The Big Picture

The 26 Most Anticipated Movies of 2026

January 6, 2026

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  • The hosts are kicking off the new year by previewing their 26 most anticipated films of 2026 after a holiday break that included family viewings of *Star Wars* and significant discussion around the film *Marty Supreme*. 
  • Recent box office results show *Avatar: Fire and Ash* is performing strongly, contributing to a year where Disney dominated releases, while *Marty Supreme* has become an early A24 success story. 
  • Early awards season results, particularly from the National Society of Film Critics, strongly favor *One Battle After Another*, though the hosts caution that critics' awards do not always predict Academy outcomes, especially with the upcoming Golden Globes serving as the true start of campaigning. 
  • The hosts express significant concern regarding potential sequels or reboots of beloved properties, such as a new *Social Network* film potentially damaging Aaron Sorkin's reputation, drawing parallels to the later *Indiana Jones* films. 
  • Anticipation for many 2026 films is mixed, often driven by the director's past work (e.g., Greta Gerwig directing *Narnia: The Magician's Nephew*, Luca Guadagnino directing *Artificial*) or the collision of favored actors and filmmakers (e.g., Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in *The Drama*). 
  • The hosts show high excitement for auteur-driven projects, particularly those from filmmakers like Christopher Nolan (*The Odyssey*), Tony Gilroy (*Behemoth!*), and Lee Chang Dong (*Possible Love*), viewing them as potential highlights of the year. 
  • The hosts dedicated a significant portion of this segment to discussing highly anticipated, star-studded films like Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey* and Steven Spielberg's *Disclosure Day*, alongside numerous international and genre features. 
  • Robert Pattinson is highlighted as having an exceptionally busy and promising slate of upcoming films, including *The Odyssey* and *Dune Part 3*. 
  • The conversation concluded with a rapid-fire rundown of numerous other anticipated 2026 releases spanning horror, animated features, and adaptations, including a deep dive into the upcoming *Masters of the Universe* film and its casting choices. 

Segments

Holiday Break Catch-Up
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(00:00:41)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts are returning after a two-week break to preview the 26 most anticipated movies of 2026, starting with a catch-up on holiday activities.
  • Summary: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins are recording the first episode of the new year, which serves as a mega preview for 2026 films. Amanda spent time with her children, noting that her daughter is now willing to try new movies rather than just rewatching old favorites. The hosts played a game to summarize their breaks using three movies: most watched, most discussed, and best descriptor.
Break Movie Recap Game
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(00:02:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Amanda’s family is currently undertaking a 10-week Saturday viewing of the entire Star Wars saga, starting with A New Hope.
  • Summary: Amanda’s most watched movie was Star Wars: A New Hope, as her daughter is now watching the saga sequentially. The movie that best described her break was If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, referencing a moment of frustration while dealing with AI customer service at CVS. Both hosts agreed that Marty Supreme was the movie they discussed the most over the break.
2025 Box Office Review
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(00:12:31)
  • Key Takeaway: The total box office for the previous year was up 1% over 2024, largely driven by the success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which earned over $1 billion in 18 days.
  • Summary: Avatar: Fire and Ash is on pace for a massive global total, potentially making four of the top ten highest-grossing international films James Cameron features. Disney dominated the year, with Zootopia 2 becoming the number three animated release of all time, passing Frozen 2. Marty Supreme also performed strongly for A24, earning $56 million domestically in nine days.
Recent Awards Check-In
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(00:20:55)
  • Key Takeaway: The National Society of Film Critics awarded One Battle After Another Best Picture, making it one of only four films to sweep the four major early critics’ groups.
  • Summary: The National Society of Film Critics gave Best Picture to One Battle After Another, with PTA winning Best Director; Jesse Buckley is considered locked for Best Actress, while Ethan Hawke won Best Actor for Blue Moon. The Critics’ Choice Awards largely mirrored these results, awarding Best Picture to One Battle After Another and Best Actor to Timothy Chalamet for Marty Supreme.
Anticipated 2026 Films Kickoff
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(00:47:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Amanda’s initial list of anticipated 2026 films focuses on sequels and remakes of beloved properties, expressing nervousness about potential quality degradation.
  • Summary: Amanda’s first three anticipated films are The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Social Reckoning, and Sense and Sensibility, representing sequels and remakes of films she deeply values. She expressed concern that The Social Reckoning (a solo Aaron Sorkin film without the original cast) could damage the legacy of The Social Network.
Indiana Jones Legacy Comparison
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(00:52:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The speaker views Kingdom of the Crystal Skull as generally better received than The Dial of Destiny, but both pale in comparison to the first three Indiana Jones films.
  • Summary: The speaker compares the last two Indiana Jones films, noting that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is often considered superior to The Dial of Destiny. Both later entries are deemed significantly inferior to the original trilogy. A specific moment involving Archimedes in Dial of Destiny is highlighted as a positive element.
Social Network Sequel Concerns
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(00:52:41)
  • Key Takeaway: A potential sequel to The Social Network is unlikely to damage the original film’s legacy but could harm Aaron Sorkin’s ongoing creative reputation.
  • Summary: The hosts suggest that a new Social Network film, especially without the original cast, might damage Aaron Sorkin’s creative standing. They draw an analogy to the later seasons of The West Wing when Sorkin departed, noting a subsequent decline in quality.
Sense and Sensibility Remake Cast
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(00:53:19)
  • Key Takeaway: The 2026 remake of Sense and Sensibility is directed by Georgia Oakley and features Daisy Edgar-Jones as Eleanor and George Mackay as Edward Ferris.
  • Summary: The upcoming Sense and Sensibility remake is directed by Georgia Oakley. Key cast members include Daisy Edgar-Jones as Eleanor, Esme Creed Miles as Marianne, and Frank Delaney as Willoughby. The speaker notes the strong cast but expresses personal attachment to the Emma Thompson version.
Where the Crawdads Sing Reaction
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(00:53:57)
  • Key Takeaway: One host considered Where the Crawdads Sing one of the worst films of the decade, despite enjoying the ending.
  • Summary: The film Where the Crawdads Sing is strongly criticized by one host as one of the worst of the decade. This viewing occurred shortly after maternity leave, coinciding with seeing Minions: The Rise of Gru. The presence of Harris Dickinson in the film is also noted with disapproval.
The Bride Anticipation
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(00:55:24)
  • Key Takeaway: The Bride, a modern black and white riff on The Bride of Frankenstein directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale, is placed at number 13 due to mixed trailer reception and production buzz.
  • Summary: The Bride is Maggie Gyllenhaal’s follow-up to The Lost Daughter, starring Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale. The film is a modern, black and white take on The Bride of Frankenstein. Its placement at number 13 reflects unease stemming from the trailer and behind-the-scenes reports, despite interest in the creative collision.
The Rip Heist Movie
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(00:57:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Rip, directed by Joe Carnahan and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as narcotics cops/heist participants, is noted for its January 16th Netflix release date.
  • Summary: The number 12 pick, The Rip, is described as a narcotics cop heist movie starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, directed by Joe Carnahan. The speaker notes the worrying January 16th release date on Netflix, but hopes the film will be enjoyable despite this.
Primetime and Inc. Previews
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(00:58:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Lance Oppenheim’s first feature, Primetime, is a docudrama about the world of To Catch a Predator featuring Robert Pattinson, while Danny Boyle’s Inc. focuses on a younger Rupert Murdoch starring Guy Pierce.
  • Summary: Primetime is Lance Oppenheim’s first feature, set in the world of Chris Hansen and To Catch a Predator, with Robert Pattinson playing a Hansen-like figure. Inc. is Danny Boyle’s film about a younger Rupert Murdoch, co-starring Guy Pierce, Jack O’Connell, and Claire Foy. Both films are cited as interesting media-related projects.
The Entertainment System is Down
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(01:01:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Reuben Östlund’s The Entertainment System is Down, featuring Keanu Reeves and Kirsten Dunst, satirizes the attention economy when in-flight entertainment fails.
  • Summary: Reuben Östlund’s film features an incredible cast including Keanu Reeves, Daniel Brühl, and Kirsten Dunst, and explores social breakdown when airplane entertainment systems fail. The speaker anticipates broad satire on the attention economy, similar to his previous works like Triangle of Sadness and The Square.
Digger and Inarritu’s Cruise Film
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(01:05:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Digger, starring Tom Cruise in an original film, generates excitement despite the director’s recent tendency toward repetition, while The Entertainment System is Down is noted for its potential Cannes appearance.
  • Summary: The speaker is excited for Digger primarily because it features Tom Cruise in an original film, a rarity in modern cinema, despite reservations about Iñárritu’s recent work. Digger is expected to premiere at Venice due to its October dating.
How to Make a Killing and Remain
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(01:06:46)
  • Key Takeaway: John Patton Ford’s How to Make a Killing, starring Glenn Powell as a disinherited man seeking revenge, is seen as a potential soft remake of Kind Hearts and Cornets, while M. Night Shyamalan’s Remain is a Nicholas Sparks story about a depressed architect.
  • Summary: How to Make a Killing features Glenn Powell seeking revenge against his family, echoing themes from Emily the Criminal but with a different tone. Remain, written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan based on a story by Nicholas Sparks, stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a depressed architect.
The Moment and Charlie XCX Update
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(01:10:36)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts track Charlie XCX’s recent Letterboxd activity, noting she watched Paddington in Peru before Paddington 2 and gave Fargo a five-star review.
  • Summary: The number nine pick is The Moment, a film releasing January 30th, which will share a release window with Sam Raimi’s Send Help. The hosts provide an update on Charlie XCX’s film watching, noting her recent viewing of Cape Fear and Fargo.
October and A24 Horror Picks
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(01:14:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Jeremy Saulny’s October is highly anticipated for its return to horror action roots, while Enemies, produced by Ari Aster, pairs Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler in a detective thriller.
  • Summary: October is a new A24 film from Jeremy Saulny, director of Rebel Ridge, expected to be a horror action thriller. Enemies is a detective thriller from Henry Dunham, produced by Ari Aster, starring Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler.
Fjord and Her Private Hell
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(01:16:38)
  • Key Takeaway: Christian Mungiu’s Fjord pairs Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve in a story about alienation after moving to a remote Norwegian town, while Nicholas Winding Refn returns with the glittery, violent thriller Her Private Hell.
  • Summary: Fjord is seen as a spiritual sequel to Mungiu’s RMN, focusing on alienation, potentially involving a Romanian husband and Norwegian wife. Nicholas Winding Refn’s Her Private Hell is described as an edgy, unhinged thriller featuring glitter, sex, and violence, starring Sophie Thatcher and Dewray Scott.
Narnia and Camp Slasher
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(01:20:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Greta Gerwig is directing Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, which is based on the sixth C.S. Lewis novel and may feature Daniel Craig as Aslan, while Jane Schoenbrunn’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma tackles the camp slasher genre.
  • Summary: Greta Gerwig’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is a high-fantasy adaptation focusing on the creation of Narnia by Aslan. Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is Jane Schoenbrunn’s entry into the camp slasher genre, featuring Hannah Einbinder and Jillian Anderson.
Lee Chang Dong’s Return and Resident Evil Reboot
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(01:24:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Lee Chang Dong’s Possible Love is his first feature since Burning (2017) and involves a love quadrangle, while the new Resident Evil film is directed by Zach Creger, who is a dedicated fan of the video game IP.
  • Summary: Possible Love centers on two couples whose stable routines are disrupted by unexpected intersections, following Lee Chang Dong’s acclaimed Burning. The new Resident Evil movie is directed by Zach Creger, offering a chance to see an auteur handle a major IP differently than previous installments.
Gilroy’s Behemoth! and Gray’s Paper Tiger
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(01:27:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Tony Gilroy’s original film Behemoth!, starring Pedro Pascal and David Harbour, is highly trusted by the host, while James Gray’s Paper Tiger reunites Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson in a Russian mafia thriller.
  • Summary: Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth! is his fourth feature, focusing on a cellist, and is highly anticipated due to Gilroy’s directorial track record, including Andor season two. Paper Tiger sees James Gray return to themes similar to Little Odessa, involving two brothers entangled with the Russian mafia.
The Drama and Jack of Spades
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(01:31:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Christopher Nolan’s The Drama, starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, is highly anticipated despite the host’s general anxiety about sequels, while Joel Coen’s Jack of Spades reunites the Macbeth crew in a gothic mystery.
  • Summary: The Drama is noted for its exceptional cast, including Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, and is expected to be a major film. Jack of Spades reunites Joel Coen with collaborators like Frances McDormand and Bruno Delbanel for a gothic mystery shot in Scotland.
Artificial and Cliff Booth Sequel
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(01:33:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial, about Sam Altman starring Andrew Garfield, is a coin-flip movie that could be amazing, while Quentin Tarantino’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth is a potential sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood directed by David Fincher.
  • Summary: Artificial explores the quagmire of technology, with Andrew Garfield playing Sam Altman and Simon Rich writing the script. The Adventures of Cliff Booth is a Netflix film by Fincher based on Tarantino’s novelization, potentially exploring a lighter side of the character.
Project Hail Mary and Dune Part 3
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(01:40:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Both Project Hail Mary and Dune Part 3 are highly anticipated spectacle events, with the latter being Denis Villeneuve’s final film before he tackles the James Bond franchise.
  • Summary: Project Hail Mary is an anticipated space movie adapted from an Andy Weir novel, similar in theme to The Martian. Dune Part 3 is expected to be a major event, potentially competing with Avengers: Doomsday.
The Odyssey Nolan Blockbuster
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(01:43:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is positioned as the number one most anticipated film, aiming to feature nearly every major contemporary actor, including Robert Pattinson as Antinous.
  • Summary: The Odyssey is Nolan’s attempt to assemble nearly every major actor, including Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Matt Damon, and Anne Hathaway. The host expresses excitement for this massive ensemble spectacle.
The Odyssey Cast Reveal
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(01:42:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is envisioned as an epic ensemble film featuring a massive cast of established and young Hollywood actors.
  • Summary: The film The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, is anticipated to feature nearly every major actor, including Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Zendaya. One host expressed initial nervousness about Robert Pattinson’s inclusion, which was later confirmed, noting his role as Antonis. The sheer scale of the cast makes it a major event for 2026.
Broadway and Pattinson’s Slate
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(01:43:56)
  • Key Takeaway: John Bernthal and Evan Moss Bacharach are set to star in a Broadway adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon in March, and Robert Pattinson has several major projects lined up.
  • Summary: The hosts briefly mention vacation planning constraints before pivoting to John Bernthal and Evan Moss Bacharach starring in a Broadway production of Dog Day Afternoon, likely with Bernthal playing Pacino. Robert Pattinson’s busy schedule includes The Odyssey, Dune Part 3, and a Netflix original thriller called Here Comes the Flood co-starring Denzel Washington and Daisy Edgar Jones.
Spielberg’s Alien Invasion Film
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(01:46:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Steven Spielberg’s new alien invasion drama, Disclosure Day, written by David Kepp and starring Josh O’Connor, is positioned as a major blockbuster event for Universal.
  • Summary: Disclosure Day is the number one anticipated film for one host, driven by the trailer and its status as a large-scale blockbuster from a visionary director. The film’s cast includes Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson, Wyatt Russell, and Emily Blunt. The hosts speculate this might be Spielberg’s last major blockbuster given his age.
International and Festival Features
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(01:47:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Several high-profile international films are anticipated, including new works from acclaimed directors like Nahong Jin (Hope) and Pavel Pawlikowski (1949).
  • Summary: The hosts list several international features, including Fjord and Possible Love, which were highlighted as honorable mentions. Other notable international films include Hope from the director of The Wailing, and 1949 from Pavel Pawlikowski, his first film in a decade since Cold War. The segment concludes with a discussion about potential festival travel plans, specifically attending events in France.
Anticipated Horror Wave
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(01:49:47)
  • Key Takeaway: 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for horror, featuring Robert Eggers’ Werewolf and several sequels/adaptations.
  • Summary: The horror wave includes Robert Eggers’ Werewolf, which will reportedly bring back much of the cast from his Nosferatu. Other titles mentioned are Psycho Killer, Sam Raimi’s Scream 7, Evil Dead Rise, and A24’s Backrooms adaptation of the Creepypasta. The hosts also mention Other Mommy starring Jessica Chastain and The Land of Nod from Skinamarink director Kyle Edward Ball.
Rom-Com Watch and Updates
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(01:53:27)
  • Key Takeaway: The ‘Rom-Com Watch’ segment highlights upcoming romantic comedies, including an Emily Henry adaptation and a Will Gluck film starring Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro.
  • Summary: Upcoming rom-coms include the Netflix adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, starring Emily Bader and Tom Blythe, which is noted for its explicit content. One Night Only, directed by Will Gluck, is also on the list, featuring Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro. Additionally, Olivia Wilde is directing The Invite, a swinger comedy starring Seth Rogen and Penelope Cruz.
Marvel’s Avengers Doomsday Speculation
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(01:58:41)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts speculate heavily on Avengers Doomsday, confirming the return of Steve Rogers and the X-Men, and debating the potential return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
  • Summary: The discussion centers on the massive scale of Avengers Doomsday, noting the confirmed return of Steve Rogers and the X-Men, including Fox universe characters. The hosts engage in a detailed, if slightly confused, discussion about Marvel geography, referencing Latveria (Dr. Doom’s nation) and Sokovia (site of an international incident). The segment ends with the hosts expressing a desire for the film to be fun after years of MCU disappointment.
Animated and Live-Action Remakes
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(02:02:12)
  • Key Takeaway: The Super Mario Galaxy movie is confirmed to feature Brie Larson as Rosalina, and the live-action Moana is also highly anticipated.
  • Summary: The Michael Jackson biopic is noted as the Valentine’s Day event, while the Super Mario Galaxy movie is set for April, featuring Brie Larson as Rosalina, a character new to the film adaptations. The hosts also mention the Masters of the Universe live-action film, directed by Travis Knight, which is a $100 million Amazon production featuring Jared Leto as Skeletor.
Miscellaneous Highly Anticipated Films
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(02:12:06)
  • Key Takeaway: The final list includes diverse projects like a new Pixar film (Hoppers), a Colleen Hoover adaptation starring Hathaway and Hartnett, and a new Paul Schrader film titled The Basics of Philosophy.
  • Summary: Other anticipated films include the Pixar movie Hoppers and the Colleen Hoover adaptation Verity, which boasts a cast of Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett. Andrew Scott stars in Pressure, a WWII film about the meteorologist giving the D-Day weather report to Brendan Fraser’s Eisenhower. The segment closes with mentions of Terrence Malick’s long-delayed The Way of the Wind and the uncertain status of the Trey Parker/Matt Stone/Kendrick Lamar film Whitney Springs.