Despite what streaming companies say, cinema will always be a defining part of the arts. Millions of people each year all anticipate the coming films to watch with their family and friends. Their influence on the cultural ebb and flow of media is marked by things as small as TikTok trends and as large as economic impacts. That leaves us wondering, what is in store for cinema this year?
When looking at what movies are coming out in 2026, we can see a general trend. There are new, original movies coming out, sequels of previous works and media adaptations of things such as books and video games.
The bulk of upcoming cinema is made out of the latter two, with media adaptations taking up the most space. There are movies that can be regarded as both sequels and adaptations: the new Hunger Games movie being a good example. Book adaptations like this and the highly anticipated final Dune movie have always marked a significant part of the cinema landscape, with this year being no exception. Their themes of corrupt governments and anti-authoritarian messages deeply resonate with audiences worldwide.
Another extremely anticipated movie adaptation comes out this year: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey starring Matt Damon. The original book by Homer is one of the oldest works of classical literature today and a staple in English classes. Nolan has a high expectation to live up to, and the recent leak of his casting regarding rapper Travis Scott as a member of the film’s crew has sparked doubt amongst eager watchers. Despite this, it is irrefutable that this picture is bound to draw in wide audiences from across the world; a simple Travis Scott feature is not enough to drive away anticipating crowds.
Wuthering Heights, a novel from the mid-19th century, is making its way to cinema screens this year as well. A heartwarming romantic tale, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star in the upcoming picture. With a soundtrack produced by famous electronic musician Charli XCX, this movie is already cementing itself in contemporary culture through the memes revolving around the released song House.
There is also change among all the continuity of film adaptations. This year marks an increase in the number of video games being adapted into film, likely in light of the commercial success regarding 2023’s Super Mario movie. Among the videogames being adapted are Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Legend of Zelda, Silent Hill and Mortal Kombat, all of which are expected to draw a wider audience compared to other films.
Unlike video game adaptations, the people are no stranger to sequels of successful franchises. As the film industry sees the opportunity to make more money, famous titles are recycled for better or worse. This year is no exception, with the new Scream 7, Scary Movie 6 and Terrifier 4 being famous horror franchises being brought into the new year.
Outside of horror, other sequels are expected to hit the big screens. The Devil Wears Prada is getting a sequel, with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep returning for a second movie. Disney’s 2010 Tangled classic is getting a live action adaption, starring Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider. While casting will always be a source of conversation, many people are satisfied with the decisions regarding the two main characters.
While sequels are always safe options in the box office, new original concepts are the heart of cinema. Send Help, a film starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, is set to come out in the United States during late January. The movie follows a sexist boss and his employee as they are stranded on an island, tensions rising by the minute.
Zendaya and Robert Patterson star in the film I personally am looking forward to the most, The Drama. Following a newly engaged couple planning out their wedding, the movie takes a turn for the worse when you find out that the bride-to-be has a dark side that her spouse has yet to see. Despite the fact that the plot twist was accurately predicted by people across social media, it still poses to be one of the most awaited movies in 2026.
Optimism prevails in the context of this year’s cinema landscape, as there is a movie for nearly everyone. Claims about past years being bad for cinema were answered in 2026, as sequels are bound to draw money into the pocket of producers and new films can keep the avid Letterboxd users satisfied. Culture regarding film and arts lives to see another day, as there will always be a showing in your local theater for you.
