15 big-ticket Hollywood films to look forward to in 2026: From The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey to Avengers: Doomsday

A high-stakes mix of reimagined classics, massive franchise expansions, and daring new ideas from top filmmakers will define the year 2026 as a watershed moment in Hollywood. A wide variety of stories are promised by the theatrical calendar, including the comeback of fashion and toy industry legends, gritty space-faring superhero epics, and the conclusion of expansive science-fiction trilogies. The impending slate's sheer scope indicates a year that will reshape the cinematic world, as major studios get ready for historic box office showdowns, including a confrontation between superhero spectacles and desert-bound space operas at the end of the year.

15 most significant Hollywood films releasing in 2026

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – January 16, 2026

The film, directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, is the second instalment of a new trilogy that breathes new life into the zombie series. The cast, which includes Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is said to be continuing the storyline from 28 Years Later, which took place in 2025. The original creators, Danny Boyle and Garland, are fast expanding the series' lore in this highly anticipated installment, which aims to add a more expansive and "deranged" scale to the survival-horror genre.

Wuthering Heights – February 13, 2026

Margot Robbie plays the role of Catherine Earnshaw, and Jacob Elordi plays the role of Heathcliff in this version of the classic novel by Emily Brontë. After the smash hit Saltburn, the gothic romance is sure to get a stylised and provocative lens from director Emerald Fennell. The film's high-profile starring couple and the controversy surrounding its casting selections have generated tremendous expectation, putting it as a big "prestige" release for the early 2026 season.

Project Hail Mary - March 20, 2026

Ryan Gosling plays the role of an astronaut who, after waking up on a spacecraft with amnesia, must use his scientific knowledge to rescue humanity from a catastrophic event in this Phil Lord- and Christopher Miller-directed film based on the novel by Andy Weir. This science fiction drama also features Sandra Hüller. Reuniting The Martian writer and innovative directorial combo Lord and Miller, the film promises a thrilling fusion of scientific realism and high-stakes narrative, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

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The Drama - April 3, 2026

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli's psychological romance about a couple whose bond is shaken by shocking revelations in the days leading up to their wedding. Fans are excited for the film because of the A-list cast and the fact that Borgli is involved; his previous film Dream Scenario demonstrated that he can successfully combine surrealism with realistic human drama.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come - April 10, 2026

This horror-comedy, directed by Adam Robitel, is a sequel to the 2019 cult hit and stars Samara Weaving as Grace again. The story follows Grace as she finds herself entangled in yet another dangerous game, this time with an enemy linked to the past of her ex-in-laws. Taking the game to a bigger, more perilous setting, the new installment promises to build on the original's dark comedy and social satire.

Michael - April 24, 2026

Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson's real-life nephew, makes his cinematic debut as the lead in this historical drama about the life and career of the singer directed by Antoine Fuqua. Miles Teller, Nia Long, and Colman Domingo are also part of the ensemble. Expected to be a major commercial event and a focal point of the 2026 awards discourse, the film reportedly has a budget of $155 million and tells the story of the singer's most memorable and contentious moments.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 - May 1, 2026

The second film, directed by David Frankel and set some years after the first, follows Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) as she deals with the fall of print journalism. Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt, is now a senior executive at a luxury business, and the plot revolves around her rivalry with her. This legacy sequel has been the talk of the town for quite some time, thanks to the reunion of the original cast members, including Anne Hathaway.

The Mandalorian and Grogu - May 22, 2026

After an absence of seven years, the Star Wars film series is making a triumphant return to theatres under the direction of Jon Favreau. It picks up where their Disney+ series left off, following Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu on their continuing adventures. Many are waiting for this project to see if the "Mandoverse" can make the leap from streaming to a massive theatrical blockbuster.

Toy Story 5 - June 19, 2026

Classic toys supposedly face off against children's increasing reliance on digital devices and electronics in the latest instalment of Pixar's most popular franchise. Using the tremendous brand loyalty and nostalgia linked with Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the film, directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, is anticipated to be a summer box-office monster.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – June 26, 2026

An essential part of James Gunn's new DC Universe (DCU) is this Craig Gillespie film, which stars Milly Alcock. The emphasis here is on a tough, space-faring Supergirl, rather than earlier "Earth-bound" iterations of the character. Anticipate a departure from typical superhero cliches with its grittier, science-fiction adventure tone, influenced by Tom King's acclaimed comic series.

The Odyssey – July 17, 2026

Featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a massive take on Homer's epic. Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson are all part of the ensemble. Thanks to its A-list ensemble and director Christopher Nolan's impeccable reputation, this 70mm IMAX film is sure to be the year's most talked-about feature.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31, 2026

Destin Daniel Cretton's fourth installment of Tom Holland's Spider-Man series serves as a "soft reboot" of Peter Parker's current circumstances. He plays the role of a street hero in a universe where his civilian identity has been forgotten, and there are rumours that Jon Bernthal's Punisher will make an appearance. For fans, it's of the utmost importance because it establishes the character's role in the forthcoming Avengers movies.

The Social Reckoning – October 9, 2026

The early 2020 internal crises at Facebook, such as the 2021 whistleblower leaks, are the centre of this spiritual sequel to The Social Network, which focuses on the company. In addition to Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg. Fans are hoping for a razor-sharp, up-to-the-minute political drama that brings back Aaron Sorkin's trademark rapid-fire prose to an issue that's still very much in the news.

Avengers: Doomsday – December 18, 2026

Robert Downey Jr. makes a triumphant comeback to the MCU in this film, although he plays the villain Doctor Doom. With a giant cast that includes the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and several familiar Avengers, the Russo Brothers are back to direct this ensemble event. As the first of two parts that will conclude the Multiverse Saga, it is widely considered the most anticipated commercial film of 2026.

Dune: Part Three – December 18, 2026

The third installment of Denis Villeneuve's trilogy adapts Dune Messiah and follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he navigates the fallout from his elevation to power. Robert Pattinson is joining the cast and will play a significant role. The film's scheduled release on the same day as Avengers: Doomsday hasn't dampened excitement for the visually stunning finale to a critically praised sci-fi series.