TOP-30 Most Anticipated Movies and TV Shows of 2026

The newly arrived year 2026 will bring us plenty of memorable games and, possibly, even GTA 6. However, delays happen far too often in the video game industry, so nothing can really be taken for granted. Movies and TV series are a different story. Studios fight for theatrical release windows well in advance and keep dates secret until the very last moment. Already in January, we can roughly imagine what awaits us on both big and small screens almost until next December. And it has to be said, this year looks exceptionally epic, so I’ve prepared the ultimate top 30 most anticipated movies and TV series, just so you don’t miss anything.

I’ll start with films. Some of these projects are already well known, while others are true dark horses that could still surprise us. The movies are listed from less interesting to more interesting.

Street Fighter has no fewer fans than Mortal Kombat, but the franchise has been rather unlucky with film adaptations so far. Another attempt to introduce the legend to a mass audience will be made at the end of this year. The creators promise to avoid the cringe typical of the 1990s interpretations, but confidence is still in short supply.

Interest in the film is cautious. The franchise has enormous potential, but also a long history of failures. If the creators focus on characters and style, the result could be a solid project and a strong alternative to the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2. At the very least, Street Fighter definitely has enough color and personality.

The Hunger Games is one of those series that ended a long time ago, yet somehow continues to be successfully milked. The original book trilogy was a major hit, skillfully balancing teenage romance with serious dystopian themes, but Katniss’s story reached a logical conclusion. The author, Suzanne Collins, understood this too, which is why she turned to producing prequels.

We have already seen The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which focused on the early career of President Snow. Now it’s time for the youth of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss’s mentor. The book, which has already been released, turned out harsh, cynical, and political, but Haymitch’s fate is well known, making it hard to fully empathize. On top of that, it personally feels like the author has nothing new left to say on this topic.

That said, there’s little reason to worry about the film’s quality. Many fans are genuinely looking forward to it, as Lawrence has already worked on the franchise and proven he can deliver strong adaptations that stay true to both the text and spirit of the original. If the movie doesn’t shy away from the darkness of its source material, it could become one of the most mature entries in the franchise.

A sequel to the successful animated adaptation inspired by Super Mario Galaxy. The first movie didn’t exactly reach for the stars, but it leaned heavily and effectively on the nostalgia of grown-up gamers. Younger viewers, meanwhile, got another bright visual attraction in the spirit of Illumination’s other popular works, such as Despicable Me and Minions. The sequel promises more of the same, just bigger. In all likelihood, that alone will be more than enough for another billion dollars at the box office.

It’s definitely worth waiting for, but knowing Illumination, expecting much depth would be optimistic. Gamers will once again get a ton of fan service, while everyone else will get a simple, colorful, and funny animated film. Whether that’s a lot or a little is up to each viewer to decide.

A continuation of the cult film about the fashion world, which over the years has become even more toxic and even more interesting. The director and cast from the original are back, which is already a major plus. The film isn’t particularly close to me personally, but its first trailer gained more views than the trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, which is quite telling.

Expectations revolve around how the story will look in the age of social media and influencers. If the screenwriters understand that times have changed, the result could be a smart sequel tackling relevant modern themes. If not, it will simply be nostalgia wrapped in expensive packaging. Either way, the upcoming release is worth paying attention to, especially considering the original came out a full 20 years ago.

The film is based on the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and promises a much harsher and more traumatized version of the heroine. She witnessed the destruction of her own world and, unlike Supes, never ended up in a happy American family. On top of that, this is the second full-fledged entry in the rebooted DC cinematic universe.

Interestingly, by summer we will already know the final outcome of the deal involving the sale of Warner Bros. assets, so anything could happen to the film, including a direct-to-streaming release. There is also another controversial point: the first trailer painfully resembles James Gunn’s beloved Guardians of the Galaxy, even though the overall tone of the story and the updated image of the heroine clearly do not lend themselves to endless Marvel-style circus jokes.

If these suspicions are confirmed, it will become completely clear that nothing remains of DC’s former darkness. In my opinion, that would be a rather sad outcome. Gunn currently has every resource to take a risk and choose an original vision. If instead he opts for safe money-making for the board of directors, well… Still, things could turn out fine. Supergirl has yet to properly appear on the big screen, and Milly Alcock is a very talented actress. The wait won’t be that long.

Judging by the trailer, this is an incredibly funny detective story where the main characters are sheep investigating the death of their shepherd, played by Hugh Jackman. The film is based on the novel Three Bags Full and promises to be a light and unusual comedy, something many of us have been missing for a long time. The involvement of stars like “Mr. Wolverine” himself and Emma Thompson is already a solid mark of quality, so it’s definitely worth waiting for.

A potentially strong family hit that avoids slipping into primitiveness thanks to its unconventional literary source.

The film is based on the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and promises a much harsher and more traumatized version of the heroine. She witnessed the destruction of her own world and, unlike Supes, never ended up in a happy American family. On top of that, this is the second full-fledged entry in the rebooted DC cinematic universe.

Interestingly, by summer we will already know the final outcome of the deal involving the sale of Warner Bros. assets, so anything could happen to the film, including a direct-to-streaming release. There is also another controversial point: the first trailer painfully resembles James Gunn’s beloved Guardians of the Galaxy, even though the overall tone of the story and the updated image of the heroine clearly do not lend themselves to endless Marvel-style circus jokes.

If these suspicions are confirmed, it will become completely clear that nothing remains of DC’s former darkness. In my opinion, that would be a rather sad outcome. Gunn currently has every resource to take a risk and choose an original vision. If instead he opts for safe money-making for the board of directors, well… Still, things could turn out fine. Supergirl has yet to properly appear on the big screen, and Milly Alcock is a very talented actress. The wait won’t be that long.

The last feature-length Star Wars film was released back in 2019. Since then, the franchise has sunk into TV series and narrative helplessness, drifting away from its core themes as far as possible. However, one of these new wave projects unexpectedly took off — The Mandalorian. Yes, it had its fair share of problems, but the show survived to a third season and eventually transformed into a full-fledged movie.

The feature-length continuation must accomplish two tasks at once: introduce the Mandalorian and the little alien Grogu to completely new viewers who ignored the many series, and provide a conclusion to the story for fans. And this is where potential problems arise. Judging by the trailer, what awaits us looks like an extended episode of the same show rather than a standalone film. Disney has already pulled something similar with Moana 2. On one hand, it makes sense that understanding the film requires familiarity with the series. On the other, this is the first Star Wars movie in seven years, and expectations are high — at the very least, a return to the spirit of a truly distant galaxy.

The project is critically important for the future of the franchise as a whole. It must prove that the modern Star Wars universe can exist not only in a serialized format. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed until the very end, because this is one of my favorite universes.

Good science fiction that doesn’t put you to sleep has become a rarity these days. A new adaptation of yet another novel by Andy Weir promises to replicate the success of The Martian, while telling a completely different story. This time, the spotlight is on a teacher who, by a twist of fate, finds himself alone on a space station.

The film is anticipated for its blend of science fiction, humanity, and humor. Ryan Gosling has repeatedly proven his ability to showcase a wide emotional range in both comedies and serious films, so there’s little reason for doubt. We’re in for a smart, genuinely science-driven blockbuster that is absolutely worth watching.

The film is based on the cult classic Silent Hill 2, which has just received a second life thanks to its remake. The game is extremely complex in terms of both themes and atmosphere, so the creative team will have to work hard to deliver a worthy adaptation. Pyramid Head and the nurses alone will clearly not be enough. So far, the trailers look atmospheric, but it’s impossible to judge quality based on them alone.

Interestingly, Christophe Gans directed the original Silent Hill back in 2006. Although the film followed the canon rather loosely, over time it earned the status of a “good adaptation.” One can only hope that, 20 years later, the director has become more deeply familiar with the source material and set out not to present his own vision, but to convey the ideas and emotions embedded by the game’s creators.

If the movie truly manages to capture feelings of guilt, loss, and hopelessness, it will be a rare example of horror that scares not with jump scares, but with something far more profound. I’m really looking forward to this one.

I was among those who enjoyed the updated adaptation of the famous fighting game. Yes, not every decision worked, especially the main character whose name nobody remembers anymore. But in every other respect, it was a solid action film made with taste and genuine care. The sequel promises to win over even the most die-hard skeptics. More realms, more characters, more fights, and more colorful fatalities. This time, the script also clearly focuses on Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage.

The second part will finally show the tournament the heroes never reached in the first film and introduce Shao Kahn. If everything comes together, we may be looking at one of the best video game adaptations in history.

A modern interpretation of Homer’s poem by Nolan, paired with an absurdly star-studded cast. What more could you possibly want? The project promises to become the director’s magnum opus. Recently, the first trailer was revealed and received a mixed reaction due to the appearance of the armor and other historical inaccuracies. However, two things are worth remembering. First, we’re talking about a poem where people fight sea monsters and cyclopes, so expecting ultra-realism is pointless. Second, Nolan’s name has long been synonymous with a mark of quality.

The controversial Tenet sparked endless discussion and interpretations, yet remained a high-quality and unusual experiment that left a mark. The Odyssey will undoubtedly leave its own imprint on cinematic history as well.

The project is awaited for its scale and potentially unconventional approach to the myth. Nolan rarely tackles adaptations, which means his version won’t just be a journey, but a reflection on time, memory, and the idea of returning home. Skipping this would be a mistake.

No matter what anyone says, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune is a breathtaking spectacle in terms of sheer scale. Both the first and second parts brought the desert planet and grand science fiction back into fashion. Stunning music and cinematography only amplified the impression. The final chapter of Paul Atreides’ story, based on the novel Dune Messiah, is set to be released at the end of 2026. This is Villeneuve’s farewell to Dune and his final statement. The franchise will likely continue afterward, but without him at the helm.

The upcoming event is comparable in scale to the third Lord of the Rings film. Missing it would mean depriving yourself of a massive cultural phenomenon, as the new Dune will be revisited for many years to come. Villeneuve has also slightly deviated from the original plot, which makes it especially interesting to see how he personally concludes the ideas established in the first two films.

The key element of Dune: Part Three is not action, although that will surely impress as well. The core is philosophy. If Villeneuve fully follows through on the themes he has set up, this will be a rare example of a blockbuster unafraid of uncomfortable conclusions. The film promises to be just as heavy and slow-paced as its predecessors, yet no less valuable because of it.

Spielberg’s triumphant return to the director’s chair, once again tackling his favorite subject — aliens. The project is shrouded in such dense secrecy that, until the first trailer, almost no information existed at all. The story will focus on the moment of global disclosure of contact with an extraterrestrial civilization and the consequences of that event for humanity.

It’s unlikely Spielberg would take on a project he wasn’t confident in, so there’s little reason for viewers to doubt it either. So far, the announcement promises intelligent science fiction packed with themes that encourage reflection on the current state of the world. It’s also one of the very few projects of 2026 that still preserves genuine intrigue. The trailer reveals almost nothing, which is a rare thing these days. An interesting concept, excellent actors, and a legendary director. Not anticipating this is simply impossible.

May fans of smart cinema forgive me, along with those unfamiliar with the name Dominic Toretto, but I am convinced that the most anticipated project of the year remains Avengers: Doomsday. This is not just another Marvel movie — it’s Disney going all in. The Russo brothers are back in the director’s chairs, and the cast features an almost absurd number of stars, including Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans.

No matter how much aesthetes insist that the new phase of superhero films is worthless, absolutely everyone will watch this movie, even those who ended their relationship with the franchise at Avengers: Endgame. The film will either reignite interest in the universe or permanently cement the feeling that Marvel is stuck repeating itself. I’d really like to believe it won’t be the latter.

We’re done with movies. Now it’s time to move on to TV shows coming in 2026.

This is not exactly a series about John Wick himself, but rather a conceptual continuation of the universe that will explore events after the finale of the fourth film. The project promises to take a deeper look at the world of assassins and reveal the inner workings of the High Table’s leadership. The show is expected to take the best elements from the numbered films and add its own distinct flavor.

On top of that, Keanu Reeves is listed among the producers. He genuinely cares about this universe and is unlikely to let the project turn into something disposable.

The second season of Matt Murdock’s return promises to pick up exactly where the first one left off. The conflict with Kingpin will reach a new level, and according to rumors, Jessica Jones will also appear in the series. Overall, the first season was well received by audiences, and the second is expected to solidify that success.

If you enjoy realistic shows that get under your skin, The Pitt is a perfect fit. Each episode covers a single hospital shift, during which something inevitably goes wrong while the characters gradually develop personal conflicts. Some may find this approach dull, but the series boasts very high ratings, making it well worth attention.

Skilled surgeons, difficult patients, and even more complicated personal stories. The show has become one of the few truly solid medical dramas in recent years, focusing not only on diagnoses but also on life beyond hospital walls.

The third season of the widely discussed Euphoria took an indecently long time to arrive. The characters have grown up, and the series has matured along with them. This time, it will focus on more complex issues, including, for example, the growing popularity of platforms selling explicit content.

All of the lead actors will return to their roles. Over the years, each of them has noticeably grown professionally, so viewers can expect at the very least strong performances and deeper character work.

The series set within the new Godzilla universe turned out to be far more interesting than expected. The creators shifted the focus away from giant monsters and delved into the lives of ordinary people. Still, titans and the Hollow Earth remain very much part of the story. The second season will continue the plot of the first and is also expected to feature the official appearance of King Kong.

A careful reboot of the cult comedy about medical workers and the strange workings of the human body and soul. Nearly all of the main cast members will return to their roles, though the veteran lineup will definitely be complemented by new faces.

The project’s success currently seems questionable, but there is still a chance. The original Scrubs earned its status as a timeless classic long ago. Perhaps lightning can strike twice.

A series created with the involvement of the makers of Lost. Unfortunately, that is both a strength and a weakness. The previous three seasons about people trapped in a place with no exit and surrounded by monsters were deeply intriguing. The number of mysteries kept growing, while answers remained scarce. There is concern that we may never receive clear explanations in the end, but the new season is still eagerly anticipated. Very few shows build suspense quite like this one.

The penultimate season of a show that at first glance looks like a pure Fallout clone. Underground shelters, people in identical clothing, strict division of labor. The difference is that the bunker’s leadership is hiding some kind of secret and refuses to explain why there is actually more than one silo. Over time, the creators managed to establish a distinct identity of their own. Silo stands out thanks to its atmosphere, core idea, and well-written, complex characters.

The second season was slightly weaker than the first, but the third is expected to finally start lifting the veil on what is really happening, the true nature of the silos, and the reasons people are forced to live under such strange conditions. And yes, Rebecca Ferguson is still here. An actress whose presence alone reliably intensifies any drama.

A new project from Guy Ritchie about Sherlock Holmes. Officially outside the canon of the films starring Robert Downey Jr., but if the show proves successful, it may well become part of that continuity. The famous detective is portrayed as a young Oxford student who encounters his first real murder and begins shaping his legend.

Ritchie’s signature style is firmly in place, and judging by the trailers, the lead actor fits the role. Now it’s just a matter of waiting for the premiere. I genuinely hope the director eventually connects the series to the films, because we are unlikely to ever see another installment with Robert Downey Jr. Actors age. Characters, inconveniently for reality, do not.

The first season of One Piece turned out to be surprisingly successful. Netflix has a well-earned reputation for ruining adaptations, but this time things actually worked. The show is engaging even for viewers familiar with the source material.

Luffy and his wildly mismatched crew continue their adventures across pirate-infested seas. The second season should, in theory, stay the course. Expectations are modest: just continue the story and don’t break what already worked. It also helps that this is one of the brightest, kindest, and most cheerful projects around. Perfect for distracting yourself from gloomy thoughts.

A prequel to Game of Thrones takes us a century before Daenerys’ fight for the Iron Throne. The story of Dunk the Tall and his squire Egg is not an epic dynastic clash, but rather a journey of two strange companions through a world where honor and the sword rarely coexist.

The series promises a more grounded look at Westeros, so to speak, from the bottom up. Dunk has no ties to the great houses and certainly no claim to the throne. His goal is simple: survive and remain a decent human being. His shaved-headed squire looks far more mysterious, but it’s unlikely that Egg’s true origin will become the central focus of the story.

The third season of the currently main saga set in the Game of Thrones universe is, unsurprisingly, highly anticipated worldwide. Rumors suggest this will be the penultimate chapter of the Targaryen civil war story. House of the Dragon continues to hold viewers’ attention and is now often regarded as the flagship fantasy series on television.

No radical changes are expected from the upcoming season, and in this case that’s perfectly fine. The show has an enormous fan base. The task is simple: don’t ruin what already works, extend the existing storylines, and deliver more large-scale battles involving dragons. We already know how it all ends. Now it just needs to be shown properly.

The noir version of Spider-Man first appeared on screen in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Even back then, the character was voiced by Nicolas Cage. He fit the role effortlessly, though the character remained a supporting presence. Audience response turned out to be unexpectedly enthusiastic, so the series is essentially the result of popular demand. Expanding a cameo into a full show was not part of the original plan.

Now Spider-Noir will be explored in full. He is well over 40, disillusioned with life, and living in the 1930s. There is still very little information about the project, but the good news is that Cage is once again playing the not-so-friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. I’m genuinely curious to see how this turns out, though there is a risk the show will be niche and aimed primarily at hardcore fans.

That said, the character is essentially new. Deep knowledge of Peter Parker lore is not required, and the unusual noir atmosphere with its black-and-gray palette could easily attract a broader audience.

One of the most interesting projects on this list for me personally. The miniseries is set 50 years after the events of Blade Runner 2049, and its story is expected to be fully canonical. The Blade Runner universe has been consistently unlucky. It’s a rich world and a textbook example of cyberpunk, a genre currently in high demand. There is no real reason to leave that kind of potential gathering dust.

And yet, no new films are on the horizon. The creators promise to preserve the recognizable aesthetic and maintain the tone of the movies, but there isn’t even a trailer yet. If the show succeeds, the franchise could experience a full-fledged renaissance. If it fails, Blade Runner may disappear for many years, if not decades.

Without surprises, the fifth season of The Boys is one of the biggest favorites of 2026. First, this is the final season. The creators chose not to milk the franchise into complete absurdity and instead end the main story on a high note. Second, Eric Kripke, the showrunner and director of several episodes, has significantly deviated from the original comic book storyline. How it all ends is currently unknown to everyone.

Third, we’ll see a reunion of the Winchester brothers. Both Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, known from another cult series, Supernatural, will appear in the fifth season. The finale is expected to be just as loud as the ending of Stranger Things, so hype will only grow as April approaches. Hopefully, the conclusion won’t disappoint anyone.

That’s how the list of the most anticipated films and TV series of 2026 turned out. Naturally, this is far from everything we’ll see over the year. Share your most anticipated premieres in the comments, and we’ll expand the list together.