Movies

10 Blockbuster Films Set to Dominate the 2026 Box Office

10 Blockbuster Films Set to Dominate the 2026 Box Office
Image credit: Legion-Media

2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for moviegoers, with major franchises returning and legendary directors making their mark. From superhero sagas to animated favorites, discover which upcoming releases are poised to shatter box office records and redefine cinematic success.

The year ahead promises a cinematic resurgence, with audiences eager to return to theaters for a slate of highly anticipated releases. Among the most buzzed-about is the next chapter in the Spider-Man saga, marking the first time the web-slinger headlines a fourth solo film. Not far behind, the Avengers assemble once more for their fifth outing, helmed by none other than the iconic director behind Indiana Jones, Steven Spielberg, who is also making a much-anticipated comeback with a mysterious new project.

After several years of uncertainty for the film industry, these tentpole releases are expected to inject new life into the box office. Here’s a look at ten upcoming movies projected to make a seismic impact, each with the potential to rake in over $10 billion worldwide.

Sequels, Sci-Fi, and Animated Adventures

Kicking off the list is "The Mandalorian & Grogu," a big-screen leap for the beloved Star Wars duo. With the franchise’s massive following, expectations are high for this May 22 release to surpass the $392 million mark set by "Solo: A Star Wars Story." Meanwhile, Spielberg’s untitled sci-fi project, rumored to explore UFOs, is generating intense speculation. With a cast featuring Emily Blunt and Colman Domingo, industry insiders predict a haul between $450 million and $550 million when it lands on June 12.

Fans of fashion and drama are in for a treat as "The Devil Wears Prada 2" reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. The sequel, teased in a recent preview, is expected to draw crowds and could reach $600 million after its May 1 debut. Sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Three" continues Denis Villeneuve’s vision, with Timothée Chalamet returning as Paul Atreides and Robert Pattinson joining the cast. With the previous installment grossing over $714 million, projections for the December 18 release hover around $675 million.

Family Favorites and Animated Powerhouses

Disney’s live-action "Moana," starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Catherine Laga’aia in the title role, is set to make waves on July 10. Building on the animated original’s $643 million success, the new adaptation is forecasted to top $800 million. Not to be outdone, "Toy Story 5" aims to tap into millennial nostalgia, with early estimates suggesting a global take of at least $950 million when it arrives June 19.

Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey" brings together a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya. The epic adventure, set for July 17, is already generating buzz and could easily cross the $1 billion threshold. Meanwhile, the "Super Mario Galaxy Movie" is poised to build on its predecessor’s $1.36 billion haul, with new characters like Yoshi joining the fun when it hits theaters April 3.

Superheroes and Epic Finales

Tom Holland returns for a record-breaking fourth Spider-Man film, "Brand New Day," which also features Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and Jon Bernthal as The Punisher. With hints at connections to the next Avengers installment, this July 31 release is targeting at least $1.258 billion in global earnings.

Topping the list is "Avengers: Doomsday," the long-awaited fifth entry in the Marvel ensemble series. With the return of fan favorites like Robert Downey Jr., the inclusion of X-Men and Fantastic Four characters, and a December 18 release date, industry watchers are confident this blockbuster will soar past the $2 billion mark.

Below is a quick reference table summarizing the projected box office performance and release dates for each film:

Movie Box Office Predictions Release Date
The Mandalorian & Grogu $392 million+ May 22, 2026
Steven Spielberg’s Untitled Project 550 million+ June 12, 2026
The Devil Wears Prada 2 $600 million+ May 1, 2026.
Dune: Part Three $675 million+ December 18, 2026
Moana (2026) $800 million+ July 10, 2026.
Toy Story 5 950 million+ June 19, 2026.
The Odyssey $1 billion+ July 17, 2026
Super Mario Galaxy Movie $1.36 billion+ April 3, 2026
Spider-Man: Brand New Day $1.258 billion+ July 31, 2026
Avengers: Doomsday $2 billion+ December 18, 2026

Which upcoming release are you most excited to see? Share your thoughts below.