The 15 Most Anticipated Theatrical Films of 2026
21st January 2026
By Callum Drage
It’s Friday night. You’ve just had a long week at school, and took a long bus ride to get home. Your parents greet you by saying you’re going to the Blockbuster store to pick out three movies to last the entire weekend. You take your time carefully selecting a film. You get home, place the CD into the player, and end up with a burn hole in each because you watched them to exhaustion. In each of those films, there is a world, a set of characters, where we witness their trials and tribulations over evil, conflict, and love. This is my history with film.
Nothing quite beat the excitement of going to the Blockbuster store as a kid. These days, those sorts of stores are virtually non-existent. As Hollywood moves further into the streaming space, there is one remaining constant that fans of film can enjoy. The theatrical experience!
2026 represents a changing culture for Hollywood. 2025 was a rough year for the studios, and whilst there were still four films that reached the billion-dollar mark, the average box-office income of films previously a sure hit is dwindling. Just look at Marvel Studios’ offerings last year, in particular Thunderbolts*. The film, from all accounts, would have earned big had it come out in the big boom of Marvel’s popularity. On a budget of $180 million and an additional $100 million for marketing, the film only brought in $390 million, failing to break even.
Or let's look at Wicked: For Good. The first film released in 2024 raked in $758 million, not too bad for a fresh franchise with a fringe fanbase. The sequel was expected to perform better and be the sure-fire hit of 2025. Unfortunately, momentum fell, and the sequel only raked in $519 million. That’s still a healthy sum; however, it underwhelmed in expectations and failed to bring in a new audience.
As we, and I’m sure Hollywood, investigate further into the decline in box-office returns, we turn our sights towards the future. We want to see cinema thrive in 2026. Let’s take a look at the Top 15 Most Anticipated Films to be excited for in 2026 (by release order).
Send Help (January 29)
SOURCE: 20th Century Studios, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Sam Raimi returns to the big screen for his next feature, a horror-thriller film starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. The trailers for the film show McAdams’ character being hired to work as an employee for O’Brien’s character, who is a fairly strict and unfair boss. The tides turn when a crash sends them to a deserted island, and McAdams appears to be much more at home than her previously controlling boss. The thriller genre first piqued my interest in 2017 when I watched Get Out, an eerily haunting premise about an interracial couple where not all is what it seems. The spine-tingling creepiness thriller films can evoke, mixed with their often current social themes - you may just be screaming ‘Send Help’ come January 29.
The Magic Faraway Tree (March 26)
SOURCE: Entertainment Film Distributors, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Based on Enid Blyton’s 1939-1951 book series, The Faraway Tree series makes its way to the big screen for the first time. Blyton is one of the most prolific and enchanting children’s writers of all time, so her work being translated to the big screen is sure to round up many eager fans who grew up imagining this world. Andrew Garfield, from Hacksaw Ridge and Spider-Man fame, is attached to star. Attached to write the film is Simon Farnaby, whose work includes some recognisable titles, such as the Paddington films and the recent 2023 film, Wonka. The soft, warm colouring of those films, mixed with the creative world-building of Blyton’s books, is sure to be a compelling cinema-going experience the whole family can enjoy.
Michael (April 23)
SOURCE: Lionsgate / Universal Pictures, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Some news events stop you in your tracks. For me, it was where I was when Michael Jackson, the King of Pop himself, died. Since 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody exploded onto the big screen, becoming a huge critical and commercial success, music biopics have become a genre in themselves throughout Hollywood. Come April 23, Michael Jackson joins the list. The film looks to be diving into the rise of the young prodigy, with Michael’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, taking on the lead role. Whilst many fans are eager to witness the iconic story, there is an equal interest in how the film will navigate the murky waters of Jackson’s personal life and the allegations surrounding him. April 23 is the date to save. Prepare to be thrille-d.
Whether you’re into horror, fantasy, or biographical stories, the first quarter of 2026 looks to have something for everyone. As we venture further into the future, Hollywood is not so eager to allow us to forget the past fully. As we enter the next quarter of the year, Hollywood is evoking a sense of nostalgia. Let’s dive in.
Masters of the Universe (June 4)
SOURCE: MGM / Mattel / Filmation, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
I grew up on the old He-Man and She-Ra cartoons of the 80s. As a young boy, who knew I was gay pretty much since I could walk, He-Man and She-Ra were a sexual awakening of sorts. The campy aspects of the two shows featured, mixed with the amazing music and colours, make me very interested to see how the distributing studio, MGM, will reimagine the material. Being directed by Travis Knight, who helmed 2018’s Bumblebee, the film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam and Jared Leto as Skeletor. Not much is known about the film as of yet. No official photos or trailers have been released. Regardless of your thoughts on Leto, or however 80s this film may lean, steady interest is rising in the air, as many are eager to witness how the world of Eternia will be presented to modern audiences with modern sensibilities. Come June 4, a lot will become clear.
Toy Story 5 (June 18)
SOURCE: Walt Disney Studios, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
When Pixar released Toy Story 3 in 2010, fans assumed it would be the last. The film ended with the near incineration of the toys, and a happy ending which showed Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang being handed from Andy to Bonnie. But in 2019, Pixar released Toy Story 4, and fans were divided. The film, whilst great from a technical standpoint, certainly took the franchise in an unexpected direction, with Woody and Buzz shaking hands and parting ways. So, where will the franchise’s fifth instalment take the story? The hints point to the timely conversation of toys vs technology. If this topic is explored with as much love, care and earnestness as the first three, we could potentially expect another billion-dollar picture on the way.
The Odyssey (July 16)
SOURCE: Universal / Syncopy, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Audiences have come to expect beautifully crafted, richly detailed films from Christoper Nolan. His use of practical effects in an age of overreliance on green screen and CGI makes him a standout in the space. With an impressive resume including the likes of The Dark Knight and his latest release Oppenheimer, Nolan’s next film isbased on the Greek epic Odyssey. It will have an all-star cast, assembling Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron. The trailer for the film just released, and it has me hyped.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 30)
SOURCE: Sony Pictures / Marvel Studios, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, returning to the friendly neighbourhood corner will be a nice breath of fresh air. There hasn't been a live-action Spider-Man onscreen since 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which was the most ambitious Spidey film yet, combining Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland’s Peter Parker all in one film. Brand New Day at first promised to be a return to form for the character, after the original MCU Homecoming trilogy saw the franchise trying to make Spider-Man Iron Man Jr. The conclusion of the last film saw Peter’s identity becoming a secret once again, and all who knew him forgetting him. However, in the years since, we have learnt that Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk and Jon Bernthal’s Punisher will be featured, along with many other returning faces. The leaked set photos of the film also promised some practical web-swinging, and the fans are excited!
H Is For Hawk (August 13)
SOURCE: Film4 Productions / Lionsgate, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Based on the true story of Helen Macdonald, after her father dies, a young woman seeks meaning and finds it in the most unlikely friend, a Goshawk. In recent years, indie films have found a place in my heart, as they tend to be stylised and offer a certain prestige that blockbuster movies sometimes cannot. Here at SYN, we love finding and supporting the indie, prestige films, and H Is for Hawk is one such film. In what looks to be an emotionally resonant, beautifully shot and designed film, Claire Foy, from The Crown fame, who is also appearing in another film on this list (The Magic Faraway Tree), stars as Helen, and Brendan Gleeson, stars as Helen’s father. This is a unique story that cannot be missed.
Coyote vs. Acme (August 28)
SOURCE: Warner Bros. Animation, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
The Looney Tunes hold a special place in all our hearts. I was only rewatching some of the classic Bugs Bunny shorts just a few days ago, and they evoked this warm, fuzzy feeling inside. This year, after being shelved for quite some time, Warner Bros. Animation and Ketchup Entertainment are bringing back Wile E. Coyote for a live-action, animated hybrid feature film. The film sees Wile finally sue the Acme Corporation for repeatedly selling him faulty equipment in his relentless quest to take down his arch-rival, the Road Runner. Looney Tunes based films have had a mixed run at the box office, both critically and commercially, however Coyote vs. Acme looks to be a step in the right direction for the brand as it features on the nose humour and fourth wall breaking that could just put it in the same league as the incredible 1988 film of the same concept - Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
What films belong on streaming? What films belong in the theatre? This is the question currently plaguing Hollywood. As audiences are as selective as ever, Hollywood has heavily leaned into franchise films to assure box-office results. Toy Story 5 and the return of Spider-Man are all you need to look at for proof. But Hollywood’s long-dormant franchises are making their return this year, with fresh and bold actors and premises - some just may be worth your time. Closing out our list, let's dive into the final six films that may pique your interest this year.
Focker In-Law (November 26)
SOURCE: Tribeca Enterprises / Universal Studios, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
In 2024, Grande proved her acting chops when she was cast as Glinda the Good in the two-part adaptation of the stage play, Wicked. Grande captured both humour and emotion with grace, resulting in Oscar buzz. Whilst Grande did not end up winning, her team was clever and lined her up for future films to continue her chances, and that brings us to Focker In-Law, the fourth film in the Meet the Parents film series. Ben Stiller joins Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, and the aforementioned Grande in this return of the franchise. Regardless of your thoughts on this franchise, its return from the long hiatus away, and Grande’s involvement are sure to intrigue old and new fans alike.
Hexed (November 26)
SOURCE: Walt Disney Studios, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Disney has been experiencing a downward spiral these past few years. Raya and the Last Dragon, Strange World, and their 100th year celebration film, Wish, failed to connect both critically and commercially. Zootopia 2 has been a return to form for the studio. The sequel film made well over $500 million on its opening weekend and quickly became one of the four $1 billion films of 2025 (3 of which were Disney films). Hexed looks to be continuing the upward trajectory. The film follows a teenage boy and his Type-A mother, who discover his unique traits are actually magic, and are transported to a place where magic runs freely. The first look image seen above calls back to the classic 2-D animation style Disney was known for, reminding us here at SYN of films like Cinderella (1950) and Sleeping Beauty (1959). Perhaps a return to nostalgia is exactly what can help Disney thrive once again.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (November 29)
SOURCE: Lionsgate / Scholastic, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Back in 2012, when the first Hunger Games film was released, a new cultural phenomenon was born. The sickly concept was brought to life with such richness that the franchise gripped the world right up til its conclusion in 2015. Then author Suzanne Collins decided to write the prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and a film adaptation soon followed. The release showed interest in the franchise was very much alive. 2025 saw the release of the fifth book in the franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, and it quickly became a fan favourite. The film will follow the 50th year of the Hunger Games, which just so happens to be Haymitch Abernathy’s Games. This also happens to be the second Quarter-Quell, which means double the tributes. The novel offered so many twists and turns, cameos and amazing set pieces, that this film is sure to be a spellbinding cinema experience. Featuring a stellar, capable cast in Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, and Glenn Close, and capping it off with the return of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson’s Katniss and Peeta, too, and you better believe we are here for it!
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew (December)
SOURCE: Harper Collins, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
Here it is - Greta Gerwig’s big follow-up to the 2023 sensation, Barbie! It is certainly a unique choice for Gerwig to take on. The Chronicles of Narnia franchise has lain dormant since 2010, and Gerwig intends to reboot the series by chronicling the origins of Narnia itself. For all who have read C.S. Lewis’ Narnia novels, you will know that the series is a classic, but also a product of its time. That’s why the film is being updated for modern audiences. It is rumoured that Gerwig has cast Meryl Streep in the role of the Lion, Aslan. This represents a departure from the novel, in which Aslan has always been depicted as a male. This, of course, divided fans, but let me remind you that gender-swapped roles have been done and done successfully before. All eyes will be on Gerwig and the Narnia franchise when it comes to Netflix this December.
Jumanji 4 (December 11)
SOURCE: Sony Pictures, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
I grew up with the 1995 Robin Williams-led film, Jumanji, and credit it as a large reason as to why my imagination ran wild in my formative years. When Dwayne Johnson revitalised the franchise in 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the fresh take of sending the humans into the video game, as opposed to the board game coming to our world, was bold, hilarious and made for some incredible nods and references. The end of the third film, The Next Level, promised a return to form. It saw the world of Jumanji come back to earth, and the possibilities of this are endless. Could we see Doctor Bravestone interact with Spencer? The return of Kirsten Dunst’s Judy and Bradley Pierce’s Peter from the first film? Their Aunt Nora, portrayed by Bebe Neuwirth, returned for a cameo at the end of the previous film. Regardless of what happens, the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack Black always make for a fun time, so you can rest assured we’ll be sitting to watch come Christmas time this year.
Avengers: Doomsday (December 17)
SOURCE: Marvel / Walt Disney Company, designed by Callum Drage via Canva
One would be foolish to write a list of the top 15 most anticipated films of 2026 and not include Avengers: Doomsday. Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe has decreased in quality over the past few years, and the build-up to the big crossover event hasn’t been as meticulously planned as it was during the Infinity Saga, there is still a lot riding on this film. In 2019, Avengers: Endgame was released and became the highest-grossing film of all time, until it was overthrown once again by a re-release of 2009’s Avatar. Disney is going to expect the film to perform big, not only because of this previous milestone, but also because of the amount of money they have invested into the film. The film, directed once again by Joe and Anthony Russo, will see the return of Robert Downey Jr., who made Iron Man an A-List name. RDJ will be playing the villainous Doctor Doom in this film. With an ensemble cast including but not limited to Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh and Patrick Stewart, the film will see the many factions of Marvel (Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and so much more) come together to defeat Doom, in what will close out the bumpy road that has been the Multiverse Saga. Can Avengers: Doomsday live up to its own hype? Find out, come December this year.
2026 is full of many other exciting releases that I didn’t have the space to include, but I still think are worth mentioning. Star Wars will return to the big screen for The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 21). Margot Robbie will lead an adaptation of Wuthering Heights (February 13). Ghostface slashes once again for Scream 7 (February 27). Video game films take another stab with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 3). Return to the world of fashion madness in The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1). This year is sure to be jam-packed, bursting with theatre-going must-see fun.
We here at SYN are excited for these, and many more!