The year 2026 is set to be a cinematic extravaganza, with a lineup of films that promises to captivate audiences and ignite passionate debates. From reimagined classics to indie horror and epic sci-fi, the slate of new releases is deeply enticing, whether you identify as a cinephile or not. Here's a closer look at some of the most anticipated films making their debut in 2026, including their release dates and the reasons why they're so exciting.
Club Kid
A24's Club Kid had all the film companies in a bidding war at the Cannes Film Festival this year, and ultimately won the distribution rights. The film follows Peter (played by Jordan Firstman), a party promoter who has spent his entire life surrounded by the typical excesses of the nightlife scene. His world is upended one morning when a child arrives at his doorstep, claiming to be the son he never knew he had. This film is intriguing because it explores the idea of family and identity in a world of excess and hedonism. The fact that it's set in the nightlife scene adds a layer of complexity to the story, as Peter's life is turned upside down by a child he never knew existed. I think this film will be a fascinating exploration of the human condition, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
Her Private Hell
A Sci-Fi Horror film by NEON, Her Private Hell stars Sophie Thatcher, Havana Rose Liu, Charles Melton and Kristine Forseth. The narrative follows a young woman who searches for her father, after a mysterious mist takes over a futuristic world that releases a deadly unknown entity. At the same time she meets an American GI on a journey to rescue his daughter from Hell. This film is fascinating because it combines elements of sci-fi and horror, creating a unique and suspenseful atmosphere. The fact that it's set in a futuristic world adds a layer of intrigue to the story, as the young woman searches for her father in a world that is both dangerous and mysterious. I think this film will be a thrilling ride, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
The Odyssey
Adapted from one of the world's oldest poems by Homer, The Odyssey is Christopher Nolan's next big film – and we really mean big. The story follows Odysseus's long, 20-year journey back to Ithaca, where his wife, Penelope (played by Anne Hathaway), awaits him after the Trojan War. The saying 'it's the journey that matters' truly applies to this film, which features encounters with Greek mythological monsters like Cyclops and sirens. This film is intriguing because it's a reimagining of a classic story, and it's being directed by Christopher Nolan. The fact that it features encounters with Greek mythological monsters adds a layer of fantasy to the story, and I think it will be a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
Tony
Tony follows the crucial years of Anthony Bourdain's life immediately after high school, when he was planning to become a writer. After a change of plans leaves him without the scholarship for the writing fellowship he wanted, he heads to Providence, Rhode Island, where he discovers a new passion: cooking. Playing Bourdain is breakout actor Dominic Sessa, best known for his role in The Holdovers. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of passion and discovery, as Bourdain finds a new passion in cooking after his plans for a writing fellowship fall through. The fact that it's based on the life of Anthony Bourdain adds a layer of authenticity to the story, and I think it will be a compelling and emotional experience.
Rose
Starring Sandra Hüller, this period drama follows Hüller who plays a soldier post-Thirty Years' War, who poses as a man to avoid an arranged marriage and own farmland. This film is intriguing because it explores the idea of identity and gender in a historical setting. The fact that it's set in the post-Thirty Years' War era adds a layer of complexity to the story, as the soldier must navigate a world that is both dangerous and uncertain. I think this film will be a thought-provoking and emotional experience, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
La Bola Negra
Also known as The Black Ball in English, La Bola Negra explores what it means to be gay through multiple generations by focusing on three storylines that are all connected. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of identity and sexuality in a historical setting. The fact that it spans multiple generations adds a layer of complexity to the story, as the characters navigate the challenges of being gay in a world that is not always accepting. I think this film will be a powerful and thought-provoking experience, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
Fjord
The winner of the Cannes Film Festival 2026 Palme d'or, Fjord follows the story of a husband and wife, Mihai and Lisbet, played by Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve. After Mihai's parents pass away, they relocate with their five children to a small village in Norway. However, it all begins to unravel when their youngest daughter arrives at school with bruises. This film is intriguing because it explores the idea of family and identity in a remote and isolated setting. The fact that it's set in a small village in Norway adds a layer of authenticity to the story, and I think it will be a compelling and emotional experience.
Sense and Sensibility
A story that has been around for decades and adapted multiple times, but one we're hyped for nonetheless. This time, the screenwriter is none other than Australian author Diana Reid, starring Daisy Edgar-jones as Elinor Dashwood. A classic Jane Austen story that follows three sisters Elinor, Marianne and Margaret as they move from their family estate to a small cottage with their widowed mother. What unravels next is stories of sisterhood, love and heartbreak. This film is fascinating because it's a reimagining of a classic story, and it's being written by an Australian author. The fact that it's set in the 19th century adds a layer of historical context to the story, and I think it will be a compelling and emotional experience.
Verity
Another adaptation, though one that exists in a much darker category. Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, tells a tale of obsession, manipulation and blurred truth. A struggling author (Dakota Johnson) moves into the home of an injured literary icon (Anne Hathaway) to finish her book – only to uncover secrets that make her question basically everything. If this is anything like the book, it will be a tense and psychologically claustrophobic watch. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of obsession and manipulation, as the struggling author uncovers secrets that challenge her perception of reality. The fact that it's based on a novel adds a layer of intrigue to the story, and I think it will be a suspenseful and thought-provoking experience.
Wuthering Heights
Arguably was one of the most polarising releases this year, but we showed up at the cinemas nonetheless. This new take on Brontë’s Gothic masterpiece comes courtesy of director Emerald Fennell, and thrusts two Australian actors into the leading roles: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. This adaptation leans into the wildness of the moors and the emotional volatility of its doomed lovers, Catherine and Heathcliff, all underscored by original music from Charli xcx. Say less. This film is fascinating because it's a reimagining of a classic story, and it's being directed by Emerald Fennell. The fact that it features original music from Charli xcx adds a layer of intrigue to the story, and I think it will be a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience.
Toy Story 5
If you thought the story of Buzz, Woody, and the characters who defined our childhood was done, think again. Toy Story is back for a fifth instalment, and charts 'the toys facing a new threat: technology, which is making playtime obsolete.' We might have aged out of this franchise, but we'll certainly be in line on opening weekend. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of technology and its impact on childhood, as the toys face a new threat in the form of technology. The fact that it's a sequel to a beloved franchise adds a layer of nostalgia to the story, and I think it will be a fun and emotional experience.
Werwulf
Robert Eggers is back, and so is his signature folklore-meets-nightmare aesthetic. Werwulf is a medieval horror story with themes of superstition, paranoia and creature lore. If that's not enough to get you excited, it stars Lily Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe. It seems almost tradition at this point to watch Robert Eggers' film on Christmas. This film is fascinating because it combines elements of folklore and horror, creating a unique and suspenseful atmosphere. The fact that it's set in the medieval era adds a layer of authenticity to the story, and I think it will be a thrilling and visually stunning experience.
Dune: Part Three
Denis Villeneuve continues his sweeping adaptation with the third chapter of the Dune. While there's not too much info out there on this one, we know that it's based on the novel, Dune: Messiah, and that Timothée Chalamet shaved his head for the role. Intriguing? Yes. This film is fascinating because it's a continuation of a sweeping adaptation, and it's based on a classic novel. The fact that Timothée Chalamet shaved his head for the role adds a layer of commitment to the story, and I think it will be a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
This prequel returns to Panem at a breaking point, centring on the infamous 50th Hunger Games that defined Haymitch Abernathy’s trauma and rebellion. Expect a grittier view of the Capitol’s cruelty, fronted by rising Australian talent Joseph Zada, plus the mechanics of the arena and the beginning of the unrest that eventually fuels Katniss’ world. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of rebellion and trauma, as the characters navigate the challenges of living in a world of oppression. The fact that it's a prequel to the original Hunger Games adds a layer of historical context to the story, and I think it will be a compelling and emotional experience.
The Moment
A24’s The Moment takes on the music-industry as it follows a pop star preparing for a global tour – while cameras, expectations and self-image blur together. Considering the subject matter, it's no surprise that the film marks Charli xcx's feature debut – she also produced it under her newly-launched production company, Studio365. And rounding out the cast is Kylie Jenner, Rachel Sennott, Alexander Skarsgård, and many (many) more. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of self-image and the music industry, as the pop star prepares for a global tour. The fact that it's a feature debut for Charli xcx adds a layer of intrigue to the story, and I think it will be a compelling and visually stunning experience.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Most of the RUSSH team owe their careers (at least in part) to the OG Devil Wears Prada, so it only makes sense that we were excited for the sequel. This time around, the dynamics have shifted, with Emily now a high-powered advertising executive, and Miranda in need of her money at Runway. Of course, Andy and Nigel are also back for the ride. This film is fascinating because it explores the idea of power and dynamics in the corporate world, as the characters navigate the challenges of their new roles. The fact that it's a sequel to a beloved franchise adds a layer of nostalgia to the story, and I think it will be a fun and engaging experience.
Narnia
After the masterpiece that was Barbie, Greta Gerwig is returning in 2026, this time with another relic of our childhoods: Narnia. Details on this one as far as plot and casting are almost entirely under wraps, though there's been plenty of speculation. So far, we know that Mark Ronson is scoring the project, and that, according to producer Amy Pascal, '[It will be] a very new take on Narnia. It’s all about rock and roll.' This film is fascinating because it's a reimagining of a classic story, and it's being directed by Greta Gerwig. The fact that it's set in the world of Narnia adds a layer of fantasy to the story, and I think it will be a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience.
