After several years of uncertainty, the global film industry may finally be heading toward a stronger period. Studios are lining up an unusually crowded release schedule for 2026, combining major franchise entries with prestige projects aimed at awards season.
Industry analysts point to a mix of familiar brands and high-profile directors as a sign of renewed confidence. Films from Marvel, Pixar, Disney, Warner Bros and Universal are set to open throughout the year, alongside literary adaptations and director-driven projects.
One of the most closely watched releases will be Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, his first film since Oppenheimer. Whether it can help recreate the surge in cinema attendance seen in 2023 remains to be seen, but expectations across the industry are high.
Below is a chronological look at some of the most anticipated films scheduled for release in 2026.
Hamnet
Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, Hamnet stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife Agnes. The film focuses on their marriage and the personal loss that influenced Hamlet.
Release date: 9 January
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
The fourth film in the long-running series continues the story from 28 Years Later. Alfie Williams plays Spike, who becomes involved with a dangerous group led by Jack O’Connell. Ralph Fiennes returns as Dr Kelson.
Release date: 16 January
Is This Thing On?
Directed by Bradley Cooper, the film stars Will Arnett as a man who unexpectedly discovers a talent for stand-up comedy. The story is loosely inspired by the career of comedian John Bishop.
Release date: 30 January
Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell directs a new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel. Jacob Elordi stars as Heathcliff, with Margot Robbie playing Cathy.
Release date: 13 February
The Testament of Ann Lee
Amanda Seyfried portrays Ann Lee, the 18th-century religious leader and founder of the Shaker movement. The film traces her journey from England to the United States.
Release date: 20 February
Scream 7
Original franchise writer Kevin Williamson returns to direct. Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox reprise their roles as Sidney Prescott and Gale Weathers in a story involving a new Ghostface threat.
Release date: 27 February
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Following the success of the animated Super Mario Bros. Movie, this sequel sends Mario and Luigi on an intergalactic rescue mission.
Release date: 3 April
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway return as Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs, joined again by Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. Plot details have not yet been released.
Release date: 1 May
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
The popular television series makes its first appearance on the big screen. Pedro Pascal returns, with Sigourney Weaver joining the cast.
Release date: 22 May
Disclosure Day
Steven Spielberg’s latest project remains largely undisclosed. Promotional material suggests a story involving humanity’s discovery of extraterrestrial life.
Release date: 12 June
Toy Story 5
Pixar returns to its longest-running franchise, with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear.
Release date: 19 June
Supergirl
Milly Alcock stars in her first solo outing as Supergirl. The film follows the character on an interstellar journey centred on justice and personal growth.
Release date: 26 June
Moana
Disney releases a live-action adaptation of its animated hit, following Moana as she leaves her island home on a dangerous voyage.
Release date: 10 July
The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan directs an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus on his journey home after the Trojan War.
Release date: 17 July
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, now living in a world that no longer remembers him. The film is expected to focus on the character’s isolation following the events of No Way Home.
Release date: 31 July
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Set 25 years before the original films, the prequel follows Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games.
Release date: 20 November
Focker-in-Law
The fourth film in the Meet the Parents series brings back Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, with Ariana Grande joining the cast.
Release date: 25 November
Jumanji 3
Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Kevin Hart return in what is expected to be the final film in the modern Jumanji franchise.
Release date: 11 December
Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel’s latest ensemble film features Robert Downey Jr. returning to the franchise as Doctor Doom, alongside a large cast drawn from across the Marvel universe.
Release date: 18 December
Dune: Part Three
Denis Villeneuve completes his trilogy with an adaptation of Dune: Messiah. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya return, with Robert Pattinson joining the cast.
