The past 12 months have been exciting in the movie world, but the slate of movies to come means 2026 could be an even more exciting year.
It has been another stellar year in the world of movies, with films delighting audiences across the world as people continue to go back to the theater to experience movies on the big screen.
A range of movies have proved successful over the past 12 months, with sequels and franchises to the fore again, with Zootopia 2, Ne Zha 2 and Avatar: Fire & Ash all big hits at the global box office.
And it looks like 2026 will be even more exciting for movie fans, with a range of movies from huge franchises set to drop, as well as the latest epic from a hugely successful director.
Here are the movies we are looking forward to seeing in 2026.
Scream 7
Usually by the time a movie franchise gets to its 7th instalment, interest has waned to say the least – and would often go ‘straight to video’, to use a GenX phrase. But the hype around Scream 7 bucks this trend comprehensively – and it is easy to see why. The steady drip-feed of info has indicated that the franchise is going back to its roots, with Neve Campbell’s Sydney Prescott taking a centre role once more. But perhaps more intriguingly, some of the old baddies are returning – including some long thought dead in the franchise such as Stu Macher. How will it all work? We’ll find out when the movie lands on February 27.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
After the success of The Super Mario Movie a couple of years ago, it was inevitable that a sequel would follow. But with Mario, there is 40 years of games and lore to explore for plots, and it seems the makers are sticking fairly closely to the games with this second instalment, which takes Super Mario Galaxy as its inspiration. We are promised the return of characters from the first movie – including Jack Black’s crooning Bowzer – as well as the introduction of more beloved characters such as Yoshi and Rosalina. The movie arrives in theaters on April 3.
Toy Story 5
Another movie that is the latest in a long franchise line. Toy Story 4 had mixed reviews after it moved the story on to Woody, Buzz and the gang’s life with Bonnie. Since then, Pixar has had a mixed time of it – including Lightyear, which had a lukewarm response – so it could do with a hit. Word is that this time around the gang – apparently with Woody back with Bonnie – are competing against tablet devices and tech. Will this provide a return to form for Toy Story and Pixar? We’ll find out on June 19.
The Odyssey
Finally, a movie that isn’t a sequel or part of a wider universe. Director Sir Christopher Nolan’s latest epic movie gives us his spin on The Odyssey by Homer (Greek writer, not the guy out of the Simpsons). While little has been given away about the plot, we know it centers on Odysseus journeying home after the Trojan War. Excitement has also been generated by the stellar cast, which includes Matt Damon and Tom Holland. We can find out if Nolan has come up with another award-winner on July 17.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Speaking of Tom Holland, there is much anticipation about his return to the MCU and Spider-Man in 2026. After the conclusion of the original Spidey trilogy with No Way Home, it was assumed that was the end of the character’s arc. But no, we have another movie – apparently the first of a new trilogy – that picks up where the previous movie left off. Peter Parker/Spidey is trying to adapt to his new reality where nobody knows who he is – and he has none of the gadgets that he could call upon before. The movie drops on July 31.
Avengers: Doomsday
Possibly the most hyped movie of the year. Marvel ramped up expectations with its reveal of Robert Downey Jr returning as Dr Doom for this movie. In addition, many of the established characters from the MCU are appearing in this movie, including Chris Evans apparently reprising his role as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Marvel really needs this movie – and the Spider-Man one before it – to be a huge success as the MCU has suffered from growing apathy in recent years since Avengers: Endgame. We can judge if it is at the end of the year.
