2025 had, in my opinion, some of the best movies to come out of Hollywood since the pandemic. Sinners, Marty Supreme, Wicked: For Good, Superman, KPop Demon Hunters — the list goes on and on. If you thought it couldn’t get better than this, just wait for what 2026 has in store. From blockbuster sequels to original masterpieces, let’s talk about some of the releases hitting the cinema in 2026.
The Most Anticipated Movies of 2026
According to IMDb’s “The Most Anticipated Movies of 2026,” there are five movies being released this year that audiences are most intrigued by. Marvel takes the cake as they are producing two of the top five movies on the list. Audiences seem drawn to action movies this year, except for the Michael Jackson biopic, which will be released in April. A mix of sequels and originals, there’s a lot to look forward to this year.
1. The Odyssey — July 17
This action-packed adaptation of Homer’s ancient story, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, tops the list of most anticipated movies. This film has been a long time coming, slowly drawing the attention of both literature and film lovers. I’m curious to see how closely the adaptation will stick to the original plot and story details. Nonetheless, with a stacked cast and an insane budget, I would confidently say that this is sure to top the box office this summer.
2. AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY — DECEMBER 18
Marvel has been on and off over the last few years, creating some of the best and arguably the worst movies in the franchise. They had a strong 2025 with Fantastic Four and Thunderbolts, neither of which I saw… anyways. Marvel is returning to its roots and releasing a new Avengers film featuring many beloved characters from previous films. Most notably, Robert Downey Jr. will be returning not as Iron Man but as the sinister Doctor Doom. Trust that I will be in theaters on opening day with my Avengers memorabilia from 2018.
3. MORTAL KOMBAT II — MAY 8
I’m going to be honest here — I didn’t even know there was a Mortal Kombat I. Apparently, it came out in 2021 and didn’t receive the greatest reviews, earning a whopping 6.1/10 on IMDb. I am shocked to see this as the third most anticipated movie of 2026, but the fans want what they want. The series, based on the video game franchise, provides action-packed fighting sequences with everyone’s favorite champions from the games. Even though I know nothing about these games or movies, the trailer hooked me!
4. SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY — JULY 31
Marvel is going strong with the Tom Holland Spider-Man series, adding a fourth film to his already tragic enough trilogy. The newest edition has a lot to address following the absolute chaos of Spider-Man: No Way Home. (Spoiler alert!) Is anyone going to remember him? Is he going to tell MJ and Ned who he really is? I have so many questions! Hopefully, they will all be answered this summer in the blockbuster fourth — and maybe final — installment of the series.
5. MICHAEL — APRIL 24
Before anyone gets mad that another biopic is being made, hear me out. I know, as an audience, we are kind of getting tired of these movies, but there’s high hope that Michael might be the best of them all. Starring Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who sounds JUST like his uncle, audiences will get an authentic look at Jackson’s life. Let me just say, the trailer gave me chills. Fans are worried the film will overlook some of the popstar’s controversies, which means the stakes are high for this release.
What I’m most looking forward to seeing in theaters
Listen, I’m no cinephile — I’m not arguing these are going to be the best movies to grace theaters this year. However, these are the ones I’m most excited to see. To all those looking forward to Wuthering Heights, Moana, and Toy Story 5, I apologize for not sharing in your excitement… at all.
SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY
Call me biased, but I love Spider-Man. If you’ve somehow stalked my Letterboxd account, you’d know that Spider-Man: Far from Home has been in my top four films since I got the app. As an avid lover of Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jake Gyllenhaal (don’t come at me, Swifties!), Far from Home was everything I had ever dreamed of. Coming back with a fourth film in the Tom Holland series, and featuring Sadie Sink as an alleged villain, this is my most anticipated film of the year. I’m counting down the days at this point!
SUPERGIRL
It was a close contest, but my favorite movie of 2025 was Superman. The personification of Superman in that film was a stark contrast from how the character has been portrayed in other recent projects, which I loved. The introduction of Supergirl as Superman’s eccentric party-girl cousin was something I never knew I needed. The teaser trailer for the 2026 film was so captivating, and “Call Me” by Blondie was the perfect song to introduce Milly Alcock’s new character. I am beyond excited to watch this in theaters this summer.
PROJECT HAIL MARY
I am a shameless Ryan Gosling lover. Let’s be honest, who could watch La La Land and NOT become a Ryan Gosling superfan? His newest movie this year, based on a 2021 novel by Andy Weir, follows a high school teacher who is sent into space to save the world. And let’s just say, he doesn’t seem very cut out for the job… The film is produced by the directors of The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, which means we are probably in for a wild ride with this film set to release in March.
MICHAEL
Have I ever seen a biopic before? Nope. Am I going to see Michael? Absolutely! I hate to admit it, but the trailer for this movie stopped me in my tracks. The sound mix of Michael’s best hits, the way that his nephew perfectly recreated his laugh, and the recreation of his concerts. Insane. I mean, he’s the king of pop — how could you not want to see this film? I expect this to be my most talked-about movie this year.
JUMANJI 3
I’m going to be honest here, the Jumanji sequels that have come out over the last decade are not even close to the best movies I have seen. However, they are extremely enjoyable, and I love the cast so much that I will be going back to theaters for the third film. Rumored to be the final in the series, I’m interested to see what the plot of this movie will be and what direction they will take. It is said to be released in December, which means I might have to do an Avengers: Doomsday and Jumanji 3 double feature.
What Else Is Coming Out This Year?
If you were worried that these would be the only quality films to come out this year, I have great news. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some more movies coming out in 2026 that might be right up your alley.
ROMANCE: Wuthering Heights, The Bride!, Reminders of Him, The Drama, Sense and Sensibility
ACTION: Masters of the Universe, The Internship, Greenland 2: Migration, Street Fighter, Shelter
SCI-FI: Disclosure Day, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Dune: Part Three, I Love Boosters, Mercy (already released)
CHILDREN’S/ANIMATED: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Moana (live action), Toy Story 5, Minions 3, GOAT
HORROR: Return to Silent Hill, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Scream 7, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Send Help
No matter your favorite genre, there’s a movie coming out this year for all types of movie fans. Get ready to enjoy some popcorn, find the perfect seat in the theater, and enjoy everything that 2026 has to offer.