The Top 20 Most Anticipated 2026 Movies, Ranked

As 2025 hurtles to a close, it’s time to look forward to the future in film. While you might not think it at first glance, 2025 was a pretty solid year for cinema, with some heavy box-office hitters, and some beautiful modern classics that will be revisited by cinephiles for decades to come. We’ll be ranking our picks for the best movies of 2025 very soon, but for now, we’re looking ahead to next year, getting our watchlists ready for what is sure to be an exciting 2026 in cinema.

In fact, this upcoming year is about to be so exciting, that we simply couldn’t limit ourselves to our usual Top 10 format, so today, we’re ranking the Top 20 upcoming 2026 movies! We’ll, of course, be including some of the hottest sequels that we can’t wait to see hit the big screen in 2026, but we’ll also be including some upcoming original movies that have piqued our curiosity. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into this list, and get ready to rank some 2026 movies!

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20. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Image by Sony Pictures

I was a little torn on whether or not to even include 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple on this list, considering two major factors should have disqualified it from making this ranking. Firstly, I wasn’t a very big fan of 28 Years Later in the first place (full review here). Secondly, the absolutely insane, and downright creepy, premise that 28 Years Later set up for this sequel doesn’t exactly spark much excitement for me. However, this is still a new 28 movie, and though Danny Boyle won’t be directing, I’m interested to see what Nia DaCosta will do with this property, especially coming off of the high that was 2025’s Hedda.

For the first time in the series’ history, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple won’t feature a massive time jump and a cast of new characters from the previous film. Instead, this 2026 sequel is set to pick up exactly where 28 Years Later left off, as Spike, our young protagonist, joins forces with Jimmy Crystal’s gang, and Dr. Kelson faces his own demons on the infected mainland. Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell are all set to return, so if one things for sure, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be a spectacularly-acted film. As for the rest of this film, well, only time will tell, but while I’m not confident the movie will soar above its predecessor, I’m very curious to see how this twisted plot will unfold, earning it a spot on our list of 2026 movies, albeit right at the bottom.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to release in theatres on 14 January, 2026.

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19. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Image by Walt Disney Studios

With the exception of Andor‘s success, the Star Wars franchise has been in a sort of rut for the past few years. The sequel trilogy was met with pretty rough fan reception, and while Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka released to far more general acclaim, the shows didn’t make many waves outside of the Star Wars fandom directly. In some ways, The Mandalorian and Grogu is Star Wars‘ last chance at proving it can still hold weight in a world where more and more franchises are staking a claim in the pop culture lexicon. I’m not sure if this film’s seemingly family-friendly approach is going to give Disney the results they’re looking for, but who knows? If this past year has proven anything, with its two underwhelming superhero movie performances, it’s that the fandom is unpredictable.

Plot-wise, we know surprisingly little about The Mandalorian and Grogu, but something tells me this movie is going to be more focused on Grogu’s cute antics than any real plot developments, especially considering how light-hearted the trailer makes the film look. Personally, I don’t think this film is going to be the savior of Star Wars, but its attempts make me curious nonetheless. Far from my most anticipated movie of the year, but certainly on my radar for upcoming 2026 movies. I’m excited to see more!

The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theatres on May 22, 2026.

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18. The Bride!

Image by Warner Bros. Pictures

Between Guillermo del Toro’s beautiful exploration of the monster’s tragedy in 2025, and this upcoming Maggie Gyllenhaal take on Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein has certainly been stealing the limelight as of late when it comes to the monster genre. There are three things that draw me to 2026’s The Bride! Firstly, the teaser trailer makes this film look absolutely wild, a far more colourful and raucous take on the novel than del Toro’s interpretation. Secondly, there are some great names behind this thing, with Maggie Gyllenhaal directing, and Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale starring as our central, monster lovers. Thirdly, the Bride of Frankenstein is a very interesting character in any medium, and I cannot wait to see a modern take on her, especially with Buckley at the helm.

The Bride! looks like it’s going to follow the plot of the original to a pretty close degree – Frankenstein’s monster asks for a companion, whom he gets in the form of a murdered woman brought back to life. Where this film looks like it’s going to carve out its own path is in the social commentary, as the reanimation of the Bride sparks police interest, and sets our monstrous lovers on an adventure reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde. I think that this is one of those movies that either becomes an instant cult classic, or completely fails with any and all of its target audiences. Either way, I’m very curious to see how Gyllenhaal’s second feature film unfolds, making it an easy choice for our most anticipated 2026 movies list.

The Bride! is set to release in theatres on March 6, 2026.

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17. Return to Silent Hill

Image by Metropolitan Filmexport

Well, this is either going to be one of my favourite movies of all time, or an absolute dumpster-fire, and that high-risk, high-reward potential is exactly what makes Return to Silent Hill one of my most anticipated 2026 movies. Silent Hill 2 is one of my favourite games of all time, and so, a movie that seems to be faithfully recreating that game’s story should be an amazing time for me. However, the Silent Hill franchise doesn’t have the best history with film adaptations, with 2006’s Silent Hill earning some love from the fandom, but being slated by critics, while 2012’s Silent Hill: Revelation is pretty universally hated by all.

This is the first time that Silent Hill will be bringing James Sunderland’s story to the big screen, and there’s really no telling how things are gonna go. The cast is only so-so, with Evie Templeton really the only star I feel I can rely on to bring this story to life effectively, and while the second trailer for this movie looks a lot better than the first, there’s a certain cheapness to the production that could really hinder this movie’s chances of success. Still, I can’t help but be excited by a movie that plans to bring my favourite horror story to the big screen, so I will certainly be watching this movie. Here’s hoping it can at least capture a cult following, as I’m almost certain critical disaster awaits.

Return to Silent Hill releases theatrically on January 23, 2026.

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16. Toy Story 5

Image by Walt Disney Studios

I wish I was more excited for Toy Story 5, but there’s a few factors at play here that stop this film from ranking higher. Firstly, while the original trilogy of films still hold extremely well, Toy Story 4 didn’t work for me at all, with almost everything about it feeling unnecessary and detrimental to the story that the first three films had already told. Secondly, I can’t help but feel like this 2026 addition to the franchise is coming around about 10 years too late, with the commentary on ‘iPad kids’ feeling less like a witty commentary on contemporary society, and more like the mood-killing ramblings of a middle-aged parent. Unfortunately, this movie feels like a blatant cash-grab from Disney – all we can hope for is that the quality doesn’t suffer with this in mind.

Outside of the dated commentary on children and technology, Toy Story 5 does host an interesting premise. In Woody’s absence, Jessie has taken charge of the toys, assisted by Buzz Lightyear. It’ll be interesting to see how this new dynamic plays out, but with the promotional material in mind, Woody will be back in Bonnie’s room sooner or later, so perhaps this will all be short-lived. I’m hoping for the best for Toy Story 5, and pray that this film will return to the quality of the original trilogy. Those hopes alone rank it here on our list, and it would find itself much higher was Toy Story 4 not a bit of a mess.

Toy Story 5 hits theatres on June 19, 2026.

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15. Mortal Kombat II

Image by Warner Bros. Pictures

I hate to say this, but I thought that 2021’s Mortal Kombat absolutely sucked. I love this franchise, so was absolutely shocked by how the 2021 film adaptation seemed to take pleasure in sucking all of the life out of this world, and deliver us a subpar martial arts movie that wasted beloved characters, and gave the spotlight to new ‘heroes’ like…Cole Young. I shudder at the memory of that protagonist. So, realistically, Mortal Kombat II shouldn’t even be on this list. However, this upcoming movie seems to be looking to amend the errors of its predecessor, and with Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage at the centre of the story, I have a lot more hope that this movie is going to defy the odds, and actually deliver a delightfully fun, and deliciously gory smackdown.

Mortal Kombat II looks like it’s going to be following the more well-known and beloved storylines in this universe, particularly with the introduction of characters like Kitana, Quan Chi, Baraka, and of course, Shao Kahn. It looks like Mortal Kombat II will also give a lot more attention to the actual ‘Mortal Kombat’ tournament that gives this franchise its namesake. Needless to say, I have high hopes for this movie, and think it’s going to revive my interest in this franchise’s film adaptations. Unfortunately, delays are insistent on keeping this film away from us for as long as possible, but the time has almost come for fans to finally get their hands on this movie. Here’s hoping it’s one of the year’s best.

Mortal Kombat II releases in theatres on May 8, 2026.

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14. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Image by Lionsgate

Though The Hunger Games franchise technically rebooted in 2023 with The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, this is looking like it could be the movie to really get the franchise back on its feet. This movie not only boasts an interesting plot, and seems to be toning down the musical element of its predecessor, an element that I don’t think worked very well, but also makes use of a star-studded cast to bring The Hunger Games back into the conversation worldwide. With Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, and more to this film’s name, I would be very surprised if this movie doesn’t at least deliver in the acting department, and I’m hopeful it will deliver story-wise as well.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping follows a young Haymitch Abernathy, as he competes in the Second Quarter Quell, the 50th Hunger Games, where the rules aren’t altered all that much, but where twice the number of tributes compete in the annual bloodbath. If this movie is done right, we could be witnessing the most explosive and gnarly Hunger Games movie yet, and with Haymitch at the centre of its story, I think fans are going to love how this upcoming movie connects to the original movies that captured so many fans in the 2010s. This is easily one of my most anticipated 2026 movies, one that I’m faithful will deliver what it’s promising.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping releases on November 20, 2026 in theatres.

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13. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Image by Universal Pictures

The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a very nice surprise for me when it released back in 2023. Sure, there were plenty of things to criticise about the movie, mainly its bizarre voice acting choices, and a pretty shaky plot, but overall, it captured the vibe of the Super Mario Bros. franchise to perfection, placing us right in the world of the Mushroom Kingdom with beautiful animation and vibrant environments. If someone were to ask me what my favourite Super Mario game is, I would say Super Mario Galaxy with relative ease, so it’s no surprise that this movie has caught my attention.

The trailer for this movie seems to confirm that this film will continue to boast the strengths of its predecessor, while also introducing some magical new elements to even further elevate the series’ worldbuilding. I cannot wait to see Rosalina brought to life, and if the film remains faithful to her in-game backstory, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie may even deliver an emotional payoff, the likes of which the first film lacked. It’s impossible for me to say whether this movie will be good, mainly because the quality of the first movie was such a surprise for me. I also think it’s a little early for this franchise to be diving so quickly into Super Mario Galaxy, a game that I assumed would gift its plot to the final movie in this cinematic franchise. However, I’m excited nonetheless, and cannot wait to watch this movie. Another easy pick for one of my most anticipated 2026 movies.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theatres on April 3, 2026.

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12. Avengers: Doomsday

Image by Walt Disney Studios

I really wish I could rank this movie higher, but based on everything that’s been revealed about it so far, I just can’t. There’s an undeniable thrill to seeing the cast of Avengers: Doomsday together, a line-up of almost all of the actors that have brought Marvel movies to life over the past few decades. However, any good movie needs a compelling plot to give all of its stars something to do, and with recent announcements that confirm an over-reliance on nostalgia with this movie, I can’t help but feel that for all of its star-power, Avengers: Doomsday is going to be a narrative mess.

Part of the reason that the other Avengers movies worked so well is that all of the MCU leading up to them were telling a story in service of the bombastic finale that the Avengers movies would deliver. With Avengers: Doomsday, it feels like nothing that has been happening in the MCU over the past few years has led up to this movie, aside from Fantastic Four: First Steps. Avengers: Doomsday has proven that it would rather pull from the classic X-Men movies, and the stars of the pre-Endgame MCU, rather than put any faith in its new generation of heroes. Do I think Avengers: Doomsday will be fun? Of course I do, just look at the cast! Do I think it will be a good movie? Absolutely not, and that consensus earns it a spot here on this list. Oh, how I wish it was higher.

Avengers: Doomsday releases in theatres on December 18, 2026.

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11. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

Image by Netflix

Far too long after the series finale, we’re finally get our hands on the conclusive chapter of Peaky Blinders this year, as Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man hits theatres. Truth be told, I would be a lot more excited for this movie, if it weren’t directed by Tom Harper, who has had a questionable history in the directorial role over the years. However, this is also the first Netflix release on our list, so luckily, if you hate going to the cinema, you won’t have long to wait to watch this movie from the comfort of your home.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man looks to conclude the legendary story of the Shelby family, with all of the main stars reprising their roles from the television series. The film also features some exciting new additions to the cast, including Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan, both of whom I really enjoy as actors. Throughout its run, Peaky Blinders has captured the souls of its viewers to an immaculate degree. I think we’re pretty much guaranteed a satisfying finale with this movie, with the only risk being Harper at the helm. Here’s hoping he defies expectations, and Peaky Blinders fans can boast not only an incredible series, but one of the best 2026 movies on offer.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man releases in theatres on March 6, 2026, and hits Netflix on March 20, 2026.

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10. Clayface

Image by DC Comics

Taking us into our Top 10 is a movie that has really piqued by curiosity, ever since its nature as a horror addition to the DCU was announced. We know painfully little about Clayface, with leaked set photos providing the only crumbs that fans have been able to satiate their appetite with. However, the team at DC have promised a body horror movie that tells a harrowing version of the origins of Matt Hagen’s Clayface, a character that has appeared before in the DCU through Creature Commandos, but is set to steal the limelight in this second incarnation.

The involvement of Mike Flanagan in this movie also increases my excitement tenfold. It’s refreshing to see a superhero movie taking on a new genre, but also calling on masters of that genre for assistance. James Watkins is set to direct, the twisted mind behind one of the most disturbing horror films of all time, Eden Lake, so I have no worries about the effectiveness of this movie’s horror elements. Despite how little we’ve heard about it, Clayface is set to be the third movie in the DCU, preceded only by Superman and Supergirl, so there’s quite a lot riding on this one. It sounds like it could be right up my alley, but I’ll have to wait to see more to really get my expectations in order. For now, this is easily one of my most anticipated 2026 movies.

Clayface is scheduled to release in theatres on September 11, 2026.

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9. Scary Movie 6

Image by Miramax Films

I don’t care what anyone says – the world needs another Scary Movie. I had long thought this franchise dead, with the final nail in the coffin being the embarrassingly bad Scary Movie 5 back in 2013. However, against all odds, the Wayans are back to deliver another entry in a franchise that has birthed more memes and references than almost any other. Better yet, the cast of the original 2000 film are back, most notably Anna Faris and Regina Hall. I cannot wait for this one.

I can’t wait to see the original cast of Scary Movie back in action, but I’m especially excited for this movie considering just how much material it has to pull from. This franchise has always delighted in poking fun at the horror genre, and oh boy, have there been some amazing horror movies between now and 2013 for Scary Movie 6 to pull inspiration from. I want to see references to Hereditary, Smile, The Black Phone, Terrifier, and maybe even some jokes about the rise in mascot horror in the years since this upcoming movie and its predecessor. Scary Movie 6 is bursting with potential, and my hopes are very high.

Scary Movie 6 releases theatrically on June 12, 2026.

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8. Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Image by Searchlight Pictures

I loved the first Ready or Not movie back in 2019, an incredibly fun, bloody horror movie that facilitated the rise of one of horror’s best new faces, Samara Weaving. I never thought that movie would get a sequel, as I assumed it to be a one-off romp, a cult classic that would rely on rewatches to stay relevant. However, Searchlight Pictures have blessed us with a sequel, as Ready or Not 2: Here I Come joins our list of upcoming 2026 movies.

This new film ups the ante from the first movie, as Grace once again finds herself at the centre of a hunting game, but this time, she’s not the only target, as her sister is captured and forced to play alongside her. Her sister is also played by Kathryn Newton, another iconic modern horror star. If that weren’t enough, the sisters are hunted by other beloved actors, such as Elijah Wood, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and David Cronenberg. I cannot wait for this movie, and unlike some of the other picks on this list, I’m almost certain it’s going to deliver on everything I want it to. If you haven’t checked out the first Ready or Not movie, now is the time!

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come hits theatres on April 10, 2026.

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7. The Odyssey

Image by Universal Pictures

The Odyssey has been so anticipated for so long by now that it feels almost unreal that we’ll actually be watching this epic unfold in 2026. Based on Homer’s Odyssey, The Odyssey is the latest movie from Christopher Nolan, a director who’s catalogue speaks for itself in terms of quality. Nolan is a director all about spectacle, and with the story of The Odyssey essentially detailing one long journey across Ancient Greece, there’s plenty of potential here for memorable and stunning cinematography and encounters with mythical creatures.

The Odyssey also boasts one of the most impressive film casts we’ve seen in a very long time, with its line-up including but not limited to – Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, and many more. This is set to be a very powerful movie, and an almost guaranteed contender when it comes to the 2027 Oscars. This is one to watch out for this 2026, as Nolan gears up to deliver one of the most impressive 2026 movies possible.

The Odyssey is scheduled to release on July 17, 2026.

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6. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender

Image by Paramount Pictures

The Avatar franchise has had a revitalisation of sorts over the past few years, with Netflix bringing the series to the live-action medium, and Avatar: Seven Havens set to release in 2027. While I’m not the biggest fan of The Last Airbender in a live-action format, I am very excited for The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, a new 2D-animated movie that focuses on the original Team Avatar in their young adult years, before the events of The Legend of Korra.

Sure, this movie does challenge the idea that everything was peaceful in the Four Nations in the years between Aang and Korra, but forget all that. I cannot wait to see the original characters that brought The Last Airbender franchise to life back on our screens, in the animated format that they belong in. Lauren Montgomery is set to direct, who worked on Season 3 of the original Last Airbender series, so it’s great to see that this movie is in the hands of creators who worked on the show in its golden years. Definitely one of the 2026 movies that I’m the most excited for.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender is set to release on October 9, 2026.

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5. Supergirl

Image by DC Studios

I cannot predict how Supergirl is going to turn out, but that unpredictability is exactly what makes me so excited for this movie to hit theatres. I never expected to love Superman as much as I did, so my hopes are very high for Supergirl, as much as the trailer may make it look like a complete Guardians of the Galaxy clone. I love Milly Alcock, and Jason Momoa feels like a perfect pick for Lobo, so there’s a lot of potential here. As the second chapter in the DCU, there’s also a lot riding on this movie, so here’s hoping it pays off.

The premise is fairly simple, with Supergirl celebrating her 23rd birthday with Krypto, when a tragedy leads her on a quest for revenge. Supergirl seems to be highlighting the differences between Superman and Supergirl, with the former seeing the best in everyone, and the latter seeing the ‘truth’, a much more cynical approach. If done correctly, Supergirl could provide a great exploration into the pysche of a Kryptonian directly traumatised by the fall of Krypton. Let’s hope DC delivers!

Supergirl hits theatres on June 26, 2026.

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4. Evil Dead Burn

Image by Warner Bros. Pictures

I cannot wait for this one. Evil Dead is one of the rare horror franchises that I feel have really levelled-up since their reboot, with both 2013’s Evil Dead and 2023’s Evil Dead Rise delivering two of the most disturbing, gory, and entertaining horror movies in years. With Sébastien Vaniček, the director behind Infested, and the legendary Sam Raimi behind the wheel, I’m confident that 2026’s Evil Dead Burn will add a thrilling new chapter to the franchise – even if these movies aren’t for everyone.

We know practically nothing about Evil Dead Burn, but honestly, I prefer it that way. This franchise thrives when you don’t know what horrors await you, so I may even avoid any future trailers for this film until it comes out. If you’re a horror fan with a strong stomach, now is the time to catch up on the Evil Dead franchise. The classic are extremely fun, and the reboot movies are some of the strongest bloodbath films in recent memory.

Evil Dead Burn hits theatres on July 24, 2026.

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3. Dune: Part Three

Image by Warner Bros. Pictures

I wholeheartedly believe that the Dune films are the closest thing we have to a modern-day epic franchise, the likes of which we haven’t seen since Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. Now, in 2026, Denis Villeneuve is set to conclude his trilogy, with Dune: Part Three, the final instalment in the Dune film trilogy. For me, the Dune films are exactly what the Avatar movies would like to be – epic visuals, stunning music, and a compelling plot that takes place in a masterfully-crafted world.

It’s rare that I can say I expect a movie to instantly become a modern classic. However, the Dune trilogy has been going very strong thus far, and I don’t expect the franchise to slip-up in its final sprint to the finish line. If you’re a fan of epic space operas, this is the movie on our 2026 movies list that might be the perfect pick for you, and if you’ve managed to miss out on the first two Dune movies, now is the time to catch up! You’ll have plenty of time, considering this film isn’t releasing until the very end of the year – too long to wait!

Dune: Part Three releases in theatres on December 18, 2026.

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2. Werwulf

Image by Focus Features

When it comes to horror movies, particularly those dealing with historical periods, Robert Eggers can do no wrong in my book, especially when he works hand-in-hand with the cast he’s been building across his past few films. His newest foray into the horror genre is set to arrive in 2026, with Werwulf, starring Eggers’ usual suspects, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Ralph Ineson, and Willem Dafoe – hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Whereas 2024’s Nosferatu dealt with a classic vampire’s haunting of a German town, Werwulf moves from vampires to werewolves, as a mysterious creature stalks a small town in 13th-century England. We know practically nothing about this movie, so its spot on our list speaks to my confidence in Eggers as a horror director. If Werwulf isn’t incredible, I’d be pretty surprised. Here’s hoping my trust in Eggers is rewarded, because if it is, this could easily be one of my favourite 2026 movies when it releases.

Werwulf will release in theatres on December 25, 2026.

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1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Image by Sony Pictures

If there’s one hero I can rely on to revitalise my interest in Marvel movies, it’s Spider-Man. His popularity is no secret to fans or Marvel Studios, leading to the fourth entry in Tom Holland’s mainline Spider-Man series, with 2026’s Brand New Day. There’s a lot to be excited about with this newest Spider-Man movie. Not only are Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon returning, but Sadie Sink also makes her debut as an unnamed character. The film is also set to feature Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, and the live-action debut of Marvin Jones III as Tombstone.

We don’t know too much about Spider-Man: Brand New Day outside of the cast, but I’m confident that, in a Marvel universe that keeps letting us down, Spidey may be the one to swing in and save the day. I’m sure that better film than this are in store this year, but when it comes to my most anticipated 2026 movies, Spider-Man takes the cake, in what is bound to be an action-packed, emotional extravaganza.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases on July 31, 2026 in theatres.

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Conclusion

So, are you ready for these 2026 movies? Did we miss any of your picks for your most anticipated movies of the year? What’s your pick for the best upcoming 2026 movies? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and thanks for reading!

See also: New Christmas Movies to Watch in 2025

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