Top 10 Most Anticipated Movie Releases by Genre You Can’t Miss in 2026

2026 is already proving to be a pretty excellent year for film. Between heartstring-tugging romances like “People We Meet on Vacation” and big-screen sci-fi spectacles like “Project Hail Mary”, this year has wasted no time delivering great films. If the upcoming slate is any indication, the second half of 2026 is only about to get better. So, here are the 10 most anticipated films on the horizon, broken down by genre.

Comedy

1. ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Release date: May 1, 2026 (already out, but the excitement is still very high!)

The long-awaited sequel returns to the glossy, cutthroat world of fashion publishing, where ambition, image and workplace politics are still everything. Expect sharp dialogue, elevated style, and plenty of tension as old power dynamics are tested in a changed industry. If the original was about learning how ruthless the fashion world can be, this chapter will likely explore how much more complicated it has become.

2. ‘Toy Story 5’

Release date: June 19, 2026

The toys are back for another heartfelt adventure that explores friendship, purpose and the emotional challenge of change. With the franchise’s trademark blend of humor and sincerity, the film is expected to balance big laughs with deep nostalgia. Whether the toys are facing a new owner, a new environment, or new threats, the story once again leans into the series’ overarching theme of growing up.

Action and Adventure

3. ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’

Release date: November 20, 2026

Based on Suzanne Collins’ iconic “The Hunger Games” books, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is set to follow Haymitch through the second Quarter Quell. Though we know how the story ends because the film is a prequel to the original trilogy, this deeper look into Haymitch’s character illuminates the origins of his becoming the jaded alcoholic we met in the first film and the early plans for the eventual revolution. If the film is anywhere near as devastating as the book, bring tissues. 

4. ‘The Dog Stars’

Release date: August 28, 2026

This post-apocalyptic story starring Jacob Elordi follows the emotional and physical struggle of surviving after the world has collapsed. It centers on isolation, grief and the fragile hope that keeps people moving forward in a shattered landscape. Rather than relying only on spectacle, the film appears to lean into atmosphere and character, creating a haunting journey about what it means to endure when nearly everything is gone.

5. ‘Street Fighter’

Release date: October 16, 2026

The new Street Fighter adaptation is expected to bring the classic fighting-game franchise to life with fast-paced combat, iconic characters, and larger-than-life rivalries. Rather than subtle storytelling, this kind of film usually thrives on style, swagger and pure adrenaline. Fans will likely be looking for faithful character design, intense battle sequences, and the kind of over-the-top energy that made the game so memorable.

Horror and Thriller

6. ‘Backrooms’

Release date: May 29, 2026

Inspired by the internet horror phenomenon, this film traps its characters in a nightmare of endless yellow halls, fluorescent light and impossible geography. A24 is known for its iconic horror films, like Midsommar and Hereditary, which prioritize existential fear over simple jump scares or straightforward monsters. “Backrooms” naturally lends itself to psychological horror and surreal tension, focusing on the uncanny’s eerie qualities. This makes every corner feel threatening and every moment feels uncomfortable. 

7. ‘Colony’

Anticipated: May 2026

“Colony” is a South Korean film directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the filmmaker behind “Train to Busan” and “Peninsula”. The film follows a biotechnology professor whose conference descends into chaos when a rapidly mutating virus is unleashed. As the outbreak spreads, authorities seal the facility and trap survivors inside.

Romance

8. ‘Girls Like Girls’

Release date: June 19, 2026

It’s a great year for people who grew up on Tumblr. This romance centers on queer love, self-discovery, and the emotional intensity of first connection. Based on Hayley Kiyoko’s legendary 2015 music video for her song “Girls Like Girls”, it explores the awkward, exhilarating, and painful moments that come with falling for someone while still figuring yourself out. Tender, personal, and emotionally specific, the story captures the honesty and vulnerability that make coming-of-age romance so emotionally evocative.

9. ‘Sense and Sensibility’

Release date: October 16, 2026

This new adaptation of the Jane Austen classic follows themes of love, family and social expectation. At its core, the story follows two sisters as they navigate heartbreak and restraint in a world that values appearances over emotion. Expect romance, wit and the kind of emotional sophistication that gives Austen adaptations their lasting appeal.

10. ‘Remain’

Release date: February 5, 2027

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, this romance is likely to carry his signature mix of emotional intensity and mystery. Rather than being a straightforward love story, it blends intimacy with suspense, grief and a supernatural twist. The story follows a grieving architect who moves to Cape Cod after being released from a psychiatric facility. He meets a mysterious woman while staying in a historic B&B, who makes him question life itself. 

Honorable Mention

11. ‘The Odyssey’

Release date: July 17, 2026

This adaptation of Homer’s epic delivers a sweeping, mythic adventure centered on war, wandering, and the desperate pull of home. Gods, monsters and impossible trials shape Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca, giving the story its scale and drama. The film captures endurance, identity and the emotional cost of surviving a legendary voyage.

Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming coming-of-age film or a nightmare-inducing horror film, these upcoming films look pretty promising. It should be interesting to see what justifies the hype and what doesn’t, although if “Girls Like Girls” and “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” don’t live up to expectations, an entire generation of Tumblr users might riot.

Featured image credit: Lionsgate Movies