Top 6 most anticipated movies of 2026: from 'Avengers: Doomsday' to 'Toy Story 5'

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a historic year for cinema, marked by the return of massive franchises, legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan and a resurgence of original science fiction.

Here are the most anticipated blockbusters of 2026:

1. "Avengers: Doomsday"

Release date: May 1. 

Following the multiversal chaos of previous phases, the Avengers face their most formidable threat yet: Victor von Doom.

As the multiverse begins to collapse, heroes from across different realities, including the "Fantastic Four" and the "X-Men", must unite to stop Doom from reshaping existence in his own image.

The film serves as the penultimate chapter of the Multiverse Saga, leading directly into "Avengers: Secret Wars". 

This film marks the monumental return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU, but in a shocking twist as the villainous Doctor Doom. It also sees the Russo Brothers return to direct, aiming to recapture the magic of "Infinity War" and "Endgame".

2. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie"

Release date: April 3.

After the events in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and Luigi are thrust into a cosmic adventure when a new celestial threat emerges.

Joined by Princess Peach and a new ally, Rosalina, the brothers travel across various star-bound galaxies to rescue the Lumas and stop a powered-up Bowser from seizing control of the entire universe.

The journey pushes them beyond Brooklyn and the Mushroom Kingdom, introducing strange new worlds with shifting gravity and bizarre creatures.

3. "The Mandalorian & Grogu"

Release Date: May 22.

Set after the events of the 3rd season of the hit series, Din Djarin and his apprentice, Grogu, embark on a high-stakes mission across the galaxy.

As the New Republic struggles to maintain order, the duo is pulled into a conflict involving remnants of the Empire that threatens the safety of the outer rim.

Working as unofficial operatives for the Republic, they must navigate a dangerous web of bounty hunters and Imperial warlords. Their bond is tested like never before as Grogu continues to grow in his abilities while Mando faces the ghosts of his own past.

This is the first "Star Wars" film to hit theatres since 2019, especially with Jon Favreau directing.

4. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"

Release Date: July 31.

Peter Parker is now completely alone, with the world, including his loved ones, having forgotten his true identity.

Living as a "street-level" hero in New York City, Peter attempts to balance his life as a struggling college student with his duties as Spider-Man.

However, a new criminal conspiracy led by the Kingpin and the arrival of the ruthless Punisher force Peter to redefine what it means to be a hero. He must find a way to move forward in a world where he has no safety net, all while a mysterious new figure, Jean Grey, enters his life.

5. "Project Hail Mary"

Release Date: March 20.

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission to save Earth from a solar-dimming event. The only problem? He has no memory of who he is or how to complete his task.

Awakening on a starship light-years from home, he must use his scientific wits to piece together his past and solve an impossible interstellar puzzle. His solitude is interrupted when he encounters an unexpected alien intelligence also seeking to save its own species.

Together, these two unlikely allies must work across the vacuum of space to prevent the extinction of their respective worlds.

6. "Toy Story 5"

Release Date: June 19.

Pixar’s flagship franchise returns to tackle the theme of "Toys vs. Technology".

In an era dominated by screens, Bonnie’s toys face their greatest challenge yet: the allure of modern technology.

When a group of high-tech, AI-driven electronic gadgets begins to captivate Bonnie’s attention, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang find themselves discarded in favour of glowing tablets and digital playmates.

To reclaim their place in Bonnie’s heart, the toys must embark on a mission into the world of electronics, navigating the vast and dangerous digital landscape.

Along the way, they confront what it means to be a "classic" toy in a rapidly evolving world, ultimately fighting to prove that the tactile bond between a child and their toy is irreplaceable.