Biggest Upcoming Releases You Can’t Miss in 2026

2026 is one of the most stacked entertainment years in recent memory. We’re talking about a Christopher Nolan IMAX epic, the farewell season of one of TV’s sharpest political satires, a Pixar sequel nobody expected, and two major franchise-defining blockbusters dropping on the same December weekend. Whether you follow prestige television, animated films, superhero cinema, or literary adaptations, there is something on this list you genuinely cannot afford to miss.

We’ve gone deeper than the standard release date round-up. For each entry, you’ll find what the production is actually about, what makes it interesting beyond the obvious, key cast and crew, and our honest read on whether the hype is warranted. Bookmark this page — you’ll be coming back to it all year.

At a Glance: All Releases

Dune: Messiah — Film — Dec 18, 2026 — Theaters/IMAX

The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — TV — Jan 18, 2026 — HBO/Max

The Boys — Season 5 (Final) — TV — Apr 8, 2026 — Prime Video

Euphoria Season 3 — TV — April 2026 — HBO/Max

Super Mario Galaxy Movie — Film — Apr 3, 2026 — Theaters

Michael (MJ Biopic) — Film — Apr 24, 2026 — Theaters

Scary Movie 6 — Film — Jun 12, 2026 — Theaters

Toy Story 5 — Film — Jun 19, 2026 — Theaters

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow — Film — Jun 26, 2026 — Theaters

Minions 3: Mega Minions — Film — Jul 1, 2026 — Theaters

Moana Live-Action — Film — Jul 10, 2026 — Theaters

The Odyssey — Film — Jul 17, 2026 — Theaters/IMAX

Spider-Man: Brand New Day — Film — Jul 31, 2026 — Theaters

House of the Dragon S3 — TV — Summer 2026 — HBO/Max

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping — Film — Nov 20, 2026 — Theaters

Jumanji 3 — Film — Dec 11, 2026 — Theaters

Avengers: Doomsday — Film — Dec 18, 2026 — Theaters

Television

The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

HBO Original Series · January 18, 2026

Network: HBO/Max | Cast: Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell | Based on: George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg

Set roughly a century before the events of Game of Thrones, this is HBO’s second live-action Westeros spin-off — and the one with the most heart. Rather than throne-room scheming or dragon-fuelled civil wars, the show zeroes in on two unlikely companions: Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight of modest origins with an unusually strong moral compass, and his squire Egg, who secretly happens to be Aegon Targaryen, future king of Westeros.

What makes the show feel genuinely distinct from its predecessors is its scale. These aren’t dragonlords commanding armies. There are two men on the road, trying to do right in a world that mostly rewards dishonesty. George R.R. Martin’s source novellas are widely considered his warmest, most accessible writing, closer in spirit to classic picaresque adventure than to the political cynicism of A Song of Ice and Fire. Dunk and Egg get into scrapes with tournament knights, petty lords, and the occasional genuine injustice, and the stories are fundamentally about whether ordinary decency can survive a world that doesn’t reward it.

HBO has captured that spirit well. The aesthetic is dustier and more grounded than anything else in the Westeros universe — no dragon spectacle, no operatic betrayal. Just two people, the open road, and the question of what knighthood is actually supposed to mean. If you felt burned out by the grand, bloody politics of the later Game of Thrones seasons, this show is the antidote.

Our Take: The strongest start to any Westeros series since the original. The word-of-mouth has been extraordinary, and it earns every bit of it. Don’t skip this one.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Release Date: April 3, 2026 (U.S.)

A follow-up to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), this animated film takes Mario and friends beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into outer space. They face new challenges and cosmic threats while discovering new worlds. The returning voice cast includes Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser, with Brie Larson joining as Princess Rosalina. The movie combines fun, comedy, and adventure for all ages.

Michael

Release Date: April 24, 2026

This biographical musical drama tells the story of Michael Jackson, showing his rise from a young member of the Jackson Five to a global superstar. The film stars Jaafar Jackson and is directed by Antoine Fuqua, with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson Estate. It explores both his music career and personal life, including struggles and controversies, giving a detailed and human story of the King of Pop.

The Boys Final Season

Prime Video Series · April 8, 2026

Platform: Amazon Prime Video | Creator: Eric Kripke | Cast: Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty

After four seasons of increasingly audacious television, The Boys returns for its final run — and the stakes have never been higher. Season 4 ended with Homelander consolidating control over the U.S. government, installing a puppet president, and positioning himself as an untouchable national icon. Most of the Boys — Hughie, Mother’s Milk, Frenchie, Kimiko — are imprisoned, leaving only Billy Butcher and Starlight on the outside with any hope of stopping him.

Creator Eric Kripke has been explicit about his intention to deliver a definitive, no-compromises ending. Season 5 builds toward the long-overdue final confrontation between Butcher and Homelander — a rivalry that has powered the entire series. With Butcher’s health deteriorating from Compound V exposure and Homelander operating at peak, unchecked power, the matchup feels genuinely unwinnable. Which is, of course, exactly the kind of corner The Boys has always been best at escaping.

Beyond the central conflict, expect major payoffs for years of carefully developed secondary storylines. Characters who’ve been quietly growing in the background are positioned to have significant moments. The show has promised it won’t pull its punches on deaths that actually matter — and for a series that has always understood that consequence is what separates genuine drama from spectacle, that promise means something.

Our Take: One of the sharpest, most politically charged TV series of the decade is ending on its own terms. Based on everything we’ve seen so far, the finale season delivers the catharsis it’s been building toward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RODDojdrDI

House of the Dragon

Release Date: Summer 2026

The new season of House of the Dragon returns to Westeros, showcasing the Targaryen family’s battles and political struggles that led to the “Dance of the Dragons.” Fans will see dragons, big battles, and unexpected alliances, making this season exciting for fantasy lovers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS1lpkQlSnA

Scary Movie 6

Release Date: June 12, 2026

This sixth installment in the Scary Movie series is a funny and silly parody of popular horror movies and pop culture. The original writing team, including the Wayans brothers, returns, along with stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall. Expect crazy situations, over-the-top jokes, and lots of laughs.

Toy Story 5

Release Date: June 19, 2026

Toy Story 5 brings back Woody, Buzz, and the gang for a new adventure. The toys explore modern gadgets and technology, blending old-school fun with new experiences. The movie promises exciting adventures, laughs, and memorable moments for both kids and adults.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12cOgsleMwc

Supergirl

Release Date: June 26, 2026

This new DC movie, also called Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. Unlike previous versions, this story focuses on her journey of revenge and self-discovery, along with battling villains and facing new challenges. Expect action, strong characters, and exciting adventures.

Minions 3: Mega Minions

Release Date: July 1, 2026

The third Minions movie continues the story of the mischievous yellow creatures, bringing fun, laughter, and wild adventures. It follows the Minions on their latest misadventures with a young Gru, offering colorful animation and non-stop entertainment for families.

Moana Live-Action

Release Date: July 10, 2026

This live-action remake brings the story of Moana to life with real actors. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui. Moana sails across the ocean, faces challenges, and discovers her true destiny. The film includes catchy music, exciting adventures, and beautiful visuals.

The Odyssey

Release Date: July 17, 2026

Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey brings the classic Greek story to life with stunning visuals and IMAX technology. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the clever King of Ithaca, who struggles to return home after the fall of Troy. Along the way, he faces mythical creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus and the witch Circe, while his wife Penelope fights off suitors back home. The movie also features Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Zendaya, making it a star-studded epic adventure full of action and excitement.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Release Date: July 31, 2026

In this fourth solo Spider-Man film, Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker three years after No Way Home, when the world has forgotten who he is. Called Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the story follows Peter as he starts fresh and faces new villains, including Tombstone and the Scorpion, while teaming up with other heroes like Daredevil and The Punisher. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are back, joined by Sadie Sink and Mark Ruffalo, promising plenty of action and exciting superhero moments.

Euphoria Season 3

Release Date: April 2026

The third season of Euphoria picks up several years after Season 2, showing the main characters navigating their adult lives. Rue (Zendaya) is in Mexico dealing with dangerous debt, while Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) is engaged to Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) and struggling with social media pressures. The season continues the series’ signature intense drama, emotional conflicts, and amazing performances, though Barbie Ferreira will not return as Kat.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Release Date: November 20, 2026

Based on Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel, this movie explores the 50th Hunger Games, also called the second Quarter Quell. It follows a young Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 as he faces the brutal challenges of Panem. The story dives into intense action, political schemes, and the struggles of the tributes, giving fans a deeper look at the history and dangers of the Hunger Games world.

Jumanji 3

Release Date: December 11, 2026

The third movie in the modern Jumanji series brings back Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. The cursed video game causes wild adventures, funny situations, and unexpected character swaps, with exciting new locations and puzzles. Designed as a family-friendly holiday movie, it blends humor, action, and heartwarming moments of friendship.

Avengers: Doomsday

Release Date: December 18, 2026

The fifth Avengers movie and first part of the Multiverse Saga finale brings Earth’s heroes together to fight Doctor Doom. Following the team’s fractured state after the Blip, the new Avengers must stop Doom’s catastrophic plans. Fans can expect epic battles, high-stakes action, and thrilling superhero teamwork, making this a must-watch Marvel film.

Dune Messiah

Release Date: December 18, 2026

The third film in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series adapts the second book, Dune Messiah. It follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he struggles with the responsibilities of being Emperor after his holy war spreads across the galaxy. The story explores political intrigue, prophecy, and danger, with breathtaking visuals and a deep, immersive sci-fi world that fans of the series will love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbXOJFLLE2I

Wrapping Up

From exciting fantasy adventures and superhero battles to fun animated movies and popular new video games, 2026 is full of must-watch releases for everyone. Whether you enjoy action, drama, comedy, or family-friendly stories, there’s something for you this year. Get your calendars ready, make your watchlist, and don’t miss the biggest movies, shows, and games coming in 2026! And if you want to know where to watch these releases, check out our guide on the best streaming services