The new year is almost upon us, and before we start thinking about it star Wars, The Avengersor Christopher Nolan, let’s slow things down a bit. While the entire year of 2026 is obviously filled with the most exciting, biggest films, the next three months have some pretty interesting, impressive, and highly anticipated films. There is much to catch our interest before the traditionally full moons.
Like what, really? Below are our 10 most anticipated genre films coming out from January through the end of March.
10. The Night Patrol (January 16)
Justin Long, Jermaine Fowler, CM Punk, and more stars as the Los Angeles police find themselves dealing with the supernatural during a gang war. We heard that things are going bad and it’s a great time.
9. Mercy (January 23)
When he is framed for his wife’s murder, Chris Pratt must use an advanced law enforcement AI of his own design to prove his innocence in the shortest possible time. The trailers were cool, so we’re hoping for a ride.
8. Hoppers (March 6)
Whenever Pixar releases a movie, you have to watch out, and its first release is 2026 (another Play story 5) is a comical story of a woman who puts her consciousness into an animal and accidentally convinces them to try to surpass humanity.
7. Send Help (January 30)
The legendary Sam Raimi returns to the genre that made him famous with this visually intense drama about two friends who end up stranded on an island together. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien star, and we’re praying for a little of that Raimi magic.
6. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (February 13)
Sam Rockwell stars in this charming time travel story about a man sent into the past to try to save the future. Or something like that. It seems crazy, and we can’t wait.
5. Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (March 27)
We loved the 2019 film Radio Silence about a woman caught in the middle of a family illness, and now we’re counting down the days to the follow-up, which returns to the story shortly after the first events. Add a bunch of new characters to the mix, and this could be as special as the original.
4. 28 years later: The Bone Temple (January 16)
Nia DaCosta’s follow-up to last year’s excellent sequel by Danny Boyle seems to be taking off 28 years franchise in some exciting new areas. Also, the buzz is so good for this one, Sony has already greenlit its sequel.
3. The Bride! (March 6)
The year 2025 has brought us the best Frankenstein movie, and we think 2026 will do the same. Maggie Gyllenhaal returns to the director’s chair with this punk rock take on the classic monster story from a woman’s perspective. Hamnet’s Jessie Buckley and Batman himself, Christian Bale, play the creatures.
2. Shout out 7 (February 27)
That’s incredible Shout out 7 It won’t follow exactly the story set by the previous two Shout out movies, but we’re still holding out hope. Neve Campbell is back in an expanded role, and franchise creator Kevin Williamson is directing for the first time in the series. Both suggest good things. And, each one Shout out the film delivers its own unique surprises, so we expect less this time.
1. Project Hail Mary (March 20)
For the first time in over a decade, Phil Lord and Chris Miller are directing a new film, and this one looks special. It is based on the book The Martian writer Andy Weir; Ryan Gosling stars as a man trying to save the world in deep space. To do that, he will have to meet a stranger. If the movie is half as good as the book, this one will be for all time.
Looking for more io9 news? Check out when you can expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
