Most Anticipated Hollywood Movies Releasing in 2026

The Odyssey is arguably the single most anticipated film of 2026, and for good reason. Christopher Nolan, fresh off his Best Director Oscar win for Oppenheimer, is tackling Homer's ancient Greek epic poem with the biggest budget and most star-studded cast of his career. Matt Damon leads as Odysseus alongside Zendaya, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Mia Goth, and Jon Bernthal. The combination of Nolan's cerebral storytelling approach and the timeless tale of Odysseus's 10-year journey home after the Trojan War has created unprecedented anticipation in the film community.

What elevates the excitement even further is Nolan's commitment to practical filmmaking. He's shooting entirely on new IMAX 70mm film technology at real Mediterranean locations, promising a visual spectacle unlike anything audiences have ever seen. This marks Nolan's first venture into ancient mythology and period filmmaking, expanding his already impressive range. Universal Pictures is backing the project with full confidence after Oppenheimer's massive success, and early reports from production suggest Nolan is creating something that could redefine the epic genre for modern audiences. The July release date positions it as the summer's biggest event, with industry analysts predicting it could be the highest-grossing film of 2026 and a major Oscar contender.

No film announcement in 2025 shocked the world quite like the reveal that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU—not as Iron Man, but as the villainous Doctor Doom. When Downey appeared at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 wearing Doctor Doom's mask, the crowd went absolutely wild, and the internet exploded with reactions. The anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday skyrocketed instantly, as Marvel successfully pulled off one of the most unexpected casting coups in superhero cinema history. The return of the Russo Brothers (directors of Infinity War and Endgame, which grossed nearly $5 billion combined) adds another massive layer of excitement.

Marvel desperately needs Doomsday to succeed after a string of mixed receptions for Phase Four and Five projects. The combination of RDJ's return, the Russo Brothers' proven track record, and Doctor Doom (one of Marvel's greatest comic villains) as the main antagonist has created sky-high expectations. The film is positioned as the penultimate chapter before Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027, meaning the stakes are enormous for the entire MCU's future. Fans are speculating wildly about how Downey will differentiate Doctor Doom from Tony Stark, whether this involves multiverse variants, and how the film will set up Secret Wars. The December release date gives it maximum holiday box office potential, and many believe it could challenge Endgame's records if it delivers on its massive promise.

After No Way Home became the highest-grossing film of 2021 and the sixth biggest movie of all time ($1.9 billion worldwide), anticipation for Tom Holland's Spider-Man return has been building for years. The devastatingly emotional ending—where Peter's spell caused everyone to forget his existence—left fans desperate to see what comes next. Brand New Day picks up with Peter completely alone, trying to focus on college while everyone he loves, including MJ and Ned, has no memory of him. This fresh start allows the franchise to explore new territory and has fans incredibly excited about the storytelling possibilities.

The hype intensified when Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton was announced as helmer, bringing fresh creative energy while maintaining writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers who understand Peter's character deeply. Sadie Sink joining the cast in a major role has sparked endless speculation—is she playing Black Cat? Gwen Stacy? An original character? The mystery adds to the anticipation. Producer Amy Pascal confirmed this begins a new trilogy, meaning fans have three more films with Holland's Peter to look forward to. With Tom Holland also appearing in The Odyssey and Avengers: Doomsday in 2026, he's positioned as the year's biggest movie star. Early glimpses of an updated Spider-Man suit with raised webbing have fans analyzing every detail, making Brand New Day one of the most discussed upcoming films online.

Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two wasn't just a critical and commercial success—it became a cultural phenomenon that swept the 2025 Academy Awards with six wins and proved sci-fi epics can still dominate theaters in the streaming age. The announcement that Villeneuve would complete his trilogy with Dune: Messiah, adapting Frank Herbert's philosophically complex second novel, sent fans into overdrive. Set 12 years after Part Two, the film will explore the dark consequences of Paul Atreides's messianic rule and examine themes of religious fanaticism, political corruption, and the burden of prophecy.

The anticipation is driven by several factors: Villeneuve has stated this will be his final Dune film, making it a poignant farewell to the universe he brought to life so brilliantly. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are expected to return as Paul and Chani, with Anya Taylor-Joy potentially expanding her brief Part Two cameo as Alia Atreides. Hans Zimmer's return to compose the score, Greig Fraser's cinematography, and the Christmas 2026 release date all signal this will be positioned as both a holiday blockbuster and major Oscar contender. Dune: Messiah is darker and more introspective than the first two films, which has book fans especially excited to see how Villeneuve tackles Herbert's examination of Paul as both hero and monster. The trilogy stands to become this generation's defining sci-fi saga.

Star Wars is finally returning to theaters after a seven-year absence, and it's bringing the franchise's most beloved characters with it. The Mandalorian and Grogu (Baby Yoda) became a cultural phenomenon when the Disney+ series launched in 2019, single-handedly justifying the streaming service's existence and reminding audiences why they fell in love with Star Wars in the first place. The decision to bring these characters to the big screen for a standalone film rather than continuing with Season 4 shows Lucasfilm's confidence in their theatrical potential and the massive audience demand to see Mando and Grogu's adventures on the largest scale possible.

Jon Favreau directs the film he created, with Pedro Pascal returning as Din Djarin and exciting new additions including Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt and Sigourney Weaver in her Star Wars debut. The anticipation is fueled by The Mandalorian's proven track record of quality storytelling, stunning visuals, and perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation. Grogu remains one of the most merchandised characters in pop culture, and seeing him on the big screen in IMAX is a dream come true for millions of fans. The film represents a crucial test for Lucasfilm—if it succeeds, other Disney+ Star Wars series could make the theatrical jump, potentially revitalizing the franchise's cinematic future. The May release date gives it prime early summer positioning, and it could easily become one of 2026's biggest hits.

Andy Weir's The Martian became both a bestselling novel and an Oscar-nominated blockbuster film, so when his follow-up Project Hail Mary topped bestseller lists and earned rave reviews, Hollywood immediately took notice. Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, an astronaut who wakes alone on a space station millions of miles from Earth with no memory of his identity or mission. As his memory returns, he realizes he's humanity's last hope to stop a cosmic extinction event. The combination of Weir's hard science fiction storytelling, Gosling's star power, and Phil Lord & Christopher Miller's direction has created massive anticipation.

Lord and Miller (The Lego Movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) are known for bringing unexpected emotional depth and visual creativity to their projects, making them perfect for Weir's story that balances scientific problem-solving with profound themes of friendship and sacrifice. Fans of The Martian are excited for another survival story, but Project Hail Mary's interstellar setting and first contact elements promise something even more ambitious. Sandra Hüller and Lionel Boyce round out the cast in mysterious roles that book readers know are crucial to the story's emotional core. The March release date positions it as early awards season contender, and many believe it could replicate The Martian's success by appealing to both sci-fi enthusiasts and mainstream audiences who love character-driven survival stories.

When Oscar-winning writer-director Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn) announced she was adapting Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights with Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the internet collectively lost its mind. Fennell has proven herself a master at exploring toxic relationships, class dynamics, obsession, and the darker sides of desire—themes that align perfectly with Brontë's Gothic masterpiece about destructive love on the Yorkshire moors. The casting of Robbie and Elordi, two of the most charismatic actors of their generation, has fans anticipating explosive on-screen chemistry.

Saltburn became a viral cultural phenomenon in 2024, demonstrating Fennell's ability to create movies that dominate social media conversations for months. Her darkly comedic, visually striking sensibility promises to bring fresh perspective to a story that's been adapted many times but never quite like this. Robbie is also producing through LuckyChap Entertainment, continuing her mission to champion female filmmakers and complex female characters. The Valentine's Day weekend release date positions it as anti-romantic-comedy counter-programming—a passionate yet haunting examination of love's capacity for both transcendence and destruction. Book lovers, Fennell fans, and audiences drawn to Robbie and Elordi's star power have made this one of 2026's most talked-about projects months before release.

Music biopics have proven to be massive box office draws, with Bohemian Rhapsody earning $900 million and Elvis grossing $288 million worldwide. Now the King of Pop gets his cinematic treatment with Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role. The casting of Jaafar—who bears a striking resemblance to his uncle—adds authenticity and emotional weight, while his intensive training in singing, dancing, and movement suggests a transformative performance. The Jackson estate's full cooperation provides unprecedented access to MJ's music catalog and archival materials.

What makes the anticipation particularly intense is the promise of an unflinching look at both Jackson's genius and his controversies. Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) is known for gritty, honest storytelling rather than hagiography, suggesting the film won't shy away from the complex and troubling aspects of Jackson's life alongside celebrating his unprecedented artistry. The stellar supporting cast includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller, indicating serious dramatic weight. Jackson's unparalleled catalog—"Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal"—provides a soundtrack that spans generations. The film represents a cultural flashpoint, as audiences are fascinated by Jackson's talent and influence while grappling with the serious allegations against him. Whether it succeeds or sparks controversy, Michael is guaranteed to be one of 2026's most discussed releases.

When Disney announced that Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci would all reprise their iconic roles for The Devil Wears Prada 2, nostalgia-driven social media exploded with excitement. The 2006 original has only grown in cultural relevance over nearly 20 years, becoming an endlessly quotable classic beloved across generations. Phrases like "That's all" and "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking" remain part of pop culture lexicon, while Miranda Priestly ranks among cinema's most memorable characters. The sequel, based on Lauren Weisberger's follow-up novel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, catches up with Andy Sachs (now a successful magazine editor) as she once again crosses paths with her former boss Miranda.

The timing feels perfect as the original film's themes of workplace dynamics, female ambition, and navigating toxic bosses resonate even more strongly in today's culture. The sequel will explore how fashion and media industries have transformed with social media, influencers, and the decline of print publishing—relevant territory that gives the story modern urgency. Kenneth Branagh joins the cast in an undisclosed role, adding another heavyweight performer to the ensemble. Fans are particularly excited to see the dynamic between Andy and Emily two decades later, and whether Andy has learned from or become more like Miranda. Director David Frankel's return ensures tonal continuity, and the May release date positions it as sophisticated counter-programming during blockbuster season. This is nostalgia done right—bringing back beloved characters with something new to say.

Disney's live-action reimagining strategy continues with Moana, one of their most beloved recent animated films. The 2016 original grossed $690 million worldwide and its 2024 sequel Moana 2 became Disney's biggest animated opening ever, proving the franchise's enduring popularity. Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia takes on the title role, while Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprises Maui—whom he voiced in both animated films—marking a rare instance where an actor transitions from voicing a character to playing them in live-action. Johnson's star power combined with his genuine connection to Polynesian culture adds authenticity and box office appeal.

Hamilton director Thomas Kail helms the adaptation, bringing his Tony Award-winning theatrical experience to Disney's most visually ambitious live-action project yet. Recreating Moana's stunning oceanic animation with practical locations, elaborate sets, and cutting-edge VFX to depict the sentient ocean and Maui's shape-shifting abilities presents enormous technical challenges. Lin-Manuel Miranda's beloved songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome" will be performed live-action, with potential new material added. The film's culturally rich Polynesian story and spectacular Pacific Island setting make it Disney's most important live-action adaptation since The Lion King in terms of both representation and visual spectacle. Families who've watched the animated film countless times are eager to experience Moana's empowering journey in live-action, making this a guaranteed summer blockbuster.