Written by Keira Eveland, Staff Writer
With 2026 coming to an end, several major films are coming to theaters.
Many familiar franchises are returning with new installments, from monster flicks to legacy sequels, with these upcoming films spanning across several genres and audiences. Seven anticipated films coming out this year are:
Godzilla Minus Zero, a sequel to the 2023 Japanese film Godzilla Minus One, released November 6, 2026. Set about two years after the previous movie, the film follows Japan as it recovers from the destruction caused by Godzilla. Just as the country begins to stabilize, a new threat emerges. The film stars Ryunosuke Kamiki as Koichi Shikishima and Minami Hamabe as Noriko Shikishima. It is directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who also directed Godzilla Minus One.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Release date: November 20, 2026
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel to the original Hunger Games movie, releases November 20, 2026. The movie directed by Francis Lawrence, is based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, taking place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story. The storyline follows a young Haymitch Abernathy on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, requiring twice the usual number of tributes. It stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress, among others.
Focker-In-Law is the newest installment in the Meet the Parents comedy franchise, and will be released in theaters November 25, 2026. Henry Focker, the grown son of Greg and Pam, plans to marry his girlfriend, Olivia, a former FBI hostage negotiator. Greg becomes suspicious of Olivia, while Henry’s grandfather Jack is immediately fond of her. The movie is directed by John Hamburg and stars Ben Stiller as Greg Focker, Robert De Niro as Jack Byrnes, and Ariana Grande as Olivia Jones.
Avengers: Doomsday is a highly anticipated Marvel Studios superhero film, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who also directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The film is released December 18, 2026, bringing together heroes from different parts of the Marvel universe. In this movie, the characters face a major threat that puts their worlds on a collision course. It introduces Doctor Doom as a major figure in the story. This film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, among many others.
Dune: Part Three is based on Frank Herbert’s science-fiction novels, particularly Dune Messiah, and is released December 18, 2026. The story takes place almost 20 years after Paul Atrides takes control of the empire. Paul is now Emperor and must deal with the problems that come along with it. The story involves political conspiracies, betrayal and new threats to Paul’s rule. It is directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, and Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan.
Based on the popular mobile game series created by Rovio, The Angry Birds Movie 3 marks the return of the animated franchise for its third installment, and is to be released December 23, 2026. Directed by John Rice, the film continues the adventures of the familiar bird characters. This time, Red faces a new challenge as he navigates fatherhood while also dealing with saving the world. Several voice actors from the previous movies are returning, such as Jason Sudeikis as Red, Josh Gad as Chuck, and Danny McBride as Bomb. New additions to the voice cast include Emma Myers, Keke Palmer and Walker Scobell.
On December 25, 2026, the Jumanji franchise is returning with Jumanji: Open World, the latest installment in the modern Jumanji adventure-comedy series. Described by Sony Pictures as the final installment of the current trilogy, the film continues the story of the characters who previously entered the dangerous game. This time, Jumanji breaks free from its console, bringing its chaos into the real world. The film reunites Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Kevin Hart as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar, Jack Black as Professor Sheldon Oberon, and Karen Gillan as Ruby Roundhouse. Other returning cast members include Nick Jonas as Jefferson “Seaplane” McDonough, alongside Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner and Ser’Darius Blain. Jake Kasdan, who directed the previous two modern Jumanji movies, returns as director.