These 2026 Films Are Worth Leaving the House for (Yes, Even in the Streaming Era)

Movie theaters have a unique essence that simply can’t be replicated at home—no matter how many streaming services you have or how comfortable your living room might be. Imagine stepping into the theater and being greeted by the sound of popcorn kernels dancing in the machine, each one bursting open in anticipation of being scooped into a large bucket and drenched in that oily—but oh-so-delicious—butter.

You make your way into the auditorium and settle into a reclining seat. As the lights dim slightly, trailers for upcoming films play while you enjoy your snacks, carefully pacing yourself so they last through the main event. Then, almost suddenly, the lights slowly fade and the movie begins.

Fortunately, 2026 is bringing plenty of movies worth leaving the house for and enjoying the full movie theater experience.  From long-awaited sequels to brand new adventures, here are 15 films coming out this year that are definitely worth experiencing on the big screen.

1. ‘Send Help’

Release date: January 30

Rachel McAdams (“Mean Girls” and “The Notebook”) stars as Linda Liddle, an awkward but dedicated employee who becomes stranded on a deserted island with her egotistical boss, Bradley, played by Dylan O’Brien (“Teen Wolf” and “The Maze Runner”). The two must work together to survive, but ultimately tensions rise, and it becomes a battle of wits between the lowly underdog and the rude alpha, each trying to strategize against the other to stay alive. 

2. ‘The Drama’

Release date: Apr. 3

A24 presents “The Drama,” starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Planning a wedding is stressful enough, especially the days leading up to the big day. Emma and Charlie’s relationship is put to the ultimate test when an unsettling truth about Emma’s past resurfaces just days before they say “I do.”

3. ‘The Bride!’

Release date: Mar. 6

“The Bride!” is an American Gothic romance film written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film is inspired by the 1935 film “The Bride of Frankenstein”, which is based on novelist Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein.” In 1930s Chicago, Dr. Euphronious brings back a murdered woman to life, known as “The Bride”, to be Frankenstein’s companion. The relationship sparks unexpected romance, police interest, and social change. 

4. ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Release date: May 1

Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep are back with the long-awaited sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada.” Print is on a rapid decline in fashion journalism, and Miranda Presseley is having trouble navigating the digital landscape. Pressley is forced to reconnect with her former assistant-turned-rival, Emily, who is now a high-powered executive controlling the advertising funds that determine whether Runway magazine survives. Andy Sachs also returns to Runway magazine as editor, creating a tense reunion with Presseley. 

5. ‘Michael’

Release date: April 24

Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, makes his acting debut playing his late uncle in the movie “Michael.” The musical biographical drama follows the pop superstar’s journey from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his rise to world-renowned status. 

6. ‘Toy Story 5’

Release date: June 19

“Toy Story” fans rejoice. After seven years, the beloved franchise is heading back to the big screen. Playtime is threatened for Buzz, Woody and the rest of the gang when their Kid Bonnie becomes occupied by a tablet device called Lilypad.

7. ‘The Odyssey’

Release date: July 17

The 2026 film “The Odyssey” is a cinematic adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic, chronicling Odysseus’s ten-year journey back to Ithaca following the Trojan War. The film features an all-star cast, with Matt Damon portraying Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus’s devoted wife. The ensemble cast also includes Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o (rumored to be Helen of Troy) and Mia Goth.

8. ‘I Love Boosters’

Release date: May 22

From Boots Riley, the writer and director of “I’m a Virgo” and “Sorry to Bother You” comes “I Love Boosters.” The comedy stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige as a group of young women known as “boosters” who steal designer fashion items and resell them at a lower price, making high-end fashion accessible while challenging capitalism and a cutthroat fashion mogul. In true Boots Riley fashion, the film also incorporates supernatural elements.

9. ‘Mother Mary’

Release date: April 17

A24’s psychological thriller “Mother Mary” stars Anne Hathaway as Mother Mary, an iconic but troubled pop star dealing with trauma and relationship issues. On the eve of her comeback performance, she reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam, played by Michaela Coel (“Chewing Gum” and “I May Destroy You”).

10. ‘You Me and Tuscany’

Release date: April 10

After meeting a handsome Italian stranger who mentions he has an abandoned villa, Anna (Halle Bailey) impulsively jets off to Italy to squat there. But she is soon caught by the man’s mother and lies to her, saying she is his fiancée. The little white lie soon becomes a huge disaster when Anna falls in love with the stranger’s cousin, Michael (Rege-Jean Page- Bridgerton), while planning her “wedding.”

11. ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’

Release date: April 1

Mario and Luigi are back. The duo joins Princess Peach and their lovable friend Toad on a galactic adventure where they meet Princess Rosalina and battle Bowser Jr.

12.  ‘Super Girl’

Release date: June 26

Kara Zor-El was raised on the fractured planet Krypton and watched her loved ones die, making her more jaded than her cousin Clark Kent, aka Superman, who was raised on Earth by loving parents. To celebrate her birthday, Kara travels across the galaxy with her dog Krypto. Along the way, she meets Ruth Marye Knoll, whose father was killed by Krem of the Yellow Hills. The two form an unlikely friendship and go on a journey seeking revenge for Ruth’s murdered father.

13. ‘Spider-Man-Brand New Day’

Release date: July 31

Four years after the previous film “No Way Home”, Peter Parker is no more, and Spider-Man is here to stay. Parker decides to separate himself from his past connections, including his best friend Ned and his love interest MJ, and focus on protecting New York City as Spider-Man. While fighting crime, Parker faces a potentially dangerous genetic mutation that is turning him more spider-like, threatening his humanity. 

14. ‘Project Hail Mary’

Release date: March 20

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosland)  wakes up on a spaceship with no idea how he got there or why he’s even in there. As his memory slowly returns, he soon discovers he must use his scientific knowledge and wits to solve the riddle behind a mysterious substance that’s causing the sun to die.

15. ‘Moana’

Release date: July 10

Disney’s 2016 animated film, which made billions of sales worldwide, “Moana” is coming back, but this time in live action. The film stars up-and-coming Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. 

Featured image credit: Universal Pictures