Rotten Tomatoes has compiled a list of the most anticipated films for 2026, highlighting blockbuster franchises, genre thrillers, and original projects from directors like Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Jordan Peele. The lineup spans the year with major releases from studios including Warner Bros., Disney, and Sony. Fans can expect a mix of sequels, adaptations, and new stories to fill theaters.
Overview
2026 promises a robust slate of films, blending familiar franchises with fresh takes on classics and originals. The year kicks off with horror and action sequels before building to summer blockbusters and holiday epics. Key themes include sci-fi adventures, superhero returns, and literary adaptations, drawing major stars and acclaimed filmmakers.
January Highlights
The month opens with Blumhouse's Soulm8te on January 2, directed by Kate Dolan and starring Lily Sullivan and Claudia Doumit, a spin-off from M3GAN about a deadly AI doll. Greenland 2: Migration follows on January 9, reuniting Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin in a post-apocalyptic tale. Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, helmed by Nia DaCosta, arrives January 16, continuing the zombie saga. Netflix's The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and Sam Raimi's Send Help with Rachel McAdams round out the month.
February and March Spotlights
February features Scream 7 on February 27, directed by Kevin Williamson with Neve Campbell returning as Sidney Prescott. Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights adaptation stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. In March, Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride!, a female-led Frankenstein story with Christian Bale, releases March 6. Ryan Gosling leads Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's Project Hail Mary on March 20, adapting Andy Weir's sci-fi novel.
Summer and Beyond
April brings The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on April 3, with Chris Pratt reprising Mario. Michael, Antoine Fuqua's Michael Jackson biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, hits April 24. May includes Spielberg's UFO sci-fi Disclosure and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22, directed by Jon Favreau. Nolan's The Odyssey adaptation with Matt Damon arrives July 17, followed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31. Later releases feature Avengers: Doomsday in December, directed by the Russo brothers with Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, and Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Messiah on December 25.
This diverse calendar positions 2026 as a strong year for cinema, balancing spectacle and substance.