Top 10 Must-See Movies of 2026 You Can’t Miss

Wondering which movies are worth your time in 2026? With theaters packed with exciting releases this year, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your ticket money. This guide highlights the top 10 films you should consider watching in 2026. These movies span multiple genres and feature acclaimed directors and actors, promising memorable experiences throughout the year.

This year brings diverse films across numerous genres. From action-packed spectacles to heartfelt dramas, these movies are positioned to capture audience attention and dominate conversations.

Which genres and stories should you watch in 2026?

The year offers something for every viewer. Superhero fans will see major franchise returns, while fans of literary adaptations get fresh takes on classic stories. Animation brings beloved characters back to screens, and biopics explore the lives of cultural icons.

1. Superhero: Avengers: Doomsday

For a superhero spectacle, Avengers: Doomsday reunites Marvel heroes against a new threat. The Russo Brothers return to direct this Phase Six centerpiece featuring a massive ensemble cast.

Avengers: Doomsday is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, marking their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr. returns to the franchise not as Iron Man, but as Doctor Doom, the film’s primary antagonist. The ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Pedro Pascal, and Vanessa Kirby, bringing together heroes from the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and X-Men franchises.

Why You Should Watch

• Downey’s transformation from Iron Man to Marvel’s most formidable villain
• The Russo Brothers are directing their first MCU film since Avengers: Endgame
• Brings together heroes from multiple franchises
• Features returning X-Men actors, including Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Hugh Jackman
• Sets up 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars
• December release positions it as a major year-end event

This film marks a significant shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introducing Doctor Doom while bringing together heroes from across different storylines.

2. Epic Adventure: The Odyssey

For an immersive epic, The Odyssey brings Christopher Nolan’s vision to Homer’s ancient tale. This marks Nolan’s first film since his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer.

The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan, marking his first film since his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. Based on Homer’s 8th century BCE epic poem, the film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson. The production was shot entirely on new IMAX 70mm film technology, representing a technical milestone in cinema.

Why You Should Watch

• Nolan’s signature storytelling applied to foundational Western literature
• Damon’s portrayal of the legendary Greek king
• Features mythological creatures, including the Cyclops, Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe
• First feature film shot entirely using IMAX film cameras
• Composer Ludwig Göransson returns after his Oppenheimer score
• Epic action sequences filmed across multiple countries

With its grand scale and Nolan’s acclaimed direction, The Odyssey promises to be a cinematic event that showcases both ancient storytelling and modern filmmaking technology.

3. Romance: Wuthering Heights

For passionate drama, Wuthering Heights offers Emerald Fennell’s take on Emily Brontë’s Gothic romance. The Saltburn director brings her distinct style to this classic love story.

Wuthering Heights is written and directed by Emerald Fennell, bringing her distinct style to Emily Brontë’s 1847 Gothic romance. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw opposite Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff, with music by Charli XCX, who created an original album for the film. The production was shot on 35mm VistaVision cameras in the Yorkshire Dales.

Why You Should Watch

• Robbie and Elordi bring star power to period drama
• Fennell’s bold interpretation of a literary classic
• Shot on 35mm VistaVision cameras in the Yorkshire Dales
• Releases on Valentine’s Day, positioning it as a romantic event
• Charli XCX’s original score adds contemporary energy
• Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, and Shazad Latif in supporting roles

With Fennell’s reputation for subversive storytelling and the chemistry between Robbie and Elordi, this adaptation promises a fresh perspective on the tempestuous relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff.

4. Animated: Toy Story 5

For family entertainment, Toy Story 5 returns Woody, Buzz, and the gang to theaters. Pixar tackles how traditional toys adapt when kids prefer screens.

• Directed by Andrew Stanton, co-directed by McKenna Harris
• Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return as Woody and Buzz Lightyear
• Joan Cusack reprises her role as Jessie
• New characters voiced by Greta Lee, Anna Faris, Conan O’Brien, and Ernie Hudson

Why You Should Watch

• Explores the relevant theme of toys versus technology
• Introduces Lilypad, a tablet character that challenges the toys’ purpose
• Features 50 Buzz Lightyear action figures stuck in demo mode
• Stanton co-wrote all four previous Toy Story films
• Woody returns after leaving Bonnie at the end of Toy Story 4
• Balances nostalgia with contemporary concerns about screen time

Toy Story 5 addresses how traditional play survives in a digital age, making it relevant for both longtime fans and new audiences facing similar questions about technology and childhood.

5. Superhero: Spider-Man: Brand New Day

For wall-crawling action, Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues Peter Parker’s story. Tom Holland returns for what’s described as a fresh start after No Way Home’s cliffhanger.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, with Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are expected to return, while new cast member Sadie Sink joins the franchise. The film is described as a fresh start for the character following the memory-erasing events of No Way Home.

Why You Should Watch

• Holland confirmed this is a fresh start for the character
• Follows the memory-erasing events of No Way Home
• Parker navigates college while trying to leave Spider-Man behind
• Fourth Spider-Man film in the MCU timeline
• Releases in July, making it a summer tentpole
• Directly leads into Avengers: Doomsday

This film explores how Peter rebuilds his life after the world forgot his identity, offering both character development and the action sequences the franchise is known for.

6. Comedy: The Devil Wears Prada 2

For workplace comedy, The Devil Wears Prada 2 reunites the fashion world cast. Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep return alongside Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 reunites the original cast with Anne Hathaway reprising her role as Andy Sachs and Meryl Streep returning as Miranda Priestly. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci also return, joined by new cast members including Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, and Justin Theroux. The sequel catches up with these beloved characters 18 years after the original film.

Why You Should Watch

• Catches up with beloved characters 18 years after the original
• Explores Andy’s evolution in the fashion and journalism industries
• Features the chemistry between the returning cast
• Adds fresh faces, including Simone Ashley and B.J. Novak
• Kenneth Branagh plays Miranda’s husband
• Releases Mother’s Day weekend

The original film became a cultural touchstone, and this sequel offers a chance to revisit those characters while examining how the fashion industry and media have changed since 2006.

7. Biopic: Michael

For a musical biography, Michael tells the story of the King of Pop. Director Antoine Fuqua brings Michael Jackson’s life to the screen.

Michael is directed by Antoine Fuqua and tells the story of Michael Jackson’s rise to global superstardom. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, stars in the title role in this biopic produced by Graham King, who previously produced Bohemian Rhapsody. The film explores Jackson’s cultural impact and musical legacy.

Why You Should Watch

• First major theatrical biopic of Michael Jackson
• Jaafar Jackson’s physical resemblance and family connection
• Fuqua’s experience with musical biopics
• Examines Jackson’s cultural impact and musical legacy
• Features Jackson’s iconic performances and choreography
• Releases in spring, positioning for awards consideration

With Jackson’s nephew in the lead role and Fuqua’s direction, this biopic aims to capture both the public persona and private struggles of one of music’s most influential figures.

8. Fantasy: Practical Magic 2

For magical entertainment, Practical Magic 2 brings back the Owens sisters. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return nearly 30 years after the original.

Practical Magic 2 is directed by Susanne Bier and brings back Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing return as the aunts, while new cast members include Joey King, Maisie Williams, and Lee Pace. The sequel continues the story of the Owens family witches nearly 30 years after the original film.

Why You Should Watch

• Reunites the beloved cast from the 1998 film
• Continues the story of the Owens family witches
• Bier brings acclaimed directing to the material
• Combines returning favorites with franchise newcomers
• Releases in September
• The original film developed a devoted following over the years

The original Practical Magic became a cult favorite, making this sequel highly anticipated for fans who have waited decades to see these characters again.

9. Science Fiction: Project Hail Mary

For sci-fi adventure, Project Hail Mary adapts Andy Weir’s novel. Ryan Gosling stars in this story about an astronaut who must save humanity.

Project Hail Mary is directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name. Ryan Gosling plays an astronaut who wakes on a spacecraft with no memory, facing a mission to save humanity. The screenplay is written by Drew Goddard, who previously adapted Weir’s The Martian for the screen.

Why You Should Watch

• Weir wrote The Martian, which became a successful film
• Gosling leads a high-concept survival story
• Lord and Miller bring their unique directing style
• Goddard adapted The Martian for the screen
• Combines space adventure with mystery elements
• Features themes of problem-solving and determination

Weir’s novels blend hard science with compelling storytelling, and this adaptation promises to deliver both thrilling sequences and genuine scientific intrigue as the protagonist races to prevent extinction.

10. Action: Mortal Kombat II

For martial arts action, Mortal Kombat II continues the rebooted franchise. The sequel builds on the 2021 film’s success with expanded characters and battles.

Mortal Kombat II is directed by Simon McQuoid and serves as a sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat. The film continues the tournament storyline and is expected to introduce new fighters from the game franchise, expanding the Mortal Kombat universe established in the first film.

Why You Should Watch

• Expands the Mortal Kombat universe
• Features the franchise’s signature fighting sequences
• This film proved there’s an audience appetite for the property
• Faithful to the source material’s mythology
• Introduces additional fan-favorite characters
• Releases Mother’s Day weekend

For fans of the video game franchise and martial arts films, this sequel promises more of the action and character matchups that made the 2021 reboot successful with both critics and audiences.

Conclusion

From superhero team-ups to intimate character studies, these top 10 movies of 2026 offer diverse theatrical experiences. Featuring work from acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan, the Russo Brothers, and Emerald Fennell, these films represent major releases across the year. Whether you prefer action spectacles or character-driven dramas, 2026 provides multiple opportunities to experience cinema at its most ambitious.