Happy New Year fellow movie goers from around the globe. Movies in 2025 had some ups and downs. Goodbye 2025, hello 2026. The next yearly chapter has a ton of upcoming films. I selected 12 as some sort of New Year’s Resolution. Without further ado, here are my Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2026? Why Top 12? Because I don’t want an extra number. Otherwise, bad luck might occur.
12. Mother Mary
- Release Date: April (no specific number confirmed at the moment)
- Box Office Prediction: $50 millionish
Originally slated for a 2025 release, Mother Mary was pushed back. This A24 produced physiological horror drama stars Anne Hathaway as the titular singer who has an affair with a fashion designer as she prepares for a comeback performance. All she has to do is look for the perfect dress. Michaela Coel factors in as the fashion designer. Hunter Schafer also has a role. I’m looking forward to this A24 film.
11. Scream 7
- Release Date: February 27
- Box Office Prediction: $200 million
Although Jenna Ortega didn’t reprise her role due to scheduling conflicts with Wednesday’s second season, the seventh installment of my favorite horror movie franchise brings back Neve Campbell reprising her role as Sidney Prescott. A mysterious individual or two dons the Ghostface outfit. The killer hunts Sidney’s daughter. With no other choice, Sidney must stop the killer from harming her. Courtney Cox will reprise her role as Gale Weathers. I cannot wait to see Scream 7. Who’s the perp behind the mask? We shall see.
10. Werewulf
Release Date: December 25
Box Office Prediction: $100 millionish
Aaron-Taylor Johnson & filmmaker, Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse, Nosferatu) collaborate on their next project. A werewolf horror film in medieval Britain. As of early 2026, no trailer has been released. Plot details are classified. We got to wait until next Christmas. I enjoyed Mr. Eggers’ Nosferatu remake. I’ll be seeing it as a Christmas present.
9. Supergirl
- Release Date: June 26
- Box Office Prediction: $500 millionish
Following the success of James Gunn’s reboot of Superman, the second film in the DC Universe will focus on the Man Of Steel’s cousin, Kara/Supegirl going on an intergalactic adventure. Befriends an alien girl Together, they search for the killer who murdered the alien girl’s loved ones. James “JG” Gunn confirmed the story will take in from Supergirl’s mini-series, “The Woman of Tomorrow.” Although JG’s not directing because he’s working on “Man of Tomorrow,” Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) will direct. Milly Alcock dons the cape and suit. Jason Momoa will portray Lobo. Possibility setting up a solo movie. As we’re living in an age of misandry depicting women as bossy know-it-alls and men as Neanderthals like “The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy,” “Barbie” and Obi-Wan’s mini-series. I have faith in Supergirl. The trailer looks promising.
8. Michael
- Release Date: April 24
- Box Office Prediction: $900 million+
Like Mother Mary, a biopic based on the late Michael “MJ” Jackson was delayed to 2026. The film will chronicle the King of Pop’s life and career from his early years as the lead singer of Jackson 5 to becoming the biggest solo act in the 1980s. The reason why the film was delayed? Script rewrites, reshoots and can’t extend his life beyond the 1990s to his untimely death in 2009. Eventually, MJ’s family approved the Final Cut. MJ’s nephew, Jafaar will portray him. Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, (The Equalizer Trilogy, The Guilty) will direct the highly anticipated biopic.
7. Disclosure Day
- Release Date: June 12
- Box Office Prediction: $400 million
After completing his semi-biographical movie, “The Fabelmans,” Steven Spielberg commenced development of his next project. A UFO themed movie starring Emily Blunt & Colin Firth. A teaser trailer reveals what it’s gonna be about. A weatherwoman and a conspiracy theorist embark on a quest to obtain evidence on alien life. Good thing full details are kept under wraps. Once it comes out this Summer, will finally get up to speed.
6. Project Hail Mary
- Release Date: March 20
- Box Office Prediction: $500 millionish
Based on a novel by Andy Weir, (The Martian) this hard science fiction adventure film stars Ryan Gosling as an astronaut who wakes up in a spacecraft with no memory of himself and the mission. Once he connects the dots, the astronaut learns he’s sent on a quest to save Earth. Directing duo, Phil Lord & Chris Miller signed on to direct. Drew Goddard penned the script. I enjoy the directing duo’s work including “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “21 Jump Street,” its sequel and “The Lego Movie.” I’m open to see Project Hail Mary. Hard science fiction is one of my favorite subgenres.
5. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Release Date: July 31
- Box Office Prediction: $1 billion+
Set after “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Peter Parker continues his superhero career protecting the citizens of NYC courtesy of Uncle Ben’s words of wisdom, “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility.” Anyway, plot details are discreet. All I know is Spider-Man will face off against Mac Gargan/Scorpion and crime boss, Lonnie Lincoln/Tombstone. Besides Tom Holland back as Spidey, Jon Bernthal & Mark Ruffalo will reprise their roles as Frank Castle/Punisher & Bruce Banner/Hulk. They might assist Peter. One more thing, Brand New Day will come out eight days after my birthday. This’ll be a late present for sure.
4. Dune: Part Three
- Release Date: December 18 (may change)
- Box Office Prediction: $800 million+
Dune Parts 1-2 completely finishes Frank Herbert’s lengthy book. Denis Villeneuve officially confirms he’s gonna direct a follow-up based on the second book, “Dune: Messiah.” I won’t go into full plot synopsis on the book just let you folks read it. Anyway, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem & Jason Momoa will reprise their roles. Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson joins the franchise. I immensely enjoyed Dune Parts 1-2. First half’s near perfect and the second half a 10/10. Combine them both you get a 9/10. Can’t wait.
3. Digger
- Release Date: October 2
- Box Office Prediction: $500 millionish
When I saw Digger’s teaser trailer with Tom Cruise (who recently earned a lifetime achievement award at the Oscars) dancing with a shovel to Gorillaz’ “Oh Green World” I like okay, this is comedy. He hasn’t been in one since “Tropic Thunder.” Plot details are classified. All I know is one of my favorite filmmakers. Alejandro González Iñárritu (The Revenant, Birdman, Babel) is set to direct and the supporting cast including John Goodman, Jesse Plemons & Riz Ahmed. When it’s out during Halloween Month, I’ll be the first in line to see it.
2. The Odyssey
- Release Date: July 17
- Box Office Prediction: $1 billion+
After “Oppenheimer” ultimately won an Oscar for “Best Picture,” my idol, Christopher Nolan commenced development on his next film. An action-adventure fantasy epic based on Homer’s “The Odyssey” starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. We all know the story since literate class in school. One guy embarks on a quest to go home overcoming obstacles in his way. Supporting cast including Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth & Charlize Theron. As a huge fan of Mr. Nolan, I’m definitely putting the is one my Top 12. His upcoming epic film will be released six days before my birthday. Talk about an early present.
Honorable Mentions
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
- The Dog Stars
- Coyote vs. Acme
- Clayface
- The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Dishonorable Mentions
- The Mummy
- Scary Movie 6
- The Cat in the Hat
- Focker In-Law
- Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
1. Avengers: Doomsday
- Release Date: December 18 (may change)
- Box Office Prediction: $2 billion
My number one highly anticipated film is “Avengers Doomsday.” A culmination of mostly previous installments in the MCU. After Marvel Studios kicked out Jonathan Majors for being a wife beater, Kang the Conquerer was written out permanently in favor of another antagonist. This time, Robert Downey Jr. revealed himself at San Diego Comic Con 2024 as Doctor Doom. Meaning, he’s officially portraying one of the greatest comic book villains of all time. Doomsday’s plot remain classified. All I know is previous OG cast of the X-Men series are reprising their roles along with the new Fantastic Four cast. Short answer, X-Men, FF, Thunderbolts and Avengers are teaming up to combat Doctor Doom.
When I first heard the OG cast of X-Men are coming to the MCU wearing their comic accurate suits, I was beyond excited. I always wanted to see them wear the suits on the big screen. Once Doomsday comes out a week before Christmas, I’m definitely gonna be the first in line. Now that I have Marvel Unlimited, I’m gonna read several comics before Doomsday comes out. They’ll keep me occupied.
What are your Top 12 Anticipated Films of 2026? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 