Blockbuster anticipation isn't just about scale. A release date, a logo, a star-studded cast photo, or a flashy CinemaCon reel doesn't automatically generate real heat. The movies that truly ignite audiences promise something more specific: a return, a collision, a risk, a long-awaited payoff, or a director given too much money and enough trust to create something gloriously overcommitted. That's the difference between a big movie and an "I need opening night" event.
And 2026 is packed with exactly that kind of tension. Legacy animation is returning for one more emotional swing, the MCU is stepping back in for a takeover, and Christopher Nolan is likely deep in post-production magic. Here's my take on these upcoming blockbuster movies, ranked by anticipation.
8. Supergirl (2026)
Supergirl lands eighth because the anticipation is more curious than feverish. Milly Alcock's casting as Kara Zor-El is strong, and Craig Gillespie is a smart pick if DC wants this to feel rougher and stranger than standard cosmic-hero polish. Early footage suggests a pleasingly dirty aesthetic—less pristine cape iconography, more interplanetary bus grime, pirates, spider droids, and bruised momentum. That's a good sign, hinting the film might understand that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow should feel harsher and sadder than casual expectations. Warner Bros. has it set for June 26, 2026.
What keeps it here is the lack of an emotional lock. The best superhero anticipation has one image or dramatic line that makes the whole film feel inevitable. Supergirl sounds promising, and the rougher space-western texture is the right instinct, but I'm not yet in that irrational clear zone. It could become one of the year's nicest surprises—or swerve into Madame Web territory.
7. Moana (2026)
Moana sits here because commercial confidence is obvious, but emotional anticipation is cautious. Catherine Laga'aia plays the title role, and Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, giving the project instant familiarity and star power. The trailer and CinemaCon material have leaned hard into the ocean, songs, and broad family-adventure warmth—a smart comfort play that will likely hit big.
But anticipation isn't the same as confidence. With live-action Disney remakes, the question is whether the film uncovers something newly cinematic or just restages inherited feeling at a larger budget. Moana has a story strong enough to survive translation—identity, oceanic calling, cultural rootedness, self-doubt becoming purpose—but right now the pitch feels more like a polished re-entry into familiar waters than a genuine leap. I'm interested, not electrified.
6. Toy Story 5 (2026)
Toy Story 5 is where anticipation becomes emotional risk. Pixar has it dated for June 19, 2026, and early material teases a "toys versus tech" angle, with Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the gang confronting kids' glowing screens competing with imaginative play. That's a very smart hook—maybe too smart, giving the film an automatic generational ache before the plot starts. Pixar has also previewed that Jessie will matter heavily, which has fans leaning in.
Toy Story 3 already felt like the most emotionally complete ending imaginable, and even Toy Story 4 had to fight for legitimacy through pure execution. So every new installment carries suspicion alongside excitement. That's why I'm not too stoked for Toy Story 5. Still, the premise has real juice. If the movie uses technology not as a boomer joke but as a way of asking what happens to old forms of companionship when attention itself has changed shape, this could really land.
4. Dune: Part Three (2026)
Dune: Part Three is where anticipation starts feeling almost religious. Denis Villeneuve has the film set for December 18, 2026, adapting Dune Messiah territory, bringing back Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), Chani (Zendaya), Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), Stilgar (Javier Bardem), Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), and others, with Anya Taylor-Joy moving from tease to major presence. Even before release, Warner Bros. reported major IMAX demand, showing how much faith audiences have in Villeneuve's control.
The reason anticipation is so high is that Messiah material is where triumph starts turning poisonous. The first two films built awe; the third, if Villeneuve really goes for it, gets to build consequence. Paul as messiah-emperor isn't simple blockbuster victory architecture—it's political dread, religious corrosion, intimacy damaged by destiny, charisma curdling into catastrophe. That makes this more exciting than a standard Part Three getting bigger. It has a chance to become the chapter where the franchise stops being merely majestic and becomes haunting.
3. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one of the easiest picks for high anticipation. The MCU's Spider-Man saga continues, and the title itself hints at a fresh start after the multiverse chaos of No Way Home. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, and early buzz suggests a more grounded, street-level story that could explore the consequences of his secret being erased. The anticipation is fueled by curiosity about how the franchise will evolve, especially after the emotional weight of the previous film. Sony has it set for a 2026 release, and fans are already speculating about potential villains and cameos.
What makes this rank high is the promise of a return to form—Spider-Man swinging through New York, dealing with personal stakes, and maybe even a classic rogues' gallery. The MCU's track record with Spider-Man is strong, and the anticipation is both nostalgic and forward-looking. It's a safe bet for excitement, but it doesn't quite reach the fever pitch of the top two.
2. The Odyssey (2026)
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a massive event. The director is adapting Homer's epic, with a cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and more. The anticipation is off the charts because Nolan is known for ambitious, mind-bending films, and tackling an ancient epic is a bold move. Early reports suggest a blend of practical effects and stunning visuals, with Nolan likely pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cinema. The film is set for a 2026 release, and the hype is building as fans wonder how he'll handle the mythological elements.
The reason it ranks so high is the combination of Nolan's track record and the epic source material. The Odyssey is a story of journey, homecoming, and transformation, and Nolan's ability to weave complex narratives with emotional depth makes this a must-watch. The cast alone is enough to generate buzz, but the real anticipation comes from seeing how Nolan interprets a classic tale for modern audiences. It's a risk, but one that could pay off spectacularly.
1. Dune: Part Three (2026)
Yes, Dune: Part Three tops the list because it represents the culmination of a visionary saga. Denis Villeneuve has built a world that feels both epic and intimate, and the third film promises to deliver the most emotionally complex chapter yet. The anticipation is almost religious, as fans wait to see how Paul's journey turns from heroism to tyranny. The film's December 2026 release date is already circled on calendars, and the demand for IMAX screenings is unprecedented.
What sets it apart is the potential for a haunting, thought-provoking conclusion. Villeneuve has proven he can handle massive scale while keeping character at the forefront, and Dune Messiah's themes of power, religion, and consequence are ripe for exploration. This isn't just a blockbuster; it's a cultural event that could redefine the genre. For those who love sci-fi that challenges the mind, this is the one to watch.
Honorable mentions include Supergirl and Moana, which have potential but need to prove themselves. Toy Story 5 and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are solid bets, but the top three—The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Dune: Part Three—are the ones that have audiences truly feral. For a deeper dive into the best of the genre, check out our list of action movies that belong in the Criterion Collection.
