2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for movies, packed with franchise finales, long-awaited sequels, animated favorites, and superhero events that could reshape pop culture.
From zombie horror and classic slashers to Pixar nostalgia and Marvel’s biggest crossover yet, every month of 2026 has a major release worth marking on your calendar.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the biggest movies releasing in 2026, with release dates, plots, directors, and full cast details.
🧟 January 2026
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Director: Nia DaCosta
The terrifying Rage virus saga continues with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the second film in the new trilogy following 28 Years Later (2025).
Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, this installment shifts focus from the infected to something even more frightening: the inhumanity of survivors. The story follows Spike, a young man whose encounter with a sadistic cult leader, Sir Jimmy Crystal, spirals into a brutal nightmare. Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson uncovers a discovery that could permanently alter the future of humanity.
In a major moment for fans, Cillian Murphy returns as Jim, connecting this film directly to 28 Days Later and setting up the trilogy’s final chapter.
Cast:
- Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson
- Jack O’Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal
- Alfie Williams as Spike
- Erin Kellyman as Jimmy Ink
- Cillian Murphy as Jim
Why it’s huge:
A legendary horror franchise, a darker psychological tone, and the return of an original character make this one of 2026’s most anticipated films.
🔪 February 2026
Scream 7
Release Date: February 27, 2026
Director: Kevin Williamson
Scream 7 brings Ghostface back with a legacy-driven reboot that puts Sidney Prescott back at the center of the horror.
This time, the killer targets Sidney’s daughter, forcing her to confront her past once again to protect her family. The film leans heavily into legacy characters while introducing a new generation, blending classic Scream tension with fresh stakes.
Cast:
- Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott
- Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers
- David Arquette as Dewey Riley
- Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin
- Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin
- Isabel May as Sidney’s daughter
- Roger L. Jackson as the voice of Ghostface
Why it’s huge:
Sidney’s return, a family-focused storyline, and Kevin Williamson back in the director’s chair make this one of the most talked-about horror releases of the year.
🚀 March 2026
Project Hail Mary
Release Date: March 20, 2026
Directors: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
Based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary is a science-fiction epic with heart.
Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, an astronaut who wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no memory of his mission. As his memories slowly return, he realizes he may be humanity’s last hope in stopping a mysterious substance that’s causing the sun to die. Along the way, he forms an unexpected friendship with an alien named Rocky.
Cast:
- Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace
- Sandra Hüller as Eva Stratt
- Lionel Boyce as Officer Steve Hatch
- Ken Leung as Yáo Li-Jie
- Milana Vayntrub as Olesya Ilyukhina
Why it’s huge:
From the author of The Martian, with emotional storytelling and big sci-fi ideas, this film has both blockbuster and awards potential.
🍄 April 2026
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Directors: Aaron Horvath & Michael Jelenic
Nintendo heads back to theaters with a space-themed sequel inspired by the beloved Super Mario Galaxy video game.
During a Star Festival, Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach and launches her castle into space. Mario sets off on a galaxy-spanning adventure, teaming up with familiar faces and new characters to rescue her and save the Mushroom Kingdom.
Cast:
- Chris Pratt as Mario
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
- Charlie Day as Luigi
- Jack Black as Bowser
- Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
- Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina
Why it’s huge:
A massive fanbase, colorful animation, and nostalgia make this one of the biggest family releases of 2026.
🌌 May 2026
The Mandalorian & Grogu
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Director: Jon Favreau
Star Wars returns to the big screen with The Mandalorian & Grogu, continuing the Disney+ story in a theatrical format.
Set during the New Republic era, Din Djarin and Grogu take on a new mission to protect what the Rebellion fought for, facing remnants of Imperial warlords. One rumored storyline involves rescuing Rotta the Hutt, Jabba’s son.
Cast:
- Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian
- Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward
- Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt
Why it’s huge:
This marks a major Star Wars theatrical return and brings two of the franchise’s most beloved characters to cinemas.
🧸 June 2026
Toy Story 5
Release Date: June 19, 2026
Director: Andrew Stanton
Pixar’s iconic franchise returns with a timely and emotional story about technology vs imagination.
When a smart tablet named Lilypad enters Bonnie’s life, the toys must face the reality of being replaced by modern tech. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang fight to prove they still matter in a changing world.
Cast:
- Tom Hanks as Woody
- Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
- Joan Cusack as Jessie
- Tony Hale as Forky
- Greta Lee as Lilypad
- Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants
Why it’s huge:
Nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and Pixar’s legacy make this a guaranteed box-office hit.
🕷️ July 2026
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Set after Spider-Man: No Way Home, the world has forgotten Peter Parker is Spider-Man. Now on his own, Peter focuses on street-level crime while trying to rebuild his life.
The film promises a grittier, grounded tone, with new villains and appearances from unexpected MCU characters.
Cast:
- Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
- Zendaya as MJ
- Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds
- Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle / Punisher
- Michael Mando as Scorpion
- Mark Ruffalo as Hulk
Why it’s huge:
A new era for Spider-Man, darker storytelling, and major MCU crossover potential.
🦖 August 2026
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
Release Date: August 14, 2026
Director: Cal Brunker
The PAW Patrol lands on a dinosaur-filled island after a mysterious storm. When Mayor Humdinger’s reckless mining triggers a volcanic threat, the pups must save the island and its prehistoric residents.
Cast:
- Mckenna Grace as Skye
- Ron Pardo as Cap’n Turbot & Mayor Humdinger
- Jennifer Hudson
- Snoop Dogg
- Bill Nye
- Paris Hilton
Why it’s huge:
Dinosaurs + PAW Patrol = a late-summer box office winner for families.
🧱 September 2026
Clayface
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Director: James Watkins
DC goes dark with this R-rated horror origin story centered on Matt Hagen, a struggling actor who transforms into the monstrous Clayface after injecting an experimental substance.
This film is part of DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters and leans heavily into tragedy and body horror.
Cast:
- Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen / Clayface
- Naomi Ackie (rumored)
- Max Minghella (rumored)
Why it’s huge:
A villain-led horror film with a mature tone marks a bold new direction for DC.
🌪️ October 2026
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Platform: Paramount+
This animated continuation follows Aang and his friends as they transition into young adults. When Aang discovers an ancient power that could save his culture, the group sets out on a dangerous global quest.
Voice Cast:
- Eric Nam as Aang
- Jessica Matten as Katara
- Román Zaragoza as Sokka
- Dionne Quan as Toph
- Steven Yeun as Zuko
- Dave Bautista as the villain
Why it’s huge:
A beloved franchise returns with deeper lore and a mature storyline.
🔥 November 2026
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Release Date: November 20, 2026
Director: Francis Lawrence
This prequel explores the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on a teenage Haymitch Abernathy and the brutal events that shaped him.
Cast:
- Joseph Zada as young Haymitch
- Jesse Plemons as young Plutarch
- Elle Fanning as young Effie Trinket
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
- Kieran Culkin as young Caesar Flickerman
- Jennifer Lawrence & Josh Hutcherson (flashforward)
Why it’s huge:
A powerful backstory to one of the franchise’s most loved characters.
🦸 December 2026
Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date: December 18, 2026
Directors: Anthony & Joe Russo
Marvel ends the year with its biggest event yet. Avengers: Doomsday brings together the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men to face Doctor Doom, played by a returning Robert Downey Jr.
Cast:
- Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
- Chris Hemsworth as Thor
- Anthony Mackie as Captain America
- Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic
- Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman
- Patrick Stewart as Professor X
- Ian McKellen as Magneto
- Chris Evans as Steve Rogers
Why it’s huge:
A multiverse-shaping crossover and one of Marvel’s biggest films ever.
🎥 Final Thoughts
Looking at the full lineup, it’s clear that 2026 is going to be a huge year for movies. Almost every month brings something big, whether it’s a long-awaited sequel, a beloved animated franchise, a darker reimagining, or a massive superhero event.
What makes 2026 especially exciting is the variety. Horror fans get intense entries like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Scream 7, and DC’s dark Clayface. Families and animation lovers are covered with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Toy Story 5, and PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. Sci-fi fans have Project Hail Mary, while fantasy and franchise lovers can look forward to The Mandalorian & Grogu and The Legend of Aang.
On top of that, major universes are entering important new phases. Spider-Man: Brand New Day promises a more grounded, emotional take on Peter Parker, while Avengers: Doomsday is set to reshape the future of the MCU with one of its biggest crossovers yet. Meanwhile, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping brings fans back to Panem with a powerful story that adds depth to a fan-favorite character.
Whether you’re someone who plans movie nights months or enjoys a good trip to the theater, 2026 offers something to look forward to all year long. With so many iconic franchises returning and bold new stories being told, this could easily become one of the most memorable movie years in recent history.
If even half of these films deliver on their promise, 2026 won’t just be busy, it’ll be unforgettable 🎥✨