By: Calle Caldwell

2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for the big screen. From the long-awaited return of Marvel icons to sweet rom-coms, there are all kinds of movies to look forward to this year.

Two of the biggest movie franchises, Star Wars and Marvel, have new movies coming out this year. Star Wars is releasing “The Mandalorian & Grogu” onto big screens on May 22, their first theatrical release since 2019. In the summer, Marvel’s Tom Holland will return as Spider-Man for his solo movie “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Finally, on December 18, Marvel’s “Avengers: Doomsday” will hit theaters. Robert Downey Jr.’s return to Marvel as Doctor Doom has made “Doomsday” one of the most anticipated entries in the franchise.

Another notable franchise releasing a 2026 movie is the Hunger Games series. On November 20, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” will be released. 

Senior Erin Secody, a long-time Hunger Games fan, is very excited. “I read the Sunrise on the Reaping book and really liked it,” she said. “I feel like the Hunger Games always does a good job of making book to movie adaptations.”

For people who liked “The People We Meet on Vacation,” the recently-released movie that went viral on social media, another travelling-based romantic comedy is coming out on April 10. The movie is called “You, Me & Tuscany,” starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page.

For horror movie fans, 2026 brings another addition to the iconic movie series with “Scream 7.” It will feature original “Scream” actor Matthew Lillard returning to play Stu Macher. 

Zendaya will be featured in two high-profile releases this year: “The Odyssey” and “Dune: Part Three.” “Dune,” directed by Dennis Villeneuve, will be the final installment to the “Dune” movies directed by Villeneuve. Timothee Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides and Florence Pugh returns as Princess Irulan.

“The Odyssey” stars Tom Holland and Matt Damon under the direction of Christopher Nolan. It releases in theatres on July 17 and is anticipated to be one of the highest grossing films for the year.

Another highly-awaited film releasing soon is the film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights.” The adaptation stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Catherine and Heathcliff and goes to the big screen on Valentine’s Day. 

BHS English teacher Valinda Buedel-Herrman shares her excitement for the coming movie. “I will definitely go see it in theaters,” she said. “I can’t wait to see a contemporary interpretation of a classic love story.”