2026 Movie Preview: Must-See Films You Should Know About

As 2026 approaches, the film industry is buzzing with an impressive lineup of films. This year promises a diverse array of genres, including horror, action, comedy, and adaptations from beloved franchises. Here are some must-see films releasing in 2026.

January Releases

• Greenland 2: Migration – Starring Gerard Butler, this sequel follows a family’s struggle for survival five years after a catastrophic comet impact. It opens in theaters on January 9.
• Dead Man’s Wire – Directed by Gus Van Sant, this thriller stars Bill Skarsgård as a notorious kidnapper based on a bizarre true crime story. Available in limited release starting January 9.
• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – A sequel to the iconic zombie film series, directed by Nia DaCosta, debuting in theaters on January 16.
• The Rip – Featuring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this crime drama revolves around cops finding a stash of cash. Watch it on Netflix starting January 16.
• A Useful Ghost – A Thai film about a ghost that possesses a vacuum cleaner, releasing in theaters on January 16.
• Cosmic Princess Kaguya! – An animated adventure inspired by Japanese folklore, streaming on Netflix from January 22.
• Clika – This underdog story about a musician’s rise to fame hits theaters on January 23.
• Mercy – A sci-fi thriller starring Chris Pratt, opens in theaters on January 23, where he battles an AI judge.
• Return to Silent Hill – A reboot based on the beloved horror game, showing in theaters on January 23.
• The Moment – A mockumentary featuring Charli XCX, opening in theaters on January 30.
• Send Help – A psychological thriller about office culture starring Rachel McAdams, releasing January 30.

February Releases

• Pillion – A romantic comedy about self-discovery, opening on February 6.
• Cold Storage – A thrilling contagion story starring Joe Keery, available starting February 13.
• Crime 101 – A true crime adaptation featuring Chris Hemsworth, hitting theaters on February 13.
• GOAT – An animated film about an underdog goat aspiring to be a sports hero, opening on February 13.
• Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – A sci-fi comedy following a time traveler, arriving in theaters on February 13.
• Wuthering Heights – A bold adaptation of the classic novel by Emerald Fennell, scheduled for February 13.
• How to Make a Killing – A revenge comedy centering on familial wealth, opening on February 20.
• Scream 7 – The latest entry in the slasher franchise, releasing on February 27.

March Releases

• The Bride – A reimagining of the Bride of Frankenstein, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, coming March 6.
• Hoppers – A Disney-Pixar film about a teenage girl and animal bots, addressed in March.
• Alpha – A new project by Julia Ducournau focusing on identity and self-expression, opening March 27.
• Project Hail Mary – Based on an Andy Weir novel and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, hitting theaters March 20.
• Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour – A concert film by Billie Eilish, releasing March 20.
• Ready or Not 2: Here I Come – A sequel to the popular horror-comedy, coming March 27.

April and Beyond

April brings films such as Mother Mary, highlighting the clash of old friendships and new challenges. In addition, The Drama, set to release on April 3, examines the unraveling relationship of a seemingly perfect couple. The much-anticipated Super Mario Galaxy Movie arrives on April 3, featuring familiar characters on interstellar adventures.

As summer approaches, well-known franchises like Moana (July 10) and Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31) will captivate audiences while filmmakers tackle original stories, such as Werwulf on December 25. The year concludes with grand scales like Dune: Part Three (December 18), promising thrilling narratives and engaging characters.

2026 is certainly promising for cinema lovers, with a diverse slate of films that cater to all tastes, ensuring plenty of excitement throughout the year.