All the 2026 movies people already talk about, with firm dates and facts. From The Batman Part II to Star Wars and Shrek 5, bookmark the calendar.
Studios have locked in a string of headline releases for 2026, and the calendar already looks crowded. Warner Bros set “The Batman Part II” for October 2, 2026, after a delay, while Lucasfilm reserved May 22 and December 18 for two “Star Wars” films, according to Disney’s dated slate reported in June 2024 by The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Animation fans get a double wave, with “Toy Story 5” on June 19, 2026 from Disney and Pixar, and “Shrek 5” on July 1, 2026 from DreamWorks and Universal.
Momentum is not just hype. The first “Super Mario Bros.” movie reached about 1.36 billion dollars worldwide, Box Office Mojo, and Illumination announced its sequel for April 3, 2026. DreamWorks confirmed the original “Shrek” trio of voices for the fifth film in July 2024, and “The Batman” franchise arrives with a strong base after the 2022 film grossed roughly 772 million dollars worldwide, Box Office Mojo. That is the tone of 2026, big brands, firm dates, and high expectations.
2026 Most Anticipated Films: the dates you need now
The draw is clear, recognizable worlds with audiences ready to return. Disney’s schedule lists “Toy Story 5” for June 19, 2026, noted in June 2024 trade reports, and “Moana” the live action adaptation for July 10, 2026. DreamWorks planted “Shrek 5” on July 1, 2026, confirmed July 2024, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz back. Illumination and Nintendo set “The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2” for April 3, 2026, an official update shared in March 2024.
Action and sci fi keep pace. Warner Bros dated Matt Reeves’ “The Batman Part II” for October 2, 2026, as reported March 2024 by Variety. Lucasfilm anchored two “Star Wars” releases on May 22 and December 18, 2026, with the May film titled “The Mandalorian and Grogu”, Disney announced early 2024. Warner Bros also revealed a new Middle earth project, “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum”, aiming for 2026, announced May 2024 during an investor call.
For quick planning, these are the locked tentpoles many readers search first:
- April 3, 2026 : The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Illumination and Nintendo
- May 22, 2026 : Star Wars, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Lucasfilm
- June 19, 2026 : Toy Story 5, Disney and Pixar
- July 1, 2026 : Shrek 5, DreamWorks Animation and Universal
- July 10, 2026 : Moana, live action, Disney
- October 2, 2026 : The Batman Part II, Warner Bros
- December 18, 2026 : Untitled Star Wars film, Lucasfilm
Sagas and Superheroes in 2026: The Batman and Middle earth
Franchise power shapes the year. “The Batman” returned in 2022 with Robert Pattinson and drew about 772 million dollars worldwide, Box Office Mojo. Warner Bros then shifted its sequel to October 2, 2026, a date that places the film in a proven fall corridor. The aim is simple, give the character room and premium screens without summer crowding.
Middle earth stirs again. In May 2024, Warner Bros Discovery chief David Zaslav said the studio was developing “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” for 2026 with Andy Serkis directing and starring, and with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens involved as producers. The title signals a character driven adventure that can sit alongside the main trilogy without repeating it. Fans already parse that announcement line by line.
Studios chase reliable turnout because it offsets risk. Look at 2019’s “Toy Story 4”, which grossed about 1.07 billion dollars worldwide, Box Office Mojo. Or “Shrek 2”, about 929 million dollars worldwide, Box Office Mojo. Those figures explain why 2026 leans into seasoned brands, not just fresh bets.
Animation Juggernauts: Toy Story 5, Shrek 5, and Mario’s return
Family films anchor the middle of the year. “Toy Story 5” lands June 19, 2026, a prime summer window. The previous film cleared the one billion dollar mark, so Pixar arrives with trust and reach. “Shrek 5” follows on July 1, 2026, set by DreamWorks as the franchise’s first new chapter since 2010, with original voice stars confirmed in July 2024.
Illumination brings “The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2” on April 3, 2026. The first film’s 1.36 billion dollar global box office, Box Office Mojo, gives the sequel a high ceiling and a huge under ten audience. Disney adds a second family tentpole with the live action “Moana” dated July 10, 2026. The animated “Moana” from 2016 grossed about 683 million dollars worldwide, Box Office Mojo, and Dwayne Johnson already teased the Polynesian lore returning to live action scale.
One gentle caution, calendars shift when production bumps into reality. Release dates here come from studio schedules reported in 2024 by Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and official studio notes. Check those pages as films move through filming and post.
Star Wars in 2026: two theatrical events in one year
Lucasfilm puts “The Mandalorian and Grogu” on May 22, 2026, the franchise’s first theatrical return since 2019. Disney also reserved December 18, 2026 for another “Star Wars” feature, part of the company’s updated slate shared mid 2024. Two dates in one year set up a split strategy, one film tied to a streaming breakout, another aimed at expanding the timeline.
Why this matters for moviegoers, the brand still commands global attention. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” reached over 2 billion dollars worldwide in 2015, Box Office Mojo. Even with softer later entries, the series fills premium formats and holiday corridors. Expect tickets to go on sale months ahead, and yes, lines.
So what now, mark the dates that fit your taste, then follow the studios’ official channels for trailers and on sale alerts. That small habit keeps you ahead of schedule, and avoids the definetly annoying sold out shows on opening night.