10 Films I’m Most Excited to See in 2026
10. The Dog Stars
The mere fact that Ridley Scott is returning to the science fiction genre is enough to give it my attention, especially considering his past works such as Alien and Blade Runner. The Dog Stars is based on the post-apocalyptic novel by Peter Heller, which centers on more isolation, grief, and survival, as opposed to spectacle. This is certainly much more low-key, which is why it feels like it’s set apart from his more recent historical blockbusters. The fact that it’s more grounded, as far as science fiction is concerned, is also what sets it apart from expanding any existing franchises. Scott’s skillful world-building is what makes this one continue to be on my list. Even this late, it feels like it’s more of a thought-provoking science fiction feature instead of your more standard blockbuster.
9. Supergirl
With no major Superman-related character appearances at the movies in recent years, Supergirl is both a significant addition to the DC franchise and a well-timed reaction to the return of Superman in 2025. Kara Zor-El is, of course, far removed from Clark Kent as an emotional arc, driven by tragedy and displacement instead of hope alone. This is what makes the actual story so interesting. While the initial teasers are still hesitant to convey the actual tone, the thought of giving Supergirl her own setting in the films is definitely thrilling and indicative of caution and optimism in varying proportions.
8. Masters of the Universe
This upcoming live-action Masters of the Universe should instead choose to fully incorporate the aesthetic style of the 1980s franchise instead of trying to revive it. Already, there is evidence that it will instead focus on scope, color, and fantasy over realism. This strategy seems to be what “Barbie” has done correctly with its take on its source material. He-Man’s realm of Eternia has always pushed the boundaries with its design elements, and this should prove to be the attraction with this upcoming movie as well. The fun part will be seeing it actually commit to its lore instead of watering it down.
7. Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell has very quickly emerged as a filmmaker who has a distinct style. With Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, she demonstrated an interest in the topics of power, obsession, and social performance. This adaptation of Wuthering Heights gives her a narrative that entirely revolves around these things. This too will represent the first big period production in a long while, which will make people curious about how her contemporary style will fare in a period context. The scale implies a very visually stunning film. The expectation in this case will not involve a lot of literalism and will instead revolve around an interpretation. This will prove to be among the most unique literary adaptations of the year.
6. Digger
Any kind of Cruise project will automatically draw interest based on his regular output as an actor and as a producer. The reason why Digger will draw attention has to do with the involvement of Alejandro González Iñárritu as the director. He has been known for his serious character studies and tough filming approaches. The involvement of Cruise here becomes even more captivating based on the kind of challenges that the actors have to face when working with the director. The October release schedule also suggests an Oscars strategy.
5. Disclosure Day
Spielberg coming back to the sci-fi arena on such an epic scale is quite an important factor because of the impact that his earlier sci-fi movies had on the blockbuster industry as a whole. Disclosure Day is seemingly being positioned on the lines of a typical Spielberg sci-fi blockbuster, and not an attempt at a retro outing. With Emily Blunt at the helm, what is seemingly in store is an arc-bound story that unfolds within a sci-fi premise that is quite large in scale. Spielberg's penchant for finding the right balance between wonder and understanding is something that has been hard to find in most of the contemporary Hollywood productions.
4. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
This prequel series examines the boyhood of Haymitch Abernathy and the Second Quarter Quell. This particular point of Panem’s history is a critical one because it is a turning point concerning the way the Games could be seen as propagandist tools. Rather than a straightforward story of survival, as is common, this series gets the opportunity to follow suit with the previous series’ format of using the spectacle of the Games as a way of making a point. The series returns to Panem in a way that feels positive rather than a need to continually escalate.
3. The Odyssey
The fact that the director, Christopher Nolan, tackles a Greek epic automatically establishes a certain scale to the production. Moreover, it represents the first full historic epic in the director’s career, and by far the most direct foray into mythology. The notion of filming the production in IMAX film stock further establishes the director’s affinity for a theatrical experience. Another thing to consider for the production, aside from its source material, is its adherence to the director’s established passions for the exploration of time, memory, and the human experience. It may be the only non-fantasy-based production in 2026.
2. Michael
The Michael Jackson biopic is of immense cultural significance because of the scope of his influence and the intricacies of his legacy. Unlike other biopics of musicians, this particular biopic needs to handle fame, innovation, and public scrutiny simultaneously. Initial trailers show that they are attempting to get authenticity in terms of performance and period. This biopic enjoys unprecedented access to Michael Jackson’s music repertoire. People are interested not just because of nostalgia and curiosity about the particular events of Michael Jackson’s life that have been portrayed in the biopic.
1. Dune: Part Three
Dune has already shown that epic science fiction can be both dense in its intelligence and lucrative in its profitability. The Villeneuve vision takes a far more cautious route in its storytelling and thematic focus. This final installment takes on the hardest part of the saga told in the Dune novels, which centers on power, fanaticism, and the consequences thereof. Timothée Chalamet's journey as Paul Atreides has played an integral role in this franchise’s success. The secondary cast and their technical prowess are some of the best in blockbuster cinema.
