The Best Movies of 2026 (So Far)
The first half of 2026 featured a diverse array of high-performing films across the horror, science fiction, and nostalgic franchise genres. Major releases include “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” and “Project Hail Mary,” according to reporting published June 22, 2026.
Industry data indicates a strong presence of psychological and supernatural horror, alongside the return of legacy characters from the 1980s and 2000s. These films have spanned various studios, including Amazon MGM, Disney’s Lucasfilm and Pixar, and 20th Century Studios.
Which horror and psychological thrillers led 2026?
“Obsession,” released by Focus Features and Universal Pictures, became a box office smash. The film stars Inde Navarrette and explores the idealization of romance, according to the report.
NEON released “Hokum,” a supernatural horror film directed by Damian McCarthy. Adam Scott stars as Ohm Bauman, an author who encounters a “cailleach”—a mythical hag from Gaelic myth—at a haunted hotel in Ireland.
Director Kane Pixels transitioned his 2022 YouTube series into a feature-length psychological horror film titled “Backrooms.” The movie follows researchers investigating a liminal realm of endless hallways, mirroring the found-footage style of the original internet series.
How did major franchises return to the screen?
20th Century Studios released “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” reuniting Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway. The plot focuses on the transition of print magazines to digital formats and the impact of A.I. on journalism.
Lucasfilm shifted “The Mandalorian” to a cinematic format with “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Jon Favreau told SFX Magazine that the two-hour film focuses on the archetypes of a hardened warrior and a vulnerable apprentice.
Pixar released “Toy Story 5,” which contrasts 1990s toys with modern electronics. An Indiewire review notes the film criticizes the surrender of children to mindless internet use and emphasizes imaginative play.
Amazon MGM produced “Masters of the Universe,” featuring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. This live-action adaptation serves as a successor to the 1987 version of the property.
What original stories defined the year?
Amazon MGM Studios opened the year with “Project Hail Mary,” a space drama starring Ryan Gosling. The story centers on an astronaut lost in deep space and his relationship with an alien creature named Rocky.
Orion Pictures released “Is God Is,” the directorial debut of Aleshea Harris. Based on her off-Broadway play, the film is a dark comedy and revenge thriller about twin sisters who seek to kill their abusive father.
What may happen next for these franchises?
Given the success of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” Lucasfilm may continue to prioritize feature films over streaming seasons for its primary Star Wars properties.
The box office performance of “Obsession” and “Backrooms” could lead to a rise in films based on internet “creepypasta” or viral digital trends.
The thematic focus on A.I. in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” suggests that future sequels in the series may further explore the evolution of media technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which movie replaced a television season?
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” replaced the fourth season of the “The Mandalorian” series.
What is the premise of the movie “Hokum”?
An author played by Adam Scott travels to a haunted hotel in Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes and faces an evil entity based on Gaelic mythology.
What does “Toy Story 5” critique?
According to Indiewire, the film critiques the complacency of parents who allow children to engage in mindless internet use instead of imaginative play.
Which of these 2026 releases is your favorite?