10 Most Promising Upcoming Movies to Watch in 2026

Photo credit: Universal Pictures

From long-awaited franchise installments to video game adaptations and modern takes on classic favorites, movie fans are already getting excited for what the silver screen has in store for 2026. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming movies of 2026, listed in order of their expected release dates.   

1. The Bride!

Expected release date: March 6, 2026

The bride of Frankenstein is finally getting her due in the contemporary cinematic landscape. While she’s appeared either centrally or peripherally in films from 1935 to 1985, “The Bride!” promises to be a character-driven movie that’s as complex as it is entertaining. Maggie Gyllenhaal will be directing a powerful cast with Christian Bale as Frankenstein’s monster and Jessie Buckley as the bride of Frankenstein at the center. 

Set in 1930s Chicago — the same city that’s home to the classic horror figure Candyman — “The Bride!” is a kaleidoscopic mish-mash of influences. Think a monstrous Bonnie and Clyde with all the dark romance of the Gothic genre, plus some resemblances to Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” (2023). With Guillermo del Toro’s much-anticipated “Frankenstein” set to hit Netflix this November, “The Bride!” continues the fantastically morbid romp through classic horror favorites.   

2. Project Hail Mary 

Expected release date: March 20, 2026

Based on Andy Weir’s sci-fi novel of the same name, “Project Hail Mary” looks like it will make audiences laugh, cry and ask themselves what they would be willing to do to save humanity. Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a middle school science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship — despite not having the required professional experience — 11.9 light-years from Earth with no idea how he got there. 

An international team of researchers and the whole world is counting on Ryland back home. As his memory returns, he works to understand why the sun is dying. With beautifully expansive visuals, stress-inducing high stakes and moments of levity, “Project Hail Mary” is an inspiring story about questioning your self-imposed limits when it matters most. 

3. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Expected release date: April 3, 2026

Another adaptation of a much-loved video game, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” has gamers and general moviegoers alike on the edge of their seats in anticipation. It has a lot to live up to, considering “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” was the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever made, earning over $1.3 billion worldwide. 

Between the magical cosmic settings, the return of Chris Pratt as Mario and Jack Black as Bowser, and rumors about whether Princess Daisy will make an appearance, the film has already drummed up a lot of buzz and looks like it will deliver. 

4. Mortal Kombat II

Expected release date: May 8, 2026

Video game adaptations are having a moment, with the success of “A Minecraft Movie” (2025), “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”(2023), and shows like “Arcane.” This is great for gamers, who could use some good news as they battle rising video game prices. The initial release of “Mortal Kombat II” was slotted for October 2025, but it’s now set for summer 2026. It follows the first movie, released in 2021, but a version of this martial arts fantasy adaptation was actually first released in 1995. 

The 2021 film received mixed reviews, but next year’s sequel will finally introduce the character Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, now that the first movie has set up the world and origin story for viewers. Even if you weren’t a big fan of the 2021 movie, it’s worth giving the sequel a chance, as it promises epic visuals and adrenaline-pumping victories.    

5. Toy Story 5

Expected release date: June 19, 2026

Toy Story always seems to come back when nostalgic movie fans need it most. The fifth installment of this beloved franchise is scheduled to hit theaters in summer 2026. Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton of “Finding Nemo” (2003) and “A Bug’s Life” (1998) is taking the director’s chair, and Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are confirmed to return as the iconic duo Woody and Buzz. 
This film explores the impact of technology on childhood play, introducing a new character — a tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Anna Faris. While some fans have worried that “Toy Story 5” represents an attempt to stretch the storyline too far, it sounds like it will take on a fresh topic — one that’s relevant to moviegoers of all ages as the world becomes increasingly tech-driven.

6. The Odyssey 

Expected release date: July 17, 2026

Based on Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey” has been in the works for a while, and it’s finally set to be released in the summer of 2026, making it perfect for your next outdoor movie night when the temperature warms up. Christopher Nolan, who is known for his work on “Inception” (2010), “Interstellar” (2014) and “The Dark Knight” trilogy, will direct. Matt Damon will star as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, who is trying to return home after the Trojan War.

The film will also feature an all-star cast, including Tom Holland as Odysseus’ son Telemachus, Charlize Theron as the sorceress Circe, and Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Elliot Page and Robert Pattinson in currently undisclosed roles. With such a star-studded cast and a legendary director at the helm, moviegoers are already predicting “The Odyssey” will be a blockbuster success.

7. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Expected release date: July 31, 2026

The fourth film in the MCU Spider-Man series, the release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is right on time for a summer blockbuster. It will see the return of Tom Holland as Peter Parker, Zendaya as MJ and Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds. Sadie Sink, who played Max Mayfield in Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” will also be joining the cast, although it’s unclear who she’ll be playing. 

What’s particularly exciting about this release is that it’s the first time the same actor has been in a fourth solo Spider-Man film. The plot is still under wraps, but the film’s title is a reference to a storyline in the comic, “Spider-Man: One More Day,” in which Spider-Man makes a deal with the demon Mephisto to save the life of his Aunt May. It’s unclear whether the film will follow this storyline, but it’s sure to be an exciting journey for both old and new fans.

8. Clayface 

Expected release date: September 11, 2026

“Clayface” is the third movie in James Gunn’s DC universe, after “Superman” (2025) and the upcoming “Supergirl” (2026). It’s part of a long line of antihero or villain origin stories, including the Joker movies, the recent “The Penguin” TV show and “Suicide Squad” (2016). Clayface has its comic origins in the 1940s as a villain to Batman. He’s a complex character who can change shape and impersonate people. While he’s been imagined in comics, video games and animated series, this will be Clayface’s first foray into film. 

Mike Flanagan wrote the screenplay, and James Watkins will be directing. Given Watkins’ role in movies like “Speak No Evil” (2024), “The Woman in Black” (2012) and “Eden Lake” (2008) and Flanagan’s work, which includes “The Fall of the House of Usher” (2023), “The Haunting of Bly Manor” (2020) and “Doctor Sleep” (2019), audiences are predicting “Clayface” will be a true horror movie. The upcoming film has already been linked to David Cronenberg’s 1986 body horror classic “The Fly,” so the predictions will likely hold true.  

9. Dune: Part Three

Expected release date: December 18, 2026

Dune fans still have to wait a while for the third installment of this epic sci-fi adventure, but it will be well worth it. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya return as Paul Atreides and Chani, this time with their twin children. Anya Taylor-Joy, whose character, Alia Atreides, was briefly introduced in “Dune: Part Two,” and Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan will take on more prominent roles. Rumors are circulating that Robert Pattinson will also join the cast as the shape-shifting Face Dancer Scytale. However, casting is holding its cards close with that potential news. 

While the first two movies were adapted from the first book in Frank Herbert’s Dune series, the third is based on the second book, “Dune Messiah.” There are many more books in the series — Herbert wrote six before his passing, at which point his son Brian Herbert and author Kevin J. Anderson collaborated to write 17 more. Despite this, Denis Villeneuve, the film’s creative visionary, director and co-writer, says “Dune: Part Three” will be the last of the Dune movies. 

10. Avengers: Doomsday 

Expected release date: December 18, 2026

The fifth installment in the Avengers series, “Avengers: Doomsday,” is set to be an epic superhero movie featuring an ensemble cast of many returning actors, including Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America and Paul Rudd as Ant-Man. Robert Downey Jr. will be returning, but he’ll be playing the villain Doctor Doom, rather than Iron Man. The film will also feature the Avengers, Wakandans and the Fantastic Four. 

The Russo brothers, who directed “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), will be returning to direct “Avengers: Doomsday,” so it’s set to be a hit. The two initially declined to direct the film, only signing on once they felt confident they had a story. That bodes well for fans as the movie is likely to be a thoughtful narrative rather than a rush job.  

What Will You Be Watching? 

2026 is packed with cinematic promise. Whether you’re a fan of superhero sagas, sci-fi epics, video game adaptations or fresh takes on classic horror, there’s a film on this list with your name on it. So, grab your popcorn, find a comfy seat and get ready for these 2026 film releases, which promise the return of beloved characters and the introduction of new worlds to the silver screen.