My Most Anticipated Films of 2026
- randazzojj123
- 2 days ago
- 15 min read
Welcome back to the blog readers. Now that 2025 is officially in the books and we have looked back on the best and worst that Hollywood gave us over that 365-day period, one of my favorite times is finally upon us. And that time is when I look at what is to come in the next calendar year to give us something to look forward to. There are fourteen films I want to talk about specifically, and all twelve are my most anticipated of this coming year. What are they and how much am I looking forward to them? Let's find out together. And a brief disclaimer before we begin: this list is in no particular order and, as always, this is just my opinion.
Avengers: Doomsday
You guys would think that this would be my most anticipated film of the year, but I figure we could put my second-most first. Almost like on a wrestling pay-per-view; if you are not in the main event, you strive to go on first because the opening match sets up the tone for the rest of the card. And I personally think there is no better way to set the tone for the rest of this metaphorical "WrestleMania" card of anticipated films than by talking about our first Avengers film to release in theaters since April 2019.
Avengers: Doomsday is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo from a screenplay by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, based on Avengers by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The film has an ensemble cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, David Harbour, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Evans. In the film, set fourteen months after the events of Thunderbolts* (2025), the Avengers, Wakandans, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and "original" X-Men team up to take on Doctor Doom.
It is no secret that Marvel has been in a rough place since the aforementioned Avengers: Endgame (2019), and the Russo brothers have some heavy lifting to do between this and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) to wrap up the Multiverse Saga on a satisfactory note. Almost like a boxer, the Russos are undefeated when working with Kevin Feige in terms of quality, so I have no doubts that this will be the most financially successful film of 2026. I mean, you're bringing back RDJ, but as Doctor Doom; that is GENIUS! Avengers: Doomsday is expected in theaters December 18.
Toy Story 5
If there is one thing you guys should know about me, it is that the Toy Story (1995-) films have had a very special place in my heart from the first time I saw them as a kid. Seeing Woody and Buzz and all the other toys like Rex, Bo Peep, Slinky, and Mr. Potato Head go on crazy adventures satisfied an itch I did not know I had. So when I saw Toy Story 4 (2019), that itch was satisfied again. When I heard of this film though, I was of two minds: firstly, why do we need this; and secondly, when do I get to watch this?
Toy Story 5 is written and directed by Andrew Stanton. The film features the vocal talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ernie Hudson, Tony Hale, Anna Faris, and Conan O'Brien. In the film, set sometime after Woody left Bonnie to join Bo Peep in assisting lost toys reunite with their owners, Bonnie finds herself enamored with a new plaything: a frog-like tablet named Lilypad.
I have been a bit hesitant on this film because I do not want this franchise to go the "dead horse" route, but hearing the toys are going to go up against technology is the ONLY logical place this franchise could go with me being okay with it. Obviously, I feel like I have been gatekeeping this franchise, but for something that has been so near and dear to my heart for nearly my whole life, I feel like I need to. Toy Story 5 is expected in theaters on June 19.
Disclosure Day
You may be a Republican. You may be a Democrat. You may be an independent. You may be a socialist. You may be a conservative. But if there is one thing we can all come together and agree on, it is that Steven Spielberg is on the Mount Rushmore of filmmakers. His position on there is up to personal opinion, but you recognize Spielberg is one of the greats. So whenever he releases a film, you know damn well to pay attention to it because it is an event.
Disclosure Day is directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by David Koepp and a story by Spielberg. The film stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Wyatt Russell. No plot description has been revealed for the film as of yet, but the film is heavily rumored to be a science fiction film about UFOs.
Whether or not this film does indeed feature UFOs or anything science fiction, the master is back, and it is nigh time we pay attention. Spielberg has been putting out banger after banger (to quote an old Irish bruiserweight) over the last few years, and I expect nothing less from this film. A star-studded cast and a very intriguing mystery on what this damn film will even be is what makes this one of my most anticipated of the year. The currently untitled film is expected in theaters on June 12.
Michael
When I say this next statement, I highly doubt there will be anybody who refutes or disagrees with it. Michael Jackson was (and still continues to be) one of the most recognizable and popular superstars to ever roam this earth. Sure, he may have had some legal troubles (regardless of what side of the argument you fall on), but his impact on music will permeate through multiple generations. Of course he would get the biopic treatment someday, and this is our someday.
Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua from a screenplay by John Logan. The film stars Jaafar Jackson in his acting debut, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, and Derek Luke. The film chronicles the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to his rise to superstardom in the 80s and 90s to the final years before his death in 2009.
I believe that this film will be one of the most financially successful films of the year, and it is solely because of who the film is about. Although Fuqua has given us the failed Equalizer (2014-23) films, he has given us Training Day (2001) and Olympus Has Fallen (2013) (a guilty pleasure of mine). Will this be the best film of the year? It may be, but go to the end of this post to understand why it probably won't be. Michael is expected in theaters on April 24.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Before I say what I am going to say, I want to start off by saying that I am excited for this film. But I do feel a bit slighted that the first Star Wars film we are getting in theaters in almost seven years is an extension of the most popular Star Wars series in almost ten years. Don't get me wrong, I still am excited to see this film. I do love that show (third season notwithstanding), but this is what we have going for us.
The Mandalorian and Grogu is directed by Jon Favreau from a screenplay by him and Dave Filoni, based on characters created by George Lucas. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Grogu, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, and Jonny Coyne. No plot details have been released as of yet, but it is expected to follow the events of the third season of The Mandalorian (2019-23).
I believe in Jon Favreau when many people may not, but I am hopeful that this story they are trying to tell is worthy of the big screen. I also worry about the kind of box office that this film will have, since not everybody has Disney+ and even got to see The Mandalorian (if you have not, watch at least the first two seasons because they are delightful as all hell). The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected in theaters on May 22.
Digger
One of the most reliable names in the business is undoubtedly Tom Cruise. Ever since Risky Business (1983), he has become more bankable than any other star. He is mainly known now for his action roles, such as in the Mission: Impossible (1996-2025) films, but he will dabble in some genre stuff now and then. But I never could have imagined his biggest role yet would be in a black comedy film directed by the man behind Birdman (2014) and The Revenant (2015).
Digger is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu from a screenplay by Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone, and Sabina Berman. The film stars Tom Cruise, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, Robert John Burke, Burn Gorman, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman. In the film, the most powerful man in the world attempts to convince the world that he is their savior despite causing the disaster that threatens them all.
While I did not love Birdman (I think it may be time for a rewatch), I did love The Revenant, and thought Leonardo DiCaprio deserved that Oscar. If Alejandro G. Iñárritu can get Leo an Oscar, I believe that he could get Tom Cruise an Oscar (hopefully). The universe works in mysterious ways, and I can be grateful that Cruise is going to do something new and exciting post-Ethan Hunt. Digger is expected in theaters on October 2.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
One of the more consistent things that we have had in the MCU post-Endgame would have to be the Jon Watts-directed Spider-Man trilogy. The films were consistently great and made good box office, with the final entry, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) not only being the highest grossing Sony film ever, it is the highest-grossing Spider-Man film ever. Now in the hands of a new visionary, will a new trilogy take shape? Spider-Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, based on Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, Tramell Tillman, and Marvin Jones III. No plot details have been revealed as of yet, but the film will take place after the events of No Way Home.
Destin Daniel Cretton is converting me into a fan of his, with Just Mercy (2019) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) being great, but what he will do with Marvel's most popular character right now is the main question we all have. I really do have faith that this will be back-to-basics like we all want, and the upside of having Cretton as director cannot be underestimated. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is expected in theaters on July 31.
Supergirl
Is it safe to say that the new DC Universe (DCU) is starting on the right path? I think that question can be answered with an easy yes. It is still too early to tell whether it can reach the highest highs of the MCU, but it has the possibility, and I have nothing but trust in James Gunn to lead us to the promised land, even if he is not involved in the direction of every film (which he should not be as the co-studio head).
Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira, based on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. The film stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, and Emily Beecham. In the film, Supergirl is spending her twenty-first birthday partying on planets with red suns with her dog Krypto until she stumbles upon a young girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll and witnesses a tragedy that leads her on a murderous quest for revenge.
I am a bit nervous about this project, especially knowing that James Gunn is not involved in the project at all, but I believe he has belief that this is going to be good. I mean, this is the same guy who gave us I, Tonya (2017) and Cruella (2021). I am the kind of person (unless I see something that proves otherwise) who approaches things in film with a glass-half-full mentality. Supergirl is expected in theaters on June 26.
Project Hail Mary
This is the earliest-releasing of the films that I have on this list. In case you do not know, then you better call somebody. Just kidding, what I really meant to say is that I am a massive sucker for science-fiction films because they play on what we know and ask the question of what could we know? Each story does it differently but this story promises a lot of kookiness, heart, and just plain old fun. Plus, Ryan Gosling is in the film so it cannot be that bad, can it?
Project Hail Mary is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from a screenplay by Drew Goddard, based on the novel Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, and Ken Leung. In the film, an astronaut wakes up on a spacecraft with no memory of his mission to save Earth from a catastrophic event or how he got there in the first place, and he soon realizes he may not be alone in his mission.
Since early footage of this film was screened for those lucky enough to go to CinemaCon in early 2025, people have been singing the praises of this film, with one person in the industry (you know who you are) believing it is an early frontrunner for Best Picture at the 99th Academy Awards. I am nowhere near ready to make that kind of a proclamation months before the film comes out, but I do hope it is as good as these people are saying it looks. Project Hail Mary is expected in theaters on March 20.
Masters of the Universe
I can admit that there really is no need in 2026 for a film based on another irrelevant 80s franchise, but this series does have its fans and I will not knock on them for finally getting what they want. To be completely fair, there is only one reason that I am remotely interested in this film, and it has everything to do with the film Bumblebee (2018) and its director that won my heart: Travis Knight.
Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight from a screenplay by Chris Butler, based on the multimedia franchise Masters of the Universe by Mattel. The film stars Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Allison Brie, Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Sasheer Zamata, James Purefoy, Charlotte Riley, and Kristen Wiig. In the film, Adam returns to his home planet of Eternia to retrieve his ancestor's Power Sword of Grayskull and become He-Man to combat the forces of Skeletor.
I have heard a whole lot of positive buzz from people that have seen set designs, images, and footage of this film, with someone high up from Amazon MGM saying that this film is as big as Barbie (2023) in terms of scale. I can believe that, and am holding out hope that the marketing push will really want to get me into a theater seat to see this film. But Travis Knight is the steward, and I trust him. Masters of the Universe is expected in theaters on June 5.
Godzilla Minus Zero
As you may know by now, me and Godzilla go way back. As the kids say, you could consider me and the big guy homies. Especially the Hollywood version that loves sleeping in the Roman Colosseum but really does not like Kong. But the version of the big guy we got in Godzilla Minus One (2023) is a mean, mean lizard. The film was absolutely incredible, my second favorite of that year, and hearing a sequel was coming metaphorically turned me on.
Godzilla Minus Zero is written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. No cast or plot information has been revealed thus far, but the film is to serve as a sequel to the aforementioned Godzilla Minus One.
If you remember my review for the previous film, you would know that Ryunosuke Kamiki gave one of the best performances I saw in 2023, and I am hopeful that he and most of the cast of the first can come back and get some more love from us here in the States. If this film is as good as Minus One was, we are looking at potentially the best Godzilla franchise ever conceived. Godzilla Minus Zero is expected to release here in the States on November 6.
Clayface
You should know what my stance is on horror films by now, and how I hold them to a higher standard than other films. We have had some great ones in the past five years, but I am always hoping for the next good one. Here's the thing boys and girls, I never in my wildest dreams expected the potential next best horror film to be one based on a comic book character, much less a member of Batman's rogues gallery.
Clayface is directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, based on characters from DC. The film stars Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, and Eddie Marsan. In the film, a young up-and-coming actor has his face disfigured by a gangster and turns to a scientist that turns his body into clay as a last resort to save his career.
Yeah, you read all that right. We are getting a body horror film akin to The Substance (2024) or Together (2025) in the shiny and new DCU. James Gunn was not kidding when he said the DCU would not have one singular tone. Look at what we got with Superman (2025), Peacemaker (2022-) and what we may be getting with Supergirl and Lanterns (both 2026). All different tones, but all either have worked or may work. Clayface is expected in theaters on September 11.
Dune: Part Three
Denis Villeneuve has quickly turned into one of the best directors in the world right now. Prisoners (2013), Arrival (2016), Blade Runner 2019 (2017), and Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) are some of the films that really turned Villeneuve into the man he is today. Dune: Part Two is a cinematic achievement that one pundit calls the best film they have seen in the last decade. So can he close out this trilogy strong?
Dune: Part Three is directed by Denis Villeneuve from a screenplay by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, based on the novel Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, Ida Brooke, and Robert Pattinson. No plot details have been revealed as of yet, but the film is loosely based on Dune Messiah.
The Dune films are shaping up to be some of the best science fiction films we have ever seen, and we are approaching the end of the trilogy. I thought Dune: Part Two was the second-best film of 2024, and I knew it was going to be very hard to top that near-masterpiece. We can only see with time, as the film may be gearing up for another cultural phenomenon the likes of Barbenheimer. Dune: Part Three is expected in theaters on December 18.
Coyote vs. Acme
If we're being honest with our feelings, I am not really that excited to see this film. But...the events that have transpired since the film completed production is what really made me want to see this thing. WB decided to write it off, but reversed their decision to allow for a buyer. When none surfaced, the film lingered for a long time, but Ketchup bought the rights in March 2025 and announced they will release the film theatrically. Pretty good for a dying franchise in the Looney Tunes world.
Coyote vs. Acme is directed by Dave Green from a screenplay by Samy Burch and a story by Burch, James Gunn, and Jeremy Slater, based on the New Yorker article Coyote v. Acme by Ian Frazier. The film stars Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, P. J. Byrne, Tone Bell, Martha Kelly, and the voice of Eric Bauza. In the film, Wile E. Coyote decides to sue the Acme Corporation for repeatedly selling him allegedly faulty products.
Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, the events that happened after the film completed production only made the groundswell of support for this film grow and grow. Knowing what this film is about and what went into getting it released definitely has contributed to my excitement over seeing this film. Will this be the greatest thing I have ever seen? Not by a long shot. Will I enjoy it? We will find out when Coyote vs. Acme releases in theaters on August 28.
The Odyssey
Come on now, did you guys expect any different? This is the main event right here. Christopher Nolan gave us one of the greatest films I have ever seen nearly three years ago (holy shit, by the way) in Oppenheimer (2023). I have not, and will not, shut up about this film whenever it is brought up in conversations, and I just KNEW whatever the master gave us next I would be all over like peanut butter on jelly. Who knew it would be a straight-up adaptation of the fucking Odyssey?
The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan, based on the epic poem the Odyssey by Homer. The film's ensemble cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal. In the film, Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, begins a long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War where he comes face-to-face with threats beyond his wildest dreams.
Is there really anything further I have to say about why this is not only my most anticipated film of the year, but my most anticipated film since Oppenheimer? This may just be the best film of the year if Nolan does this right. I do have some trepidation because the scope of the Odyssey is a bit too grand, but if anyone can pull this off, it would be the master. The best director in the world right now. Christopher Nolan. The Odyssey is expected in theaters on July 17.
As you can see, there are some amazing-looking films that are releasing in 2026 and this may shape up (if these all hit the mark) to be one of, if not the, best years of cinema in history. Despite the world feeling like it is falling apart at the seams, we can all agree that this is still one of the mediums that we can all come together and enjoy. Thank you all for reading this post, and I will see you with some more reviews and my reactions to the Oscar nominations.
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