From daring literary adaptations to long-awaited blockbusters, 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for cinema. BBC critics Nicholas Barber and Caryn James select the most exciting films set for release in the year ahead.
1. Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell delivers a bold and highly stylised take on Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, the film has already divided audiences with its provocative tone, vivid colour palette and unconventional casting. Fennell describes the adaptation as “primal” and emotionally raw, leaning into the obsessive passion of the source material rather than restraint.
Release: 13 February
2. Practical Magic 2
More than two decades after the original became a cult favourite, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reunite as witchy sisters in this long-awaited sequel. Also returning are Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, with the story once again drawn from Alice Hoffman’s novels.
Release: 18 September
(Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd)
3. The Mandalorian and Grogu
After years off the big screen, Star Wars returns with a cinematic spin-off of its most beloved Disney+ series. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Din Djarin alongside Grogu in a film directed by Jon Favreau, blending blockbuster action with themes of parenthood.
Release: 22 May
4. The Dog Stars
Ridley Scott returns to science fiction with this post-apocalyptic survival story. Jacob Elordi stars as a pilot navigating a world ravaged by a deadly flu, alongside Josh Brolin. The film promises action, emotion and Scott’s trademark scale.
Release: 28 August
5. The Bride!
Maggie Gyllenhaal reimagines The Bride of Frankenstein, placing the story in 1930s Chicago. Jessie Buckley plays the bride, Christian Bale the monster, in a rebellious love story that gives the bride agency, voice and attitude.
Release: 6 March
6. Digger
Tom Cruise takes a sharp turn from action hero to dark comedy under the direction of Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Billed as “a comedy of catastrophic proportions,” the film also stars Sandra Hüller, John Goodman and Jesse Plemons.
Release: 2 October
Pixar(Credit: Pixar)
7. Toy Story 5
Pixar’s iconic franchise returns with a timely storyline exploring children’s growing attachment to digital devices. Woody and Buzz face obsolescence once again—this time from a tablet.
Release: 19 June
8. The Drama
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya star in this twisted romcom-turned-black-comedy, written and directed by Dream Scenario filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli. A wedding-week revelation sends everything spiralling.
Release: 3 April
(Credit: Alamy)
9. Mother Mary
Anne Hathaway plays a pop star in this surreal musical thriller from David Lowery. Featuring original music by Jack Antonoff and appearances by FKA twigs and Charli XCX, the film blends revenge, fashion and performance art.
Release: April
10. The Social Reckoning
Aaron Sorkin writes and directs a follow-up to The Social Network, focusing on Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, played by Oscar-winner Mikey Madison. Jeremy Strong takes on the role of Mark Zuckerberg.
Release: 9 October
(Credit: Macall Polay)
11. The Devil Wears Prada 2
Twenty years after the original, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci reunite for a sequel set in a transformed media and fashion industry.
Release: 1 May
(Credit: Murray Close)
12. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Another prequel explores Panem decades before Katniss Everdeen. Ralph Fiennes stars as a younger President Snow, alongside Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning and Joseph Zada.
Release: 20 November
13. Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Greta Gerwig directs this long-awaited return to C.S. Lewis’s fantasy world. A prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the film stars Emma Mackey as the White Witch, with Carey Mulligan and Daniel Craig.
Release: 26 November
(Credit: Universal Studios)
14. Disclosure Day
Steven Spielberg’s mysterious new sci-fi thriller stars Josh O’Connor as a man determined to reveal a world-altering truth. Emily Blunt, Colin Firth and Colman Domingo co-star.
Release: 12 June
(Credit: Universal Studios)
15. The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan adapts Homer’s epic poem with Matt Damon as Odysseus. The star-packed cast includes Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland and Lupita Nyong’o in a sweeping mythological adventure.
Release: 17 July
16. Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel aims to recapture the magic of Endgame by reuniting its biggest heroes—and villains. Robert Downey Jr returns, this time as Doctor Doom, with the Russo brothers back in the director’s chair.
Release: 18 December
