By Lea Abito | Contributing Writer
From long-awaited sequels to new projects, book adaptations and the return of iconic directors, 2026 is a big year for the silver screen.
Below are five of the most anticipated films of the year:
Project Hail Mary
Movie poster for “Project Hail Mary” | Image via Sony Pictures UK
Release Date: March 20
Trailer: Project Hail Mary – Official Trailer
Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, “ Project Hail Mary” stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a science teacher turned reluctant astronaut, who wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As pieces of his memory return, he discovers he’s on a mission to save Earth from an ice age provoked by the dying sun.
And he makes an unlikely friend along the way.
This space odyssey is a high-stakes race to save the world, interwoven with witty humor, exploring what it means to be human and to have hope while confronting extinction.
Disclosure Day
Movie poster for “Disclosure Day” | Image via Disclosure Day
Release Date: June 12
Trailer: Disclosure Day | Official Teaser
Steven Spielberg returns to the director’s helm with an alien invasion and a star-studded cast including Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo.
The official synopsis is simple: “If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?”
“Disclosure Day” offers more questions than answers. Even the teaser discloses little about the premise of Spielberg’s story, but one thing is certain: humankind is not alone.
But disclosure day is coming.
The Odyssey
Movie poster for “The Odyssey” | Image via The Odessey
Release Date: July 17
Trailer: The Odyssey | Official Trailer
Christopher Nolan joins the summer lineup with his adaptation of Homer’s classic epic, “The Odyssey.”
Shot entirely with IMAX cameras and new IMAX technology, “The Odyssey” sold out a year in advance for exclusive IMAX 70mm screenings, truly making it the most anticipated film of 2026.
“The Odyssey” promises a cinematic spectacle unlike any other with a god-tier cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Elliot Page and more to bring the legendary saga to life.
The film is already destined for greatness that will defy the gods and hopefully inspire Nolan to take on “The Iliad” next.
With Spielberg’s film releasing in June and Nolan’s in July, the summer of 2026 is set to be just as thrilling as the Trojan War.
Avengers: Doomsday
Movie poster for “Avengers: Doomsday” | Image via Marvel
Release Date: Dec. 18
Trailer: Avengers: Doomsday | Trailer
The Avengers (and what seems to be every superhero in existence) will return in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Any Marvel movie is an event, but with Marvel fatigue, fan complaints over Disney+ and Marvel’s tendency towards quantity over quality and potential competition with DC, Marvel needs to recapture its former glory.
“Avengers: Doomsday” might do it.
Directed by the Russo brothers, the film follows the summer release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and will see the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and more unite to defeat Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., setting up next year’s “Avengers: Secret Wars” and a new era for Marvel.
Dune: Part Three
Movie poster for “Dune: Part Three” | Image via Letterboxd
Release Date: Dec. 18
Trailer: TBA
“Dune: Part Three” primarily adapts Frank Herbert’s second novel, “Dune: Messiah,” with elements from “Children of Dune.” It will be set 12 years after the events of “Dune: Part Two,” exploring the dark consequences of complete power.
The film will be director Denis Villeneuve’s final addition to the franchise.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya will return as Paul Atreides and Chani, alongside new characters played by Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, Ida Brooke and Robert Pattinson, and the return of Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy and Jason Momoa.
With “Dune: Part Three” and “Avengers: Doomsday” releasing on the same day, fans and movie-goers alike can expect a cultural phenomenon to rival “Barbenheimer.”
Already being dubbed “Dunesday,” anticipation for both intense blockbusters is sky high.
Beyond this list, several more upcoming titles also stand out and deserve honourable mentions:
“Wuthering Heights” releases Feb. 13 and stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordie in a seductive adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Gothic novel.
“Michael,” releasing April 24, stars Jafaar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, in a thrilling biopic of the King of Pop.
“Supergirl” releases June 26 to continue the momentum of the 2025 summer success of “Superman,” cementing DC’s resurgence into superhero cinema.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” releasing July 31, sees Tom Holland and Zendaya return as Peter Parker and MJ, exploring a new chapter in a brand new world.
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” releases on Nov. 20 and adapts the 2025 prequel novel, spotlighting the franchise’s most compelling characters.
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