Will 2026 in film be a little kinder than 2025? That is the $33 billion question the film industry is asking itself right now.
While 2025 saw a healthy stream of franchise hits and global revenues showed resilience, the year has been plagued by a worrying problem: inconsistency.
We saw several high-profile blockbusters, particularly from established superhero universes, significantly underperform, leading to substantial losses for major studios.
Beyond the sequels, great critically-acclaimed films struggled to get general audiences into seats, proving that, more than ever, unless a film is tied to major, recognised IP, its success is far from guaranteed.
This has led to a very messy end to the year, with a barrage of releases postponed and some months, like October, hitting three-decade lows.
But as the calendar flips, 2026 is lining up to be the year where studios truly double down on proven success, throwing an absolute mountain of sequels, reboots, and certified A-list talent at the problem.
From The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to Scream 7, it looks like the industry is betting on familiarity to bring back consistent audience turnout.
We’ve checked the UK schedule on IMDB to see what’s coming in the new year - here are our picks of the films hitting the screens next year, complete with all the major stars and directors set to define the year.
1. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (January 6)
This is the highly anticipated instalment in Danny Boyle's influential apocalyptic franchise, marking a return to the harrowing survival horror that redefined the zombie genre. Directed by Nia DaCosta (The Marvels), this film is reportedly part of a planned new trilogy, picking up from the shocking conclusion to the first film. | Sony Pictures
2. Hamnet (January 9)
Based on the beloved novel by Maggie O’Farrell, this historical drama centres on the personal life of William Shakespeare, focusing intensely on his wife, Agnes Hathaway, and the devastating impact of their son Hamnet's death. The film is helmed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) and stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley as the famous couple. | Focus Features
3. Wuthering Heights (February 13)
A fresh, dark take on Emily Brontë’s quintessential gothic romance. The film is directed by Emerald Fennell (Saltburn), known for her sharp, subversive period pieces. It stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the passionate, brooding Heathcliff. | Warner Bros. Pictures
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4. Scream 7 (February 27)
The slasher franchise continues its legacy of terror, with creator and original screenwriter Kevin Williamson returning to the director's chair to complete what many consider the third "legacy" trilogy. The film is expected to return to the core mystery and suspense that defined the original, with franchise icon Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott) confirmed to feature. | Paramount Pictures