2026 is shaping up to be an especially exciting year for theaters, with a lineup that spans long-awaited franchise returns and bold new films poised to introduce entirely fresh worlds.
From major tentpole series set to thrill longtime fans to director-driven projects marked by distinctive creative voices, the release slate is so packed that choosing what to watch first may be the real challenge. To help build anticipation, Movie Day has rounded up the most anticipated films scheduled for release in 2026.
Explore the list below for a preview of the titles set to define the year.
Release Date: Feb. 11, 2026 (South Korea)
Following ‘The Berlin File,’ director Ryoo Seung-wan returns to the espionage genre with ‘HUMINT,’ a spy action thriller set in Vladivostok, Russia. The film unfolds against a geopolitical crossroads where borders, ideologies and identities collide, tracing a high-stakes intelligence operation shaped by psychological warfare and mounting tension.
Anchored by Ryoo’s trademark kinetic action and tightly controlled pacing, ‘HUMINT’ places equal emphasis on character dynamics and emotional stakes. The unfamiliar setting and grounded realism suggest a distinct tonal shift from ‘The Berlin File,’ while signaling a broader expansion of Ryoo’s approach to modern spy cinema.
Release Date: March 20, 2026 (Netflix)
Set after the events of ‘Peaky Blinders’ Season 6, the feature-length continuation transports the saga into the era of World War II. Against the backdrop of a world in turmoil, the film follows the next chapter in ‘Tommy Shelby’s’ journey, as he confronts new moral and political crossroads.
While serving as a continuation of the series’ narrative arc, the film is positioned as a standalone cinematic experience, with fans eager to see how the Shelby legacy reaches its conclusion on the big screen.
Release Date: March 20, 2026
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, ‘Project Hail Mary’ centers on a lone astronaut tasked with saving humanity from extinction. Stranded in deep space, he encounters an unexpected alien lifeform, setting the stage for a story driven by survival, cooperation and scientific discovery.
Balancing high-concept science with emotional storytelling, the film aims to translate the novel’s tension and sense of wonder into a large-scale cinematic experience.
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Inspired by Nintendo’s ‘Super Mario Galaxy’ game series, the animated feature takes Mario’s adventures into outer space. Expanding on the franchise’s gravity-defying mechanics and planetary settings, the film promises a visually ambitious journey unlike previous Mario installments.
With familiar characters navigating a more expansive cosmic playground, the film is positioned to appeal to longtime fans as well as family audiences.
Release Date: April 24, 2026
The biographical film chronicles the life and legacy of pop icon Michael Jackson, delving beyond the stage persona to explore the man behind the music. Jackson is portrayed by his real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, drawing attention for the striking physical and performative resemblance.
Spanning fame, controversy and artistic ambition, ‘Michael’ aims to present a multifaceted portrait of one of the most influential figures in music history.
Release Date: May 1, 2026
Returning to the world of high fashion journalism, the sequel explores a drastically altered media landscape shaped by the decline of print publishing. As advertising revenues dwindle, ‘Runway’ editor-in-chief ‘Miranda Priestly’ faces mounting pressure to preserve both the magazine’s influence and her own authority.
The film revisits themes of power, relevance and leadership, reframing ‘Miranda’ within a changing industry and examining how her values evolve with the times.
Release Date: June 19, 2026
Set in an era dominated by digital entertainment and smart devices, the latest installment follows toys who find themselves increasingly overlooked by children. As ‘Woody’ and his friends struggle with obsolescence, they are forced to reassess their purpose in a rapidly changing world.
The film continues the franchise’s tradition of pairing emotional storytelling with reflections on generational change and growing up.
Release Date: June 12, 2026
Directed by Steven Spielberg, ‘Disclosure Day’ depicts a pivotal moment in which humanity comes face-to-face with an unknown presence. As everyday life begins to fracture, long-hidden truths emerge, reshaping society at its core.
Combining large-scale spectacle with a deeply human perspective, the film is expected to carry Spielberg’s signature balance of wonder, tension and emotional resonance.
Release Date: July 2026 (South Korea)
Na Hong-jin’s latest film is set in a village near the Demilitarized Zone, where a series of inexplicable events disrupts the fragile calm of daily life. As an unseen force begins to surface, reality itself starts to unravel.
Blending realism with the uncanny, the film continues Na’s exploration of fear, uncertainty and the unknown, hinting at a new extension of his distinct cinematic universe.
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Launching a new Spider-Man trilogy under Marvel Studios, the film follows ‘Peter Parker’ after a complete reset of his personal and heroic life. Stripped of past certainties, he navigates a more grounded and intimate coming-of-age journey.
The reboot signals a redefinition of Spider-Man’s identity, focusing on personal consequence and emotional growth alongside superhero spectacle.
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Directed by Christopher Nolan, ‘Odyssey’ reimagines Homer’s epic poem ‘The Odyssey’ through a contemporary cinematic lens. The story traces the perilous journey home following the Trojan War, filtered through Nolan’s signature approach to time, structure and scale.
Mythological grandeur meets modern storytelling in a project poised to transform a foundational classic into a visceral theatrical experience.
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2026
Reuniting Tom Cruise with director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, ‘Digger’ follows a man who proclaims himself humanity’s savior. The narrative probes the fine line between conviction and delusion, interrogating ideas of faith, heroism and power.
With Cruise’s intensity paired with Iñárritu’s immersive direction, the film is expected to deliver a psychologically charged character study.
Release Date: Dec. 18, 2026
The fifth installment in the ‘Avengers’ franchise signals another large-scale crossover, highlighted by the return of key cast members. Most notably, Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of iconic Marvel villain ‘Doctor Doom,’ marking a dramatic shift from his earlier heroic persona.
Positioned as a major turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film sets the stage for a new era of conflict and realignment among its heroes.
Release Date: Dec. 18, 2026
Based on Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune Messiah,’ the final chapter of the ‘Dune’ film saga follows ‘Paul Atreides’ after his rise to emperor. The story delves deeper into the consequences of prophecy, power and choice.
As the trilogy reaches its conclusion, audiences await how Denis Villeneuve will resolve one of contemporary cinema’s most ambitious world-building efforts.
Release Date: 2026 (Netflix)
Directed by Lee Chang-dong, the Netflix original follows two couples from vastly different walks of life whose paths unexpectedly intertwine. The film explores emotional fractures, moral dilemmas and the quiet tensions that emerge through chance encounters.
Known for his nuanced character studies, Lee is expected to deliver another introspective examination of human relationships.
Release Date: 2026
Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga ‘Look Back,’ the film is reimagined by director Hirokazu Kore-eda. Centered on two individuals brought together through creative expression, the story examines growth, loss and the lingering impact of shared memories.
Kore-eda’s restrained, humanistic approach is poised to amplify the emotional subtlety of the original work.
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