It’s a new year, and that means there are countless new, amazing films coming out in the near future.
From horror to drama to book adaptations and more, there is something for everyone.
But, of course, not all films are created equally. Below are my six most anticipated watches of 2026, and why you should take some time to go to the movie theater and watch them.
“Wuthering Heights” – Feb. 13
Directed by Emerald Fennell, the same director of the divisive 2023 film “Saltburn,” the “Wuthering Heights” adaptation is sure to stir up some intense dialogue and commentary.
Actually, it already has.
Just from watching the trailers, the highly stylised, unusual approach to this adaptation excites me. The intense, artistic imagery employed feels surreal and visceral.
Notably, the costume design, by Jacqueline Durran, is intentionally unfaithful to the time period. Fennell is not just simply making a book adaptation, she’s focusing on the raw, highly emotional feelings the novel may bring out in people
I have high hopes for this movie, if only for just how much Fennell appreciates the original text. In an interview last year with the BBC, “Wuthering Heights” was the thing she wanted to do “most desperately,” Fennell said.
And, what I’m most excited for, Charli xcx has created an entirely original soundtrack for the film.
“The Bride!” – March 6
This movie is a horror-drama featuring a punk-rock reimagination of the story of “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley.
Set in 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein’s monster helps resurrect a murdered woman creating a Bonnie and Clyde-style duo.
The film itself is purportedly “very punk” and likely to be “controversial with viewers.” With grotesque, romantic visuals, I have no doubt the movie will be intense.
This movie is Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second directorial feature after “The Lost Daughter” in 2021. I loved that psychological drama, so I cannot wait to see what Gyllenhaal will do with this new story.
“Forbidden Fruits” – March 20
This horror-comedy centers on a witchy-femme-cult of employees at a Dallas mall. It’s been described as a “2000s fever dream” and a “campy mall adventure.”
The film is originally based on a stage play written by Lily Houghton and Meredith Alloway, who is also the director of this film, called “Of the Women Came the Beginning of Sin, and Through Her We All Die.”
Both the film and screenplay explore themes of toxic female friendships, cult dynamics and consumerism. With some light gore and subversive irony, the film aims to explore traditional ideas of femininity under capitalism and consumer culture.
The cast is loaded with some of Hollywood’s most noble upcoming stars including Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp and Emma Chamberlain.
This film looks fresh and profound, with some fun, satiric aesthetics to match.
“The Drama” – April 3
From A24, my favorite independent entertainment company, this film is sure to be phenomenal. It is directed by Kristoffer Borgli of the horror comedy “Dream Scenario,” and produced by Ari Aster, the director of “Midsommar” (which is one of my favorite movies of all time).
With stars Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, the movie follows an engaged couple whose relationship collapses days before their wedding due to shocking secrets and unexpected revelations.
The trailer teases the film’s tense, romantic and chaotic atmosphere set in a moody New England autumn.
The visuals seem candid, natural and unnervingly intimate.
With an amazing cast and producers, I am sure that “the wedding of the year” will be absolutely stellar.
“I Love Boosters” – May 22
I am so unbelievably excited for this film. Starring some of the greats–Keke Palmer and Demi Moore, among others–“I Love Boosters” revolves around a female shoplifting ring that targets a ruthless fashion mogul.
The characters’ actions lead to an unexpected uprising against capitalism and consumerism.
With sharp social commentary, absurdist humor and surrealist visuals, this movie is the epitome of director Boots Riley’s career.
Though we do not know a ton about this film yet, it’s set to have its festival premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival on March 12, 2026, and is highly anticipated.
The film is “wildly original and boundary-pushing vision that’s deliciously unpredictable,” said Claudette Godfrey, Vice President of Film & TV at the SXSW Film & TV Festival.
The movie looks bold and high-fashion, with striking monochromatic shots. Its distinct, 1960s-inspired design adds to the rebellious visuals.
“The Odyssey” – July 17
This high-budget fantasy action film adapts Homer’s ancient Greek epic of the same name. With an ensemble cast, including Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Zendaya, and Nolan’s signature use of IMAX technology, this movie is expected to be one of the best of the year.
The film is supposed to take on a realistic and scientific approach to Greek mythology rather than just pure fantasy.
The trailer depicts gritty, muddy landscapes with a brutalist interpretation of the Bronze Age, rather than a super colorful, romanticized version of the era.
It’s highly anticipated too. Tickets for 70MM screenings were put on sale in July, an entire year before the movie’s release date.
While we do have a long time to go before more information comes out, I think this movie will be the best of the year.
