasing a ticket, check if your local theater is currently offering a sale. Most theaters offer matinee times or have discount days for movies. If your favorite movie theater provides a reward program, sign up. The rewards can be applied towards discount tickets and snacks, and you may even receive special promo deals exclusive to reward members.