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24
Jan
A curated look at some of the most anticipated movies of 2026, from auteur-driven dramas to major franchises – by Mari Rowan
Looking at the 2026 release calendar, what stands out is how considered it feels. Many of the films drawing attention this year are being shaped by directors with a clear point of view, working from material that already carries weight. There’s a noticeable lean toward literature, character and mood, even within large franchises. The films below are the ones building momentum, for their ambition, their creative teams and the conversations they’re likely to bring.
1. The Chronology of Water
Director: Kristen Stewart
Behind the scenes of The Chronology of Water (2025/2026), directed by Kristen Stewart and starring Imogen Poots.
Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, The Chronology of Water marks Kristen Stewart’s highly anticipated feature directorial debut. The film is expected to be raw, poetic and formally daring, reflecting the book’s exploration of trauma, identity and artistic survival. It is already positioned as one of the most personal and intimate films of the year.
2. Wuthering Heights
Director: Emerald Fennell
A close-up still from Wuthering Heights (2026), directed by Emerald Fennell.
Emerald Fennell brings a bold new vision to Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Known for her sharp psychological storytelling, Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is expected to lean into the novel’s darkness, obsession and emotional volatility rather than only romantic nostalgia. The film is anchored by Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, reuniting the director with actors who worked with her on Saltburn and other projects.
3. The Moment
Director: Aidan Zamiri
A still from The Moment (2026), starring Charli XCX.
The Moment is an original mockumentary-style film from A24 that marks a striking turn in Charli XCX’s creative journey. Based on an idea she developed with director Aidan Zamiri and co-writer Bertie Brandes, the film follows a fictionalised version of Charli as a rising pop star grappling with the pressures of fame, industry expectations and the emotional toll of preparing for her first arena tour.
4. The Drama
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
The Drama (2026), directed by Kristoffer Borgli.
Kristoffer Borgli continues his dissection of modern intimacy and emotional imbalance with The Drama, a relationship-focused film that reportedly stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Both actors are among the most influential performers of their generation: Zendaya has moved seamlessly between blockbuster franchises and prestige television, while Pattinson has spent the last decade reshaping his career through auteur-led cinema. Borgli, best known for Sick of Myself and Dream Scenario, has built a reputation for turning social discomfort into sharp narrative tension.
5. The Devil Wears Prada 2
Director: David Frankel
A still from The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026), directed by David Frankel.
David Frankel returns to direct the sequel to one of the most enduring fashion films of the 21st century. The Devil Wears Prada 2 will reunite Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, whose performances helped turn the original film into a cultural reference point far beyond cinema. The sequel is expected to explore how power, relevance and authority function in a fashion industry transformed by social media, digital publishing and influencer culture.
6. Dune: Part Three
Director: Denis Villeneuve
A still from Dune (2021), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
With Dune: Part Three, Denis Villeneuve completes his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s saga, continuing one of the most ambitious science fiction projects ever mounted for the screen. The film is expected to see the return of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Florence Pugh, whose performances have anchored the franchise’s emotional and political stakes. The final installment is widely viewed as a defining moment in contemporary blockbuster filmmaking.
7. Mother Mary
Director: David Lowery
A still from Mother Mary (2026), directed by David Lowery.
David Lowery’s Mother Mary is an intimate, unconventional drama starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel. Hathaway, whose career spans commercial and auteur cinema, and Coel, widely regarded as one of the most important creative voices of her generation, form a pairing that signals emotional complexity. Lowery is known for his restrained, symbolic storytelling, and Mother Mary is expected to continue that tradition, prioritising mood, character and moral tension over plot mechanics.
8. The Odyssey
Director: Christopher Nolan
A still from The Odyssey (2026), directed by Christopher Nolan.
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey marks his return to mythic storytelling on an epic scale. Known for his commitment to practical effects and large-format filmmaking, Nolan’s approach to Homer’s text is anticipated to emphasise endurance, identity and the psychological cost of heroism. The film is already positioned as one of the most ambitious literary adaptations ever attempted.
9. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Director: Tom Harper
A still from Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (2026), directed by Tom Harper.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man brings the television phenomenon to cinemas, with Cillian Murphy returning as Tommy Shelby. Murphy’s portrayal has become one of the most recognisable performances in modern television, and the film format allows the story to expand its political and historical scope. Tom Harper, who previously worked on the series, ensures continuity in tone while elevating the visual scale.
10. Supergirl
Director: Craig Gillespie
A still from Supergirl (2026), directed by Craig Gillespie.
DC’s Supergirl stars Milly Alcock, whose rapid rise has positioned her as one of the most watched young actors working today. Craig Gillespie, known for balancing character-driven storytelling with mainstream appeal, is expected to frame Supergirl as a distinct figure shaped by displacement, strength and moral clarity.
11. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
A still from Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026).
Spider-Man: Brand New Day sees Tom Holland return to the role that defined a generation of Marvel storytelling. Following the emotional reset of the previous installment, the film is expected to explore a more isolated, grounded version of Peter Parker. Director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for combining emotional intimacy with genre storytelling, suggests a chapter focused as much on personal consequence as superhero action.
As the premieres begin to land, 2026 leaves room for films to find their place in different ways. Some will arrive with attention already attached, others more slowly. A few may shift expectations once they’re seen rather than discussed. Which is part of what makes the year worth watching!
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