The 33 most exciting new movies of 2026: TechRadar's top picks that are coming to the big screen, Netflix, and more
SOURCE:TechRadar|BY: Tom Power
2026 looks like it's going to be another great year of new movies – here are our top choices for the weeks and months to come.
The Odyssey, Avengers: Doomsday, and Toy Story 5 are among this year's most anticipated new movies (Image credit: Universal Pictures/San Diego Comic-Con/Disney Pixar)
2026 looks like it's going to be another year full of epic new movies. Indeed, the world's biggest studios and best streaming services are ready to serve up more terrific looking films for fans of all genres and ages to enjoy, so we've decided to round up our most anticipated ones.
Below, you'll find 33 new movies we're most excited to see in 2026. We've categorized them by their current release dates, too, which will make it easier to see when they'll debut on a big and/or small screen near you.
There are lots of new films set to debut in the weeks and months ahead, plus other flicks that haven't been announced yet, which we didn't have time to cover, so bear in mind this isn't an exhaustive list. Regardless, here are the movies we're looking forward to seeing this year. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
January
People We Meet on Vacation (January 9)
(Image credit: Netflix)
You don’t have to wait until summer for a holiday romance, with People We Meet on Vacation being the first of many new Netflix movies to arrive this year. Based on the hit book's namesake, best friends Poppy and Alex take yearly summer trips while navigating their evolving relationship. Essentially, it’s a friends-to-lovers tale, and we’ve got Emily Bader and Tom Blyth cast in the leading roles, meaning this is going to be a sexy watch from the get-go.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (January 16)
(Image credit: Sony)
Who else felt shortchanged by the screentime given to the elaborate, skull and bone pagan-like temple in ? Well, the real-life set-piece is set to play a central role in Nia DaCosta’s sequel, which picks up directly where the last film ended, with a young boy surrounded by cultists dressed like the disgraced Jimmy Savile (in this apocalyptic reality, the former British TV presenter’s crimes were never known). Expect wide-eyed terror in what promises to be a truly terrifying watch and don’t forget to look out for Cillian Murphy, who's reportedly reprising his role as Jim from the original movie .
The Ben Affleck-Matt Damon collaboration train continues ploughing on in a couple of weeks with this Netflix action-crime thriller. The RIP sees the household names play a pair of Miami cops who, after discovering millions of dollars in cash alongside their fellow officers, begin to distrust each other as outside forces – law-abiding and criminal – soon learn about the stash. Films that star and/or involve Damon and Affleck are always great, so I'd suggest adding this one to your watchlist ASAP.
February
Goat (February 13)
(Image credit: Sony Pictures Animation)
From the studio behind the Spider-Verse movies and pop culture phenomenon Kpop Demon Hunters, Goat sees Stranger Things alumnus Caleb McLaughlin voice Will Harris, an anthropohmorphic goat who dreams of being a professional roarball – this movie's take on basketball – player. When he finally earns the opportunity to play with the big boys, the diminutive Will, well, will have to prove he deserves his place in the spotlight. A fun-looking family-friendly flick that, based on the success of Sony Pictures Animation's other recent ventures, should be another fantastic watch that's equally gorgeous to look at.
Wuthering Heights (February 13)
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
When I tell you I’m going to spend my Valentine’s Day alone in the cinema going feral for Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, that doesn’t even begin to capture my descent into delusion. Diehard Emily Brontë fans are already split on Fennell’s erotically charged interpretation of the classic novel, but I couldn’t be more ready for the chaos. Interestingly, the poster suggests the title is actually "Wuthering Heights", so I think the theory that Margot Robbie’s Cathy is just imagining Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff has some legs.
Crime 101 (February 13)
(Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Sony Pictures)
Less than a month after The RIP's launch, Amazon MGM Studios and Sony come out swinging with its own suspense-filled action-crime drama. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Crime 101 will see his character Davis square off against fellow Marvel star Mark Ruffalo's Lieutenant Lubesnik; the latter leading the charge in attempting to stop Davis' latest multi-million dollar heist. With a strong supporting cast including Halle Berry and Barry Keoghan, and plenty of twists along the way, I'm eager to see how its story plays out.
How to Make a Killing (February 20)
(Image credit: A24)
A24, Glenn Powell, and Margaret Qualley? Say no more. I’ve been hyped about How to Make a Killing since it was first announced, and I can’t wait to be first in line to watch the latest black comedy from my favorite film studio come out. In it, Powell plays a character who is disowned by his wealthy family, with the plot teasing he will "stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance". Is it February yet?
Scream 7 (February 27)
(Image credit: Paramount)
Do you like scary movies? I sure do, especially when they’re as iconic as this. The revival of Wes Craven’s beloved Scream series continues apace with a seventh instalment, and I’m besides myself waiting for it. Scream 5 and Scream 6 directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have passed the baton to Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original Scream movie, so I have high hopes for it. Oh, and Matthew Lillard is back, so you can bet fans everywhere let out the loudest cheer possible when that was announced.
March
Hoppers (March 6)
(Image credit: Disney)
Hoppers has a fantastic cast including Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, and Dave Franco, so I'm very much looking forward to this movie. Disney Pixar has delivered so many animated classics down the years, and this could be another one of them. In it, we follow a group of scientists who invent a way to "hop" human minds into lifelike robotic animal bodies. It's a fun concept and I can't wait to see where it goes with its blend of sci-fi and comedy.
The Bride! (March 6)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
After falling in love with Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein, you won't believe how ready I am for Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride!. There's been a real appetite for gothic horror and monsters lately, so I'll truly be in my element here. Jessie Buckley plays the titular Bride and Christian Bale stars as Frankenstein's monster, which is a match made in heaven if you ask me. Teamed with Annette Bening as Dr. Euphronious and a 1930s backdrop, this could be one of 2026's best movies.
Project Hail Mary (March 20)
(Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)
My most anticipated sci-fi movie of 2026 is, without a doubt, Project Hail Mary. If there’s any author who can tell a compelling story about being stranded in space, it’s Andy Weir. His last book to be adapted for the big screen – The Martian – proved that in spectacular fashion, and I have no doubt long-time collaborators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller will be up for the challenge. This has all the makings of a disaster movie like no other, with a world-ending scenario, an unforgiving space setting, and an unlikely hero fighting to save the day. In short: I couldn’t be more excited.
April
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 3)
(Image credit: Nintendo/Illumination)
Michael (April 24)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
I’ll level with you – I have major musical biopic fatigue. But, unlike A Complete Unknown or Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, I think Michael is going to be absolutely unmissable. Telling the story of a fairly successful singer called Michael Jackson, his wider family has been heavily involved in production. So much so, Michael’s nephew Jaafar Jackson is actually playing him. From The Jackson 5 to the ‘Thriller’ album, we’re going to get the full M.J. experience… well, from a music perspective, anyway. We'll see if any of his alleged off-stage antics make it into this flick when it's released.
May
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1)
(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
I was 11 when I watched a little movie called The Devil Wears Prada, something which changed my life and cultural references for good. I’ll be 31 when The Devil Wears Prada 2 drops – and I feel as ridiculously excited as I did 20 years ago. Legacy sequels don’t always work, but with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all returning to their original roles, I think our Miranda Priestly’s comeback will be bulletproof. I just need there to be a new fashion montage of Hathaway walking through the streets of New York and all will be right in the world.
Mortal Kombat II (May 8)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
Initially set for release in late 2025, Mortal Kombat II was delayed until mid-2026 because it’s now viewed as a potential summer blockbuster. It’s unclear if it’ll be as successful as Warner Bros. hopes, but its 2021 predecessor, which received a day-and-date release in theaters and on HBO Max amid the pandemic, was deemed a big success on the latter, so this sequel should perform similarly well. And, hey, even if it doesn’t, gory action movies of this ilk are always great fun, especially if you suspend your disbelief and disengage your brain for a couple of hours.
The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22)
(Image credit: Lucasfilm)
Star Wars fans have been starved of silver screen adventures for a while now. By the time The Mandalorian & Grogu (T.M&G) comes out, almost seven years will have passed since The Rise of Skywalker brought the nine-strong Skywalker Saga to a stumbling close. Buoyed by the fanbase’s enduring adoration for Baby Yoda/Grogu and a solid three-reason run for The Mandalorian on Disney+, though, hopes are high that T.M&G can recapture the joy and awe of watching a Lucasfilm project on the biggest screen possible. It’s high time that galaxy far, far away gave us another great film to enjoy – fingers crossed this one is the one we’re looking for.
June
Masters of the Universe (June 5)
(Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Sony Pictures)
I have the pooowwweeerrr! And, no, it's not just because that's my surname. Indeed, Amazon's live-action take on He-Man and the Masters of the Universe will debut in theaters this June and, while it has the potential to be a campy car crash of a movie, I'm holding out hope that it'll do justice to Mattel's popular media franchise, especially with such a talented cast. Well, as long as it has the power of Grayskull within its makeup...
Toy Story 5 (June 19)
(Image credit: Disney/Pixar)
With the last two Toy Story flicks seemingly bringing Woody, Buzz, and company’s story to a close twice now, you’ve got to wonder why a fifth entry in Pixar’s long-running film franchise is necessary. The short answer is: Disney knows it’ll make money. Whether you’re excited to see Toy Story 5 or simply rolled your eyes upon its announcement, it’s already abundantly clear it’ll be a box office hit. And, with its ‘toys versus tech’ inspired story, it’s a movie that couldn’t be more timely. You’ve got a friend in me, Toy Story, so I’ll be seated day one.
Supergirl (June 26)
(Image credit: DC Studios)
Hoo boy, am I excited for Supergirl, but there’s no denying the second DC Universe (DCU) movie is something of a litmus test for DC Studios. Sure, 2025’s Superman movie was critically and commercially successful but, with slow progress being made on Batman and Wonder Woman’s debuts, it’s up to characters like Kara Zor-El to help lead the DCU Chapter One charge on the big screen. Given Milly Alcock’s scene-stealing cameo in the Man of Steel’s latest cinematic adventure, I’ve full confidence it’ll make it four wins out of four for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s nascent superhero franchise. For now, get the lowdown on everything we know so far about Supergirl.
July
Minions 3 (July 1)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures/Illumination)
I’m not ashamed to say that I’m as obsessed with these mischievous yellow creatures as much as the average five-year-old. And, while it’s the third Minions movie, it’s actually the seventh entry into the Despicable Me franchise. There’s currently no known synopsis for this flick, but I’m pretty confident that I can surmise it for you – the minions cause chaos while looking cute, but ultimately save the day while reminding everyone of the importance of humanity and kindness. In a nutshell, I need to see it now.
Moana (July 10)
(Image credit: Disney)
Moana is the latest Disney movie to get the live-action treatment and, regardless on your feelings about whether such an adaptation was necessary, there's plenty to look forward to. Catherine Laga'aia makes her big screen debut as Moana, taking over from Auliʻi Cravalho who voiced the titular character in the two animated movies. Laga'aia is joined by Dwayne Johnson's Maui, who reprises his role as the demigod as they take to the real-life seas this time. Personally, I can't wait to see the beautiful world of Moana come to life beyond animation.
The Odyssey (July 17)
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)
Christopher Nolan’s films often revolve around family, particularly the bond between a parent and child, so it feels inevitable that Homer’s epic poem about a son searching for his father would fit his sensibilities perfectly. This adaptation of The Odyssey, which leans more heavily into the fantasical than the historical, is shaping up to be Nolan’s white whale. With its overlapping narrative threads, shifting perspectives between father and son, and epic scale of its mythological settings, the production demands are enormous. Add in the sprawling locations and ambitious visual scope, and it already feels primed to be the biggest cinematic spectacle of 2026.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31)
(Image credit: Sony Pictures)
The second of three comic book movies I’m stoked to see in 2026, Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks the start of a new era for my favorite superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It sounds like it’ll take some big *ahem* swings with director Daniel Destin Cretton at the helm. And, with a starry cast including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Mark Ruffalo, John Bernthal, and many more besides, this supposedly more street-level, neighborhood-friendly film could be everything I want from a more grounded Spider-Man story. While we wait for its arrival, find out what we know so far about Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
If any 2026 movie deserves love, attention, and the biggest theatrical release known to man, it’s Coyote Vs. Acme. It’s the Warner Bros. movie we nearly never saw, having initially been shelved in November 2023 as a tax write-off. Luckily, Ketchup Entertainment acquired the rights last March after over a year’s worth of unsuccessful negotiations. 2026 is the film’s moment to shine and, given that fans campaigned hard for it to be saved, I doubt we’ll be disappointed. In a rogue twist, some of the new feud between Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote takes place in a courtroom, Law & Order style, so expect a humorous legal drama with some tear-jerking moments to boot.
September
Clayface
(Image credit: DC Comics)
A small-budget body horror movie set in the DCU that's been penned by Mike Flanagan? Sign. Me. Up. Not only does Clayface sound like it'll be a terrific albeit grotesque watch, but it could also be our first glimpse at what Gunn and Safran's DC Comics-inspired franchise has in store for its take on Batman. That's as good an excuse as any, in my opinion, to put this movie on your radar. While we wait for more concrete details on this one, get the lowdown on what we know so far about Clayface.
October
(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)
A sequel to Fincher's The Social Network, this one is high on my list of anticipated movies for 2026. I'm keen to see how Aaron Sorkin directs this movie after writing the original, as he'll be following how Frances Haugen and The Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz blew the whistle on the social network's most guarded secrets. Anora's Mikey Madison and The Bear's Jeremy Allen White play the two leads, so it's got star power behind it, too. Just don't expect to see any returning faces, such as Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake, from the original.
Street Fighter (October 16)
(Image credit: Legendary Entertainment)
We're in an era of great videogame adaptations, which has made me optimistic about the new Street Fighter movie. I've loved playing the games over the years and the casting for this latest live-action take on the fighting game staple is stacked, with the likes of Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, David Dastmalchian, and Jason Momoa transporting themselves into the iconic universe. Starry as its ensemble is, I'm praying it'll be as good as it sounds, especially after the ill-fated 1994 attempt to deliver a silver screen classic.
November
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (November 20)
(Image credit: Lionsgate)
Given that Suzanne Collins' identically titled novel was only released back in March, I’m astonished by the lightning quick turnaround for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. From the trailer alone, we’re in for yet another exquisite installment of Panem’s fight for survival, with a young Haymitch Abernathy now competing in the Second Quarter Quell. With a shedload of new cast members, it’s now also been confirmed that Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are returning for the epilogue. Basically, this is a Hunger Games fans’ dream come true.
Narnia: The Magician's Nephew (November 26)
(Image credit: The Walt Disney Company)
Narnia is back this year with Barbie director Greta Gerwig at the helm. This latest big-screen adaptation is based on its book namesake, which serves as the first in the series chronologically and the sixth overall.
There's a huge new cast attached, too, including Emma Mackey, Carey Mulligan, Denise Gough, and Daniel Craig. D.J. Mark Ronson is providing the soundtrack and, if it's as good as Barbie was, I'm excited to relive my childhood through this. It's set to be released by Netflix, but will it be one of the streamer's best movies and/or will it be given a limited theatrical release? We'll have to see.
December
Jumanji 3 (December 11)
(Image credit: Columbia Pictures )
It's been teased as "The Final Level" of the Dwayne Johnson-led Jumanji film trilogy and, hopefully, it'll go out on a high. There's a long wait for the next installment as it's not hitting theaters until December, but I'm still hoping for big things as we conclude the adventure. Not much is known about Jumanji 3 yet, but the main cast are all back for more game-based action in a film that, per Johnson, will honor the late Robin William's 1995 original.
Avengers: Doomsday (December 18)
(Image credit: Walt Disney Studios/Marvel Studios)
If Spider-Man 4 is Marvel’s ‘small-scale’ film for 2026, Avengers: Doomsday will be anything but. The first of a two-part tale that’ll bring the comic titan’s wildly inconsistent Multiverse Saga to an end, the fifth Avengers movie aims to be a celebration of Marvel Studios’ big- and small-screen journey thus far. Nonetheless, questions remain: will every member of Doomsday’s initial 27-strong cast get the screentime they deserve? Can Robert Downey Jr really give us another all-time performance, this time as iconic supervillain Doctor Doom, to remember in the MCU? And, most importantly, will the Marvel Phase 6 flick be the first one to make over $2bn since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame? We’ll find out in a year’s time. For now, get the scoop on what we know so far about Avengers: Doomsday.
Dune: Part 3 (December 18)
(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
For Doomsday to stand any chance of answering that final question with a resounding “yes”, it’ll need to see off Dune: Part Three. At the time of writing, the next installment of the Denis Villeneuve-directed, mind-bending sci-fi epic movie series will go head-to-head with Avengers 5 ahead of the 2026 festive season. With its own A-list cast led by the ever-popular Timothée Chalamet, incredibly dense universe, and intellectually stimulating story, it’s got as good a chance as Doomsday in being a major hit. If neither film blinks and sees their current launch date moved, film fans will be eating well going into this year’s Holiday season.
Werwulf (December 25)
(Image credit: Focus Features)
Nosferatu was my favorite film of 2024 (because I saw it in advance, release date nerds), so when I found out that director Robert Eggers was writing a Middle English Werwulf movie, I was locked in. What’s more, the entire film will be in traditional 13th century dialogue… but who’s listening to that when Eggers’ cinematic style is so jaw-dropping? Given it’s coming out so late in 2026, we have next to no details on what we can expect to see. However, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, and Willem Dafoe are all returning to work with Eggers once again, so I'm already counting down the days, weeks, and months to its arrival.
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As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.
Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.
Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.
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