As we say goodbye to 2025 (despite the awards season continuing), it’s the perfect moment to lift our eyes beyond the current awards race and look toward what lies ahead for 2026. With an exciting, unpredictable slate on the horizon, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year filled with bold auteurs, long-awaited sequels, ambitious adaptations, and thrilling original visions. From prestige dramas and blockbuster spectacles to daring genre experiments, these are the films the Next Best Picture team is most eager to experience in the year ahead.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”
The return of the “28 Days” franchise delivers an unexpectedly fantastic entry, packed with the gruesome action and horror audiences expect, yet infused with a surprisingly tender, emotional core. This fourth installment marks the first film not directed by Danny Boyle, instead helmed by Nia DaCosta, who delivered the dazzling “Hedda” earlier this year. DaCosta has described the film as firmly rooted in Boyle’s world while striving to make it more personal and idiosyncratic. With that in mind, it’s exciting to imagine where the story will go with the return of Spike and the Jimmys, along with Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson. If the film manages to retain the scares and gore while doubling down on the emotional intensity that made “28 Years Later” such a wonderful surprise, it could be something truly special.
“All Of A Sudden”
Ryūsuke Hamaguchi is one of this decade’s most prolific directors, with films like “Drive My Car” and “Evil Does Not Exist” standing out as some of the most poignant scripts of recent memory. In 2026, we will see how Hamaguchi’s exceptional pen translates into another language in his latest feature, “All of a Sudden.” While he is the sole director of this movie, he is teaming up with Léa Le Dimna for the screenplay. Le Dimna is best known for translating French subtitles for various films, so her influence will be key to ensuring the authentic dialogue that Hamaguchi’s films are known for continues to ring true. In the Paris-set film, a French nurse named Marie Lou Fontaine (Virginie Efira) and a Japanese theater director named Mari Morisaki (Tao Okamoto) form an unlikely bond that transforms completely after Mari contracts a serious illness out of the blue. “All of a Sudden” is adapted from the correspondence between a philosopher and an anthropologist. Still, Hamaguchi seems to be taking a few liberties with this story about life, death, and the relationships that allow us to get through both. Nevertheless, his involvement is all the information I needed to mark this as one of my most anticipated films of the year. I look forward to hopefully yet another Hamaguchi film whose characters fail to leave my mind.
– Amy Kim
“Avengers: Doomsday”
When “Avengers: Doomsday” hits theaters, it will have been seven years since the last Avengers film. While much has changed within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, most notably the wavering quality of its output, it’s undeniable that this reunion will be a major event. The first teaser revealed very little beyond the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, but fan anticipation is already immeasurable. Marvel has introduced an overwhelming number of new characters and storylines, and seeing how they all converge into this final culmination should be thrilling. With the potential release of “Dune: Part Three” on the same day, “Doomsday” is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic moments in years.
“Behemoth”
Tony Gilroy’s return to feature filmmaking after his seemingly universally adored “Andor” will be one of the bigger moments for cinephiles this year, particularly given how good his past films, like the incredible “Michael Clayton,” are. Collaborating with Pedro Pascal may give an actor of his fame and exposure a much-needed lead dramatic role that will really solidify his talent, not just his charm, which he clearly has in spades. While there already seems to be a lot of anticipation for the film, it’ll be exciting to see the journey it takes throughout the year as it perhaps becomes one of the buzziest titles as we approach the seemingly far-off next awards season. Also, as someone with “Sorry, Baby” as their favorite of 2025, Eva Victor, in the cast, immediately shoots this up to must-see status.
“Camp Miasma”
Jane Schoenbrun has established themselves as one of the most exciting current voices in independent cinema with their first two narrative features. Just with “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and “I Saw the TV Glow,” their unabashedly queer, contemporary, and surrealist filmmaking already feels incredibly refined. This makes any new film of theirs a must-see. This film, in the vein of “Persona” and “All About Eve,” about slasher filmmaking and wholly Schoenbrun, is hard not to put at the top of any most anticipated list. Not to mention the incredible, and now Emmy-winning, Hannah Einbinder leading the film, the next Schoenbrun masterpiece can’t get here soon enough.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2”
Legacy or far-removed sequels rarely feel earned or organic, and with how many we seem to get, their redundancy becomes even more exhausting. However, with something as campy and already unserious as the first “Devil Wears Prada,” a sequel of this nature not only feels warranted but perhaps necessary, particularly with the director and incredible original cast all returning. While little is known about the follow-up at the moment, what more could you need to know other than the title and cast? Even if it doesn’t do justice to its incredible predecessor, the sequel will surely be a cultural event that, at the very least, will be a joy to experience in a packed cinema over the summer.
“Digger”
After Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s divisive but, in my opinion, criminally underrated masterpiece, “Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths,” the Oscar winner has returned four years later with “Digger.” This “comedy of catastrophic proportions” stars Tom Cruise in the leading role as an unlikely hero who must save humanity from a disaster he may have inadvertently created. Iñárritu has teamed up with two of his “Birdman” cowriters, Nicolas Giacobone and Alexander Dinelaris, and award-winning Mexican journalist Sabrina Berman to create this script. Iñárritu is at his best when he brings a twisted comedy to life, and the fact that he is collaborating with people who helped him make his acclaimed Best Picture winner inspires great hope. “Digger” may be bizarre, but knowing Iñárritu, it will be deeply compelling.
– Amy Kim
“The Drama”
A sexy, high-tension marriage drama from A24 starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, does anything else really need to be said? “The Drama” is easily one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Online whispers suggest the film contains an insane twist, and the trailer, packed with sex, arguments, and flashes of violence, only fuels the hype. Kristoffer Borgli’s latest looks freaky and shocking, anchored by two powerhouse performances from some of the best young actors working today. The internet is already debating whether the film is a rom-com, a drama, or even a stealth horror movie. Whatever it ends up being, the anticipation feels impossible to ignore.
“Dune: Part Three”
Denis Villeneuve has done the impossible twice, adapting a book previously deemed unadaptable due to its unorthodox storytelling and unfathomable scope into a compelling film. The first two “Dune” films are a masterclass of pacing, gradually building to a glorious climax in “Dune: Part Two” that redefined the character arc we thought we were watching. In 2026, Villeneuve will adapt “Dune Messiah” for his next film, “Dune: Part Three.” The film will time-skip twelve years into the reign of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he learns just how heavy the head is that wears the crown. While “Dune Messiah” is a more controversial book than its predecessor, its bold narrative choices are undeniably admirable and can truly shine under the right hands. We already have the first two films as proof that Villeneuve and his cowriter Jon Spaihts are the artists best suited to bring this epic saga to life. After the success of the first two “Dune” films, there is no reason to doubt their grasp on the source material now.
– Amy Kim
“The Entertainment System Is Down”
Ruben Ostlünd has made a career out of hilariously poking fun at societal norms, and he aspires to mock yet another aspect of modern civilization in his latest film, our necessity for online stimulation. In “The Entertainment System Is Down,” passengers on a 17-hour flight must contend with the horror of finding ways to pass the time after the in-flight entertainment system crashes. Ostlünd has said that he intends for the film to be an authentically excruciating experience, with there even being a five-minute scene focused on a child waiting to use an iPad. Will it be divisive? Almost certainly. But with Ostlünd piloting this project, it will also almost certainly be an incisive reflection of human behavior. He has assembled his buzziest cast yet, with stars like Kirsten Dunst, Keanu Reeves, Daniel Brühl, and repeat collaborator Woody Harrelson, among others, on board. At absolute worst, it will at least be a conversation starter, but at best, we could have another sensation in the veins of “Triangle of Sadness” on our hands.
– Amy Kim
“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die”
Gore Verbinski has one of the most fascinating filmographies to look through, spanning family blockbuster adventures, eerie horror, and whatever you’d like to classify this upcoming sci-fi comedy as. The zaniness that shines through much of Verbinski’s work is at its brightest here, with an exciting ensemble to deliver it. With a buzzy premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2025 and a February wide release, it’s one of the earlier and one of the only proven releases of this year’s slate.
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping”
“The Hunger Games“ remains my favorite ongoing franchise, with “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes“ arguably standing as its strongest entry yet. Each film balances riveting action with sharp political commentary and inventive set pieces. This prequel centers on fan favorite Haymitch during his time in the second Quarter Quell, a story that is thrilling, romantic, and ultimately devastating. The cast alone is a massive draw, featuring rising stars like McKenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Maya Hawke, alongside beloved veterans Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Billy Porter, Jesse Plemons, and Kieran Culkin. Lead actor Joseph Zada seems poised for a breakout moment as Haymitch. Arriving in theaters over Thanksgiving, there may be no franchise film I’m more excited for.
“How To Make A Killing”
If you asked me which rising actors have the most movie-star energy right now, Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley would be at the very top of my list. In “How to Make a Killing,“ it appears both are being used to their fullest. The premise isn’t unfamiliar, but there’s something undeniably fun about an entire movie centered on Powell’s effortless charm as he takes down rich people. Directed by “Emily the Criminal“ filmmaker John Patton Ford, the film is loosely based on “Kind Hearts and Coronets,“ which, in turn, inspired the musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.“ Releasing from A24 in late February, it promises to be a stylish, entertaining, and potentially socially relevant ride led by two of the most exciting actors working today.
“I Love Boosters”
One of 2018’s breakout hits was “Sorry to Bother You,“ Boots Riley’s absurd tale about a telemarketer who finds himself in a horrifying conspiracy after compromising on his morals. Dazzlingly innovative in its visual style and deeply critical of the wealthy’s exploitation of marginalized workers, the film rightfully made many eager to see what Riley’s follow-up would be. After eight years, “I Love Boosters“ will open SXSW before making its worldwide debut on May 22nd, 2026. The film’s premise is simple: the Velvet Gang, a group of boosters, decides to make a sinister fashion influencer their next target. But if “Sorry to Bother You“ is any indication, the execution will be anything but. The film stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Demi Moore, Lakeith Stanfield, Poppy Liu, Will Poulter, and Eiza Gonzalez, all of whom are among our buzziest working actors. And in a post “Everything Everywhere All at Once“ world, viewers may even be more receptive to Riley’s unorthodox brilliance and give this film the attention it deserves.
– Amy Kim
“Look Back”
Legendary mangaka Tatsuki Fujimoto is no stranger to high-profile adaptations of his work. Just this year, “Chainsaw Man: The Movie Reze Arc“ received a wide release, passionate audience reception, and a strong box office showing. A collection of his short stories was also animated this year under the title “Tatsuki Fujimoto 17 26.“ Next year, his tearjerker one-shot “Look Back“ will be adapted by one of the best filmmakers working today, Hirokazu Kore-eda. It follows the push-and-pull of the bond between two middle school artists as they draw manga together. If this premise sounds familiar, that is because “Look Back“ already received a fantastic animated film adaptation in 2024. Still, it is exciting nonetheless to see what Kore Eda does with this source material in his live-action adaptation. Considering how tender his films are and how frequently they feature children as main characters, I do not doubt that Kore-eda will find new ways to make us cry here.
– Amy Kim
“The Moment”
Brat Summer never dies, and it’ll be Brat January when “The Moment“ hits the big screen. The title appropriate “Brat“ is one of the most iconic albums and moments of the decade so far, and Charli xcx’s mockumentary feature is set to take us behind the scenes of the tour. Most interestingly, while the film is about Charli and her tour, she ditched the idea of a regular tour documentary and is instead making something both more artistic and more cynical. The trailer promises a film that will both make fun of the industry and show a side of Charli that we haven’t seen before. Director Aidan Zamiri and Charli herself are both exciting, promising talents, and a supporting cast of Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, and Rachel Sennott makes this a potential breakout banger. Charli xcx has already brought the underground to the mainstream in music, and it’s exciting to see if she does the same in film.
“Narnia”
At first, it felt wrong to write a blurb about how exciting Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Narnia“ adaptation is, as I admittedly have no connection to or reference for any version of the material. However, that perhaps proves how exciting the film truly is, as the Gerwig name holds so much weight in the cinematic landscape now; any property she touches becomes infinitely more exciting. Even with the Netflix of it all, the material seems far more passionate and in line with her sensibilities than a simple studio job, and with each of her films increasing in scale while retaining her quality and touch, I don’t expect it to slow down with her new adventure.
“The Odyssey”
In recent years, Christopher Nolan has become the director whose name most invigorates audiences to seek out his projects. His follow-up to the Best Picture-winning “Oppenheimer“ is of similar scale to most of his filmography, that is to say grandiose, but of a completely different time period. In his adaptation of “The Odyssey,“ Nolan will tackle the legendary myth and bring it to life with all the visual spectacle and borderline-impossible storytelling we have come to expect from him. If you’re unfamiliar with Homer’s epic, “The Odyssey“ details Odysseus’s decade-long journey as he faces fantastical trials and terrors at sea on his way back to his family. With its A-list cast led by Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, and the glorious technical achievements already on display in the film’s teaser, there is no shortage of talent in front of and behind the screen. Early screenings for this film have been sold out almost a year in advance, and anticipation for Nolan’s next blockbuster is through the roof. All we can do now is hope this film lives up to the practically mythical expectations that we mere mortals have set for it.
– Amy Kim
“Paper Tiger”
James Gray is an incredibly rich and singular voice in contemporary cinema, his last film, “Armageddon Time,“ being a particularly underseen treat. He seems to have no bounds for the types of stories and genres that interest him, while never losing the James Gray touch that makes his work wholly human. While he is usually one to reuse actors, his latest features an exciting lineup: Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson, all of whom will surely bring depth to the usually wonderful writing and directing of James Gray.
“Project Hail Mary”
It’s been over 10 years since Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s banner year, when they directed both “The Lego Movie“ and “22 Jump Street.“ While they’ve done producing and writing work since, their directorial stamp has been sorely missed, and perhaps the magic of those films will be recaptured with their adaptation of Andy Weir’s acclaimed sci-fi novel. Considering the last Weir adaptation, “The Martian,“ was beloved by audiences, critics, and awards voters, and given the star power of Ryan Gosling and Sandra Huller, “Project Hail Mary“ will undoubtedly be one of the year’s higher-profile releases.
“Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come”
“Ready or Not“ was one of the biggest surprises of 2019. What initially appeared to be a simple, cliché horror premise became an instantly iconic entry in modern horror, especially within the final girl canon. Picking up directly after the first film, Samara Weaving’s Grace now faces an even more deranged threat: the wealthiest and most powerful people on Earth. She’s joined by her estranged sister, played by Kathryn Newton. The sequel leans even further into absurdity and excess, a choice that plays perfectly to the franchise’s strengths. With supporting turns from Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood, and David Cronenberg as evil billionaires, this could be one of the most entertaining horror sequels in years.
“Remain”
It seems with each new M. Night Shyamalan film, society grows closer and closer to realizing he’s still got it as a director. Even if he’s not hitting the emotional and structural highs of “The Sixth Sense,“ his recent efforts, “Trap“ and “Knock at the Cabin,“ have been incredibly enjoyable thrill rides at the cinema with the right amount of twisty goodness that shot him into superstardom in the first place. While this next film is a bizarre collaboration with novelist Nicholas Sparks, the way their styles merge and coexist in the cinematic space will be a lot of fun to see. The general rule of thumb is good or bad, any new M. Night film is an event and must be seen when we are lucky to experience one.
“Send Help”
Starting the year with a new Sam Raimi film is never a bad thing. “Send Help“ stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as coworkers stranded on a deserted island, forced to find a way to survive. It’s a simple setup, but one of the most exciting aspects of the trailer is how little it reveals. Knowing Raimi, the film will likely escalate into something deranged, gory, and wildly unpredictable. With Raimi behind the camera and such strong performers in the lead roles, I can’t wait to see what chaos unfolds.
“The Social Reckoning”
Of all of the films to receive a sequel more than a decade later, “The Social Network“ was not even remotely on my list. Yet, given how much Facebook has transformed into a global player since the iconic biopic’s release, a follow-up on its notorious CEO feels mandatory. This film will focus on how former Facebook engineer Frances Haugen, played by Mikey Madison, worked with journalist Jeff Horowitz, played by Jeremy Allen White, to blow the whistle on the nefarious activities occurring at the infamous social media company. Unfortunately, Jesse Eisenberg is not returning to the role of Mark Zuckerberg, but Jeremy Strong is an equally brilliant actor who may even be better suited to capture the billionaire’s soullessness with the ruthless intensity he portrays in every role. David Fincher will also sadly not be helming the sequel as the director. However, one critical element that made the first film masterful remains in this sequel: Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. He will also be directing “The Social Reckoning.“ With his sharp pen and this incredible cast, I have faith that this companion piece will honor the legacy of the 2010 masterpiece.
– Amy Kim
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day”
“Spider-Man: No Way Home“ remains one of the defining movie moments of the decade; everyone remembers where they were when Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield appeared. The follow-up may be quieter, but it’s arguably just as compelling. With no one remembering Peter Parker, he’s truly on his own for the first time, aside from the gritty MCU debut of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher. This version of Peter, stripped of support and identity, opens the door for deeper character work. It may not be as flashy as “Spider-Man: No Way Home,“ but a return to grounded storytelling could make it something even more meaningful.
“Supergirl”
Near the end of 2025’s “Superman,“ Milly Alcock stumbled onto the scene as Kara Zor El. It was clear from her brief appearance that Supergirl would be a very different kind of superhero from her Kryptonian cousin. While Superman perhaps naively chooses to see the best in every person and believes in saving lives no matter what, Supergirl is remarkably apathetic. Anything occurring outside of her direct vicinity does not seem to concern her, and honestly, why should it? This summer, Craig Gillespie of “I, Tonya“ and “Cruella“ fame will tackle this complete mess of a superpowered woman. In those films, he has found ways to endear audiences to women previously deemed unlikable, and I am curious to see his approach to helping us empathize with this flawed but clearly broken character. But in all honesty, I will be watching “Supergirl“ for Alcock, who has proven her star power time and time again, whether on “House of the Dragon“ or on “Sirens.”
– Amy Kim
“Toy Story 5”
Everyone’s favorite toys are back in their fifth adventure. After Andy bid farewell to his toys in “Toy Story 3“ and the toys bid farewell to Woody in “Toy Story 4,” “Toy Story 5“ poses a new existential question. Will these beloved characters still be an essential part of every kid’s childhood in the wake of technology? As screen time begins to replace free time in these critical stages of children’s lives, an exploration of this relationship with technology through the eyes of playthings is quite fascinating. Though the “Toy Story” franchise has faced criticism for continuing the series past “Toy Story 3,“ I believe this concept more than justifies the fifth installment’s existence. I, for one, cannot wait to see how the toys’ dynamic with Bonnie and with her new electronic device unfolds.
– Amy Kim
“Untitled Jesse Eisenberg Film”
We know very little about Jesse Eisenberg’s newest film, not even its title. For all we know, it may not even come out in 2026. However, the details we do have about this project are exciting. Eisenberg’s next feature will be a musical comedy he will write and direct. The film revolves around a shy woman, played by Julianne Moore, who lands a role in a community theatre musical and completely immerses herself in the character. Its cast includes Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Havana Rose Liu, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Bernadette Peters. From proven legends to rising stars to Broadway talents, this is quite a promising ensemble for a musical film. What is truly thrilling about this project, though, is that it is Eisenberg’s follow-up to his superb “A Real Pain,“ which he also wrote and directed. He blends humor and heart superbly there, and I am intrigued by what his unique blend of pathos would yield in a musical comedy.
– Amy Kim
“Werwulf”
The master of historical horror returns, this time transporting audiences to 13th-century England. Robert Eggers’ “Werewouf“ is described as a werewolf film featuring dialogue authentic to the period, an ambitious and thrilling prospect. Set photos reveal Lily-Rose Depp in transformative makeup, a bloodied, shirtless Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson on the hunt. While the titular creature remains unseen, Eggers’ recent “Nosferatu” suggests we’re in for something genuinely terrifying and creatively bold. This project feels tailor-made for his sensibilities, blending medieval dread with a monstrous presence haunting a doomed village.
“Whitney Springs”
While, as an outsider, it seems like it’s been years since South Park was at its heyday, the series’ creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, have never missed a day of providing fresh, polarizing comedy. While recently they’ve been relegated to their animated hit, past works such as their incredible musical “Book of Mormon“ make any new ventures of theirs all the more exciting. Seeing the two team up with global superstar Kendrick Lamar creates one of the more intriguing wild cards of 2026, potentially being a lightning rod of conversation whenever the provocative comedy finally blesses our screens.
“Wuthering Heights”
Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights“ has sparked loud reactions across the spectrum, but I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. While my love for the novel makes the idea of a radical reinterpretation slightly terrifying, the trailer has me genuinely intrigued. Fans are already theorizing about potential twists, whether Fennell is manipulating perspective or hiding something subversive beneath the iconic title. Linus Sandgren’s cinematography looks stunning, and the trailer teases plenty of jaw-dropping, steamy moments. Paired with a soundtrack of original songs by Charli xcx, it’s clear Fennell has a bold, specific vision. Whether it works or not, it certainly won’t be boring.
What films are you most excited to see in 2026? Are there any films we should be anticipating that we didn’t mention? Do you think 2026 is going to be a strong year for cinema? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.
