If you’re wondering what films are turning heads in 2026, here’s the scoop—big franchise sequels and surprising indie gems are both packing theaters and streaming charts this year.
What’s the Buzz: Blockbusters and Indies Side by Side
The year’s biggest names include high-octane franchise sequels and splashy in-universe expansions. Alongside those are surprisingly creative, lean-budget indies shaking up audience expectations.
Major Blockbusters to Watch in 2026
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – April 3
This long-awaited sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie launches Mario into space alongside iconic characters and fresh voices. Brie Larson debuts as Rosalina, and Bowser Jr.—voiced by Benny Safdie—adds a twist. It builds on the original’s billion-dollar success.
Scream 7 – February/March
Sidney Prescott returns after a gap, delivering nostalgic slasher thrills wrapped in modern twists.
The Bride! – March 6
A bold redemption of Bride of Frankenstein from Maggie Gyllenhaal. Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale bring raw energy to this horror-drama.
Project Hail Mary – March 20
Ryan Gosling stars as an astronaut in a life-or-death mission to save Earth in this slick sci-fi adaptation from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 – May 1
The stylish clash of Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs returns with the original cast. Expect sharp wit and fashion-world drama.
Digger – October 2
Alejandro G. Iñárritu steps into black comedy with Tom Cruise leading. Its tagline? A “comedy of catastrophic proportions.”
Avengers: Doomsday – December 18
MCU’s holiday juggernaut reunites Robert Downey Jr. with the Russos. Heavy on legacy characters, it’s poised as the biggest tentpole of the year.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31
Tom Holland’s Peter Parker goes back to street-level roots. Zendaya and others return, with a grittier tone and setup for the next MCU wave.
Moana (Live-Action) – July 10
Dwayne Johnson stars in a reimagined Moana, balancing Disney charm with modern visual effects.
Toy Story 5 – June 19
Woody, Buzz, and new pals explore a toys-versus-tech storyline in this latest Pixar addition.
The Odyssey – July 17
Christopher Nolan directs this epic reimagining of Homer’s saga, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus amid a starry ensemble.
Spielberg’s Untitled Event Film – June 12
Spielberg returns with a high-profile project starring Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt. Details are sparse, but expectations are sky-high.
Indie and Streaming Standouts
Pretty Lethal – SXSW premiere March 13, Prime Video March 25
Uma Thurman plays a murderous innkeeper in this ballet-thriller. Tense cat-and-mouse action grounded in dance discipline.
The Breadwinner – May 29
Comedian Nate Bargatze makes his film debut in this family comedy about swapping roles after a Shark Tank win. Charming, relatable, screwball vibes.
Passenger – May 29
A new horror entry from André Øvredal, featuring Melissa Leo. Expect eerie suspense crafted for theatrical chills.
A Better Place
A dark comedy thriller evolving from a hit-and-run into something darker, featuring strong performances and unexpected twists.
Iron Lung – Already hitting theaters
A surprising indie horror from YouTuber Markiplier. Made on a shoestring budget, it raked in $18 million opening weekend and grabbed fan approval.
Streaming Highlights
Films now available include Oscar-nominated Hamnet and The Secret Agent, plus Paul Feig’s “The Housemaid.” Great picks for home viewers craving thoughtful drama and tension.
Skimmable Guide: Must-Watch Picks by Type
Big Ticket Blockbusters
– Avengers: Doomsday
– Spider-Man: Brand New Day
– Moana (Live-Action)
– Toy Story 5
– The Odyssey
– Spielberg’s Summer Epic
Genre Hits & Sequels
– Scream 7
– Project Hail Mary
– The Devil Wears Prada 2
– The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Indie & Streaming Gems
– Pretty Lethal
– The Breadwinner
– Passenger
– A Better Place
– Iron Lung
– Hamnet, The Secret Agent, The Housemaid
Why It All Matters
This year balances spectacle with intimacy in a rare way. Franchise die-hards will flock to big names, while clever indie and streaming films give fresh voices a chance to shine. Even horror fans get something for both extremes—big-screen thrills and tight-budget creeps. Variety isn’t just nice to have—it’s 2026’s reason to keep watching.
“Whether you’re chasing explosions or eerie tension, 2026 cinema has something unforgettable for every kind of viewer.”
Concluding, if you want sheer scale, go superhero or animated. If you’re after mood, clever writing, or tight thrills, these indies are quietly rewriting expectations.
FAQs
What are the top blockbusters coming out in 2026?
Expect massive entries like Avengers: Doomsday, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Toy Story 5, Moana, and Nolan’s The Odyssey. These are aimed to dominate the box office.
Which 2026 indies are making waves?
Look for Pretty Lethal (ballet-horror), The Breadwinner (comedy), Iron Lung (DIY horror hit), and streaming picks like Hamnet and The Secret Agent.
Which films debut mid-year that are worth noting?
Standouts include Project Hail Mary in March, Spielberg’s untitled event film in June, and Digger in October—each offering distinct genre thrills.
Are there streaming-first releases I should prioritize?
Yes. Pretty Lethal hits Prime Video after SXSW, and Hamnet, The Secret Agent, and The Housemaid are already out to rent or stream now.
Why is Iron Lung such a talking point?
Made on a modest budget by a YouTube creator, it grossed $18M opening weekend. It’s a rare case where fan power and indie grit collided to surprise the market.
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