Hollywood’s 2026 release calendar is kinda packed, with long-awaited sequels, cherished franchise returns, and follow-ups to some of the most successful films ever made. Studios are leaning pretty hard on brand recognition, bringing back classic characters and stories audiences already loved for years, so it feels familiar but also kind of new. From animated classics to style-driven favorites, and from big action adventures to whatever else people are craving, these upcoming titles are already making major noise. Here are eight movies that movie fans are going to keep an eye on throughout 2026.
Toy Story 5
Release date: June 19, 2026
Pixar is getting Woody, Buzz, and the gang back together for another kind of adventure. You know, like, with one of the most successful animated franchises in history, Toy Story 5 should pull in the longtime fans as well as a newer crop of viewers.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Release date: May 1, 2026
Almost two decades after the first one became some kind of cultural phenomenon, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is among the most eagerly awaited follow-ups of the year, honestly. People want to drop back into the world of high fashion again.
Shrek 5
Release date: Delayed to June 30, 2027
The beloved green ogre comes back after a few years away from theaters, and honestly, it feels like people are already expecting the whole nostalgia thing to kick in. With family-friendly energy, plus that franchise-style trademark humor, Shrek 5 is pretty much set to land as one of the biggest animated releases of the year.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
Release date: April 3, 2026
Following the enormous success of the first film, Nintendo’s famous characters are back for another big-screen adventure. The sequel is expected to expand the Mushroom Kingdom and introduce more fan-favorite characters.
Avengers: Doomsday
Release date: December 18, 2026
Marvel’s next big crossover thing is getting a lot of attention right now, while fans are basically waiting around to see how the studio’s biggest heroes will come together again, for one more massive fight with universe-changing stakes.
Moana
Release date: July 10, 2026
Disney is continuing its live-action remake strategy with Moana. Fans are curious to see how the beloved animated story and its memorable music translate into a live-action format.
Ice Age 6
Release date: December 18, 2026
The popular prehistoric franchise returns with more adventures from Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd. The film is expected to appeal strongly to families and longtime fans.
The Hunger Games
Release date: November 20, 2026
Drawing on the bestselling novel, this fresh entry in The Hunger Games universe goes back to a earlier time in Panem, and it also says it’ll widen the franchise mythology. Along the way, it leans hard into political intrigue, sort of like a tangled web.
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