Joshua Oyadokun
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@_mheeday
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Dec. 17, 2025
Ibraheem Adebisi
Hollywood 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year at the box office and on streaming, with franchise sequels, literary adaptations, horror returns, animation continuations, and original films from major directors. Below are the most anticipated titles you listed, each with a clear picture of what to expect.
Genre: (Likely Thriller/Drama)
Disclosure Day is an original, high-concept thriller built around a single, defining day when critical information becomes public. While plot details remain tightly guarded, early descriptions suggest a tension-driven narrative focused on power, truth, and the consequences of exposure. Its secrecy alone has made it a frequent mention on industry anticipation lists.
Genre: Political Drama/Adaptation
This new adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm revisits the classic allegory about revolution, power, and corruption. The story follows a group of animals who overthrow human control, only to find themselves under a new form of tyranny. With renewed relevance in today’s political climate, this version aims to deliver the story with modern cinematic weight.
Genre: Superhero/Action
DC Studios’ Supergirl marks a major step in redefining its cinematic universe. The film centres on Kara Zor-El, exploring her origins, identity, and moral compass apart from Superman’s shadow. It’s positioned as both an introduction and a character study, signalling DC’s intent to focus on clearer storytelling and stronger character foundations.
Genre: Psychological Horror
A return to the fog-covered town that defined survival horror, Return to Silent Hill leans heavily into psychological dread rather than jump scares. Inspired by the video game franchise, the film explores guilt, trauma, and distorted realities, making it one of the most anticipated horror releases of the year.
Genre: Science Fiction/Thriller
Set in the near future, Mercy follows a detective falsely accused of murdering his wife. Given just 90 minutes to prove his innocence, his fate is determined not by a jury, but by an advanced AI justice system he once helped create. The film unfolds almost in real time, blending action, moral tension, and questions about technology’s role in justice.
Genre: Romantic/Comedy
Solo Mio is a character-driven story centred on personal reinvention and relationships. While lighter in tone than many titles on this list, it has drawn attention for its focus on intimacy, humour, and emotional honesty, offering a counterbalance to the year’s heavier blockbusters.
Genre: Horror/Thriller
The Strangers: Chapter 3 continues the cult horror franchise known for its tense, home‑invasion terror. The film reunites audiences with masked antagonists whose relentless stalking and psychological dread elevate suspense over gore, strengthening the series’ focus on anxiety, unpredictability, and the fear of being hunted in familiar spaces.
Genre: Horror / Dark Comedy
A sequel to 2019’s Ready or Not. Building on the success of the original, Ready or Not 2 returns to its blend of satire and survival horror. Expect heightened stakes, sharper social commentary, and a continuation of the franchise’s ability to mix brutality with humour.
Genre: Musical/Drama
The sequel continues the inspirational, faith-based storytelling of the first film, focusing on music, redemption, and personal growth. Its built-in audience and emotional appeal make it a notable release within its genre.
Genre: Crime / Dark Comedy
This film explores crime through a satirical lens, examining ambition, greed, and moral compromise. While details are limited, it’s positioned as a sharp, character-focused story rather than a traditional action-driven crime film.
Genre: Animated Sports / Comedy
GOAT is an upcoming animated sports comedy from Sony Pictures Animation, directed by Tyree Dillihay and co-directed by Adam Rosette, set to release on February 13, 2026. The story follows Will Harris, a small goat with big dreams who gets his chance to play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed sport dominated by fast, fierce animals. Despite doubts from his teammates, Will is determined to prove that “smalls can ball.” The voice cast includes Caleb McLaughlin as Will, Gabrielle Union as roarball star Jett Fillmore, Stephen Curry as giraffe player Lenny Williamson, and others like Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, and Jennifer Hudson. GOAT blends sports, comedy, and underdog themes in a colourful, engaging animated world.
Genre: Dystopian/Action
A major franchise entry and prequel to The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy. It features a stacked ensemble cast including Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Zada, and will release on November 20, 2026, in the U.S. and Canada. The film is one of 2026’s most heavily anticipated releases.
Genre: Drama
Positioned as a reflective drama exploring a life-altering decision or turning point, specifics are currently under wraps, but it’s included in several industry anticipation lists. The Moment is positioned as an intimate story that prioritises emotional weight over spectacle.
Genre: Musical/Adventure
Disney’s live-action adaptation of its 2016 animated hit. Directed by Thomas Kail and starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana alongside Dwayne Johnson as Maui, the film updates the original story for a global cinema launch on July 10, 2026. The film aims to bring the story to a new audience while honouring the original’s cultural roots.
Genre: Biographical Drama
One of the most talked-about biopics in years, Michael chronicles the life and career of Michael Jackson. From artistic brilliance to personal controversy, the film is expected to tackle both the impact and complexity of his legacy. Details on production focus are emerging as announcements continue.
Genre: Romantic Drama/Adaptation
A fresh cinematic adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, expected to emphasise its intense emotional themes, gothic romance, and deep character conflicts. It offers a more intense take on the classic romance.
Genre: Comedy/Drama
A continuation of the fashion-industry world introduced in The Devil Wears Prada. The film revisits ambition, power, and personal cost in an industry defined by influence and image.
Genre: Animation/Family
Pixar returns with the fifth main instalment of the Toy Story franchise on June 19, 2026. The film continues the emotional and character-driven storytelling that has defined the series since 1995. While details remain limited, the film is expected to explore new generational themes while preserving the emotional storytelling the series is known for.
Genre: Crime / Thriller
A procedural-style crime film that emphasises methodical tension rather than spectacle. The film focuses on criminal psychology, investigations, or procedural elements. It is categorised among anticipated thrillers, though plot info is still forthcoming.
Genre: Drama
H Is for Hawk is a biographical drama based on Helen Macdonald’s acclaimed memoir about grief, nature, and healing. It stars Claire Foy as Helen, a woman who, after the sudden death of her father (played by Brendan Gleeson), adopts and attempts to train a wild goshawk named Mabel as a way to cope with her loss. The film, directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and co‑written with Emma Donoghue, blends emotional depth with striking natural cinematography and premiered at festivals before opening in early 2026, offering a contemplative look at loss and resilience.
Genre: Horror
The Scream franchise continues its self-aware evolution with its seventh entry, balancing legacy characters with a new generation of victims and suspects. This instalment is expected to further interrogate modern horror tropes — including franchise fatigue, reboots, and true-crime culture — while maintaining the slasher formula fans expect. As with previous films, the mystery of the killer’s identity remains central to its appeal.
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Primate is a natural horror thriller directed by Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down, The Strangers: Prey at Night) about a group of friends whose tropical getaway turns into a life‑or‑death struggle when their pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies and becomes violently aggressive. The film stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Oscar® winner Troy Kotsur, and is set to open in theatres on January 9, 2026. Known for its practical effects and nonstop creature‑feature tension, Primate blends intense survival horror with visceral creature mayhem.
Genre: Thriller/Survival
A survival thriller centred on isolation and escalating danger, Send Help strips its premise down to raw human instinct. The story places its characters in a hostile environment with limited resources, forcing them to rely on resilience, trust, and ingenuity. These films typically succeed through atmosphere, pacing, and psychological tension rather than large-scale action.
Genre: Psychological Thriller
As the title suggests, Psycho Killer explores the darker side of human behaviour. Rather than focusing solely on violence, the film is expected to examine obsession, manipulation, and the mental patterns that lead to extreme actions. It fits within a growing trend of thrillers that prioritise character psychology over shock value.
Genre: Disaster/Action
The sequel to Greenland expands the scope of its apocalyptic survival story. While the first film focused on immediate catastrophe, Migration shifts attention to humanity’s struggle to relocate, rebuild, and survive in a changed world. Expect large-scale tension balanced with personal stakes, as families and societies face long-term consequences rather than sudden disaster.
Genre: Gothic Horror
The Bride! reimagines classic gothic horror through a modern cinematic lens. Rooted in tragedy rather than pure terror, the film explores themes of identity, autonomy, and obsession. Its appeal lies in mood, visual design, and emotional depth, making it more atmospheric than traditional horror.
Genre: Sci-Fi / Adventure
This film marks a significant moment for Star Wars, transitioning characters who originated on streaming into a theatrical experience. The story is expected to expand the bond between Din Djarin and Grogu while raising the stakes to match the big screen. It also signals Disney’s confidence in its streaming-born characters as cinematic leads.
Genre: Animation / Adventure
Following the massive success of earlier Mario films, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie expands the franchise into more imaginative territory. Inspired by the “Galaxy” era of the games, the movie is expected to feature expansive worlds, cosmic settings, and heightened adventure. It represents Nintendo’s continued push to build a long-term cinematic universe.
Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi
Set decades after the original outbreak, this instalment explores how prolonged survival has reshaped society and human behaviour. Rather than focusing only on infected threats, the film delves into moral decay, survival ethics, and the cost of endurance. It’s positioned as a darker, more reflective chapter in the franchise.
Genre: Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Hexed is a supernatural horror film centred on the effects of a curse that escalates over time, blending occult themes with psychological tension. Rather than relying heavily on jump scares, the film is expected to focus on atmosphere, belief, and the slow realisation that certain forces, once awakened, cannot be controlled.
Genre: Comedy/Family
Blending live-action with animation, Coyote vs. Acme places the classic Looney Tunes rivalry into a courtroom setting. The film satirises corporate responsibility and consumer frustration, while maintaining slapstick humour. Its appeal lies in combining nostalgia with a surprisingly modern premise.
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Undertone is a psychological thriller set to release in 2026, revolving around a mysterious sound that draws an unsuspecting group into a deeper, dangerous conspiracy. As the characters follow the eerie signal, they uncover secrets that blur the line between perception and reality. The film focuses on tension, atmospheric suspense, and a mounting sense of unease, making it a standout for fans of cerebral thrillers.
Genre: Action / Fantasy
The sequel expands the tournament mythology introduced in the reboot, featuring more characters and larger-scale confrontations. With an emphasis on choreography and lore, Mortal Kombat II aims to satisfy fans of the games while delivering cinematic spectacle.
Genre: Animated Sci‑Fi / Adventure
Hoppers is an animated sci‑fi adventure about a breakthrough technology that allows human consciousness to “hop” into lifelike robotic animals. When animal lover Mabel gets the chance to use the system, she enters a vast, vivid animal world and uncovers mysteries far beyond her expectations. Combining wonder, exploration, and emotional storytelling, Hoppers offers a unique take on connection between humans and animals.
Genre: Epic / Adventure
This adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey brings mythological storytelling to a modern cinematic scale. The film follows Odysseus’ long journey home, filled with trials, temptation, and transformation. Its ambition lies in balancing epic spectacle with emotional storytelling.
Genre: Animation / Family
A fresh animated take on Dr Seuss’s iconic character, this film aims to introduce the story to a new generation while maintaining its playful chaos. It also serves as a foundation for a broader Seuss-inspired animated universe.
Genre: Science Fiction
Based on Andy Weir’s novel, Project Hail Mary centres on a lone astronaut tasked with saving humanity. The story blends hard science with emotional stakes, focusing on problem-solving, memory, and unexpected cooperation. It’s one of the more intellectually driven sci-fi films on the 2026 slate.
Genre: Biographical Drama
Hershey explores the life behind one of the world’s most recognisable brands. More than a business story, the film examines philanthropy, legacy, and the personal sacrifices tied to building an empire. These biopics often appeal to audiences interested in history and human ambition.
Genre: Animation / Comedy
The franchise continues with expanded world-building and new character dynamics. While aimed at younger audiences, the series maintains humour layered enough to engage families as a whole.
Genre: Animation / Family
Targeted squarely at preschool audiences, this entry introduces dinosaurs into the Paw Patrol universe. It reinforces themes of teamwork, bravery, and problem-solving, continuing the franchise’s strong presence in family entertainment.
Genre: Comedy / Parody
The parody franchise returns to spoof modern horror trends, viral scares, and pop-culture moments. Scary Movie 6 relies on rapid-fire jokes and cultural references, aiming to reestablish the series’ relevance for a new generation.
Genre: Superhero
This film represents a reset for Spider-Man following major shifts in his identity and world. Brand New Day focuses on rebuilding — both personally and narratively — offering a grounded approach after multiverse-heavy storytelling.
Genre: Superhero / Sci-Fi
Positioned as a major MCU turning point, Avengers: Doomsday brings together multiple storylines and characters. It’s expected to redefine alliances, introduce new threats, and set the direction for Marvel’s next era.
Genre: Fantasy / Action
The live-action reboot reintroduces He-Man and the world of Eternia to modern audiences. With an emphasis on mythic storytelling and large-scale fantasy, the film aims to finally deliver a definitive cinematic version of the franchise.
2026 promises one of the most packed and diverse movie years in recent Hollywood history, from big franchise moments (Avengers, Spider-Man, Hunger Games) to ambitious adaptations (The Odyssey, Animal Farm), and family crowd-pleasers (Toy Story 5, The Cat in the Hat).
With so many films competing for attention, planning your viewing becomes a challenge and a pleasure for fans.
2026’s slate is massive, and not every release will be right for every viewer.
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Ibraheem Adebisi
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