The 2026 year looks like it will be an exciting year for movie lovers with the release of an abundance of diverse films, ranging from hilarious comedies to bone-chilling horrors. To help people with the challenge of searching for the perfect movies to watch, here are some thrilling films to look forward to seeing with family and friends.
Scream 7
“Scream 7” features recurring protagonist Sidney Evans, played by Neve Campbell, and her husband Mark Evans, played by Joel McHale. They are trying to protect their daughter Tatum Evans, portrayed by Isabel May, from a new Ghostface killer. Sidney was the original protagonist of the franchise, and in this film she will finally face the past and end her horror.
There have been many Scream movies produced and created throughout the years. There are also plenty of original cast members from the previous Scream movies in this film, such as Stu Macher, played by Matthew Lillard, and Gale Weathers, played by Courtney Cox. “I really hope in the movie we get some action with Sidney defending her daughter,” freshman Emily Shoulders said. “Hopefully we get to see the friendship of Gale and Sidney again.”
The new “Scream 7” movie is set to release on Feb. 27 and will be the perfect movie for people who want to enjoy a spooky thrill.
“Assuming that this is the finale, I think we will see a lot of original characters and settings,” Shoulders said. “I am most excited to see what the settings are and what new side characters will be presented in the new movie.”
Toy Story 5
The Toy Story movies, produced by Pixar and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, comprise the fourth highest grossing animated franchise, and the latest installment, “Toy Story 5,” is coming out in theaters June 19.
The new movie explores modern themes by focusing on the current generation’s widespread use of electronic devices. There are still some of the classic characters in the movie like Jessie, Buzz and Woody. But they face a new challenge: a digital tablet named Lilypad. Lilypad gains more children to play with her than Buzz, Andy and Woody.
“I think that the new ‘Toy Story Five’ movie will be about a new generation of kids that instead of playing with toys will play with more items like iPads,” sophomore Daniella Garcia Villa-Alta said.
Some well known actors will also be reprising their roles as voice actors for the characters, including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl and Joane Cusack as Andy.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
For Spider-Man and Marvel fans, Spider-Man is coming back to the big screen in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which will be released on July 31. The film stars Tom Holland, Sadie Sink, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon and Jon Bernthal, and is expected to be one of the biggest summer releases of the year.
In “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Peter Parker, played by Holland, attempts to balance college and his personal life while stepping away from his role as Spider-Man after the events of the previous film “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” When a new threat named ‘Green Goblin’ endangers his friends and New York City, though, he must assume his role as Spider-Man again and face the challenges.
The film is expected to be full of action, humor and meaningful moments. As trailers and other content are released, excitement continues to grow among those anticipating the movie’s release.
“I don’t really watch a lot of movies, but I am really excited for Spider-Man,” freshman Deniz Aral said.
Avengers: Doomsday
The Avengers is one of the most popular movie franchises in the world, and Marvel recently released new teasers and trailers for a new film in the Avengers Saga titled “Avengers: Doomsday.” It is a movie that will be perfect for Marvel lovers, as well as those who love an action-packed film.
This movie features many familiar names new to the franchise, like Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, encouraging fans to see this upcoming film. There are also many familiar faces reappearing in the film — Paul Rudd will reprise his role as Antman, Tom Hiddleston will reprise his role as Loki and Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role as Thor. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and produced by Marvel Studios, this movie will be released on Dec. 18.
The story takes place after the last Avengers movie, “Avengers: Endgame,” as well as other Marvel movies like “Black Widow” and “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which feature superheroes and villains in the Marvel universe. “Avengers: Doomsday” centers around the villain Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., who forces the Avengers, as well as two other popular hero groups — the X-Men and Fantastic Four — to team up to defeat him. It is expected that this movie will be filled with intense battles and heart-breaking moments that some are not ready for.
“I am most excited for all the Avengers to come together because it is really cool when they unite,” sophomore Mercedes Keller said. “I think a good plot twist is one of the superheroes turning into a villain, like Iron Man; that would be cool.”
Many long-awaited movies are hitting theaters in 2026. The new Spider-Man and Avengers movies are already bringing excitement to Marvel fans, while horror lovers anxiously anticipate “Scream 7,” which adds another chapter to a beloved franchise.
With a wide range of films to choose from, these new movies offer something for everyone and promise packed theaters this year.
