7 must-see films coming to cinemas in 2026
Words by Alanya Smith
Photos: Getty
When there are so many films coming out in the cinema, it’s hard to keep your finger on the pulse for what the next best release could be.
You may prefer a moody romance, swashbuckling adventure or action-packed thriller. Whatever your favourite comfort watch may be, there’s something for everyone in the cinemas this year. Gathered has handpicked some of the new releases for 2026 that you’ll want to rewatch as soon as the credits roll.
1. "Wuthering Heights"
Release Date: 13 February
Genre: Romance
Featuring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Alison Oliver
With a soundtrack from brat artist Charli xcx, and Saltburn director Emerald Fennel at the helm, this Austen classic is receiving a new romantic twist that the gothic tale has never experienced before. The trailer promises exciting costumes, tension-inducing romance and a cast that we won’t stop talking about until the romance film is released for Valentine’s Day 2026.
2. The Bride!
Release Date: 6 March
Genre: Horror, romance
Featuring: Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Jake Gyllenhaal
Frankenstein’s monster has a bride, despite not having a name. This continuation of our favourite zombie story sees a human woman brought back to life as a zombie bride for the titular villain, seeing them join forces in a romance-horror spin on Thelma & Louise antics. With Christian Bale acting as the supporting monster, this tale could rival the success of Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 Frankenstein that we fell for.
3. Project Hail Mary
Release Date: 20 March
Genre: Adventure, science fiction
Featuring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Milana Vayntrub
After Ryan Gosling showed his effortless talent for acting in fast-paced adventures like The Fall Guy and Blade Runner 2049, seeing him billed in an apocalypse movie set in space is definitely exciting. Gosling plays a middle school science teacher turned astronaut, tasked with restarting a dying sun on a one-way mission to save the solar system. We imagine if you’re a fan of Alien or Gravity, this will be one you have to watch.
4. Michael
Release Date: 24 April
Genre: Biopic, musical
Featuring: Jaafar Jackson, Miles Teller, Kat Graham
Michael Jackson, synonymous with his title as the King of Pop, has lived through musical eras that defined generations and changed genres forever. The Michael biopic, which stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar, will be packed with iconic tracks from over four decades, including those from his time in The Jackson Five. From Beat It to Thriller and Bad – which song will be your favourite to listen to again?
5. The Odyssey
Release Date: 17 July
Genre: Action, fantasy
Featuring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson
Christopher Nolan’s latest directorial project will be telling one of time’s oldest stories, with The Odyssey sharing one of the biggest Greek tragedies that has been passed on for centuries. In the film, we follow Odysseus, King of Ithaca, also known as Ulysses, as he travels on a ten-year journey home following the end of the Trojan war. With an A-list ensemble cast, it’s hard to predict just what to expect from the Interstellar director – other than an unmissable IMAX cinema visit, of course.
6. Hamnet
Release Date: 9 January
Genre: Drama
Featuring: Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Joe Alwyn
Shakespeare is behind some of the biggest narratives that we’ve savoured for centuries, from Romeo & Juliet’s star-crossed lovers to Macbeth’s warpath for power and Much Ado About Nothing setting the standard for enemies-to-lovers plotlines. The reality behind the playwright’s life is less well known, which Hamnet explores in the tear-jerking, based-on-real-life tale of the Shakespeare children.
7. The Drama
Release Date: 26 May
Genre: Romance, drama
Featuring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson
With Zendaya and Robert Pattinson at the helm, we know we can trust them to see a great on-screen performance and immediate chemistry. While the trailer doesn’t give too much away, this film follows the early stages of a couple as they prepare to get married, although they don’t look so happy on the surface. Think romance, secrets, suspense and revenge. Our bets say that there’ll be a big twist that will keep us hooked.
Read more:
