Although the heavily anticipated “Stranger Things” finale is already over, moviegoers still have a lot to look forward to in 2026. This upcoming year is stacked with new movie releases. From the action-packed “Jumanji 3” to the long-awaited “Spiderman: A New Day,” 2026 looks like a year full of trips to the cinema.

To start, there will be many familiar characters, with releases from beloved franchises, book adaptations, and live action remakes. Robert Downey Jr. is returning to Marvel in “Avengers: Doomsday,” coming out this December. On top of this, Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be adapted to the big screen later this year, featuring fresh faces and returning actors from the original trilogy. 

Adding to the list of sequels, the Scream franchise is releasing “Scream 7” alongside the release of “Dune: Part 3.” Disney is also releasing a live-action Moana with Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Mainstream sequels may dominate the headlines, but other original films should be on any moviegoer’s watchlist. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi movie “Disclosure” are both releasing this summer.

Do audiences simply want the familiarity of their favorite franchises on the big screen? Members of the SHP community disagreed. SHPTV member MJ Mathews ‘28 stated that she wants to see fresh movies, not just sequels. Audrey Rockwood 27’ added, “I’m drawn in by the trailers, not just the franchise.” Both students agreed that it would take more than a big franchise to draw them into the theaters this year, and it is safe to say there will be no shortage of movie options in 2026.