Over 1.02 billion trailer views before a single frame of actual footage dropped. 222 million views in 24 hours for a fashion magazine sequel. A global box office expected to finally eclipse $35 billion. A $1.9 billion superhero franchise resetting its lead character so no one remembers his name. Christopher Nolan bringing a 2,800-year-old Greek epic to life on brand-new IMAX cameras. The massive numbers suggest Hollywood has returned to its peak. But in a year relying this heavily on nostalgia, the real risk isn’t franchise fatigue; it’s failing to give us a reason to leave the house.
How we ranked this: each entry was judged based upon several key criteria. These included: trailer viewership numbers, box office performance of their respective franchises, filmmaker credibility, and cultural momentum. Each factor was then weighted relative to the subject matter of this particular article. The results were a ranking that was based on evidence and informed by the Vibe List’s editorial opinion. This is our list, grounded in fact, guided by point of view.
Why 2026 Is the Year Your Calendar Became a Battlefield
The 2026 global box office is expected to exceed $35 billion, the largest since the pre-pandemic high-water mark of $42.3 billion in 2019. As of now, the U.S. domestic market is estimated to be worth around $9.6 billion, an 11 percent increase over last year’s total. Also, Q1 has demonstrated there is a legitimate interest: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie grossed $314 million domestically within its first weeks. Meanwhile, Project Hail Mary has grossed over $510 million worldwide and counting.
However, Q1 was merely the warm-up. In addition to a plethora of franchise tentpoles and auteur-driven blockbusters, the next eight months also include numerous legacy sequels. The summer of 2019 stacked Avengers: Endgame, The Lion King, Toy Story 4, and Spider-Man: Far From Home against each other across back-to-back months. While this season may boast a slightly deeper field, some of the films listed below look like contenders for the best of the year.
Christopher Nolan is directing an epic adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. Meanwhile, Marvel will put its entire multiverse plans on the line with Robert Downey Jr. wearing a different mask as Doctor Doom. Notably, Pixar returns to their most popular franchise with Toy Story 5. Greta Gerwig is putting her spin on Narnia. Finally, a Hunger Games prequel opens with a cast of stars that reads like an awards-season fantasy draft.
Not all of them will deliver. Many of these films are relying solely on name recognition and nostalgia instead of creative necessity. Additionally, many of these films possess elements that create behind-the-scenes risks, such as studio interference, franchise fatigue, and untested talent in legacy roles who may lack the star power necessary to justify the cost of a large-budget picture. These elements are exactly what the marketing teams for these films are attempting to hide.
That is precisely what this article is about. We ranked the 20 most anticipated movies still to come in 2026 using both quantitative data (such as trailer views, franchise box office history, and pre-sales) and qualitative editorial judgment (filmmaker credibility, creative ambition, cultural timing, and simply our collective belief regarding which films are going to fail to live up to the hype surrounding them). Each position on this list was an argument. A great deal of the arguments presented here will infuriate you. That means we’re doing our job.
#20 โ Animal Farm
Release Date: May 1, 2026 | Studio: Angel Studios | Director: Andy Serkis
Andy Serkis’ animated version of George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm hits theaters with baggage. Unfortunately, the baggage does not relate to the source material; rather, it relates directly to the decisions made in adapting the material. The voice cast for this film includes a very talented group of actors: Seth Rogen as Napoleon, Woody Harrelson as Boxer, Glenn Close as Freida Pilkington, Kieran Culkin as Squealer, Steve Buscemi, Laverne Cox, Gaten Matarazzo, Jim Parsons, and finally Serkis himself playing Old Major, Mr. Jones, and the Rooster. On paper, this should be a big event.
However, in reality this film has been plagued with criticism since its world premiere at Annecy Film Festival elicited very negative reactions due to Orwell’s political commentary being watered down and replaced with toilet humor and slapstick. The December 2025 trailer further exacerbated the reaction; fans and critics across both sides of the aisle criticized Serkis for transforming Orwell’s dystopian totalitarian critique into a family-friendly “talking animals” comedy with a happy ending. Serkis wrote in the Washington Examiner that Orwell would have supported the debate regarding this interpretation. However, the public seems skeptical.
According to Box Office Pro, Animal Farm is predicted to earn only $5โ$7 million on opening weekend โ far lower than anything produced by Angel Studios previously. Animal Farm is considered one of 2026’s most likely box office disappointments.
Disappointment Risk: High. Critics and audiences alike are clearly skeptical regarding this film prior to its release. A faithful Orwell adaptation directed by someone who pioneered motion-capture technology, with a cast consisting of people who are among the most talented in Hollywood, could have been spectacular. What is coming out on May 1 appears to be substantially less ambitious.
The Vibe List’s Take: Animal Farm ends up at #20 primarily because of the financial expectations of this film. Those expectations appear to be minimal at best. However, what makes this film important is what it represents. An animated Orwell adaptation directed by Andy Serkis featuring the aforementioned voice cast should have been one of the year’s most exciting releases. However, as things stand today, it has evolved into a cautionary tale for filmmakers regarding what occurs when someone softens source material that was never intended to be softened. The irony of an Animal Farm adaptation that dilutes Orwell’s politics would give even Orwell himself reason to grab his red pen.
#19 โ The Death of Robin Hood
Release Date: June 19, 2026 | Studio: A24 | Director: Michael Sarnoski
After earning acclaim with his film Pig (2021) โ which explored the relationship between a man and his pig โ and proving he could handle scale by directing A Quiet Place: Day One, Michael Sarnoski turned his attention to adapting the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood’s Death into a dark, violent thriller for A24, with Hugh Jackman starring as an aging Robin Hood dealing with the consequences of decades spent engaging in criminal activity and murder after being seriously injured in what he believed would be his final battle.
The supporting cast consists of Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgรฅrd as Little John, Murray Bartlett, and Noah Jupe. The film was shot on 35mm in Northern Ireland, with principal photography beginning in early February 2025 and wrapping in late March 2025. A first trailer for the film premiered in January 2026 and currently boasts over 8.8 million views on A24’s YouTube channel alone. The trailer’s tone is moody, intimate, and brutally violent, offering less Errol Flynn and more revisionist Western by way of medieval England.
The June 19 release date places it head-to-head with Toy Story 5, either an excellent counter-programming plan or an egregious error in scheduling. A24 believes there exists limited crossover appeal between their potential audience base for a bleak, R-rated Robin Hood remake versus that of Pixar’s family-friendly crowd. There is merit to their claim.
Disappointment Risk: Low. Michael Sarnoski has failed to produce a subpar film. Similarly, Hugh Jackman continues to demonstrate incredible physicality in each film he takes part in, often putting himself through immense hardship for the sake of telling compelling stories. Furthermore, A24 has consistently shown proficiency when it comes to releasing mid-budget genre films (Civil War, Everything Everywhere All at Once) that generate significant revenue. Ultimately, if Sarnoski delivers the same level of emotional devastation that Pig brought into play with respect to a storied legend in decline, this film will likely emerge as one of the most exceptional films of 2026 and possibly provide us with the best Robin Hood adaptation in existence.
The Vibe List’s Take: Regardless of its box office earnings, The Death of Robin Hood will dominate year-end “best-of” lists given its focus on true human emotion rather than gimmicks or plot devices associated with typical genre films.
#18 โ Evil Dead Burn
Release Date: July 24, 2026 | Studio: Warner Bros. / New Line | Director: Sรฉbastien Vaniฤek
The Evil Dead franchise has always operated on a simple contract with its loyal fanbase: deliver as much graphic violence as possible that creates laughter, screams, and a general questioning as to your ability to endure said violence simultaneously. Sรฉbastien Vaniฤek directed the well-received French horror film Infested (2023), which earned him the opportunity to direct Evil Dead Burn, the latest installment in the Evil Dead series. Vaniฤek displayed footage at CinemaCon 2026 which attendees described as possibly “the most violent Evil Dead film to date.”
Although it deserves consideration at #18 considering how excited many members of the horror community have become regarding this film’s direction, Evil Dead Burn is positioned here because unlike many of the other films on this list, the Evil Dead franchise generates relatively little buzz amongst non-horror fans. Evil Dead Rise (2023) generated $146 million at box offices globally on a budget of $15 million; certainly respectable financially speaking but hardly indicative of blockbuster proportions. It is likely that Evil Dead Burn will follow suit in generating modestly successful box office totals compared to other major releases. Although, the creativity associated with this iteration of Evil Dead cannot be denied.
Disappointment Risk: Low. For an Evil Dead film, “provide visceral, creative horror with a sense of humor” serves as the benchmark for determining success. Considering his previous body of work, Sรฉbastien Vaniฤek demonstrates confidence that he will achieve that benchmark.
The Vibe List’s Take: Evil Dead Burn will undoubtedly dominate discussions regarding horror cinema specifically rather than dominating broader pop culture discourse as do many of the higher-ranked entries on this list.
#17 โ Mortal Kombat II
Release Date: July 31, 2026 | Studio: Warner Bros. / New Line | Director: Simon McQuoid
Mortal Kombat (2021) generated $84 million globally during its pandemic-era hybrid release; sufficient justification for Warner Bros. to proceed with development on a sequel but insufficient proof that the franchise possesses long-term viability outside of its fanbase comprised largely of gamers interested in Mortal Kombat products and media. Mortal Kombat II has experienced multiple delays leading up to its eventual July 31 release date โ not an ideal indicator regarding momentum-building.
Even assuming flawless production, Mortal Kombat II offers some promise: it appears to be adapted from the tournament-based storyline present throughout various iterations of Mortal Kombat video games, thereby introducing fan-favorite character Johnny Cage into the mix. The concern, however, is the inherent inconsistency found within video game adaptations. The first Mortal Kombat film was able to effectively execute fight choreography as its primary strength but lacked substantial narrative depth. Given that Mortal Kombat II will be opening at essentially the same time as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Warner Bros.’ decision-making process regarding scheduling appears reckless bordering on negligent.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate to High. The July 31 release date positions Mortal Kombat II directly opposite Spider-Man: Brand New Day โ two films competing for the same screens and attention on opening weekend, creating real commercial cannibalization concerns.
The Vibe List’s Take: Provided that the marketing campaign successfully answers questions related to why this film warrants a release, Mortal Kombat II will likely meet expectations from die-hard fans; however, meeting expectations from casual consumers remains uncertain.
#16 โ Resident Evil
Release Date: September 18, 2026 | Studio: Sony / Columbia Pictures | Director: Zach Cregger
Zach Cregger directed Barbarian (2022), which earned itself widespread word-of-mouth praise in horror, and subsequently proved he could work at a larger scale with Weapons, which won Best Supporting Actress at the 98th Academy Awards. He is now tasked with rebooting Sony’s Resident Evil franchise for Columbia Pictures. Cregger showcased footage from his upcoming film at CinemaCon 2026 and received positive reactions from attendees, who reported that Cregger’s vision seemed to return to the survival horror origins present in Capcom’s original games.
Resident Evil desperately requires this reboot. Paul W.S. Anderson created six films over a nearly two-decade span (2002โ2021) which collectively generated nearly $1.2 billion globally, although ultimately relied almost exclusively on action-spectacle elements and did little to nothing for the survival horror elements traditionally representative of the Resident Evil series. Moreover, the attempt at reviving Resident Evil in Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) proved both critically and commercially unsuccessful.
Zach Cregger’s experience working within horror provides him credibility that allows him to return Resident Evil to its survival horror roots without losing sight of what originally attracted so many people to the franchise.
Disappointment Risk: Low to Moderate. The biggest risk facing this film is that Sony’s creative department will interfere with Cregger’s vision, creating unnecessary action-spectacle elements within the film that existing fans have repeatedly demonstrated they have no desire for.
The Vibe List’s Take: Providing Zach Cregger complete freedom to make Barbarian with zombies will yield one of the finest Resident Evil adaptations ever made.
#15 โ Masters of the Universe
Release Date: June 5, 2026 | Studio: Amazon MGM / Sony International | Director: Travis Knight
It’s been over ten years since the last major Masters of the Universe movie. There have been many versions of the film proposed, including different directors, writers, and studios. The version currently scheduled for release in 2026 stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man and Idris Elba as the voice of Battle Cat. Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee), who demonstrated an ability to take a franchise property that had been stagnant for decades and give it emotional depth in Bumblebee, directs.
That is why this film ranks so highly on this list โ if anyone can successfully bring this franchise back to the big screen, it would be Travis Knight. The official trailer has received praise from critics who have compared the visual style to Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and the fantasy adventure aspects to The Princess Bride (1987).
The risk: there is a large amount of nostalgia associated with the He-Man franchise among Generation X viewers. However, there is little familiarity with the franchise among younger generations. Amazon MGM is taking a gamble that both Galitzine’s growing popularity as an actor and Knight’s ability to visually bring a story to life can help bridge that age gap.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate. Although there is a great deal of nostalgia associated with the He-Man franchise, it is not a universally recognizable franchise such as Star Wars or Marvel. Success depends solely on how well Amazon MGM markets the film.
The Vibe List’s Take: As stated previously, Masters of the Universe is the wildcard of the summer. If they land, then it may just start a new franchise. If they fail, then He-Man may go back into the vault for another decade. While we’re cautiously optimistic, Travis Knight has earned enough credibility to warrant our support.
#14 โ Moana (Live Action)
Release Date: July 10, 2026 | Studio: Walt Disney Pictures | Director: Thomas Kail
Walt Disney Pictures’ live-action remake machine continues to churn out movies. Moana, which has already produced two successful films based on its title character (Moana [2016], Moana 2 [2024]), is now being remade into a live-action film. The film will be directed by Thomas Kail (original Broadway production of Hamilton), who will attempt to recreate the oceanic magic seen in the animated version of Moana. The first full trailer was released in early March 2026 and showed off a beautiful ocean setting and a talented young cast featuring some familiar actors, along with returning voice actor Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
While Disney’s live-action remakes have shown that they are capable of producing commercially viable films (e.g., The Lion King [2019] grossed $1.65 billion and The Little Mermaid [2023] grossed $569 million), they have often lacked creativity. Specifically, they’ve been criticized for relying too heavily on CGI-driven photorealism. Moana presents the unique problem of trying to capture the magical qualities of an animated Polynesian island setting using live action.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate. Disney has proven that they can make money from live-action remakes, but critically speaking they’ve been inconsistent. The Lion King did well at the box office but was criticized for its lifeless photorealism. The Little Mermaid performed reasonably well but divided audiences. Moana will face a similar challenge, as both prior remakes capitalized on nostalgia for the original animation. If Kail focuses too much on recreating the visuals from the original instead of emphasizing the storytelling and musical aspects that made the original successful, then it will likely fall flat.
The Vibe List’s Take: We believe that Kail should focus on capturing the emotional resonance found within the original animated film. If he can do that, then we think that the live-action adaptation will be a hit. If, however, he focuses too much on recreating the visuals from the animated film and not enough on capturing its spirit, then it will simply be a pretty postcard with nothing inside.
#13 โ Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Release Date: June 26, 2026 | Studio: Warner Bros. / DC Studios | Director: Craig Gillespie
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is James Gunn and Peter Safran’s second film in their newly rebooted DC Universe, following Superman (2025). Directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella, I, Tonya), this film follows a cosmic revenge Western based on Tom King’s critically acclaimed comic book series. The first trailer debuted in March 2026 to mostly positive responses. The film features a talented cast including Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon’s Rhaenyra) as Supergirl/Kara Zor-El, Jason Momoa as Lobo, and David Corenswet reprising his role as Superman.
For DC Studios, this film represents a crucial test of their rebooted universe. Superman (2025) was able to establish their new universe, and now it is up to Supergirl to prove that DC Studios has an audience interested in exploring different characters and styles.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate to High. Unlike Superman, which is a household name, Supergirl/Kara Zor-El is not yet a beloved character among mainstream audiences. Additionally, unlike Superman, who embodies classic values of optimism and self-sacrifice, Kara Zor-El is portrayed in her comic book series as a cynical, hard-drinking alien bent on revenge against those she feels wronged her. Therefore, DC Studios’ ability to connect with audiences may depend greatly on how effectively they market their tone and what kind of response they get from critics and audiences alike. Gillespie is an accomplished director, but he has never directed a budget this large.
The Vibe List’s Take: With Supergirl, DC Studios is testing their new universe more than ever before. Superman was able to succeed because it was Superman. Everyone loves Superman. Audiences don’t yet have an emotional investment in Kara Zor-El. Milly Alcock is a talented actress, and what makes us hopeful is that she will be playing a complex version of Kara Zor-El inspired by Tom King’s comic book series and that she will receive fair treatment from DC Studios.
#12 โ Minions & Monsters
Release Date: July 1, 2026 | Studio: Universal / Illumination | Directors: Pierre Coffin and Brad Ableson
Let’s keep things simple regarding Minions & Monsters. The Despicable Me franchise has earned over $5.4 billion worldwide across five films. Despicable Me 4 earned $962 million alone in 2024. The Minions are essentially a financial perpetual motion machine for Universal Pictures. Minions & Monsters was bumped up nearly a year ahead of schedule from its original 2027 release date to show how confident Universal believes in its enduring box office draw.
As mentioned earlier, this film won’t win any awards for creativity or emotional depth. Its goal is to entertain children physically and not annoy their parents with its antics. It will achieve both goals without issue.
Disappointment Risk: Very Low (commercially). Every single Despicable Me film has achieved some level of commercial success. While there are some films that were panned by critics, none have lost money for Universal Pictures. Therefore, success for Minions & Monsters is almost guaranteed regardless of quality.
The Vibe List’s Take: Minions & Monsters will earn anywhere from $800 million to $1 billion globally. Your kids will enjoy watching it and you’ll put up with it. That’s basically all you need to know about this film.
#11 โ The Devil Wears Prada 2
Release Date: May 1, 2026 | Studio: 20th Century Studios | Director: David Frankel
The statistics behind The Devil Wears Prada 2 are quite stunning. The teaser trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 was viewed more times than any other comedy trailer in 15 years, receiving 181.5 million views in its first 24 hours. When 20th Century Studios officially released the full-length trailer later that month, it shattered that number, earning 222 million views in 24 hours and becoming the studio’s most-watched trailer in company history and one of the top nine highest-viewed trailers across all studios in history.
Returning are Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly), Anne Hathaway (Andy Sachs), Emily Blunt (Emily Charlton) and Stanley Tucci (Nigel). Returning director David Frankel also returns.
The original film grossed $326 million worldwide in 2006 and has become an integral part of pop culture. Quotes from the film have become ingrained in everyday language; Miranda Priestly’s cerulean monologue is widely referenced and parodied, and the film’s iconic fashion moments remain embedded in the cultural consciousness.
According to reports, the sequel will examine Miranda Priestly’s struggle to remain relevant in today’s digital landscape where magazines are quickly losing their influence. This is an interesting angle on this film because while it provides ample opportunity for dramatic exploration into themes related to power struggles, it also gives Frankel plenty of opportunities to showcase Streep’s incredible acting abilities and revisit many fond memories from the original.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate. Like many other films that come out during this period in time, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has benefited greatly from massive amounts of nostalgia surrounding the original film. Nostalgia can sometimes carry a film through even when the content itself lacks creative spark (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny). Therefore, while The Devil Wears Prada 2 has potentially tremendous box office potential due to its nostalgia factor and Streep’s continued popularity as an actress, we believe that the script must be at least as sharp as the original for it to be considered truly successful.
The Vibe List’s Take: If the script is at least half as sharp as Aline Brosh McKenna’s original screenplay, then we believe this film will be one of the few hits of spring 2026. On the other hand, if the sequel relies too much on fan service referencing scenes from the original, then people may leave disappointed despite Meryl Streep doing whatever she wants.
#10 โ Wuthering Heights
Release Date: February 13, 2026 (already released) | Studio: Warner Bros. | Director: Emerald Fennell
Note: Wuthering Heights was released in February 2026 and falls outside the “still coming” window for this ranking. However, given its significant cultural impact and ongoing theatrical run at the time of publication, we’ve included it as a contextual benchmark for the year’s ambition level.
Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn) transposed Brontรซ’s novel into a polarizing and visually stunning display starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Critics were torn; some praised Fennell’s boldness and Wuthering Heights’ opulent sensory experience. Others believed the film compromised the internal psychological complexities of Brontรซ’s novel in favor of superficial aesthetic elements.
Regardless of which camp critics fell into, there are no debates about whether Wuthering Heights was able to demonstrate that mid-budget, star-driven adaptations of literary works remain capable of sparking cultural conversations in 2026. Regardless if you loved it or despised it, you most certainly had an opinion. As such, in an era where franchise-based spectacle dominates the cinematic landscape, that is worth something.
#9 โ Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Release Date: May 22, 2026 | Studio: Lucasfilm / Disney | Director: Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau wrote, directed, and brings to the big screen characters who brought life back to the Star Wars franchise through the Disney+ streaming platform: Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin, and Grogu (the internet’s favorite puppet). This is the first theatrical Star Wars film since The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
As previously mentioned, the first official trailer created considerable buzz and included the tagline “Heir to the Empire” with promises of expanding upon the post-Return of the Jedi timeline. A second trailer was dropped on April 14, 2026, and increased the hype level. With Star Wars being one of the largest franchises in entertainment, its popularity has resulted in consistent financial success. The Rise of Skywalker earned over $1.074 billion worldwide despite receiving mixed reviews. Even the highly criticized Solo: A Star Wars Story still earned $393 million.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate. The Mandalorian’s first two seasons received wide acclaim. However, Season 3 was met with mixed reviews. The transition from a serialized streaming show to a feature-length theatrical film creates structural questions: can a story developed for 30-minute television episodes create a successful two-hour theatrical experience? While Favreau has shown the capability to successfully transition serialized storytelling to theatrical storytelling, this will be his greatest test.
The Vibe List’s Take: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is perhaps the most important theatrical release of Star Wars in years. It isn’t based on its projected box office earnings โ although it’ll certainly make money โ however, it will help to determine where Lucasfilm’s future lies: will it remain in theaters, in streaming, or somewhere in between that no one has discovered yet. The film does not merely have to be successful. The film must demonstrate that Star Wars can produce stories that audiences will want to watch on a big screen once again.
#8 โ Toy Story 5
Release Date: June 19, 2026 | Studio: Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar | Director: Andrew Stanton
Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E) returns to the director’s seat for Pixar’s most commercially successful franchise. The premise โ Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the toys facing off against the existential threat of electronics becoming a replacement for traditional toys โ is the type of emotionally charged concept that Pixar has established itself with. The teaser trailer was viewed over 142 million times during its first 24 hours, indicating that there is still an emotional bond between Pixar and its audience.
Toy Story 3 grossed over $1.066 billion; Toy Story 4 grossed almost $1.073 billion. Both films received positive reviews as well. However, the creative challenge is slightly more difficult to assess. Toy Story 3 concluded with a sense of completion. Toy Story 4 presented another ending that, while skillfully executed, did leave many viewers with the impression that the story had been stretched longer than it should have. Therefore, Toy Story 5 may face the issue of diminished emotional value.
Disappointment Risk: Moderate. Stanton’s involvement greatly decreases the risk involved with creating something emotionally resonant. Additionally, Stanton has worked on two of Pixar’s most beloved films. There is little risk associated with commercial appeal. The creative risk is determining whether a fifth film can evoke the same emotions as the third film.
The Vibe List’s Take: Toy Story 5 does not require Toy Story 3 levels of emotionality. What Toy Story 5 needs to accomplish is to establish a legitimate reason for its existence by providing a narrative that is perceived as necessary instead of obligatory. While this is always a challenge for filmmakers, Stanton has earned the right to be given the benefit of the doubt. However, Pixar has not produced a universally accepted original theatrical feature since Soul (2020). Furthermore, Pixar’s recent output has been both creatively and financially inconsistent (Lightyear, Elemental, Elio). Toy Story 5 offers Pixar an opportunity to remind everyone why it matters.
#7 โ The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Release Date: November 20, 2026 | Studio: Lionsgate | Director: Francis Lawrence
The Hunger Games franchise is returning with a prequel focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, specifically the Second Quarter Quell, and young Haymitch Abernathy. Casting is extremely impressive: Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Whitney Peak, and Glenn Close. The first trailer dropped recently and became trending everywhere around the globe.
Francis Lawrence is returning as director; Lawrence directed three of the four prior films, including Catching Fire, which was the creative pinnacle of the franchise. Suzanne Collins’ source novel serves as inspiration for the storyline, and Lionsgate is committing to releasing Sunrise on the Reaping theatrically on November 20, 2026, similar to how they handled late-fall releases for the original trilogy.
To date, the Hunger Games franchise has accumulated $3.3 billion at domestic and international box offices across five films. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) grossed approximately $337 million; a respectable amount for a prequel with no legacy casting. Sunrise on the Reaping benefits from having a more tangible tie-in story-wise: Haymitch’s games were discussed in the original trilogy, and therefore audiences already possess an emotional investment in his journey.
Disappointment Risk: Low. Francis Lawrence is incredibly familiar with this franchise; the cast is exceptional. The source material is very appealing. The primary risk for disappointment stems from prequel fatigue, and from the initial trailers, it appears Lionsgate is trying to position this as an event rather than simply an afterthought.
The Vibe List’s Take: Sunrise on the Reaping has higher chances of exceeding expectations than any other franchise sequel listed here. The cast reads like an independent drama that accidentally stumbled into a major motion picture franchise. If the writing matches this incredible talent level, this could potentially be the best Hunger Games film since Catching Fire.
#6 โ Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Release Date: November 26, 2026 (IMAX) / December 25, 2026 (Netflix) | Studio: Netflix | Director: Greta Gerwig
The pairing of Greta Gerwig directing C.S. Lewis’ works for Netflix is one of the most intriguing creative partnerships of this decade. Gerwig’s Barbie (2023) earned nearly $1.45 billion at international and domestic box offices and demonstrated Gerwig’s ability to take legendary IP and turn it into a cultural juggernaut. Now she is using that philosophy towards adapting The Magician’s Nephew, which is actually the chronological first story in the Chronicles of Narnia, detailing how Narnia was created.
Emma Mackey plays Jadis (the White Witch); Daniel Craig portrays Uncle Andrew; Carey Mulligan will portray Mabel Kirke; and Meryl Streep will provide the voice for Aslan. David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell will play Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, respectively. Filming concluded in January 2026, and the film will begin a two-week IMAX release on November 26 before making its global debut on Netflix on Christmas Day.
Netflix’s decision to utilize a hybrid release model for Narnia represents their largest gamble in utilizing theatrical distribution thus far. Prior Netflix titles (Glass Onion and All Quiet on the Western Front) utilized limited theatrical runs. However, Narnia will receive an IMAX exclusive theatrical run, signaling that Netflix intends to market this title as an actual event film. For Gerwig, however, there are different stakes than when she adapted Barbie; Gerwig is attempting to adapt a work of beloved literary iconography with an existing body of fans who possess strong feelings toward faithfulness, thematic interpretation, and aesthetic style.
Disappointment Risk: Low to Moderate. Gerwig has earned tremendous creative trust, but adapting Lewis presents a greater challenge than adapting a Mattel toy. A hybrid release model represents the greatest risk: will audiences attend an IMAX screening of a film they know will be available via Netflix in thirty days?
The Vibe List’s Take: Narnia possesses the greatest possibilities for influencing pop culture outside of its box office performance among anything else on this list. Should Gerwig capture elements such as wonder, peculiarity, and moral gravity found within Lewis’ worlds, this could become a touchstone film generationally โ one that families would go back to view every holiday season for generations. No superhero tentpole listed here can say that.
#5 โ The End of Oak Street
Release Date: August 14, 2026 | Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures | Director: David Robert Mitchell
David Robert Mitchell created It Follows (one of the most imaginative horror films of the 2010s) and then disappeared from public consciousness. Mitchell returned at his largest scale ever as a director with The End of Oak Street, an original science fiction survival film produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, scored by Michael Giacchino. Mitchell generated significant attention for himself and his project with a teaser trailer posted March 26, 2026, along with its dinosaur-filled premise.
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star as parents dealing with a surreal nightmare scenario: their suburban neighborhood ripped from earth and transported to an unfamiliar, prehistoric environment due to a cosmic event that renders their surroundings violently unrecognizable. Their family โ composed of Maisy Stella and Christian Convery as their children โ must band together to survive an environment that is rapidly changing around them. At CinemaCon 2026, footage reportedly displayed people getting consumed, and social media exploded with comparisons ranging from Signs to Cloverfield to Jurassic Park.
The presence of J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot in production has sparked wild rumors that The End of Oak Street could be a Cloverfield sequel, spinoff, or part of the Cloverfield universe. Warner Bros. has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. Regardless of whether or not Cloverfield ties exist, this concept is captivating by itself: a family drama set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic impossibility with a director who understands how to generate dread from mundane circumstances.
Disappointment Risk: Low to Moderate. Mitchell is an outstandingly skilled director working with a talented cast, an accomplished producer, and a concept that captivates audiences instantly. The only possible risk lies in how Mitchell balances spectacle in The End of Oak Street at the expense of developing tensions between characters that allowed It Follows to work so effectively. Multiple delayed release dates (initially scheduled for May 2025, then March 2026, currently scheduled for August 2026) pose minor concerns, although Warner Bros. cited them as results from creative ambitions during post-production rather than problems related to production.
The Vibe List’s Take: The End of Oak Street is without question the most interesting original film idea being produced in relation to large-scale blockbusters released this year. When compared to sequels, prequels, reboots, and franchise extensions that dominate current Hollywood trends, Mitchell’s film is a large-scale theatrical release built upon concepts audiences have never experienced before. Combining Mitchell’s indie-horror sensibilities with Abrams’ penchant for spectacle and Giacchino’s musical composition and a premise that asks “what if your residential street got teleported into the Cretaceous period?” โ either The End of Oak Street becomes one of this year’s best films or becomes one of its most fascinating disappointments. Whatever happens, there is no denying that it will be worthwhile viewing in 2026’s sea of recycled IPs.
#4 โ Dune: Part Three
Release Date: December 18, 2026 | Studio: Warner Bros. / Legendary | Director: Denis Villeneuve
Note: Dune: Part Three shares a December 18 release date with Avengers: Doomsday. As of mid-April 2026, it remains unclear whether one or both films will shift. This ranking assumes the current schedule holds.
Denis Villeneuve has called Dune Messiah, the novel he’s adapting, “a more intimate story” than the first two films. Dune: Part Two (2024) earned $714 million worldwide and cemented Villeneuve as the preeminent auteur working at blockbuster scale. A third film was inevitable. The teaser trailer dropped March 17, 2026, and IMAX 70mm tickets for 19 locations went on sale April 6 and sold out within minutes.
As of early April 2026, it remains to be seen whether Dune: Part Three will share its December 18 release date with Avengers: Doomsday. In addition to sharing a release date, Dune: Part Three may create one of the most unprecedented scheduling battles for the box office in recent memory. If neither of these highly anticipated films move from their December 18 release dates, audiences will face an unprecedented choice between two of the year’s most anticipated films opening on the same day.
While industry experts expect at least one of these films to move prior to the release date, given the historic trend of the smaller earning film moving, as of now, both dates remain intact.
Disappointment Risk: Low (creatively); Moderate (commercially). While Villeneuve’s creative track record is unimpeachable, there is no doubt he will tell the story of Dune Messiah creatively well. The only risk here is related to the schedule. If the film goes head-to-head against Avengers, it is possible that the film’s opening weekend will be negatively affected. Regardless of how the film performs during the remainder of the holiday corridor, the impact of competing with Avengers at Christmas will limit some of the film’s financial upside.
The Vibe List’s Take: Based upon Villeneuve’s past successes with prestige science fiction at large-scale budgets, Dune: Part Three is likely the best film listed here โ regardless of how it fares financially. Villeneuve has demonstrated time and again that it is possible to produce Oscar-winning science fiction films at budget scales that allow them to fill IMAX screens. Dune Messiah’s more psychological, less action-driven narrative is a creative risk at this budget level, but it’s exactly the kind of risk Villeneuve has spent his career proving is worth taking.
#3 โ The Odyssey
Release Date: July 17, 2026 | Studio: Universal Pictures | Director: Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is going to adapt Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, as a “mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX technology.” When you hear an announcement like that regarding a film โ especially when it comes from someone with a reputation as bold as Christopher Nolan โ you can’t help but think of superlatives. And for once, the superlatives may actually apply.
Nolan is assembling an incredible cast: Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, and Robert Pattinson, among many others. He’ll shoot the film using what appears to be brand-new IMAX film technology that he claims advances beyond what was utilized for Oppenheimer. The first trailer for the film premiered in late January 2026 and quickly consumed virtually every aspect of the conversation surrounding upcoming summer blockbusters.
Nolan’s last few films have been breathtaking in terms of sheer scale and financial success. Oppenheimer earned $952 million globally off a $100 million budget and walked away with seven Academy Awards. Nolan is the only active filmmaker currently making original, non-franchise films capable of exceeding $500 million based solely on his own reputation. It is clear that Nolan intends to create something visually stunning and ambitious. The Odyssey is an adaptation of one of the most popularly adapted stories in Western literature, but this will be the first time anyone has attempted to bring it to life in a manner remotely approaching this level of production ambition.
Disappointment Risk: Low. Since Tenet (2020), Nolan has not missed commercially. Tenet opened during a pandemic and still generated $363 million. The creative risk associated with The Odyssey is similarly low; Homer wrote The Odyssey roughly 2,800 years ago. It is one of the oldest forms of storytelling we know of, and the cast, technology, and director all suggest that this will be an enormous event.
The Vibe List’s Take: The Odyssey is this year’s Oppenheimer โ the serious big-budget film designed to prove to both audiences and studios that telling unique stories at a large scale remains essential. Nolan bringing Homer to IMAX is either the most brilliant creative gamble in 2026 or possibly the most expensive vanity project in history. Given his body of work thus far, we’re placing our money on brilliant.
#2 โ Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Release Date: July 31, 2026 | Studio: Sony / Marvel Studios | Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Given the fact that Tom Holland has been consistently reliable as Peter Parker/Spider-Man at the box office since his introduction to the role in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Spider-Man: Brand New Day represents arguably the safest commercial bet outside of Avengers. With No Way Home (2021) generating $1.921 billion globally, it becomes clear why Sony and Marvel would want another installment of their Spider-Man franchise. The film takes place directly after the conclusion of No Way Home and finds Peter trying to navigate a world in which no one remembers who he is.
In addition to Holland returning as Parker, Sadie Sink joins the cast along with Jon Bernthal playing Frank Castle/The Punisher, and the returning Zendaya and Jacob Batalon. Destin Daniel Cretton (who directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) replaces Jon Watts, who left the franchise. Additionally, Brand New Day is being presented as a Phase Six entry in the MCU โ intended to bridge the gap between setting up the Multiverse Saga and the events leading up to Avengers: Doomsday.
Disappointment Risk: Low to Moderate. The commercial baseline for a Tom Holland Spider-Man film is unusually high. The primary creative risk associated with this film involves the director transition. Although Cretton has shown himself to be an accomplished director with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, he did not demonstrate anywhere near the same comedic tone and emotional sensitivity that defined Watts’ Spider-Man trilogy. Moreover, Brand New Day presents yet another Spider-Man reboot โ a second reset in which Peter Parker loses everything and starts anew โ which could result in fatigue if not managed effectively.
The Vibe List’s Take: Spider-Man: Brand New Day will earn over $1 billion. Not a prediction โ merely math. What will be more intriguing is whether Brand New Day can accomplish something that has seemingly become lost in recent years โ get audiences emotionally invested in Peter Parker’s journey rather than simply in how he gets connected to the next crossover event. Without anyone knowing who he is anymore, Peter Parker (Holland) offers a rich opportunity for storytelling. Whether Brand New Day uses those opportunities or squanders them on additional multiverse setups will ultimately define if it’s a great movie or just a very profitable one.
#1 โ Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date: December 18, 2026 | Studio: Marvel Studios / Walt Disney | Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
It’s finally here. The final piece to Marvel’s Multiverse Saga. Robert Downey Jr.’s return to play Victor Von Doom/Doctor Doom. The return of the Russo Brothers and their team to conclude Marvel’s Multiverse Saga, begun in Loki Season 1. The film has four teasers that collectively garnered over 1.02 billion trailer views before a single frame of actual footage was released.
The cast includes Pedro Pascal, Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, and many members of the returning Avengers ensemble cast. The Russos have stated that Avengers: Doomsday will serve as a “conclusion” to Marvel’s Multiverse Saga.
Trailers garnering 188% more social media buzz than usual for Marvel indicate that anticipation for Doomsday reaches similar heights experienced around Endgame.
To put it bluntly, Marvel desperately needs Avengers: Doomsday to succeed. The post-Endgame era has been plagued by lackluster commercial performance (Eternals, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels) and fractured continuity through television series and films. Avengers: Doomsday serves as a corrective measure โ attempting to reunite Marvel’s disparate elements into a single, high-stakes narrative.
Disappointment Risk: Low (commercially); Moderate (critically). While Avengers has had relatively weak entries in terms of overall quality (such as Age of Ultron), no Avengers-related film has failed to generate more than $1.4 billion worldwide. There is little chance that Avengers: Doomsday fails commercially. The major creative risk resides in successfully executing a coherent multiverse narrative throughout multiple films and television programs, an area where Marvel has struggled in recent times. If Avengers: Doomsday cannot present a compelling, self-contained narrative (rather than simply serving as an origin story for Secret Wars), it matters little whether it generates $1.5 billion worldwide.
The Vibe List’s Take: Avengers: Doomsday represents one of, if not the most anticipated film of 2026. This will undoubtedly be one of the highest-grossing films of 2026 โ possibly even the decade so far. However, “most anticipated” and “best” are vastly different things. The Russo Brothers delivered arguably the greatest superhero film ever created in Endgame; they also delivered one of their weaker efforts in The Gray Man for Netflix; therefore, the question really isn’t if fans will show up to see Avengers: Doomsday โ rather if fans will leave satisfied having witnessed something worthy of their anticipation.
Comparison Table: The 20 Most Anticipated Movies Still Coming in 2026
| Rank | Movie Title | Release Date | Director | Disappointment Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #20 | Animal Farm | May 1, 2026 | Andy Serkis | High |
| #19 | The Death of Robin Hood | June 19, 2026 | Michael Sarnoski | Low |
| #18 | Evil Dead Burn | July 24, 2026 | Sรฉbastien Vaniฤek | Low |
| #17 | Mortal Kombat II | July 31, 2026 | Simon McQuoid | Moderate to High |
| #16 | Resident Evil | September 18, 2026 | Zach Cregger | Low to Moderate |
| #15 | Masters of the Universe | June 5, 2026 | Travis Knight | Moderate |
| #14 | Moana (Live Action) | July 10, 2026 | Thomas Kail | Moderate |
| #13 | Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow | June 26, 2026 | Craig Gillespie | Moderate to High |
| #12 | Minions & Monsters | July 1, 2026 | Pierre Coffin and Brad Ableson | Very Low (commercially) |
| #11 | The Devil Wears Prada 2 | May 1, 2026 | David Frankel | Moderate |
| #10 | Wuthering Heights | February 13, 2026 | Emerald Fennell | Contextual Benchmark (Already Released) |
| #9 | Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu | May 22, 2026 | Jon Favreau | Moderate |
| #8 | Toy Story 5 | June 19, 2026 | Andrew Stanton | Moderate |
| #7 | The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping | November 20, 2026 | Francis Lawrence | Low |
| #6 | Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew | November 26, 2026 (IMAX) | Greta Gerwig | Low to Moderate |
| #5 | The End of Oak Street | August 14, 2026 | David Robert Mitchell | Low to Moderate |
| #4 | Dune: Part Three | December 18, 2026 | Denis Villeneuve | Low (creatively); Moderate (commercially) |
| #3 | The Odyssey | July 17, 2026 | Christopher Nolan | Low |
| #2 | Spider-Man: Brand New Day | July 31, 2026 | Destin Daniel Cretton | Low to Moderate |
| #1 | Avengers: Doomsday | December 18, 2026 | Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Low (commercially); Moderate (critically) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most anticipated movie of 2026?
According to trailer engagement data, franchise history, and cultural conversation data, the most anticipated movie of 2026 will be Avengers: Doomsday. In fact, its four teaser trailers were viewed a total of over 1.02 billion times. And this marks the end of Marvel’s Multiverse Saga. The Odyssey by Christopher Nolan and Spider-Man: Brand New Day will depend upon who you ask; however, they appear to be close second or third place.
Which 2026 movies are predicted to gross over $1 billion worldwide?
In addition to Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Toy Story 5, and The Odyssey, industry experts predict that there are at least two other films in 2026’s remaining slate that may earn at least one billion dollars worldwide. Those films will likely be Minions & Monsters and Moana. There is no guarantee these films will cross the billion-dollar mark, but early tracking suggests strong potential.
When does Avengers: Doomsday come out?
Avengers: Doomsday comes out on December 18, 2026. Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, it stars Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, along with Pedro Pascal, Chris Hemsworth, and the rest of the ensemble Avengers cast.
Is The Odyssey based on Homer’s poem?
Yes. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a “mythic action epic” based on the ancient epic poem by Homer. The story takes place in ancient Greece. The Odyssey will feature Matt Damon playing Odysseus. The movie will be released in theaters on July 17, 2026.
What are the biggest box office risks of 2026?
We believe that Animal Farm (based on tracking numbers, we see a potential box office opening of around $5โ$7 million despite having a well-known voice cast), Mortal Kombat II (limited mainstream appeal for a franchise), Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (untested character in a new cinematic universe), and Masters of the Universe (little to no awareness of IP among younger audiences) are all at high risk for disappointing the public.
Will the 2026 box office break records?
Global analysts at Gower Street Analytics are predicting that the 2026 worldwide box office will reach an estimated $35 billion, with this being the most money ever made in one calendar year, dating back to the pre-pandemic record of $42.3 billion in 2019. The 2026 domestic box office in the United States is expected to generate $9.6 billion, with this being the first time it has surpassed its earnings from prior to the pandemic.
What is The End of Oak Street about?
The End of Oak Street is a new science fiction survival movie directed by David Robert Mitchell (It Follows) and produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot. In the movie, Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor play a suburban family that finds itself inexplicably transported to an alien landscape when their neighborhood is somehow displaced by a cosmic occurrence. The film is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026.
