2026 looks to be a year of sequels and revisiting known worlds. From being haunted by ghosts of the past to still playing with toys, here are the top 10 most anticipated films of 2026 (in release order).
Creator of the series Kevin Williamson directs the next film in the “Scream” franchise. Many original cast members will also be returning including Matthew Lillard and David Arquette. Hopefully with many returning they will be able to tap back in to the magic of the original.
An adaptation of the super popular book of the same name by Andy Weir, “Project Hail Mary” will look to recreate the magic for film audiences the same way the book captured readers. Ryan Gosling stars as the astronaut trying to do so.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The brothers are back on the big screen. Everyone reprises their roles for the next installment in the Nintendo franchise. Will they be able to replicate the juggernaut of the first film? Will they deliver a new “Peaches?”
The Star Wars universe returns to the big screen with the loveable Grogu in tow. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as the Mandalorian. We will see if expanding the popular TV series with a feature film will bring the fans back to the theater.
Buzz, Woody and the rest of the toys are back for “Toy Story 5.” For this sequel, the toys will take on technology. Will they be able to conquer the tablet? “Toy Story 4” ended with such a strong message it will be interesting to see what else they have to show us.
Following up James Gunn’s “Superman,” the new DC universe continues with “Supergirl.” Will this female-led superhero film connect with audiences? If they let her be as spunky as she was in the teaser, the film will do fine.
Jump back into the Spidey suit with Tom Holland in “Spider-Man Brand New Day.” Hopefully the film will have answers to what happened after the gut-wrenching ending of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Spend the holidays with David Harbour’s rough and tough rendition of Santa Claus. This time he will seek to overthrow a crime lord at a mall. If it is anything like the original, it will be a festive bloodbath.
Time for Marvel superheroes to unite once again to face a major foe. Lips are sealed on plot lines, but we do know Doctor Doom (played by Robert Downey Jr.) will be making an appearance. With the necessary pivot away from the Kang plotline that we were seeing over multiple films, it will be interesting to see where they take us instead.
Return to the “Dune” universe in “Part Three.” This final film of the trilogy is an adaptation of the 1969 novel “Dune Messiah” written by Frank Herbert. Jump in time 12 years after “Part Two” and see what the universe’s emperor has been up to.
