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.
5. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 3)
Following the massive success of the first collaboration between Illumination and Nintendo, this sequel shifts the action from the Mushroom Kingdom to the cosmos. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic return, with the voice cast, including Chris Pratt and Jack Black, exploring the vast, magical landscapes of the Galaxy video game. | Universal Pictures
6. The Odyssey (April 17)
A highly ambitious cinematic undertaking that adapts Homer's epic poem. The film is tied to director Christopher Nolan, promising a visually grand and complex retelling of Odysseus's twenty-year journey home, with Matt Damon portraying the protagonist of the film. | Universal Pictures
7. Michael (April 24)
This major biopic about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is directed by the award-winning Antoine Fuqua (Emancipation). The film will cover the entirety of Jackson's monumental career, from his childhood in the Jackson 5 through his global superstardom, with his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, starring as Michael. | Lionsgate/Universal Pictures
8. Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story (May 8)
This intriguing, high-concept animated feature is based on the German novel about a shepherd found dead and the flock of sheep that must solve his murder. The ensemble cast is led by the voice of Hugh Jackman. | VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images