Mark your calendar.
Hollywood has always thrived on chaos, but right now it feels especially unhinged. Case in point, Netflix circling a potential multi-billion-dollar takeover of Warner Bros., a deal that could rewrite the rules of the entire industry and the ground is shifting fast. Still, while the suits negotiate and the algorithms sharpen their knives, the movies keep coming. Original ideas, ambitious adaptations, and yes, a few irresistible remakes are all lined up for the year ahead. These are the films we can’t wait to watch in 2026.
Send Help (January 30)
Sam Raimi is finally back in original-movie mode for the first time since Drag Me to Hell, and unsurprisingly, it sounds delightfully unhinged. This darkly comedic thriller traps Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as boss and employee forced into close quarters after surviving a plane crash and washing up on a deserted island.
The Moment (January 30)
Charli XCX’s acting era officially begins. In the feature debut of Aidan Zamiri, best known for directing her Brat-era visuals, Charli plays a heightened version of herself on her first headlining tour. It’s a mockumentary inspired by the Sweat tour, framed as a “2024 period piece” that imagines what might’ve happened had she made very different choices during the Brat rollout.
Pillion (February 6)
Harry Lighton’s debut arrives fully formed and critically adored. Harry Melling stars as an introverted gay man who enters an unconventional BDSM relationship with a mysterious biker played by Alexander Skarsgård. It’s tender, specific, and refreshingly uninterested in playing things safe, a romantic comedy drama that actually earns the word “romantic.”
Wuthering Heights (February 13)
Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights boldly markets itself as “the greatest love story of all time,” which is one way to frame a novel steeped in obsession, cruelty, and generational trauma. Margot Robbie plays an 18-year-old Catherine Earnshaw, while Jacob Elordi leans hard into Gothic heartthrob territory as Heathcliff. Expect lush visuals, maximal emotions, and discourse.
Scream 7 (February 27)
Kevin Williamson returns to Scream as writer and director for the seventh installment, bringing Neve Campbell back into the fold after her absence from Scream VI. While Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega sit this one out, Courteney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding return alongside a stacked group of newcomers, including Isabel May, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, and McKenna Grace. Ghostface never stays dead for long.
The Bride (March 6)
After the quiet menace of The Lost Daughter, Maggie Gyllenhaal pivots to monsters. Her latest draws inspiration from Bride of Frankenstein, with Jessie Buckley as the bride herself and Christian Bale as the latest iteration of Frankenstein’s monster. Expect something more emotional than explosive, and far stranger than your average remake.
Mother Mary (April)
David Lowery continues his genre-hopping streak with a psychological thriller centered on a volatile, psychosexual bond. Anne Hathaway plays a pop star plotting a comeback, Michaela Coel a fashion designer pulled back into her orbit when a dress becomes the catalyst.
The Drama (April 3)
A24 keeps things deliciously vague with Kristoffer Borgli’s follow-up to Dream Scenario. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star as a happily engaged couple whose wedding week begins to unravel after unsettling truths surface. That’s all we’re allowed to know, but the teaser alone suggests maximum discomfort and premium chaos.
Michael (April 24)
Antoine Fuqua directs a sweeping Michael Jackson biopic, with Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role of his famous uncle. Producer Graham King has promised a film that aims to “humanise but not sanitise,” including a depiction of the sexual abuse allegations. Colman Domingo and Nia Long co-star as Joe and Katherine Jackson. It’s one of the most scrutinised projects of the year, before a single frame is released.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1)
Yes, The Devil Wears Prada is back. Nearly two decades on, the original creative team reunites, along with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and more. While plot details remain under wraps, the sequel is expected to draw from Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns. Fashion has changed. Miranda Priestly probably hasn’t.
Disclosure Day (June 12)
Steven Spielberg’s next film remains almost entirely under lock and key, aside from one tantalising detail: it involves UFOs. The cast? Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell, suggesting something big, serious, and unmistakably Spielbergian.
Toy Story 5 (June 19)
Pixar’s fifth Toy Story introduces a modern menace: tech. Described by Pete Docter as “Toy meets Tech,” the film pits the old guard against Lilypad, a frog-like tablet voiced by Greta Lee that becomes Bonnie’s new favourite. Anna Faris and Conan O’Brien join the ensemble, alongside returning voices like Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.
Moana (July 10)
Disney’s live-action Moana sets sail with newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia in the title role. The story remains largely faithful: a chief’s daughter leaves her island to save her people. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, because some things are simply inevitable.
The Odyssey (July 17)
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is already a phenomenon, with tickets selling a year in advance. It’s his most expensive film yet and the first shot entirely on IMAX 70mm. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, joined by Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya as Telemachus, Penelope, and Athena.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31)
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man officially enters a new trilogy under director Destin Daniel Cretton. Michael Mando’s Scorpion returns, Mark Ruffalo pops back up as Bruce Banner, and the focus reportedly shifts to street-level crime rather than world-ending threats.
Resident Evil (September 18)
Resident Evil gets rebooted, again, but this time with real promise. Writer-director Zach Cregger (Barbarian) delivers an original story set in the game’s universe without adapting specific characters. If anyone can finally make a great Resident Evil movie, it might be him.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (November 20)
Suzanne Collins’ latest Hunger Games prequel hits theatres with Francis Lawrence once again directing. Set during the Second Quarter Quell, the film centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy, 24 years before Katniss ever volunteers. Familiar characters return via recasting, with Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, and Elle Fanning stepping into iconic roles. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson also reappear.
Focker In-Law (November 25)
Meet the Parents comes full circle. Ben Stiller now finds himself in Robert De Niro’s old position, as Greg and Pam’s son brings a partner home to meet the family. Ariana Grande, Beanie Feldstein, and Eduardo Franco join the chaos, with most of the original cast returning.
Dune: Part Three (December 18)
Denis Villeneuve closes out his Dune trilogy with Dune Messiah, jumping 12 years ahead to chart the consequences of Paul Atreides’ holy war. Timothée Chalamet returns, Robert Pattinson joins as a likely villain, and Jason Momoa is back, thanks to a little narrative resurrection.
Avengers: Doomsday (December 18)
And finally, the Avengers assemble again. For the first time since Endgame, Marvel’s heroes reunite to face Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., of all people. They’ll be joined by Wakandans, the Fantastic Four, legacy X-Men, and the New Avengers. It’s massive, messy, and just the opening act for Secret Wars. Buckle up.
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