10 Most Exciting Movies to Wait for in 2026

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - 2026 is here, and for cinephiles, it promises to be an exciting time at the movies. This year brings a rich collection of films from different genres and styles. Legendary directors are returning with ambitious projects, while beloved franchises continue their stories. Big stars are working together to create memorable performances. Whether you enjoy action blockbusters, romantic dramas, science fiction adventures, or psychological thrillers, 2026 has something special waiting for you on the big screen.

From superhero spectacles to intimate character studies, here are ten movies that film lovers around the world are eagerly waiting to watch this year.

Twenty years after the first film, this sequel brings back the world of high fashion. Meryl Streep returns as the powerful magazine editor Miranda Priestly. Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci also return to their roles. The film adds new actors including Lucy Liu and Kenneth Branagh. Director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna worked on the original film too. The story follows the characters as they face new challenges in the fashion industry. The movie releases on May 1, 2026.

This massive superhero film brings together heroes from different universes. The movie includes the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men characters all in one story. Robert Downey Jr. returns to Marvel, but this time he plays the villain Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man. Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Holland, and Paul Rudd also return. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who made "Avengers: Endgame," are back for this project. The film promises huge action scenes and many surprises. It opens in theaters on December 18, 2026.

Director Emerald Fennell creates a bold new version of the classic 1847 novel by Emily Brontë. Margot Robbie plays Catherine Earnshaw, and Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff. The film features bright colors and a modern style that is very different from older adaptations. Pop star Charli XCX created music for the soundtrack. Some fans worry the film changes too much from the original book, but others are excited to see something new. The movie opens on February 13, 2026, just before Valentine's Day.

Christopher Nolan directs this epic adaptation of the ancient Greek poem by Homer. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the warrior-king trying to return home after the Trojan War. Anne Hathaway plays his wife Penelope, and Tom Holland plays their son Telemachus. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson also join the large cast. The film cost over $250 million to make and was shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film. Theaters started selling tickets one year before the release date. The movie opens on July 17, 2026.

Pixar brings back Woody and Buzz Lightyear for another adventure. This time, the toys face a new challenge: a tablet device named Lilypad becomes the favorite toy of their owner Bonnie. The story explores what happens when traditional toys compete with modern technology. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as the voices of Woody and Buzz. Director Andrew Stanton previously made "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E." The film continues the series' tradition of emotional storytelling mixed with humor. Toy Story 5 releases on June 19, 2026.

This unexpected sequel follows Brad Pitt's character from "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Director David Fincher takes over from Quentin Tarantino, who wrote the script for this new film. The story shows Cliff Booth's experiences in a prisoner of war camp during World War II. Netflix spent $200 million to produce this prequel. It will be the most expensive film in both Fincher's and Tarantino's careers. Brad Pitt returns to play the stuntman character he won an Oscar for. The release date has not been announced yet.

Maggie Gyllenhaal writes and directs this new monster film inspired by "Bride of Frankenstein." The story moves to 1930s Chicago and follows a murder victim brought back to life. Jessie Buckley plays the Bride, and Christian Bale plays Frankenstein's monster. Unlike the 1935 film where the Bride barely appears, this version gives her a strong voice and personality. The cast also includes Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, and Penelope Cruz. Warner Bros. will release the film on IMAX screens nationwide. It opens on March 6, 2026.

Denis Villeneuve completes his "Dune" trilogy with this adaptation of "Dune Messiah." The story jumps forward 12 years after "Dune: Part Two" and shows the consequences of Paul Atreides' choices. Timothée Chalamet returns along with Zendaya, Josh Brolin, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Robert Pattinson joins the cast as a new villain. Jason Momoa also returns in a surprising way. The film will compete with "Avengers: Doomsday" at the box office. Both movies are currently scheduled for December 18, 2026.

Director Gore Verbinski returns with his first film since 2016. This science fiction comedy tells the story of a man from the future who travels back in time. Sam Rockwell plays the time traveler who must stop an artificial intelligence uprising. He recruits people at a diner to help him save the world. The cast includes Juno Temple, Haley Lu Richardson, and Zazie Beetz. Early reviews compare the film to "Everything Everywhere All At Once." The movie releases on February 13, 2026.

David Lowery directs this psychological thriller about a pop singer and a fashion designer. Anne Hathaway plays Mother Mary, a famous performer preparing for a comeback tour. She asks her former designer Sam (Michaela Coel) to create a special dress for her performance. The two women have not spoken in ten years. Their reunion leads to dark and unexpected events. The film includes original music by Jack Antonoff, FKA twigs, and Charli XCX. A24 will release the film in April 2026.