The next few years are set to bring an exciting lineup of films to theaters, with plenty of sequels, reboots, and original stories to look forward to. Here's a breakdown of some of the most anticipated big-screen releases coming in 2026 and 2027.

January 2026: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

The fourth installment in the "28 Days Later" series hits theaters on January 16, 2026. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" explores an England overrun by the Rage Virus. The story follows Spike as he gets caught up with Sir Jimmy Crystal and his eerie cult, the Jimmies, alongside Dr. Kelson and the alpha carrier, Samson.

DaCosta promises a darker, more personal narrative with unpredictable twists. The film blends gory horrors with an exploration of morality and human survival, ensuring its spot as a must-see for fans of the franchise.

April 2026: Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

Super Mario is back! "Super Mario Bros. Movie 2" is scheduled for release on April 3, 2026, following the success of Illumination's first Mario outing. The sequel features the return of voice actors like Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black. The story teases the appearance of classic characters including Yoshi, Wario, and Daisy, while fan-favorite villains like Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings are rumored to debut.

With Keegan-Michael Key hinting at deeper Mario lore and expanded adventures, fans of the iconic franchise can look forward to even more colorful storytelling.

May 2026: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Originally planned as a Disney+ season, "The Mandalorian" transitions to the big screen with "The Mandalorian and Grogu," set to premiere on May 22, 2026. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Din Djarin, and new additions like Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White join the star-studded cast. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film will tie up ongoing storylines while introducing fresh adventures for Din and Grogu in the galaxy far, far away.

June 2026: Toy Story 5

Pixar revisits its beloved toy franchise with "Toy Story 5," slated for June 19, 2026. Andrew Stanton, the co-writer of the original film, helms the movie. Woody, Buzz, and the gang are confirmed to return alongside new toys and likely fresh adventures that aim to recapture the magic of the earlier installments.

Potential storylines range from Buzz and Bonnie's crew embarking on another heartfelt journey to Woody taking a mentor role. Pixar promises to blend nostalgia with innovation in this sequel.

June 2026: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

DC introduces a fresh take on Supergirl with "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," releasing on June 26, 2026. Directed by James Gunn, the film focuses on Supergirl’s darker past, shaped by her traumatic upbringing on a dying Krypton. This origin story presents Supergirl as a stark contrast to Superman’s hopeful persona, marking a significant shift in storytelling for DC.

By exploring themes of trauma and resilience, the film aims to position Supergirl as a dynamic and relatable hero.

July 2026: The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan tackles Greek mythology in "The Odyssey," releasing on July 17, 2026. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film brings Homer’s epic to life on a massive scale. The cast includes Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland, while filming spanned locations such as Morocco and Greece.

With a budget of $250 million and advanced IMAX technology capturing the visual grandeur, Nolan’s retelling of "The Odyssey" could redefine mythological storytelling.

July 2026: Spider-Man 4

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man returns for "Spider-Man 4," arriving on July 31, 2026. The sequel introduces Sadie Sink in a mystery role, and insiders suggest the plot will feature Kingpin or delve into Spidey's connections to the larger multiverse. Positioned between other major MCU events, the film could balance grounded storytelling with expansive crossover potential.

September 2026: Clayface and Resident Evil

On September 11, 2026, DC’s "Clayface" debuts as part of their cinematic universe. Directed by James Watkins, the film focuses on Matt Hagen, a disfigured actor who transforms into Clayface with the help of a rogue scientist. Mixing elements from Batman lore, the movie promises a fresh, tragic take on the classic villain.

Just a week later, on September 18, 2026, the "Resident Evil" reboot begins its journey on the big screen. Zack Cregger leads the new adaptation, which emphasizes suspense and survival horror over action.

November 2026: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Taking audiences back to Panem, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" premieres on November 20, 2026. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the prequel delves into the story of Haymitch Abernathy and his brutal win during the 50th Hunger Games. By unraveling Haymitch’s past, the film hopes to enrich the lore of the Hunger Games universe.

December 2026: Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel’s Phase 5 continues with "Avengers: Doomsday," releasing on December 18, 2026. This reworked Avengers film introduces an alternate universe Tony Stark as the villainous Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. With a star-packed ensemble that includes Fantastic Four and X-Men characters, this film could be Marvel’s biggest crossover yet.

2027 Highlights: Man of Tomorrow and Lord of the Rings

Jumping forward to July 9, 2027, Superman returns in "Man of Tomorrow," starring David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult. James Gunn directs this follow-up set within the evolving DC universe.

On December 17, 2027, Middle-earth fans will see the release of "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." Andy Serkis reprises his role as Gollum while also directing, focusing on Smeagol’s complex duality in a stand-alone story sure to enchant fans.

Takeaways for Movie Fans

• Big franchises dominate, from the MCU’s "Avengers: Doomsday" to DC favorites like "Supergirl" and "Man of Tomorrow."
• Beloved series grow: Expect fresh entries in "Toy Story," "Spider-Man," and "Hunger Games."
• Diverse storytelling: Original ideas like "The Odyssey" and reboots like "Resident Evil" promise variety.
• Mark your calendars: 2026 and 2027 are packed with show-stopping releases.

These upcoming films offer something for everyone, from avid comic book fans to those craving epic, large-scale narratives. With so many intriguing projects ahead, moviegoers have plenty of reasons to get excited.