Grab your popcorn and find your favorite seat in the theater! The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in cinema history. Whether you love giant superheroes, creepy horror movies, or animated adventures that make you laugh, there is something on the schedule for everyone.
In this guide, we are going to look at what is playing in theaters right now as we start the year, and then we will walk through the most exciting releases month by month. We have a lot of ground to cover, including some of the most anticipated sequels and brand-new stories from legendary directors.
Out Now: January’s Early Hits
As we kick off January 2026, the box office is already heating up. If you are looking for a reason to head to the movies this weekend, these films are already making waves.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Horror fans have been waiting a long time for this one. This movie is a direct sequel to the famous zombie films 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. It takes us far into the future where the world is still trying to survive a terrifying virus. The "Bone Temple" refers to a mysterious location that survivors believe might hold a cure—or a new kind of nightmare. It is dark, intense, and definitely not for the faint of heart!
The Rip Streaming fans are also getting some high-quality content right now. The Rip is a new Netflix original that features a star-studded cast. It is a gritty crime drama about a group of people caught in a dangerous heist that goes wrong. It explores themes of loyalty and survival, making it a perfect pick for a movie night at home.
People We Meet on Vacation If you want something a bit lighter and more romantic, this is the movie for you. Based on the bestselling book by Emily Henry, it tells the story of two best friends, Poppy and Alex, who have nothing in common but take a vacation together every year. After a falling out, they decide to take one more trip to see if they can fix their friendship—and maybe find something more.
February
February is usually the month of love, but the 2026 movie calendar is adding a lot of thrills to the mix.
Crime 101 Coming in mid-February, this is a heavy-hitting crime thriller starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo. It follows a series of high-level jewel heists along the Pacific Coast Highway. The police think it’s the work of the cartels, but one lone detective suspects it’s actually the work of a single person living by a strict set of rules known as "Crime 101." It’s a cat-and-mouse game that will keep you guessing until the end.
Scream 7 The Ghostface killer is back! Scream 7 is hitting theaters at the end of the month. This franchise is famous for being "meta," which means the characters often talk about horror movie rules while they are actually in one. After some behind-the-scenes changes, fans are excited to see how the story continues. Expect plenty of scares, "who-done-it" mysteries, and, of course, that iconic white ghost mask.
March
March brings us some of the most creative movies of the year, blending old legends with new technology.
The Bride Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, this is a bold new take on the Bride of Frankenstein story. Set in the 1930s, it stars Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley. Unlike the old monster movies, this version focuses more on the "Bride" herself as she discovers her own identity in a world that is terrified of her. It’s a mix of romance, horror, and social commentary.
Project Hail Mary Science fiction fans, get ready! Based on the book by Andy Weir (who also wrote The Martian), this movie stars Ryan Gosling as an astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. He soon realizes he is the only person who can save Earth from an extinction-level event. He has to use science, logic, and a very unexpected new friend to solve the mystery.
April
April is a bit quieter as the movie studios prepare for the "Summer Blockbuster" season, but there are still some great picks.
The Sheep Detective This is one of the more unique movies of the year. Imagine a detective story, but the main investigator is... a sheep. It sounds silly, but it’s actually a clever and funny mystery movie for the whole family. It proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes (and levels of fluffiness).
May: The Summer Season Begins
May is when the giant movies start to arrive. These are the films that people stand in line for hours to see.
The Mandalorian and Grogu "Baby Yoda" is finally coming to the big screen! This movie continues the story from the hit Disney+ series. We get to see the Mandalorian bounty hunter and his small, powerful companion go on an epic adventure across the galaxy. This is the first Star Wars movie in theaters in a long time, so expectations are sky-high.
Mortal Kombat II The fight continues! Following the 2021 reboot, this sequel brings in even more iconic characters from the video game series. Fans are especially excited to see the introduction of Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban. If you like fast-paced action and martial arts, this is the "Fatality" you’ve been waiting for.
June
June is packed with movies that take us to different worlds and hidden realities.
Masters of the Universe He-Man is back! This live-action movie brings the classic 1980s toy line to life. It follows Prince Adam as he uses the Power of Grayskull to defend his planet, Eternia, from the evil Skeletor. With modern special effects, this is going to be a visual spectacle.
Disclosure Day Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, this is one of the most mysterious movies of the year. It stars Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor. The story is about what happens to society the day the government finally admits that aliens are real. It’s not just about "little green men"—it’s about how humans react to the truth.
July
July is always the busiest month at the movies, and 2026 is no exception. This month features some of the most famous directors and actors in the world.
Moana (Live Action) Disney is bringing the world of Motunui to life in a whole new way. This live-action version of the animated classic stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui once again. It will feature the same beautiful songs and heart-pounding adventure as Moana sails across the ocean to save her people.
The Odyssey Coming in mid-July, this is the next massive movie from director Christopher Nolan, who made Oppenheimer. It stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and features a huge cast including Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway. It’s a retelling of the ancient Greek story about a hero trying to get home after a long war. Expect mind-blowing visuals since it was shot entirely on special IMAX film cameras!
Toy Story 5 Woody and Buzz Lightyear are returning for a fifth adventure. While the last movie seemed like a perfect ending, Pixar has promised a new story that deals with how toys fit into a world of modern technology and electronics. It’s sure to be an emotional rollercoaster for both kids and adults.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in the next chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After the events of No Way Home, Peter is starting over with a "Brand New Day." He has no gadgets and no one remembers who he is, so he has to go back to being a "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
August
As summer winds down, August offers a mix of humor and unexpected releases.
Coyote vs. Acme This movie has a crazy history! It was almost canceled and deleted by the studio, but fans fought to save it. It’s a "hybrid" movie, meaning it features both live actors and cartoons. It follows Wile E. Coyote as he sues the Acme Corporation because their products (like the giant magnets and anvils) always fail him when he’s trying to catch the Road Runner.
The Angry Birds 3 Movie The birds and the pigs are back for more colorful chaos. This time, they might have to put their differences aside to face a common enemy. It’s a great pick for younger kids who love the games and the previous movies.
September
September often brings movies that are a little more thoughtful or based on classic literature.
Wuthering Heights This is a new adaptation of the famous novel by Emily Brontë. It’s a dark, gothic romance about the intense relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff on the moors of England. It’s a story of love, revenge, and obsession that has fascinated readers for over 150 years.
October
October isn’t just for horror movies this year; it’s also a big month for animation fans.
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender Fans of the original animated series are incredibly excited for this. This is a brand-new animated movie from Avatar Studios. It follows Aang and his friends as young adults, filling in the gap between the original show and The Legend of Korra.
Digger Tom Cruise stars in this high-octane action film directed by Alejandro Iñárritu. Cruise plays a powerful man who has accidentally started a disaster and has to go on a frantic mission to stop it. Knowing Tom Cruise, expect some mind-blowing stunts that he performed himself!
November
November is the time for cozy movies and family trips to the theater.
The Cat in the Hat Dr. Seuss’s most famous character is coming back to the big screen in a new animated adventure. With Bill Hader voicing the mischievous Cat, this movie promises to be a colorful and chaotic journey through the world of "The Hat."
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie After the massive success of the first Mario movie, Nintendo is taking the plumbers into outer space! Inspired by the Super Mario Galaxy games, this sequel will feature Rosalina, the Lumas, and plenty of gravity-defying action.
December: The Biggest Weekend Ever
The year ends with a bang—literally. Two of the biggest movies of the decade are releasing on the same day in December.
Avengers: Doomsday The Marvel Universe changes forever in this film. Robert Downey Jr. makes his shocking return to the MCU, but not as Iron Man. This time, he is playing the villainous Doctor Doom. The Avengers will have to assemble like never before to stop a threat that could destroy every reality.
Dune: Part 3 On the very same day as the Avengers, Dune: Part 3 (also known as Dune: Messiah) arrives in theaters. Director Denis Villeneuve completes the story of Paul Atreides as he deals with the consequences of becoming a galactic leader. It is expected to be a visual masterpiece that will look incredible on the biggest screens possible.
