In the midst of awards season, many are looking back at the past year of film, but arguably it’s equally exciting to look forward to the upcoming films and series of 2026. As always, this year will see the release of some compelling new originals, sequels to much loved franchises, and an influx of novel to screen adaptations.
It’s unsurprising that Nolan’s The Odyssey has generated a large amount of buzz, primarily due to its big budget, epic story and stacked class (including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and many more). Interestingly, the Valentine’s release of Emerald Fennell’s ‘Wuthering Heights’, starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in the lead roles, has already sparked controversy. Its stylistically anachronistic take on Brontë’s complex novel, will no doubt generate contrasting reviews. Following the gothic trend, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! is enough to give any Frankenstein (2025) fan deja vu, appearing to have a stylistically distinct spin on Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Upcoming series of this year are similarly adapting literature, as Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice has been announced, as well as East of Eden starring Florence Pugh, adapted from John Steinbeck’s American classic. However, a release I’m personally anticipating is Project Hail Mary, adapted from Andy Weir’s novel of the same title. The film is set to star Ryan Gosling in the lead role, following a turbulent, but charming space adventure.
Similarly to previous years, studios can’t help but cash in on popular franchises, as 2026 will see many new sequels and remakes. Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday is set to be the 39th installment to the MCU, releasing on December 18th. This dual release date is shared with Villeneuve’s Dune: Messiah, already being labeled online as ‘Dunesday’, chasing the popularity of 2023’s ‘Barbenheimer’, which could be the biggest day for cinema of 2026. Some other upcoming sequels include Top Gun: Horizon, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Toy Story 5 and Scream 7. As for television, there are a couple of new franchise series, such as A Knight of Seven Kingdoms from the Game of Thrones universe, and Blade Runner 2099, sequeling the 1982 classic Blade Runner. Furthermore, popular series Beef and The Bear are returning with new seasons, as well as the long awaited return of Euphoria – a glitter soaked drama following the complex social lives of young adults. Alternately, an original series to look out for is How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, a comedy series from the makers of Derry Girls, following the reunion of three friends due to the death of their classmate
Some original upcoming features include: Send Help, a horror-thriller with a darkly comedic tone following two co-workers – played by Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brian – who are left stranded on a desert island, and Disclosure Day, a new sci-fi film from Spielberg, following the discovery of a UFO. And some music related originals include pop icon Charli XCX’s writing debut with The Moment a mockumentary surrounding her ‘Brat’ tour, and Micheal a biopic following the life of Micheal Jackson, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson.
While I’m most excited for The Odyssey, Project Hail Mary, Dune: Messiah, and Euphoria, it appears the upcoming films and series of 2026 have much to offer, due to the wide range of anticipated original releases, sequels and adaptations.
