From long-awaited sequels and franchise shake-ups to buzzy originals, prestige dramas, and culture-moving event films, 2026 is shaping up to be a stacked year at the movies. Studios are swinging big, filmmakers are taking risks, and fan-favorite worlds are expanding in ways that could redefine what blockbuster and awards-season cinema looks like.
Whether you’re here for legacy IP, bold reimaginings, genre thrills, or stories that actually push the culture forward, these are the 32 movies releasing in 2026 that should be on your watchlist. Clear your calendar.
The Dutchman | Jan 2 | In Theaters
A modern reimagining inspired by Amiri Baraka’s Dutchman, following a chance encounter on a subway train that escalates into a tense psychological confrontation exploring race, power, and identity.
Director: Andre Gaines
Writer: Andre Gaines
Cast: André Holland, Kate Mara, Zazie Beetz
Dead Man’s Wire | Jan 9 | In Theaters
Based on true events, the film recounts a tense hostage crisis sparked by a desperate man attempting to reclaim money he believes was stolen from him by the U.S. government.
Director: Gus Van Sant
Writer: Austin Kolodney
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Myha’la
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Jan 16 | In theaters
Set decades after the Rage Virus outbreak, survivors confront new threats and unsettling discoveries that could alter humanity’s future.
Director: Nia DaCosta
Writer: Alex Garland
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry
The Rip | Jan 16 | Netflix
A group of Miami police officers uncover millions in a stash house, triggering internal betrayal and violent consequences as outside forces close in.
Director: Joe Carnahan
Writer: Joe Carnahan
Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, Kyle Chandler
Leave | Jan 16 | In Theaters
To try to save his failing marriage, an architect named Jesse Hughes moves his wife and two children to an old house in the countryside of Florida, in the middle of nowhere, for a new job opportunity. Inspired by the true story of Freemanville, a settlement town where freed enslaved people made their homes after the Civil War in 1866, something eerie begins to happen. Jesse and his family soon find that a change of scenery isn’t always the solution when they receive unexpected visitors in their new home.
Director: Chris Stokes
Writer: Chris Stokes, Marques Houston
Cast: Shalèt Monique, Stephen Barrington, V. Bozeman, Newton Mayenge, LaVell Thompson Jr.
Night Patrol | 2026 | In theaters
An LAPD officer is forced into an uneasy alliance with the area’s rival street gangs after he discovers a local, specialized police task force is harboring a monstrous secret that endangers everyone living in the housing projects where he grew up. He must then navigate the rising body count and fractured loyalties to confront the darkness within the police force and the community.
Director: Ryan Prows
Writer: Ryan Prows, Shaye Ogbonna, Tim Cairo, Jake Gibson
Cast: Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, Freddie Gibbs, RJ Cyler, YG, Nicki Micheaux, Flying Lotus, Phil Brooks, Dermot Mulroney
Moses the Black | Jan 30 | In Theaters
A modern crime drama set in Chicago, inspired by the story of Saint Moses the Black, following a former gang leader forced to confront his violent past as visions tied to a spiritual legacy push him toward redemption.
Director: Yelena Popovic
Writer: Yelena Popovic
Cast: Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, Quavo, Chukwudi Iwuji, Corey Hendrix, Cliff Chamberlain, Skilla Baby, Deontay Wilder
Relationship Goals | Feb 4 | Prime Video
A high-powered TV producer on the brink of history finds her career ambitions challenged when her reformed ex re-enters her life—armed with a bestselling relationship book that inspires her friend group to rethink love, purpose, and second chances.
Director: Linda Mendoza
Writer: Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan, Laura Lekkos
Cast: Kelly Rowland, Clifford “Method Man” Smith, Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, Matt Walsh
My Father’s Shadow | Feb 6 | Limited Theatrical (US & UK)
Set during Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election crisis, two young brothers spend a tense and transformative day in Lagos with their estranged father, as political unrest turns a simple trip into a dangerous journey.
Director: Akinola Davies Jr.
Writer: Akinola Davies Jr., Wale Davies
Cast: Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Godwin Egbo, Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, Efon Wini
Goat | Feb 13 | In Theaters
Set in an all-animal world, the film follows a determined young goat with dreams of playing professional roarball, a brutal, high-contact sport dominated by much larger animals, as he fights to prove he belongs and change the game forever.
Director: Tyree Dillihay
Writer: Aaron Buchsbaum, Teddy Riley
Cast: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson
Crime 101 | Feb 13 | In theaters
An elite thief, known for meticulous heists along L.A.’s 101 freeway, plans his final score but becomes entangled with a disillusioned insurance broker at a personal crossroads. Meanwhile, a determined detective closes in, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted as trust, betrayal, and moral reckoning unfold.
Director: Bart Layton
Writer: Bart Layton (adapted from Don Winslow’s novella)
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die | Feb 13 | In theaters
A mysterious man from the future (Sam Rockwell) arrives at an all-night diner in Los Angeles and takes the patrons hostage. He claims humanity is on the brink of an apocalypse caused by a rogue artificial intelligence and must recruit this specific, unlikely group of strangers for a one-night quest to save the world. The film blends dark humor with action and social commentary on modern technology and AI.
Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer: Matthew Robinson
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Juno Temple, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, Dino Fetscher
Cold Storage | Feb 13 | In theaters
Two young self-storage employees, Teacake and Naomi, face their wildest night shift when a dangerous, mutating fungus escapes a sealed military base sublevel, forcing them to team up with a bioterror operative (Liam Neeson) to prevent humanity’s extinction.
Director: Jonny Campbell
Writer: David Koepp (based on his novel)
Cast: Liam Neeson, Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell
Psycho Killer | Feb 20 | In theaters
Highway patrol officer Jane Thorne (Georgina Campbell) embarks on a grim cross-country hunt for the serial killer, dubbed the “Satanic Slasher,” who brutally murdered her state trooper husband, only to discover his evil is far more complex and sinister than she imagined.
Director: Gavin Polone
Writer: Andrew Kevin Walker
Cast: Georgina Campbell, James Preston Rogers, Logan Miller, Grace Dove, Malcolm McDowell
Scream 7 | Feb 27 | In theaters
A new Ghostface emerges, targeting Sidney Prescott’s teenage daughter, forcing Sidney and Gale to confront past horrors to protect her family in this significant reset for the franchise.
Director: Kevin Williamson
Writer: Kevin Williamson, Guy Busick
Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Isabel May, Anna Camp, Matthew Lillard, Mckenna Grace, Joel McHale, David Arquette
Undercard | Feb 27 | Limited release
Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a former two-time boxing champion and recovering alcoholic, attempts to rebuild a relationship with her estranged 21-year-old son, Keith, a promising but troubled young fighter. When Keith suffers an unnecessary loss due to his gambling-addicted trainer, he is forced to turn to his mother—the only person capable of training him for a world title shot. The film focuses on redemption, resilience, and survival as seen through the eyes of the trainer.
Director: Tamika Miller
Writer: Tamika Miller, Anita M. Cal
Cast: Wanda Sykes, Bentley Green, William Stanford Davis, Roselyn Sánchez, Berto Colón, Estella Kahiha, Xavier Mills
Youngblood | Mar 6 | Limited Theatrical Release
A contemporary remake of the 1986 sports drama follows Dean Youngblood, a talented Black Canadian hockey player from Detroit, as he navigates junior hockey, rivalries, and a relationship with the coach’s daughter, while confronting personal growth and ambition.
Director: Charles Officer
Writer: Josh Epstein, Kyle Rideout, Seneca Aaron; Story by Peter Markle & John Whitman
Cast: Ashton James, Blair Underwood, Shawn Doyle, Alexandra McDonald, Henri Picard, Donald MacLean Jr., Olunike Adeliyi, Tamara Podemski
Reminders of Him | Mar 13 | Theaters
After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns home to reconnect with her daughter, facing opposition from those guarding her, while forming a risky romance with local bar owner Ledger Ward.
Director: Vanessa Caswill
Writer: Colleen Hoover, Lauren Levine
Cast: Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Nicholas Duvernay, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson
They Will Kill You | Mar 27 | In theaters
A housekeeper takes a job in a mysterious NYC high-rise, unaware she’s stepping into a building controlled by a Satanic cult, forcing her to fight for survival against ritualistic horrors.
Director: Kirill Sokolov
Writer: Kirill Sokolov, Alex Litvak
Cast: Zazie Beetz, Myha’la, Patricia Arquette, Heather Graham, Tom Felton
Hoppers | Mar 6 | In Theaters
Scientists develop technology to “hop” human consciousness into robotic animals. Mabel, a 19-year-old animal lover, uses it to solve mysteries and unite animals to stop a greedy developer threatening their home.
Director: Daniel Chong
Writer: Daniel Chong (story/writer), Jesse Andrews (screenplay)
Cast (voice): Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, Dave Franco, Kathy Najimy, Eduardo Franco, Melissa Villaseñor, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Steve Purcell
The Bride! | Mar 6 | Theaters & IMAX
In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein’s Monster creates a companion from a murdered woman, who awakens as “The Bride,” sparking romance, rebellion, and social upheaval.]
Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Writer: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Penélope Cruz, Annette Bening, Peter Sarsgaard, Jake Gyllenhaal, Julianne Hough
Michael | Apr 24 | Theaters & IMAX
A biographical musical drama exploring Michael Jackson’s life, career, successes, and personal challenges, featuring over 30 of his hit songs.
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writer: John Logan
Cast: Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Krue Valdi, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Kat Graham, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, Kendrick Sampson, Derek Luke, and more
READ: Meet the Full Cast of the Michael Jackson Biopic, ‘Michael’…So Far
The Devil Wears Prada 2 | May 1 | Theaters
Miranda Priestly faces the decline of print journalism and a luxury conglomerate threat, turning to former assistants Andy Sachs and Emily Charlton to save her fashion empire.]
Director: David Frankel
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna (screenplay, based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel)
Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, Conrad Ricamora
Is God Is | May 15 | Theaters
Twin sisters scarred by a violent childhood embark on a darkly funny, mythic revenge journey after learning their father is responsible for their suffering—spanning the Dirty South to the California desert.
Director: Aleshea Harris
Writer: Aleshea Harris (based on her award-winning stage play)
Cast: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Sterling K. Brown, Janelle Monáe, Vivica A. Fox, Mykelti Williamson, Erika Alexander, Josiah Cross
Mortal Kombat II | May 8 | United States
Earthrealm’s champions, joined by Johnny Cage, face Outworld warriors in the long-awaited Mortal Kombat tournament, with brutal action, fatalities, and deeper game lore.
Director: Simon McQuoid
Writer: Jeremy Slater
Cast: Lewis Tan, Mehcad Brooks, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Tati Gabrielle, Ludi Lin, Tadanobu Asano, Chin Han, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, Max Huang, Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Martyn Ford, Damon Herriman, Ana Thu Nguyen, Desmond Chiam, CJ Bloomfield
I Love Boosters | May 22 | Theaters
A crew of stylish shoplifters known as The Velvet Gang targets a ruthless fashion mogul, triggering a surreal, sci-fi comedy packed with sharp social commentary and chaotic twists.
Director: Boots Riley
Writer: Boots Riley
Cast: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, LaKeith Stanfield, Demi Moore, Eiza González, Will Poulter, Poppy Liu, Don Cheadle
The Mandalorian & Grogu | May 22 | In Theaters
Set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, Din Djarin and Grogu are pulled into a high-stakes mission for the New Republic as new threats rise across the galaxy.
Director: Jon Favreau
Writer: Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, Steve Blum, Dave Filoni
Masters of the Universe | June 5 | In Theaters
Prince Adam must reclaim his destiny and return to Eternia to stop Skeletor and become the hero known as He-Man.
Director: Travis Knight
Writer: Chris Butler
Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, James Purefoy, Charlotte Riley, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Sam C. Wilson, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Kojo Attah, Kristen Wiig
Toy Story 5 | June 19 | In Theaters
The toys face their biggest challenge yet as modern technology threatens the future of playtime, forcing them to adapt or be left behind.
Director: Andrew Stanton
Writer: Andrew Stanton
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Ernie Hudson, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Blake Clark, John Ratzenberger, Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, Anna Faris
The Odyssey | July 17 | In Theaters
Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation follows Odysseus’ perilous journey home after the Trojan War, testing his endurance, faith, and humanity.
Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Funke Akindele, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, Corey Hawkins, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page
Spider-Man: Brand New Day | July 31 | In Theaters
With his identity erased from the world, Peter Parker starts fresh as a street-level Spider-Man protecting New York without advanced technology.
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Writer: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers
Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, Marvin Jones III, Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, Tramell Tillman
Clayface | Sept 11 | In Theaters
A tragic body-horror origin story about a struggling actor whose attempt to save his career transforms him into something monstrous.
Director: James Watkins
Writer: Mike Flanagan, Hossein Amini
Cast: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan
Street Fighter | Oct 16 | In Theaters
Ryu and Ken reunite to compete in the legendary World Warrior Tournament as classic fighters and villains collide.
Director: Kitao Sakurai
Writer: Dalan Musson
Cast: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Jason Momoa, David Dastmalchian, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Cody Rhodes, Eric André, Vidyut Jammwal, Joe Anoa’i, Andrew Schulz, Mel Jarnson, Olivier Richters
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping | Nov 20 | In Theaters
A prequel set during the 50th Hunger Games follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the brutal Second Quarter Quell, years before becoming a mentor to Katniss Everdeen.
Director: Francis Lawrence
Writer: Billy Ray
Cast: Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lili Taylor, Glenn Close, Billy Porter, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson
READ: Marvel Delays Release on Next Two Avengers Movies: ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ & ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’
Avengers: Doomsday | Dec 18 | In Theaters
A massive multiversal event brings together Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men as a new cosmic threat pushes the Marvel Cinematic Universe toward its most consequential turning point yet.
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writer: Michael Waldron, Stephen McFeely
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Simu Liu, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
READ: Ida Brooke and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa Join Cast of ‘Dune 3’ as Chani and Paul’s Twins
Dune: Part Three | Dec 18 | In Theaters
Set years after Paul Atreides’ rise to power, the film explores the consequences of his rule as conspiracies form to challenge his reign and reshape the future of the universe.
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Writer: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javier Bardem, Robert Pattinson, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, Ida Brooke