Top 15 Most Anticipated Movies of 2026

Happy New Year!

I know, I’m a bit late with this list. With Stranger Things wrapping up and the new year kicking off, things got a little hectic. But wow, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for movies! Seriously, every major director (okay, maybe not all) is dropping something new. We’ve got a fresh Avengers flick, a new Star Wars adventure, and even a new Toy Story installment. It was a challenge to narrow it down to just fifteen movies, but I did it! Here’s what I’m most excited about.

15. The Rip

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite for a cop thriller in about a week

I only caught wind of The Rip about a week ago, but it’s already made my must-see list. This action thriller, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as cops, hits theaters in just six days! The director, who previously brought us Boss Level, knows how to deliver a fun ride. I loved that Groundhog Day-esque action flick. So, pairing him with Damon and Affleck? That’s a recipe for success!

14. Resident Evil

Zach Cregger's next film will take on the popular video game franchise

Honestly, I could care less about Resident Evil. But here’s the kicker: it’s directed by Zach Cregger, the genius behind Barbarian and Weapons. Weapons was one of my favorites last year. While I wasn’t a huge fan of Barbarian, it was still unique and had some fun twists. So, naturally, I’m intrigued by whatever this guy does next. I’ve never seen a Resident Evil movie, but if Cregger’s on board, I’m excited!

13. Digger

Iñárritu teams up with Tom Cruise for a likely awards darling

2026 is the year of major directors, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu is back with a black comedy starring Tom Cruise. I’m pumped! For nearly fifteen years, Cruise has been all about those blockbuster action flicks. It’ll be refreshing to see him in a smaller project with a visionary director. I have no clue if this movie will be a hit, but I bet it’ll be in the awards conversation!

12. Dune: Part Three

Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune Messiah will be part of the next "Barbenheimer" phenomenon

Denis Villeneuve is back with Dune: Part Three. December 18th is already being dubbed "Avengers: Dunesday," and I can’t wait! I’m not familiar with Dune Messiah, but Villeneuve has a knack for immersing us in this universe. I’ve heard it gets weirder, which could be good or bad. Either way, I’m all in!

11. Clayface

A Mike Flanagan-penned DC movie will make this list every single year

After a year dominated by James Gunn’s projects, it’s exciting to see the DC Universe expand in 2026. Of the two DC movies this year, Clayface has me more intrigued. I’m still looking forward to Supergirl, but the trailer hasn’t sold me yet. An R-rated body horror film featuring a B-list Batman villain? Count me in! Mike Flanagan, my current favorite horror writer, is behind it, so I’m all in.

10. The Adventures of Cliff Booth

A script from Quentin Tarantino is being directed by David Fincher...enough said

I just discovered this movie exists, and I had to include it! The Adventures of Cliff Booth is a spin-off of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by David Fincher. Are you kidding me? Two of my top five directors teaming up? I don’t care what it’s about or who’s in it. I’m excited! I haven’t seen Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but I’m definitely checking it out before this movie drops.

9. Evil Dead Burn

The next installment in the Evil Dead franchise is likely one of this year's biggest horror films

Another trend this year is the return of iconic horror franchises. One of those is Evil Dead. I’m not the biggest fan, but each entry brings something unique and fun. Plus, they’re scary as hell! Evil Dead Rise was possibly the scariest yet. It might not be the biggest release of the year, but I’m definitely looking forward to it.

8. The Social Reckoning

Aaron Sorkin returns to write and direct a sequel to The Social Network

The Social Network is one of my all-time favorites, so I was thrilled when they announced a sequel. There’s so much material to explore, and Aaron Sorkin is back to write and direct. With Mikey Madison, Jeremy Strong, and Jeremy Allen White starring, I’m even more excited. This could be a serious contender for Best Picture, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!

7. Scream 7

Sidney Prescott returns in a very intriguing entry in horror's best franchise

Another horror franchise making a comeback is, of course, Scream 7. Neve Campbell is back as Sidney Prescott, and she’s not alone. David Arquette is returning as Dewey Riley, and we’ll see Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley, despite their characters' previous demises. I’m super curious about the plot and how the next Ghostface will use Sidney’s family against her. Scream is my favorite horror franchise, and I expect this entry to be a blast!

6. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Haymitch's tragic story is getting the big screen treatment

Last year, Suzanne Collins dropped the fifth Hunger Games book, and a movie adaptation was announced right away. Sunrise on the Reaping follows the 50th Hunger Games and Haymitch Abernathy’s story. The cast is stacked with Mckenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Maya Hawke, Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, and even Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson (likely cameos). The Hunger Games movies are fantastic, and this book was so emotional. I can’t wait to see how it’s adapted!

5. Project Hail Mary

One of the most celebrated novels of the last ten years is finally hitting the big screen

I haven’t read Project Hail Mary yet (but it’s on my list!), and I’m already buzzing about the movie. This book is a huge hit, so I’m thrilled to see it come to life. Andy Weir, who wrote The Martian (one of my faves), is behind it. I love realistic sci-fi that feels grounded in actual science, and that’s what Project Hail Mary promises. Plus, it stars Ryan Gosling! What’s not to love? This is a perfect way to kick off the big movie season at the end of March.

4. Avengers: Doomsday

The year's most exciting and most nerve-wracking release

Wow. I’m feeling all sorts of emotions about this one. On one hand, I’m giddy with excitement for an Avengers movie. This is the first time the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four will all be together. How cool is that? Doctor Doom is one of the best villains in comic history, so seeing him done right is thrilling. Every Tuesday, as teasers drop, my excitement grows. But on the flip side, the Multiverse Saga has had its share of disappointments. I hope this movie doesn’t fall into the trap of weak nostalgia. I’m nervous yet excited for opening day!

3. Disclosure Day

Steven Spielberg is going back to the genre that he often perfects

Steven Spielberg is my all-time favorite director, but it’s been a while since he’s tackled the genre that made him a legend. Disclosure Day is a sci-fi film, possibly involving an alien invasion, and I’m super excited! He’s teaming up with David Koepp, the writer of Jurassic Park and Spider-Man, and John Williams is scoring the film. I think this could be another Spielberg classic, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

2. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

The next Spidey outing is the most exciting superhero movie of 2026

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is even more exciting than Avengers: Doomsday because I have fewer worries. It’s been five years since No Way Home, so they’ve taken their time with this one. The cast has me so hyped! Jon Bernthal is back as the Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, and so many amazing names from my favorite shows are joining. Michael Mando is returning as Scorpion, Tramell Tillman from Severance is in an unknown role, and Liza Colón-Zayas from The Bear is also cast (maybe as Rio Morales?). And let’s not forget Sadie Sink in a mysterious role! I can’t wait to see the first look at this movie!

1. The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan tackles the ultimate story in what is destined to be the movie of the year

If there’s one person I want tackling The Odyssey, it’s Christopher Nolan. His last movie was a three-hour biopic about science and Senate hearings, and it made nearly a billion dollars and won Best Picture! Now he’s diving into the ultimate story. The Odyssey is the blueprint for every story ever told. Nolan is the biggest director in the world, and I just know this will be a special experience. There’s no definitive adaptation of The Odyssey, but if anyone can give us one, it’s Nolan. Plus, Matt Damon is starring as Odysseus, with Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and more in supporting roles. This is going to be monumental, and I can’t wait!