Predicting movie hits and flops is a dangerous game — just ask anyone who thought that sequel was a sure thing. But half the fun of loving movies is guessing which ones will light up cinemas and which will disappear faster than their marketing budget. Looking ahead to 2026, the release calendar is stacked with bold bets, familiar franchises, and a few warning signs. Here are twelve films generating serious buzz — alternating between those that look like hits, and those that could struggle to find their audience.
Street Fighter - MISS
Kicking off the list is a movie that is almost universally agreed to look terrible. Bizarre casting choices and a massive load of camp are not helping it gain any favour. It may have a passable opening weekend, but numbers will dwindle soon after.
Scream 7 - HIT
Who really thought that the Scream franchise would die after six movies? Whether tactical or not, the notable absence of Neve Campbell’s Sydney Prescott left audiences wanting her more. Now that she is back in the driver's seat, things are looking up for this film, which promises to be a glorious return to form.
Project Hail Mary - MISS
It may just be me, but the trailer gave away far too much of the film. Audiences will go into the theatre with a good idea of the plot, which will dampen anyone’s experience. The movie looks like it is likely all flashy effects and over-hyped drama over any real substance. Just because Ryan Gosling is in it does not guarantee a great time.
Michael - HIT
There is no way that a film about the life of the biggest single personality in music history is going to flop. This one is definitely crafted for the Oscars, but it will definitely appeal to the legions of Michael Jackson fans across the globe. Killer soundtrack and choreography will very likely be accompanied by a great, nuanced script to tell what is a very complex story about a multi-faceted man.
Supergirl - MISS
As much as I want this to be a massive hit, it won’t be. With questions about profitability surrounding Superman, it looks unlikely that this one will outdo it in any way, which it will need to do. Milly Alcock promises to be an outstanding, though more modern, version of Supergirl, but there are still legions of fans out there who are tied to the cleaner classic image of DC’s Girl of Steel.
Mortal Kombat 2 - HIT
Let’s face it, the 2021 reboot was not a great movie. It tried to be fresh by inserting an unnecessary new lead, drawing attention away from the characters that audiences really came to see. Mortal Kombat 2 seems to be making a course correction by bringing more focus to the core trio. If that is truly so, then this movie will likely be a smash at the box office.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu - MISS
After the debacle that was Kathleen Kennedy’s stint at LucasFilm do we really need this movie? Very seldom does a series translate successfully into a movie. The title sounds like a grab directly out of ChatGPT. Love the show, but this one ain’t gonna make it.
Disclosure Day - HIT
It has been far too long since Steven Spielberg brought us an original sci-fi. More than two decades after War of the Worlds, Spielberg is finally back at what he does best. In reality, the world has become caught up in the debate of whether or not we are alone in the universe. Now is the best time for this type of movie to turn up. No major awards incoming, sadly, but the numbers will be good.
Dune: Messiah / Dune: Part 3 - MISS
They say “strike while the iron is hot”, but that is likely not in the best interests of this franchise. With only a two-year gap between this one and its predecessor, there has been insufficient time to breathe and mull over the repercussions of Dune: Part Two. The story is meant to pick up several years later (twelve in the source material). It feels very much like an instant gratification situation, and that is never a good thing.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day - HIT
Spider-Man continues to be one of Marvel’s most popular characters to date. Now he is shaping up to be the new central figure in the resurrected MCU, replacing Tony Stark. The MCU Spider-Man trilogy has, to date, pulled in almost $4Bn, bolstered mostly by the most recent offering, Spider-Man: No Way Home. Brand New Day will have large shoes to fill and a high bar to reach.
The Odyssey - MISS
Surely, on paper, this one looks like a massive blockbuster event of the year. Unfortunately, that may not be the case. Christopher Nolan has been on a roll in recent years, but this can not last forever. His cerebral style is not a good fit for this type of subject matter, which is probably more in the toolkit of directors like Peter Jackson or Guillermo del Toro.
Avengers: Doomsday - HIT
After the slump in quality since Endgame, Marvel needs a smash hit, and this will be it. With Anthony and Joe Russo back at the helm, and massing fan anticipation, it may just take a good run at Endgame’s second-place spot on the All-Time Worldwide Grosses list. I see a huge opening weekend and multiple rewatches. On the flipside, it may do incredible damage to Marvel’s future projects in light of their gameplan to constantly outdo what came before. This may be Marvel's largest and final major Record Holder.
That wraps up the twelve highly anticipated movies of 2026 that will either hit or miss.
Do you agree with the list? If not, then please drop your comments below and let's get the discussion rolling.
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