The year 2026 looks poised to be one of the busiest and most exciting for entertainment in recent memory. From massive franchise blockbusters to creative originals and highly anticipated TV returns, here’s your guide to the must-watch movies and shows in the United States this year.
🎥 Top 10 Films to Watch in Theaters
1. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
📅 April 3, 2026 — Theatrical
Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad blast off on an intergalactic adventure beyond the Mushroom Kingdom to confront new cosmic threats and rescue Princess Peach once more.
2. Project Hail Mary
📅 March 20, 2026 — Theatrical/IMAX
Ryan Gosling headlines this sci-fi adaptation where an astronaut wakes alone on a spacecraft with no memory and must save humanity from an existential cosmic threat.
3. The Devil Wears Prada 2
📅 May 1, 2026 — Theatrical
Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep return in this sequel to the beloved fashion comedy, picking up the story years later with fresh challenges in the world of haute couture.
4. Mortal Kombat II
📅 May 8, 2026 — Theatrical
A new chapter in the high-octane fighting franchise featuring returning warriors and fresh combatants as realms collide in an all-out battle for survival.
5. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
📅 May 22, 2026 — Theatrical
This standalone Star Wars film brings Din Djarin and Grogu back to the big screen for a new mission involving unexpected allies and galactic danger.
6. Masters of the Universe
📅 June 5, 2026 — Theatrical
He-Man comes to life in this fantasy reboot as Prince Adam discovers his destiny and fights to save Eternia and Earth from dark forces.
7. Moana (Live-Action)
📅 July 10, 2026 — Theatrical
Disney’s live-action revival reimagines the beloved animated adventure as Moana sets out on a vast sea journey to protect her people.
8. The Odyssey
📅 July 17, 2026 — Theatrical
Christopher Nolan’s epic retelling of Homer’s classic follows Odysseus’s perilous journey home after the Trojan War, featuring an all-star cast.
9. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
📅 July 31, 2026 — Theatrical
Peter Parker swings into a fresh chapter with new villains and challenges that push him to redefine what it means to be Spider-Man.
10. Avengers: Doomsday
📅 December 18, 2026 — Theatrical
Marvel’s Phase Six culminates in a massive team-up where the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four unite to face Doctor Doom and reshape the MCU’s future.
📺 Top 5 Series to Binge or Follow (Streaming & TV)
11. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
📅 January 18, 2026 — HBO / HBO Max
A Game of Thrones prequel based on The Hedge Knight, following Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg as they navigate Westeros’ politics and honor.
12. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters – Season 2
📅 February 27, 2026 — Apple TV+
The MonsterVerse expands as Monarch confronts the aftermath of unleashed Titans, introducing iconic creatures and deeper world lore.
13. One Piece – Season 2
📅 March 10, 2026 — Netflix
The live-action adaptation returns as Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates sail toward new islands, greater dangers, and the elusive One Piece treasure.
14. Euphoria – Season 3
📅 April 2026 (TBD) — HBO Max
The critically acclaimed teen drama picks up after graduation, exploring messy adulthood, relationships, and personal chaos.
15. Lanterns (Green Lantern)
📅 Summer 2026 — HBO Max
DC’s Green Lantern gets a grounded, detective-style series focusing on Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigating a mysterious Earthbound threat.
🎥 Why 2026 Is Special
Between ambitious blockbusters, beloved franchise continuations, and innovative streaming series, 2026 promises something for every type of viewer — from sci-fi lovers and comic-book fans to drama and fantasy enthusiasts. Whether you’re heading to theaters or streaming at home, these 15 titles are must-watch events this year.