2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for movie lovers worldwide. With familiar franchises making long-awaited returns, visually stunning animated films, and ambitious new projects, the upcoming slate promises something for everyone. From action and fantasy to animation and drama, every kind of film fan has something to look forward to. As anticipation continues to build, here are some of the most buzzed-about movies of 2026 across genres that audiences can look forward to.
1. The Devil Wears Prada 2
Release Date: May 1, 2026
Nearly two decades after the original hit theaters, the beloved cast of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci is set to return for the highly anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2. David Frankel, who directed the first film, has been confirmed to helm the follow-up. While the book is rumored to serve as the basis for the sequel, the film will also introduce some new elements. Joining this sequel are Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, BJ Novak, and Justin Theroux.
2. Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date: December 18, 2026
In 2026, Avengers and X-Men unite in Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers. Robert Downey Jr. returns to the Marvel universe as Doctor Doom. The trailers revealed Chris Evans reprising his role as Captain America and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. It also marks the return of fan-favourite actors such as Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), leaving fans excited for the third instalment of Phase Six of the MCU. The Fantastic Four will also be taking part in this film, as will the entire cast of Thunderbolts.
3. Ramayana
Release Date: Diwali 2026
Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, ranks among Bollywood’s most anticipated and expensive 2026 releases at nearly $500 million. it’s expected to make a major box-office impact. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi as Ram and Sita, while Yash, Lara Dutta, and Sunny Deol will portray various other key characters. The announcement teaser released in July has garnered appreciation and raised hopes that it will be a well-made adaptation of India’s greatest epic. Adding to the anticipation, legendary composers Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman are set to collaborate on this project, aiming to make a significant mark internationally.
4. Toxic
Release Date: March 19, 2026
Toxic is a period gangster film directed by Geetu Mohandas, who co-wrote the screenplay with actor Yash. The film has been shot simultaneously in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and other languages, marking an important moment for Kannada cinema. Set in 1980s Goa, the film is a gripping tale of crime and deception, starring Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Kiara Advani, and Huma Qureshi in key roles. The film has a strong technical team, including cinematographer Rajeev Ravi and music composer Ravi Basrur. The action sequences are crafted by Hollywood stunt director JJ Perry.
5. Toy Story 5
Release Date: June 19, 2026
Woody, Buzz, and Jessie are back on screens in Toy Story 5. The film arrives six years after Toy Story 4, which became the franchise’s highest-grossing entry in theatres worldwide. The gang faces off against an iPad-like tablet called Lilypad, voiced by Past Lives star Greta Lee. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack return to voice their iconic characters, while Conan O’Brien joins the cast as a toilet-training tech assistant named Smarty Pants. It is a must-watch venture for kids as well as fans of the original franchise.
