The 15 most anticipated movies of 2026

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2026 promises to be an exciting year for film fans, with major releases like Avengers: Doomsday, The Odyssey, Master of the Universe, and Dune: Part Three. While we’re looking forward to all of these, which one has us the most hyped?

In 2025, family-friendly movies were the biggest hits worldwide. Among our favorites were the films Sinners, Weapons, and One Battle After Another. Superhero movies did okay, with Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps performing decently. However, we expect superhero films to be hugely successful again in 2026 with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, potentially earning over a billion dollars.

2026 promises more than just superhero movies, with highly anticipated films like Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey and the conclusion to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series on the horizon. Here’s a ranked list, from 15 to 1, of the films we’re most looking forward to.

15. Street Fighter

  • Director: Kitao Sakurai
  • Cast: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang
  • Release date: October 16, 2026

Okay, so the story’s about these two brothers, Ken and Ryu, who haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye. They both end up entering this huge fighting tournament called the World Warrior Tournament, and that’s when things get crazy. Turns out it’s not just about winning; they stumble into this really dangerous conspiracy that makes them confront some seriously tough stuff from their past. It’s a bit of a wild ride, honestly.

As a long-time fighting game fan, I’m seriously hyped right now! It feels like my childhood is coming back to life with new movies for both Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. Mortal Kombat II is coming out in May and the trailer is a riot, but I’m really excited about the Street Fighter movie in October. The casting choices are fantastic – Jason Momoa as Blanka? Yes, please! And they nailed Guile with Cody Rhodes, M. Bison with David Dastmalchian, and they even got Olivier Richters, who’s a total beast, to play Zangief. I have a really good feeling about this one!

14. Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew

  • Director: Greta Gerwig
  • Cast: Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig
  • Release date: November 26, 2026

“The Magician’s Nephew” tells the story of how the magical world of Narnia came to be, and how the evil White Witch first arrived in London with a plot to take over Earth. It’s based on the sixth book written in the Chronicles of Narnia series, but it’s the first story when considering the order of events.

We’re really looking forward to this project because Greta Gerwig’s previous film, Barbie, was a huge critical and commercial success. Now, she’s taking on The Chronicles of Narnia, and if this film does well, it could launch a whole new series. Initial reports say the story, originally set in 1900, will now begin in 1950s London, and there’s a strong rumor that the legendary Meryl Streep will voice the character of Aslan.

13. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

  • Directors: Aaron Hovarth, Michael Jelenic
  • Cast: Chris Pratt, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black
  • Release date: April 3, 2026

Okay, so the new movie brings back all our favorites – Mario, Luigi, Peach, and of course, Bowser! But it’s not just the usual crew this time. They’ve added Princess Rosalina, and Brie Larson does her voice, which is awesome! Plus, Bowser’s son, Bowser Jr., is in it too, and Benny Safdie voices him. It’s based on the amazing game, and I’m so excited to see what they do with it!

We’re really excited about the new movie because the Galaxy universe in Nintendo games is so enchanting, adventurous, and has amazing music. If the film can capture that same feeling – and Jack Black brings the funny and more great songs as Bowser – it has the potential to be even better than the Super Mario Bros. Movie!

12. Toy Story 5

  • Director: Andrew Stanton
  • Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
  • Release date: June 19, 2026

The new movie focuses on Bonnie Anderson, now eight years old. She’s much more interested in playing on her tablet than with her traditional toys, which creates a problem for Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the other toys.

Okay, I’m really excited about the new Toy Story movie! While the last one wasn’t quite as amazing as the first three, you can’t go wrong with Woody and Buzz – Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are just perfect together! Plus, the idea of toys dealing with new technology feels really relevant. I think kids will totally get it, and honestly, as a parent, I think I will too!

11. Project Hail Mary

  • Directors: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
  • Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Ken Leung
  • Release date: March 20, 2026

The story follows an astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of how he arrived. As his memories slowly return, he forms an unexpected friendship while lost in space.

We’re really looking forward to Project Hail Mary! It’s based on the popular book by Andy Weir, known for its exciting mix of science, mystery, and adventure. With Ryan Gosling as the lead, the movie has a lot of potential – especially if the directors, Lord and Miller, can capture the heartwarming friendship between his character and a lovable alien. If they do, it could be a huge hit!

10. Supergirl

  • Director: Craig Gillespie
  • Cast: Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley
  • Release date: June 26, 2026

The new Supergirl movie follows Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) and her dog Krypto on an epic journey through space, but a devastating event turns her focus to seeking revenge. Fans are excited because James Gunn’s fresh start with Superman was promising, and Supergirl is expected to be even better. Milly Alcock’s portrayal of the character, combined with the story inspired by the highly praised comic ‘Woman of Tomorrow’, promises a fantastic experience.

9. The Mandalorian & Grogu

  • Director: Jon Favreau
  • Cast: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White
  • Release date: May 22, 2026

The story follows Din Djarin and his young companion Grogu as they work with the New Republic to bring order to the galaxy after the Empire’s defeat, dealing with remaining Imperial warlords. Fans are eager for this series because it embraces the western-style adventure that made the original Star Wars so popular, especially after some recent films didn’t quite hit the mark. Adding to the excitement is the presence of sci-fi icon Sigourney Weaver, and the fact that Jon Favreau – a reliable director – is at the helm.

8. Coyote vs. Acme

  • Director: David Green
  • Cast: Will Forte, John Cena, Wile E. Coyote
  • Release date: August 28, 2026

The movie “Coyote vs. Acme” is about Wile E. Coyote suing the ACME Corporation after years of failed attempts to catch the Road Runner, blaming their faulty products for his injuries. We’re looking forward to it because, after being put on hold in 2023, the film was picked up for release in August 2026! Early reviews suggest it’s a hilarious take featuring Will Forte, John Cena, and a host of classic cartoon characters.

7. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

  • Director: Nia DaCosta
  • Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry
  • Release Date: January 16, 2026

Following directly after the events of 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple focuses on two storylines: Spike joins a dangerous cult led by Sir Jimmy Crystal, and Dr. Kelson begins new, unsettling experiments with the Rage Virus.

We’re eagerly anticipating the next installment because the ending of 28 Years Later introduced a compelling and frightening villain played by Jack O’Connell. It will be interesting to see how this charismatic cult leader survives and exerts control in a world overrun by infected people.

And with Cillian Murphy reprising his role as Jim from the first movie, we’re excited to see how he interacts with the new characters! The trailers hint that Dr. Kelson may be developing a cure, potentially altering the entire series…

6. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

  • Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
  • Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo
  • Release date: July 31, 2026

The movie begins after a spell cast by Doctor Strange makes the world forget Peter Parker is Spider-Man. This allows Peter to concentrate on smaller, local crimes. What’s exciting is that this new situation creates a fresh start for Spider-Man, forcing him to re-examine who he is and his connections with others. We’re also looking forward to seeing Spider-Man team up with the Punisher and the trouble that the Hulk will bring.

5. Masters of the Universe

  • Director: Travis Knight
  • Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Jared Leto, Camila Mendes
  • Release date: June 5, 2026

The story follows Prince Adam, who returns to his home planet of Eternia after years on Earth. There, he becomes He-Man and fights against the villainous Skeletor. We’re excited because the original 1980s He-Man cartoon and toys were full of great characters and adventures – perfect for a big-screen franchise. The previous movie attempt in 1987 with Dolph Lundgren didn’t quite work, but we’re hoping this new version will do justice to the source material and deliver the action and excitement fans deserve.

4. Dune: Part Three

  • Director: Denis Villeneuve
  • Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa
  • Release date: December 18, 2026

It’s uncertain how closely the third Dune movie will follow the book, but it will likely explore the challenges Paul Atreidis faces as emperor and how his powerful, almost religious influence causes problems throughout the galaxy.

We’re really looking forward to the new Dune movie! It covers the most challenging and thought-provoking part of the story. Director Denis Villeneuve has consistently delivered excellent work, and if this film lives up to expectations, it could be a fantastic ending to what many consider the best science fiction trilogy of all time.

3. The Social Reckoning

  • Director: Aaron Sorkin
  • Cast: Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison
  • Release date: October 9, 2026

This movie is a follow-up to The Social Network and centers on the 2021 Facebook leak revealed by Frances Haugen, and the consequences that followed.

We’re really looking forward to the sequel to The Social Network, a fantastic film from the 2000s. Facebook has played a huge role in global events since the first movie came out, and it’s a story worth revisiting. However, we’re also a little worried about the changes: Aaron Sorkin, the original writer, is now directing instead of David Fincher, and a different actor, Jeremy Strong, will be playing Mark Zuckerberg, taking over from Jesse Eisenberg.

2. Avengers: Doomsday

  • Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
  • Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart
  • Release date: December 18, 2026

Okay, so basically, it’s a huge team-up! We’re talking classic Avengers joining forces with the newer groups like the Thunderbolts and New Avengers, plus the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. And who are we fighting? Doctor Doom, of course! It’s a massive brawl with all the big heroes against one of the biggest villains.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe had a bit of a rough patch after the final Avengers film, but recent projects like Thunderbolts and First Steps showed promise. Now, Marvel has brought back the directors of the hugely successful Endgame, the Russo brothers, for a new movie teaming up older X-Men characters with the younger generation of Avengers – and bringing back Robert Downey Jr. as a hero. The big question is whether fans will embrace Downey Jr. in a heroic role after seeing him as a villain for so long. We’ll find out in about a year!

1. The Odyssey

  • Director: Christopher Nolan
  • Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Ann Hathaway
  • Release date: July 17, 2026

This movie tells the story of a warrior’s dangerous trip back home after a devastating war. Along the way, he faces mythical creatures, powerful gods, and struggles with the emotional scars of battle.

We’re thrilled about Christopher Nolan’s latest film! It’s his most ambitious project to date, boasting a huge budget and an incredible cast. Filmed entirely on large-format film, expect a visually stunning experience that blends epic mythology with realistic, emotional storytelling as it follows Odysseus’s long journey home.

Looking ahead to 2026, but first, here’s TopMob’s list of the greatest movies and TV shows of all time – our top picks!

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2025-12-25 11:31