2026 has already established itself as one of the strongest years for movies in recent memory, featuring a packed lineup of blockbuster hits and highly anticipated releases. With several major films still on the horizon, moviegoers have plenty to look forward to during the second half of the year.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest movies that have recently premiered or are set to hit theaters soon.

Michael

Opened April 24, 2026 

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, finally received his long-awaited biopic after years of development and production delays. Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, stars as the music icon in his first major film role. The movie covers the first half of Jackson’s life, from his days with the Jackson Five to his rise to global stardom. Coleman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Michael’s demanding father and manager, who serves as a central antagonist throughout the film.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Opened May 22, 2026

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” marks Lucasfilm’s first theatrical Star Wars release since 2019. The film follows Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, and his beloved companion, Grogu, as they embark on their newest expedition across the galazy. Fans hope the movie will help revitalize the franchise following a mixed reception to recent live-action projects.

Toy Story 5

Opening June 19, 2026 

More than 30 years after the original “Toy Story” movie, Pixar returns with the fifth installment of the beloved franchise. While many fans believed the story concluded with “Toy Story 3,” Pixar surprised its viewers with a fourth installment in 2019. The newest installment reunites the cast while tackling the thorny topic of how children’s use of tech, including screens and social media, is overtaking traditional toys.

Supergirl

Opening June 26, 2026 

The second movie in the DC Studios’ rebooted cinematic universe, “Supergirl,” stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. Following the success of last summer’s “Superman,” the film focuses on Supergirl’s struggle to cope after the destruction of her home planet. The character was first teased in a post-credit scene in “Superman.”

The Odyssey

Opening July 17, 2026 

The Odyssey is a Christopher Nolan film that follows the Greek king Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he embarks on his long journey home from the Trojan War. It follows Odysseus as he crosses paths with mythical beings such as the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the witch-goddess Circe. The film features a star-studded cast that includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway and Jon Bernthal.

“I have incredibly high hopes for the Odyssey movie largely because it has director Christopher Nolan at the helm,” sophomore Jordan Jacobs said. “Nolan has made some of the world’s greatest movies, and I think he will do a spectacular job in bringing the story to life on the big screen.”

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Opening July 31, 2026 

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is the fourth installment in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man series. Featuring Marvel’s most popular hero, this film picks up right after the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which ended with everyone forgetting who Peter Parker is. Mark Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner, while Sadie Sink makes her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in a currently undisclosed role.

“I love Spider-man, and it will kick off a fresh start to a new movie trilogy,” junior Jacob Lifshey said.

Avengers: Doomsday

Opening December 18, 2026 

In the seven years since “Avengers: Endgame” became a cultural phenomenon, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has struggled to maintain its momentum but hopes to recapture that magic with “Avengers: Doomsday.” The film features Robert Downey Jr. in the surprising role of Doctor Doom, the movie’s primary villain. (Yes, it’s the same actor who played Iron Man). The film features six different teams–The Avengers, The Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four, The New Avengers, The X-Men and Doctor Doom’s forces—in one the largest star-studded casts ever assembled for a superhero movie. Industry analysts expect it to gross over a billion and become the fourth Avengers movie to reach that milestone.

“There is a crossover between multiple universes and incredible characters, and I can’t wait to see how their stories end,” junior Anthony Helmstetter said.

Dune: Part Three 

Opening December 18, 2026 

The third and final chapter of the acclaimed Dune trilogy opens this December and hopes to repeat the success of the first two films, which both achieved a 90% or higher score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film picks up 12 years after “Dune: Part Two,” with Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, at the height of his power as ruler of Arrakis and the Imperium. Florence Pugh plays the main antagonist, Princess Irulan, and Robert Pattinson plays Scytale.

With major franchises, acclaimed directors and star-studded casts filling theater schedules, the remainder of 2026 promises to be an exciting year for movie fans. Whether audiences are looking for superheroes, science fiction, animated adventures or epic mythology, there is no shortage of must-see films coming to the big screen.