If you thought 2025 was big, cinematically speaking, then brace yourself, because 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for cinema. From reimagined classics (there's reboot after reboot on the cards) to indie horror and epic sci-fi (did somebody say Dune 3?), the slate of new releases is deeply enticing, whether you identify as a cinephile or not.
Here are some of the most anticipated films making their debut in 2026, including exactly when they're expected to premiere – so you can block off your calendar now.
People We Meet on Vacation
Emily Henry’s hit summer-romance novel is (finally) making its way to screen, tracing the long, messy friendship between Poppy and Alex — two opposites who take the same holiday every year, until one trip changes everything. Expect a classic friends-to-lovers story, fronted by Tom Blyth and Emily Bader.
Release date: 9 January, 2026 (on Netflix)
Verity
Another adaptation, though one that exists in a much darker category. Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, tells a tale of obsession, manipulation and blurred truth. A struggling author (Dakota Johnson) moves into the home of an injured literary icon (Anne Hathaway) to finish her book — only to uncover secrets that make her question basically everything. If this is anything like the book, it will be a tense and psychologically claustrophobic watch.
Release date: 2 October, 2026
Wuthering Heights
Arguably one of the most polarising upcomign releases, but one we'll be seated for nonetheless. This new take on Brontë’s Gothic masterpiece comes courtesy of director Emerald Fennell, and thrusts two Australian actors into the leading roles: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. This adaptation leans into the wildness of the moors and the emotional volatility of its doomed lovers, Catherine and Heathcliff, all underscored by new original music from Charli xcx. Say less.
Release date: 13 February 2026
Toy Story 5
If you thought the story of Buzz, Woody, and the characters who defined our childhood was done, think again. Toy Story is back for a fifth installment, and reportedly will chart "the toys facing a new threat: technology, which is making playtime obsolete." We might have aged out of this franchise, but we'll certainly be in line on opening weekend.
Release date: 19 June 2026
Werwulf
Robert Eggers is back, and so is his signature folklore-meets-nightmare aesthetic. Werwulf is a medieval horror story with themes of superstition, paranoia and creature lore. If that's not enough to get you excited, it stars Lily Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe.
Release date: December 25, 2026
Dune: Part Three
Denis Villeneuve continues his sweeping adaptation with the third chapter of the Dune. While there's not too much info out there on this one, we know that it's based on the novel, Dune: Messiah, and that Timothée Chalamet shaved his head for the role. Intriguing? Yes.
Release date: December 18, 2026
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
This prequel returns to Panem at a breaking point, centring on the infamous 50th Hunger Games that defined Haymitch Abernathy’s trauma and rebellion. Expect a grittier view of the Capitol’s cruelty, fronted by rising Australian talent Joseph Zada, plus the mechanics of the arena and the beginning of the unrest that eventually fuels Katniss’ world.
Release date: November 20, 2026
The Moment
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A24’s The Moment takes on the music-industry as it follows a pop star preparing for a global tour — while cameras, expectations and self-image blur together. Considering the subject matter, it's no surprise that the film marks Charli xcx's feature debut – she's also producing under her newly-launched production company, Studio365. And rounding out the cast is Kylie Jenner, Rachel Sennott, Alexander Skarsgård, and many (many) more.
Release date: 2026
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Most of the RUSSH team owe their careers (at least in part) to the OG Devil Wears Prada, so it only makes sense that we're excited for the sequel. This time around, the dynamics have shifted, with Emily reportedly a high-powered advertising executive, and Miranda in need of her money at Runway. Of course, Andy and Nigel (and a host of others) are also back for the ride.
Release date: 1 May, 2026
Narnia
After the masterpiece that was Barbie, Greta Gerwig is returning in 2026, this time with another relic of our childhoods: Narnia. Details on this one as far as plot and casting are almost entirely under wraps, though there's been plenty of speculation. So far, we know that Mark Ronson is scoring the project, and that, according to producer Amy Pascal, “[It will be] a very new take on Narnia. It’s all about rock and roll."
Release date: 26 November, 2026
