It’s going to be a huge year at the cinema, especially when we have new films from Nolan, Villenue as well as the return of The Avengers. Of course, that’s not all there is to look forward to this year, with plenty of new original films, as well as some sequels and spin-offs getting us excited as well.

Here are our picks for the Most Anticipated Movies releasing in 2026.

10.) Hoppers

One of two Pixar releases this year, Hoppers is the new film from director Daniel Chong who created We Bare Bears and previously directed the We Bare Bears movie. It seems he can’t get away from bears because this film follows an animal-loving teenager named Mabel who uses new technology to embody a robotic beaver and learn about the animals of the forest, including a bear. All the trailers and spots have look good so far, so hopefully this Pixar’s first massive orginal film sucess in a while.

– Ashley

9.) The Social Reckoning

David Fincher isn’t returning to direct the follow-up to The Social Network, and neither are any of the core cast. However, Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the film, is writing and directing here, with major performers taking on core roles and adding depth, including Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison, and more. There’s also the cultural aspect of the film, which will address a major topical issue about social media’s influence in our modern world, and if the film works, the post-conversations could be more important.

– Dylan

8.) Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew

Following up on her mega succes with Barbie, Greta Gerwig is adapting the classic C.S Lewis books now with Narnia and with Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan and Emma Mackey all attached, there’s plenty of star-power to be excited by, and with Gerwig now showing she has such a range and ability to adapt something like Barbie, and already doing book justice with Little Women, there’s plenty of reasons to be excited about the film.

– Dylan

7.) The Moment

I’m a Charli XCX mega fan, so this is easily my most anticipated film for 2026, and nothing will replace that until I’ve watched it. As both a way for Charli to give the studios the ‘concert Brat film’ they wanted, and a way for her to creatively express what it’s like to be a pop-star, it’s an interesting project that might not work for everyone, but for me, I can’t wait.

– Dylan

6.) Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

The first film set directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett on a path to make two Scream films, revive the franchise, and then a vampire film, Abigail. But now they’re returning to the film that was most horror fans’ introduction to them, reuniting with Samara Weaving, and picking up right where the previous one ended, bringing along some other big names, including Kathryn Newton, Elijah Wood, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and more.

– Dylan

5.) Avengers: Doomsday

Finally, after 7 years, we will once again see the Avengers Assemble! with the Fantastic Four. And The X-Men. With Marvel’s recent films struggling to come close to the financial success of the past, old faces are set to return in what on paper looks to be the biggest MCU film yet. With Avengers: Endgame directors the Russo Brothers back and Robert Downey Jr set to debut his portrayl of Victor Von Doom, there is little doubt this will be one of the biggest films of the year.

– Ashley

4.) The Adventures of Cliff Booth

There are several elements that make this project one of 2026’s most interesting. Firstly, it’s a follow-up to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and brings back a character who is neither good nor beloved by audiences: Cliff Booth, played by Brad Pitt in the first film and returning here for the spin-off. Second, this film isn’t being directed by Quentin Tarantino; he is instead entrusting David Fincher with a script he wrote. Third, it’s a new film from Fincher, a director you’d get excited about a new project from either way.

– Dylan

3.) Project Hail Mary

Ryan Gosling stars in the first film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller since 22 Jump Street in 2014. Adapted from Andy Weir’s novel by screenwriter Drew Goddard, who previously wrote the screenplay based on Weir’s novel The Martian, the film tells the story of An astronaut who tries to save Earth while alone in outer space. The book is very popular and everyone involved is so great that I have no doubt this is going to be really good.

– Ashley

2.) Dune: Part Three

Denis Villeneuve is two from two for successful Dune films, so its hard not to be eagerly anticipating this third film in the franchise. With Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Jason Mamoa, and Florence Pugh set to return, Anya Taylor-Joy likely to have an expanded role and Robert Pattinson joining the fray, this film is set to have one of the most impressive casts of the year. Based on Dune Messiah, the second book in the series, which by all reports is quite out there, we can only hope this film lives up to the last two.

– Ashley

1.) The Odyssey

After Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan has re-established himself as the Event director of our times, where anything he makes has to be considered must-see and must-see on the biggest screen possible. Nolan’s latest feature sees him tackling Homer’s ancient Greek epic The Odyssey with a cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. The fact there are already sold out screenings nearly a year in advance tells you this is easily the most anticipated film of the year.

– Ashley

Find all of Explosion Network’s Best of 2025 coverage right here, and be sure to let us know your thoughts on any of our lists in the comments section.