Best Movies to Watch in 2026 | Upcoming Films & Must-See Releases
Here is good news for you, movie lovers. 2025 promises us great movies, and it delivers. With a lot of them still collecting awards and trophies. 2026 is loaded with more exciting movies, and we can’t wait for the new releases. From big-budget blockbusters to smart sci-fi to horror, we can’t wait to have everything this year has to offer in the movie world. Because you’re not just watching movies in 2026. You’re choosing experiences. Here is our pick of the must-see movies.
The Biggest Movies Coming to Cinemas in 2026
Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
This Marvel movie will come out on December 18, 2026, and it’s a must-watch. Avengers Doomsday sets the stage for the endgame of Marvel’s current saga. Expect to see many of your favorite characters like Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Tom Holland, and many more. There is the return of the Fantastic Four, X-Men, and even Black Panther’s Wakanda.
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The Mandalorian & Grogu
Star Wars / Adventure / Family
Din Djarin and Grogu hit the big screen in a standalone story (May 22, 2026).
It’s part space Western, part character journey, and just the comforting yet adventurous experience you want from Star Wars. It is directed by Jon Favreau and co-written by Favreau and Dave Filoni.
Project Hail Mary
Sci-Fi / Adventure
Based on Andy Weir’s hugely popular book, this space adventure starring Ryan Gosling lands on March 20, 2026.
A loner astronaut? His memory of who he is or why he is there gone? Big mission? Earth on the line? Check, check, check.
This one’s smart sci-fi, just where science matters, and your heart gets tugged in the best possible way.
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Minions & Monsters
Animation / Family / Comedy
The Minions are back, and it’s weirdly cosmic. Set in 1920s Hollywood, this chapter drops on July 1, 2026, and it promises to be fun. It was initially set to be released in 2027 but was later pushed up this year. Cute? Yes. Loud? Absolutely. Good for kids? Perfect. Good for adults? Surprisingly, yes, because those little yellow guys are just too hard to resist.
Mortal Kombat II
Action / Adventure
Fights, nostalgia, and “finish him!” moments, Mortal Kombat II brings back big characters and bigger battles.
If you were into the first reboot, this one’s going to feel very familiar and very fun. The first reboot in 2021 might not be a huge hit because it faces mixed reactions, but we can’t deny that the movie deserves a sequel.
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Standouts Across Genres
2026 has a lot of genre and there is definitely something for everyone no matter your taste.
The Cat in the Hat
Animation / Comedy
A fresh take on Dr. Seuss’ classic with Bill Hader lending voice. It’s dropping on November 6, 2026. It is perfect if you want something light, hilarious, and a family movie night.
Scream 7
Horror / Thriller A new Ghostface killer comes, only to become more violent on February 27, 2026, and we can’t wait to know Sydney’s fate in this upcoming horror movie. Not for the faint of heart, but for horror fanatics? This is high on the watchlist.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Comedy / Drama Bringing back fashion-world chaos with new drama and old sparks. This sequel lands May 1, 2026. It will be directed by David Frankel, together with co-stars like Emily Blunt and Stanley Tuncy. Warm, fun, and stylish. Definitely a girls’ night pick.
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Masters of the Universe
Fantasy / Action He-Man is coming to the big screen, and it will be released exclusively in theatres in Canada and the United States on June 5, 2026.
Whether you grew up on He-Man or not, this one is going to be a full-ride adventure.
Netflix Originals & Streaming Must-Watches
Now for the Netflix side, where 2026 is shaping up to be surprisingly strong and big.
War Machine
Action / Sci-Fi — Netflix Exclusive From theatres in Australia, hitting Netflix worldwide after, to worldwide Netflix, this survival action film stars Alan Ritchson and Dennis Quaid and lands on Netflix in early March 2026. It’s going to be tense, yet fun for those binge-worthy nights.
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Little Brother
Comedy / Family John Cena and Eric André headline this comedy about unexpected family dynamics. It will be released on Netflix in 2026.
Light. Funny. Relatable fluff when you just want to laugh.
72 Hours
Comedy / Adventure
With comedian Kevin Hart in the lead, this wild bachelor weekend gone wrong lands on Netflix in 2026.
A perfect watch when you want something fun with friends.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Drama / War / Netflix & Theatres The Shelby story continues in 1940s Europe, with Tommy back from exile. The film hits select theatres on March 6 and Netflix on March 20, 2026.
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International Movies
There are a lot of Hollywood and Netflix movies to watch out for. But the list is not complete without checking out some great global storytelling that will rock 2026.
Tu Yaa Main
Thriller / Survival — Theatrical and Netflix later A survival story involving two influencers gone wrong as they get caught up in the danger of nature drops in theatres February 13, 2026, and lands on Netflix April 10.
Fresh, modern, and full of tension.
Kuberaa
Indian Thriller — Global releases around April 2026. Dhanush stars in this high-stakes thriller, hitting Japan and other markets in 2026.
Another great example of global cinema going beyond borders.
Quick Notes on Release Timing
2026 movies spread across the whole year, with big moments:
- Early 2026: Scream 7, Tu Yaa Main
- Spring: Project Hail Mary, War Machine, Peaky Blinders
- Summer: Minions & Monsters, Star Wars entry
- Fall/Winter: The Cat in the Hat and other seasonal fun
- Holiday blockbusters: Avengers: Doomsday closes the year strong
This gives you movie plans for every season.
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Final Thoughts
Different genres and a variety of movies are set to entertain us. Franchise finales and new chapters, Netflix originals with real buzz, Horror, comedy, sci-fi, animated films, and International cinema are finally finding their global space.
This isn’t a year to just watch movies. It’s a year to experience them.
