2026 Is The Year For Movies
Theatres are expected to be filled all year long. Photo courtesy of Daniel Guerra via Unsplash
Each month in 2026, Hollywood will be bringing back some of the biggest names in movies to the big screen, leaving viewers highly anticipating the next big watch.
After a developmental rise in streaming service use, students on campus are ready to see their favorite actors in enchanting stories on the big screen. This year, some of Hollywood’s most beloved actors will star in movies that cater to everyone's viewing needs, from smashing biopics, highly anticipated sequels, brand new journeys and so many more.
Marist students agreed that 2026 is the year to bring back movie theater culture into full swing, with the 2026 stacked lineup for film productions.
CJ Foreshaw ‘29 said, “It’s about time we got back into the cinemas. It’s something to do, and way more of an experience than simply watching it from our computers.”
Meaghan Stickley ‘27 said, “As a film major, I am excited to see this year’s movie lineup. The experience of truly paying attention to a good film on the big screen is how movies were made to be watched.”
With plenty of variety to fuel everyone’s watching needs, the first month of the year starts our highly anticipated movie release off strong with two breakthrough movies.
“Dead Man’s Wire,” which came out on Jan. 9, starring Stranger Things actor Dacre Montgomery, alongside the unforgettable Bill Skarsgård, was a chaotic thriller based on a true story of a 1977 hostage crisis.
To close January and prepare for incredible releases, on Jan. 30, “Send Help” hit the big screen, with an unforgettable performance from Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. The two actors shared the screen in a horrific comedy, where one horrible boss meets his match, with one horrible plane crash.
Following January’s impressive lineup, February will not be too far behind as Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie steal viewers' hearts, just in time for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 13. The two actors will star in the dramatic romance of “Wuthering Heights,” based on Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
Not only are viewers excited to see the classic tale of Wuthering Heights appear in action, but students are also excited to see what the costume department has in store. Fashion student Michael McGarity ‘29 explained that he is most excited to see the 18th-century fashion come to life on the big screen.
McGarity said, “Although the set looks beautiful, I am most excited to see how well the costumes will come to life in theaters."
Blooming this spring, Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will deliver a breakthrough performance for his uncle’s biopic. Not too far behind, Ryan Gosling will be back on the big screen to complete one astronaut’s truly impossible mission, in “Project Hail Mary.” Following him, Zendaya and Robert Patterson will deliver an immersive revelation on relationships in Hollywood’s “The Drama,” coming to theaters this April.
“It’s been a long time coming that we have waited for an impressive lineup of upcoming new movies. In recent years, it’s felt like one or two big-budget productions seem to steal all the ratings, as the talk of the year,” Stickley noted. “It’ll be nice to finally showcase movies across different production companies, to bring every viewer something to watch that is catered to a variety of different tastes.”
The spring excitement surely isn’t over yet, with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway returning to the big screen to bring the highly anticipated sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada.”
The incredible films for 2026 will continue to be shown in theaters this summer and throughout the winter months. With movies like “The Odyssey," “Spiderman: Brand New Day,” “Avengers: Doomsday” and “The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping,” viewers can stay excited all year long.