The most awaited movies of 2026 Here are the 56 titles not to miss next year

Just in time to say goodbye to 2025 and step into 2026, many films have begun to emerge, making their presence known and telling us to wait for them with the arrival of the new year. Odyssey by Christopher Nolan did so with its already much-debated first trailer. The same goes for Digger, the upcoming film by Alejandro González Iñárritu, for which a teaser was released to announce the title and in which we will finally see Tom Cruise in more auteur-driven guise. We were also invited to a wedding, that of the characters played by Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in The Drama, which marks the return of Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli, one of the most intriguing voices on the European scene. On paper, the year ahead looks full of variety and must-see titles, which we list here so you can start marking them on your calendar.

No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook - January 1

As often happens with distribution, many titles from the previous year cross over New Year’s Day and end up becoming films of the following three hundred and sixty-five days. There are many (and above all very beautiful) titles that made people talk in 2025 and therefore deserve a place here, even if you have surely already heard of them. This is the case, for example, with No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook, which actually opens the new year with its release on January 1, 2026, and is certainly a work not to be missed for lovers of the South Korean master.

Sirat by Óliver Laxe - January 8

The same rule applies as with No Other Choice. Sirat by Óliver Laxe is also one of the most talked-about films of 2025, but it arrives in Italy on January 8, 2026. Impossible not to point out the descent through the gates of hell of a father in search of his daughter among raves, eventually ending up in the desert. A vibrant story of music and flames, winner of the Jury Prize at the latest Cannes Film Festival.

Sorry, baby by Eva Victor - January 15

The strong point of Sorry, baby, the directorial and screenwriting debut of Eva Victor, is its delicate writing, which tackles a painful topic such as having suffered violence. A subject that underpins a work that never shies away from the possibility of laughter, tenderness, and attention to dialogue, balancing aspects such as pain and rebirth, in a film that knows how to find strength even in its darkest moment.

La grazia by Paolo Sorrentino - January 15

Toni Servillo plays President of the Republic Mariano De Santis in La grazia by Paolo Sorrentino. The film follows the final period of office of a man and politician who must take stock of his own existence, grappling with a present that asks him to move his country forward and a past that instead pulls him back in time. A work pervaded by the aura of its author, yet also sweeter and softer than one might expect from Sorrentino.

28 Years Later - The Temple of Bones by Nia DaCosta - January 15

Danny Boyle steps aside for Nia DaCosta, who on January 15 brings to the screen the sequel to 28 Years Later, itself a continuation of the saga launched in 2002 by the British director with 28 Days Later. In the film we find Ralph Fiennes once again, reprising the role of Dr. Ian Kelson, and above all the encounter that closes the previous film between young Spike (Alfie Williams) and the treacherous Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) will be further explored.

Marty Supreme by Josh Safdie - January 22

Released in the USA on Christmas Day, Marty Supreme arrives in Italy on January 22. Everyone is waiting to see whether the film lives up to the marketing campaign built around it, with Timothée Chalamet devoting body and soul to promoting the title, just as he did with the role of Marty Mouser, a top US table tennis player in search of greatness.

Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier - January 22

Joachim Trier is among the most authoritative auteurs of contemporary European cinema and once again proves to be a sure bet, as shown by Sentimental Value, a work that follows the success of The Worst Person in the World, released in 2021. This time, once again alongside actress Renate Reinsve, the author tells the story of a father and daughter and the difficulty they have in meeting halfway, which might be resolved through the making of a film about their family.

The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho - January 29

Kleber Mendonça Filho delivers with The Secret Agent a powerful, unconventional film that loves cinema and conveys this passion with intensity. The story portrays Brazil in 1977 under dictatorship, with a protagonist played by the intense Wagner Moura.

Send Help by Sam Raimi - January 29

Sam Raimi ventures into the survival genre with Send Help, the story of two castaways on a desert island after a plane crash who, despite hating each other, must find a way to cooperate. They are played by Rachel MacAdams and Dylan O’Brien.

Hamnet by Chloé Zhao - February 5

Jesse Buckley and Paul Mescal don period costumes and engage with a historical figure such as William Shakespeare in a more intimate and family-oriented setting. Far from the stage and confined to their home, Chloé Zhao’s drama focuses on the pain of the loss of a child, which becomes fuel for creativity in Hamnet. Art as a passage between worlds, capable of connecting the living and the dead.

Anaconda by Tom Gormican - February 5

Paul Rudd and Jack Black are the pairing we had never seen together and didn’t know we needed. The actors star in the comedy Anaconda, a meta-cinematic work in which two friends travel to the locations of the 1990s film of the same name to restage it, until things get complicated with the arrival of a real anaconda.

Pillion by Harry Lighton - February 12

A young gay man with little experience meets a muscular biker who becomes his dominator. Everything happens very quickly in Pillion by Harry Lighton, the British author’s directorial and screenwriting debut, which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes. What stands out about the film is that it is, in every respect, a rom-com with the addition of BDSM elements, creating an explosive mix of sensuality and sweetness.

Wuthering Heights by Emerald Fennell - February 12

Highly controversial even before its release, and probably not faithful to Emily Brontë’s original work, Wuthering Heights by Emerald Fennell is ready to ignite curiosity and passion among romance lovers, including the spicier kind. At least, that is how her version of the nineteenth-century novel appears to present itself, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

The Bride! by Maggie Gyllenhaal - March 5

After having Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein in 2025, 2026 brings us The Bride! by Maggie Gyllenhaal, a reinterpretation of the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein. The film is set in 1930s Chicago and sees the famous monster finally granted his request for the creation of a companion.

Nouvelle Vague by Richard Linklater - March 5

A film that is a making of, but also a portrayal of an era, a style, and an entire movement that would forever change the course of cinema history. Nouvelle Vague is Richard Linklater’s work on the production of Breathless, Jean-Luc Godard’s debut film and a turning point for French and international cinema.

The Testament of Ann Lee by Mona Fastvold - March 12

The story of the Shakers and their leading figure Ann Lee arrives in Italian theaters on March 12 after being screened at the Venice Film Festival last year. The Testament of Ann Lee is directed by Mona Fastvold, while the protagonist of the biopic-musical is played by Amanda Seyfried.

The Last Mission: Project Hail Mary by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller - March 19

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, directors of 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie, return with their irreverence for the sci-fi comedy The Last Mission: Project Hail Mary, choosing Ryan Gosling as the protagonist, alongside German actress Sandra Hüller. The star plays a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship, no longer remembering who he is or how he ended up in space.

Ella McCay - Perfectly Imperfect by James L. Brooks - March 19

Emma Mackey, known for the series Sex Education, stars in Ella McCay - Perfectly Imperfect, playing a young idealistic politician who finds herself having to deal with her own family issues while preparing to take over from her mentor. The cast also includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, and Woody Harrelson.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man by Tom Harper - March 20

Directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man arrives on March 20, the film that follows the events of the series starring Cillian Murphy. In Italy, however, it will not receive a theatrical release, instead arriving (for now) directly on Netflix.

The Drama by Kristoffer Borgli - April 2

On April 2, 2026, we are all cordially invited to the wedding of the protagonists of The Drama, played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The film marks the return of Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli after the success of Sick of Myself and the imaginative Dream Scenario with Nicolas Cage, and follows the story of a couple and the unexpected events they must face during the week leading up to their wedding.

Super Mario Galaxy - The Movie by Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath - April 3

It was one of the most satisfying box-office successes of 2023 and is now about to return. Super Mario Galaxy - The Movie is scheduled for release in April with the sequel to the animated film, once again directed by Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath, and centered on Nintendo’s iconic video game character.

Ready or not here I come 2 by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett - April 9

The first Ready or not here I come by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett quickly became a small cult film. It is therefore hard to predict the fate of the sequel, once again led by Samara Weaving. What is certain is that it is not to be missed, especially since David Cronenberg is part of the cast.

Urchin by Harris Dickinson - April 16

An actor in Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl, Harris Dickinson makes his directorial debut with Urchin, the story of homeless man Mike (Frank Dillane), a young drug addict who will try to get clean and start a new life.

Michael by Antoine Fuqua - April 23

Antoine Fuqua directs the most anticipated biopic of the year: Michael traces the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, from his beginnings with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global star. He is portrayed by Jaafar Jackson, the musical icon’s nephew.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 by David Frankel - May 1

With all the set photos and outfits that have been released, it feels as though we have already seen The Devil Wears Prada 2. The sequel, however, arrives in Italy on May 1 and is one of the most anticipated mainstream titles for the general audience. A return that is certainly not easy, as Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) will have to remain true to the iconic characters of the first film.

Mother Mary by David Lowery - May 12

The first images from the trailer of Mother Mary by David Lowery seem promising, especially because, while revealing a lot, they also contain a great deal of mystery. The same mystery that surrounds the pop star who gives the film its title, played by Anne Hathaway, whose story frames the bond that connects her to the fashion designer portrayed by Michaela Coel. A ruthless tale about music and fashion, where dramas and ambitions intertwine.

The Mandalorian and Grogu by Jon Favreau - May 20

Jon Favreau has devoted body and soul to his Mandalorian and little Grogu. Now, after two seasons on Disney+, the story of the Star Wars universe becomes a film with The Mandalorian and Grogu, set in the new republican order in which, once again, the protagonists will have to flee and protect one another.

Amarga Navidad by Pedro Almodóvar - May 21

After winning the Golden Lion with The Room Next Door, the first English-language film by Pedro Almodóvar, the Spanish director returns to his homeland with Amarga Navidad, the story of mourning and the way it is processed amid the frenetic rhythms of everyday life.

Disclosure Day by Steven Spielberg - June 11

Steven Spielberg returns to aliens with Disclosure Day, a sci-fi film starring Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt. A mysterious force seems to be influencing the human species, and it is up to O’Connor’s character to uncover what is happening across the world.

Masters of the Universe by Travis Knight - June 4

Among the live-action films arriving in 2026 is Masters of the Universe, a franchise born from a line of toys and over time turned into an empire spanning comics, video games, and animated series. The new film is directed by Travis Knight, with Nicholas Galitzine portraying He-Man, and the story tracing the character’s origins.

Toy Story 5 by Andrew Stanton - June 17

The world of Woody and Buzz’s toys is more alive than ever. In 2026, the fifth film in the saga of Toy Story awaits us, featuring the return, in the original version, of the beloved voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. Direction is handled by Andrew Stanton, who previously wrote the screenplay for the first chapter in 1995. This time, the protagonists will face a new adversary that could pull them away from children: the world of high-tech, represented by the tablet Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee.

Supergirl by Craig Gillespie - June 25

After a brief appearance in James Gunn’s Superman, Kara/Supergirl is ready for a film of her own, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira. The superheroine will be involved in a revenge-driven mission that forces her to question concepts of brutality and justice.

Odyssey by Christopher Nolan - July 16

There is not much to say about Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the Odyssey other than that, as often happens with the director’s films, it promises to be one of the most immersive experiences of 2026. A star-studded cast, opulent reconstruction, and an overwhelming sense of epic grandeur. All that remains is to wait until July 16.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day by Destin Daniel Cretton - July 29

Spider-Man’s return to the MCU inevitably raises many questions, especially given the ending of the latest superhero film starring Tom Holland. What seems certain is that after No Way Home, in Spider-Man: Brand New Day the character will once again focus more on protecting his neighborhood and city than on the fate of the entire world.

Flowervale Street by David Robert Mitchell - August 13

Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star in the new film by David Robert Mitchell, Flowervale Street, produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot. One day, a family begins to notice something strange in their neighborhood. This is the premise of the film, set in the 1980s, with the work potentially echoing the atmosphere of titles from that decade.

Moana by Thomas Kail - August 19

The release of the sequel in 2024 and its future animated return are not enough. In 2026, there will even be the live-action version of Moana, the successful Disney film that revisits the story of Vaiana, with Dwayne Johnson no longer just voicing Maui, but portraying him in the flesh.

The Dog Stars by Ridley Scott - August 28

A virus is ready to destroy humanity. No, this is not a film about Covid-19—it is simply the plot of The Dog Stars, the upcoming post-apocalyptic film by Ridley Scott, starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce.

Digger by Alejandro González Iñárritu - October 2

A teaser trailer was released to announce the official title of the film, which went from Judy to Digger, along with a release date: October 2026. Everyone is waiting to see what the unusual pairing of director Alejandro González Iñárritu and star Tom Cruise has come up with, with Cruise playing a man who must save Earth from a catastrophe he himself caused.

The Social Reckoning by Aaron Sorkin - October 9

In 2026, The Social Reckoning awaits us, the sequel to the 2010 masterpiece The Social Network about the birth of Facebook, focusing on the issues that the social media platform brought into users’ lives after its launch. The cast includes Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Mark Strong. This time, Aaron Sorkin not only writes but also directs the film.

The Hunger Games - Sunrise on the Reaping by Francis Lawrence - November 19

The Hunger Games continues to expand its cinematic universe, this time with Sunrise on the Reaping by Francis Lawrence, where the story focuses on the character of Haymitch, the only victor from District 12 before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

Narnia by Greta Gerwig - November 26

After the stratospheric success of Barbie, Greta Gerwig embarks on another massive undertaking with the adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. Her Narnia is set for release on November 26, 2026, more than twenty years after the first adaptation directed by Andrew Adamson. The cast includes Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and Emma Mackey.

Madden by David O’Russell - November 26

Scheduled for Thanksgiving Day next year, Madden by David O’Russell brings together Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale to tell the true story of the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl of 1977.

Avengers: Doomsday by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo - December 16

Many previews and rumors are gradually emerging about Avengers: Doomsday, so it is hard to know how much we will truly understand by the end of next year. Its release is set for December 16, marking the arrival of the superhero film that should help lift Marvel out of its recent troubled period, marked by lower box-office returns and waning audience interest. Expectations for Avengers: Doomsday remain high, however, also because many beloved faces appear to be included in the Russo brothers’ film.

Dune: Messiah by Denis Villeneuve - December 17

After spending Christmas 2025 with Timothée Chalamet and Marty Supreme, in 2026 we will see the actor once again as Paul Atreides in Dune: Messiah, the third installment of the Dune saga, released during the holiday season. The sequel features a time jump of about twelve years, with the story centered on Princess Irulan, portrayed by Florence Pugh, wife of Chalamet’s protagonist.

Shrek 5 by Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson - December 23

Not only Toy Story 5: Shrek has also reached its fifth chapter, although the plot remains unknown. What is known is that the protagonist, together with her parents, should be the daughter of the famous ogre, voiced in the original version by Zendaya.

Releases yet to be discovered

From here on, we proceed somewhat by sight. Not all the films that continue our list already have an Italian release date, but it is still important to mark them down in your calendar.

The Adventures of Cliff Booth by David Fincher - summer 2026

We begin with The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a peculiar operation since it is a sequel/spin-off centered on the character of Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, portrayed by Brad Pitt. The screenplay remains in the hands of Quentin Tarantino, while direction passes to David Fincher. A curious triangulation that leaves us with no choice but to sit back and wait.

Look Back by Hirokazu Koreeda

Look Back is a manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto that became an anime directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama in 2024 and is now adapted into a live-action film directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. A fourth-grade girl creates a manga for her school newspaper. When she discovers that a classmate also wants to make one, a relationship of competition and mutual growth begins.

Artificial by Luca Guadagnino

With his now steady pace of about one film a year, Luca Guadagnino does not abandon his loyal audience and is ready to present Artificial in 2026, described as a tragicomedy set in the world of artificial intelligence, starring Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman, creator of OpenIA.

I Want Your Sex by Gregg Araki

Premiering at Sundance is the return of Gregg Araki after his last film, released in 2014, White Bird. In I Want Your Sex, the protagonists are Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, with Wilde playing an artist who finds her sexual “muse” in the young man. The film promises a journey through passion and obsession, hovering on the edge between desire and morality.

The Invite by Olivia Wilde

Not only a return to acting for Olivia Wilde, but also to directing. After Don’t Worry Darling, which was met with mixed reactions from both critics and audiences, Wilde teams up with screenwriters Rashida Jones and Will McCormack for The Invite, in which she stars alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. The film follows a couple convinced that their neighbors are organizing orgies.

Possible Love by Lee Chang-dong

Burning won over critics and audiences alike in 2018. In 2026, Lee Chang-dong returns with Possible Love, telling the story of four strangers whose destinies, especially emotional ones, become intertwined.

The Entertainment System Is Down by Ruben Östlund

Ruben Östlund brings together Kirsten Dunst, Keanu Reeves, and Daniel Brühl for another satire, this time focusing on the consequences of boredom. In The Entertainment System Is Down, a group of passengers finds itself without any form of entertainment on an intercontinental flight from England to Australia, forced to figure out how to distract themselves.

Resurrection by Bi Gan

Among the most authoritative voices of the new Chinese cinematic landscape, Bi Gan creates with Resurrection an ode to cinema that won the Special Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film explores the world of the senses and ferries viewers through ever-changing universes, guided by the spirits that inhabit the seventh art.

The Chronology of Water by Kristen Stewart

Among the actors who have turned to directing is Kristen Stewart, who in 2025 takes on the challenging task of adapting the memoir by writer Lidia Yuknavitch. She chooses Imogene Poost as the lead, and for recounting the woman’s life relies on the fragmentation of memories used in the book’s writing, faithfully translated to the big screen.

The Gallerist by Cathy Yan

Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine Zeta-Jones star in The Gallerist by Cathy Yan, the story of a gallery owner so desperate that she attempts to sell a dead body as an artwork at none other than Art Basel Miami.

How to Make a Killing by John Patton Ford

No Other Choice, but instead of a job, an inheritance is at stake. This seems to be the spirit of How to Make a Killing, written and directed by John Patton Ford, starring Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley.