Top 10 most anticipated movies of 2026: Release dates, plots and more

If you thought Hollywood had already played all its best cards, 2026 is here to prove you wrong. 

The new year is absolutely stacked with exciting sequels, much-wanted returns, new reboots, legendary directors jumping into new worlds, and some of the most hyped blockbusters fans have been waiting years for.

From sci-fi and superheroes saga to horror revivals and nostalgic comebacks, the 2026 movies’ lineup is packed with something for every kind of movie lover.

So, better have a good supply for popcorn now before these top 10 Hollywood movies of 2026 hit cinemas.

Top 10 movies to be released in 2026:

1. Avengers: Doomsday

Release date: December 18, 2026

Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, Doomsday will be the latest chapter in Marvel Cinematic Universe feature Robert Downey Jr. As the classic villain Doctor Doom.

Additionally, the casts of movies such as Fantastic Four: First Steps, Thunderbolts*, and X-Men among others, are slated to appear in the new movie.

Interestingly, before the Avengers: Doomsday release Marvel Studios decided to rerelease Avengers: Endgame to hype up the audiences and fans.

The beloved Avengers feature will be re-released in theaters on September 25, 2026.

2. Dune: Part Three

Release date: December 18, 2026

Denis Villeneuve returns to complete his epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi universe. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Jason Momoa are among the returning cast. Momoa's son Nakoa-Wolf Momoa will be making his big-screen debut as Leto II.

The film is reportedly in production as Robert Pattinson mentioned shooting in the desert in an interview ahead of his film Die My Love co-starring Jennifer Lawrence out November 7.

Dune: Part Three will likely follow the events of Herbert’s second book in the series Dune Messiah, which takes place 12 years after the events of Dune.

3. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Release date: July 31, 2026

Tom Holland is swinging back into action as Peter Parker in a story rumoured to reset his world. With new villains, a fresh tone, and the aftermath of the multiverse shakeup, fans have been eagerly waiting for this one.

The film is currently in production, with Holland frequently offering glimpses from the set.

He not only unveiled the iconic webslinger’s new suit, but also shared several behind-the-scenes snapshots, including stunt moments and other on-set highlights.

4. Toy Story 5

June 19, 2026

Disney and Pixar bring Woody, Buzz, and the gang back for another adventure. Revolving around the theme of toys vs tech the clan feel threatened as their jobs are challenged in the wake of modern electronic gadgets, kids’ new obsession today.

5. Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu

Release date: May 22, 2026

Din Djarin and Baby Yoda are bringing their bond to the big screen in a new galaxy-spanning experience.

With Pedro Pascal leading the charge, the upcoming movie is also starring Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Blum, Jonny Coyne, Hemjy Madera and more.

6. The Devil Wears Prada 2

Release date: May 1, 2026

A sequel nobody expected but everyone is curious about. What’s Miranda Priestly up to now? How has the fashion world changed? And will Andy survive another round of Runway chaos?

More drama, couture, and iconic lines are on your way as Meryl Streep, Anna Hathaway and Emily Blunt have reunited for a new dose of entertainment. 

In addition, Bridgerton star Simone Ashley and Sydney Sweeney has also joined the new movie. 

7. Moana (Live-Action)

Release date: July 10, 2026

Disney is revisiting one of its modern classics in a live-action retelling with fresh faces and reimagined island magic.

Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, has unveiled its first look on Monday, November 17.

It’s worth noting that live-action remake of Moana was greenlit less than 10 years after the original 2016 film. 

In contrast, most live-action adaptations debut decades after their animated versions.

8. Practical Magic 2

Release date: September 18, 2026

The sequel to the 1998 cult favourite is finally brewing much to the fans' delight.

Filming for the sequel is officially completed as Nicole Kidman announced on September 13, that production has wrapped. 

She shared a sweet behind-the-scenes video with co-star Sandra Bullock, with the sequel set to hit theaters on September 18, 2026. 

A whole new generation is set to discover the Owens family magic, whimsical witchcraft and sisterhood.

9. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Release date: November 20, 2026

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the sixth film in the franchise, a prequel based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel, set 24 years before The Hunger Games. 

It focuses on a young Haymitch Abernathy's experience in the brutal 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell) where twice the tributes fought. 

Directed by Francis Lawrence, it bridges The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with the original series, exploring Haymitch's survival and romance with Maysilee Donner. 

Starring Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee, the film is slated for a November 20, 2026 release.

10. Scream 7

Release date: February 27, 2026

For this one, you’ll want to keep your group chat on silent as one minor ring could give you a jumpscare.

Scream 7 follows Neve Campbell’s character, Sidney Prescott, as a new Ghostface killer emerges in the town where she has built her new life.

Her darkest fears are realised when her daughter becomes the next target.

Courteney Cox, Gale Weathers, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, and Michelle Randolph round out the cast lineup

So mark your calendars, save your ticket money, and get ready because Hollywood is about to drop one unforgettable film year.