These movies and series are set for release in 2026, and we are excited.
2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for movies and television. It already feels like there is something for everyone. Whether you love getting lost in sci-fi worlds, following character-driven dramas, or returning to franchises you grew up with, the upcoming slate is packed with movies and series that give us reasons to be excited.
We are expecting a few adaptations, emotional season finales, blockbusters, and nostalgic favourites. 2026 promises countless nights spent planning watchlists, booking cinema trips and counting down release dates. Here’s a look at the most anticipated movies and series of 2026, arranged by their expected release dates.
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His and Hers
Release date: 8 January 2026
Genre: Mystery, thriller
Netflix opens the year with “His and Hers,” a gripping psychological thriller starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. The series explores secrets buried within a marriage as a journalist and a detective uncover a case that hits dangerously close to home.
Tell Me Lies season 3
Release date: 13 January 2026
Genre: Romantic drama
Returning to Hulu, “Tell Me Lies” continues its emotionally charged exploration of toxic relationships, ambition and emotional manipulation. Season three raises the stakes as characters face the long-term consequences of their choices.
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
Release date: 15 January 2026
Genre: Mystery, period drama
This stylish Netflix adaptation revisits one of Agatha Christie’s lesser-known stories. Set in 1920s England, the series follows a group of wealthy young people caught in a dangerous conspiracy, led by Helena Bonham Carter in a standout performance.
Paradise season 2
Release date: 23 February 2026
Genre: Political thriller, drama
Sterling K. Brown returns in season two of “Paradise,” expanding the story’s political intrigue and emotional intensity. Power struggles, secrets and moral compromises drive the new season forward.
Outlander season 8
Release date: 6 March 2026
Genre: Historical romance, fantasy
The final season of “Outlander” brings the epic journey of Claire and Jamie Fraser to a close. Fans can expect emotional farewells, sweeping historical moments and a powerful conclusion to the beloved series.
Michael (Michael Jackson biopic)
Release date: 24 April 2026
Genre: Biographical drama
Starring Jaafar Jackson, who is playing his uncle, Michael Jackson, the film chronicles the life of the King of Pop from childhood stardom to global superstardom. The film balances musical triumphs with personal struggles and the pressures of fame.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Release date: 1 May 2026
Genre: Comedy, drama
Nearly two decades after the original, the fashion world returns with the main cast reunited. The sequel explores how Miranda Priestly and her former assistants navigate a transformed media and fashion industry.
Read also: 10 iconic fashion films that’ll make you fall in love with style
The Sheep Detectives
Release date: 8 May 2026
Genre: Comedy, mystery
“The Sheep Detectives” brings a playful twist to the mystery genre, following an unlikely group of sharp-witted sheep who find themselves solving strange crimes in their quiet countryside town. Hugh Jackman stars in the film, bringing his signature charm and energy to the story. Blending clever humour with light mystery elements, the film leans into quirky characters, unexpected laughs and family-friendly fun. With its mix of heart, comedy and adventure, The Sheep Detectives is shaping up to be a standout 2026 release.
Toy Story 5
Release date: 19 June 2026
Genre: Animation, family
Pixar revisits one of its most iconic franchises with a new emotional chapter. “Toy Story 5” blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling as the toys face questions of purpose, change and belonging.
Moana (live-action)
Release date: 10 July 2026
Genre: Musical, adventure
Disney’s live-action adaptation reimagines Moana’s ocean journey with epic visuals and expanded mythology. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, bringing a familiar energy to the beloved story.
Spider-Man Brand New Day
Release date: 31 July 2026
Genre: Superhero, action
Peter Parker enters a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film focuses on identity, responsibility and rebuilding life after world-altering events.
Sense and Sensibility
Release date: September 2026
Genre: Romance, period drama
Jane Austen’s beloved novel returns in a fresh adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones. The film explores love, restraint and societal pressure through the emotional journey of the Dashwood sisters.
Practical Magic 2
Release date: Late 2026
Genre: Fantasy, romance
The beloved cult classic returns with “Practical Magic 2,” reuniting Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters. While story details are still under wraps, the film is expected to expand the Owens family legacy, leaning into themes of love, fate and the bonds that hold generations together. For fans of cosy fantasy and nostalgic storytelling, this is one of the most exciting returns on the 2026 slate.
Resident Evil
Release date: 18 September 2026
Genre: Horror
This new chapter reboots the “Resident Evil” film franchise with a darker, survival-focused approach. While often referred to as Resident Evil 8 by fans, the film officially resets the storyline.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Release date: 20 November 2026
Genre: Dystopian, action
Set decades before Katniss Everdeen’s story, this prequel centres on a young Haymitch Abernathy during the brutal 50th Hunger Games, expanding the franchise’s political and emotional depth. Katniss and Peeta have also been confirmed to make appearances in the film
Avengers Doomsday
Release date: 18 December 2026
Genre: Superhero, science fiction
Marvel closes the year with a massive crossover event as Earth’s mightiest heroes face Doctor Doom. The film is expected to reshape the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward.
Dune Part Three
Release date: 18 December 2026
Genre: Science fiction, epic
The final chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy adapts Dune Messiah, exploring the consequences of power, prophecy and political control as Paul Atreides’ reign unfolds.
House of the Dragon season 3
Release date: Expected 2026
Genre: Fantasy, drama
House of the Dragon returns with season three, and the Targaryen civil war is set to explode into full chaos. With battle lines clearly drawn and dragons no longer held back, the series is expected to deliver bigger confrontations, higher stakes and shocking twists that will dominate conversation week after week. Packed with political betrayal, brutal power plays and jaw-dropping spectacle, season three is shaping up to be one of the most unmissable TV events of 2026.
The Odyssey
Release date: Late 2026
Genre: Epic, adventure
The Odyssey brings one of the most famous stories ever told to the big screen, featuring a high-profile cast led by Matt Damon, alongside Tom Holland, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway. The film follows a long and dangerous journey home after war, filled with mythical encounters, personal trials and moments that test loyalty, endurance and hope.
A Tale of Two Cities
Release date: Late 2026
Genre: Historical drama
This limited series adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel stars Kit Harington and explores love, sacrifice and revolution during the French Revolution with rich visuals and emotional weight.
These are the movies and series we’ll be talking about all year — sparking theories, fueling group chats, and getting recommended to friends long after they drop. Some will be the kind you watch to switch off and enjoy, while others will surprise you, spark debates, or stay on your mind for days. Some will become instant comfort rewatches, the kind you return to on quiet nights or familiar moods, while others spark conversations that linger long after the credits roll. Whatever your taste, this lineup is a reminder that great stories still have a way of bringing us together. With so much to look forward to, 2026 already feels like a year worth getting excited about.
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