Most anticipated Hollywood movies of 2026

We may still be celebrating the standout films of 2025, but with 2026 now underway, the year ahead is already shaping up to be packed with exciting new projects to look forward to.

From major directorial debuts and bold literary adaptations to fresh takes on iconic stories and long awaited sequels as 2026 promises a diverse and dynamic lineup.

With OG filmmakers returning to ambitious projects and audiences buzzing about what’s ahead as the year is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated for movie lovers.

Dead Man’s Wire (January 16)

Gus Van Sant’s first film in seven years retells the shocking 1977 case of Tony Kiritsis, played by Bill Skarsgård, who held his mortgage broker (Dacre Montgomery) hostage for 63 hours after falling behind on payments. 

The dramatic standoff unfolded on live TV, with Kiritsis calling himself a “goddamned national hero” before pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. With Colman Domingo, Myha’la and Al Pacino as the film delivers a tense crime thriller.

The Drama (April 3)

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson lead this A24 romantic comedy about a couple whose relationship takes a surprising and dramatic twist right before their wedding. Not too much has been revealed but with Ari Aster producing and its star studded cast as the film is already generating excitement.

Michael (April 24)

Antoine Fuqua’s long-awaited biopic Michael will explore Michael Jackson’s life, from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his rise as the King of Pop.

Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stars in the lead role, with Colman Domingo and Nia Long playing his parents.

The film was made with full support from the Jackson estate, despite a few legal challenges, and aims to capture the scale of the pop icon’s legacy.

The Dog Stars (March 27)

Ridley Scott’s new film, based on Peter Heller’s novel, is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story set after a deadly virus wipes out most of humanity.

It follows a pilot (Jacob Elordi) and an ex-marine (Josh Brolin) as they fight off threats while trying to survive. With Scott’s signature visual style and a script by Mark L. Smith, the film promises big, intense action.

Wuthering Heights (February 13)

Director Emerald Fennell returns with a bold new take on Emily Brontë’s classic as the trailer is set to music by Charli XCX instantly sparked conversation online. 

Starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as the doomed lovers, this version isn’t a strict retelling but a more artistic, impressionistic interpretation of the original Gothic story.