Action movie fans are in for a treat over the next year and a half. With a slate that includes massive superhero team-ups, intergalactic adventures, and a certain jolly old elf with a mean streak, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping cinema on the way. But which of these upcoming releases has audiences most excited? We've crunched the numbers—from trailer views to social media chatter—to bring you a definitive ranking of the most hyped action films heading to theaters.
8. Violent Night 2 (2026)
After the surprise hit of 2022, Violent Night 2 is back to deliver another bloody holiday treat. David Harbour returns as Santa Claus, but this time he's been stripped of his magic and placed on the naughty list. When he stumbles upon a village terrorized by a ruthless Russian gangster, he must put his quest to rediscover the Christmas spirit on hold to unleash some seasonal justice.
With the original creative team—director Tommy Wirkola, writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller, and producer David Leitch—reuniting, fans of the first film can expect the same absurd, ultra-violent fun. New additions like Kristen Bell, Jared Harris, Joe Pantaliano, and Daniela Melchior join the chaos when it hits theaters on December 4, 2026.
7. Star Wars: Starfighter (2027)
It might seem strange to see a Star Wars movie this low on a hype list, but the franchise has lost some luster with recent box office disappointments. Still, Starfighter has promise. Ryan Gosling stars as a roguish pilot hired to escort a mysterious youth to a Jedi refuge in a galaxy still reeling from the First Order's collapse. The self-contained story and fresh setting could win back skeptics.
With a stellar cast including Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and newcomer Flynn Gray, and a worldwide IMAX release on May 28, 2027, there's plenty of time for anticipation to build. For a deeper dive into the sci-fi genre's most anticipated films, check out our sci-fi hype ranking.
6. The Beekeeper 2 (2027)
Jason Statham's The Beekeeper was a surprise hit, and the sequel promises more of the same high-octane action and cheesy one-liners. This time, Adam Clay must protect the U.S. President (Jemma Redgrave) when the Beekeepers go rogue. Jeremy Irons and Emmy Raver-Lampman return, joined by Pom Klementieff and WWE's Edge.
If the teaser is any indication, expect bone-crunching fights and Statham doing what he does best. Mark your calendars for January 15, 2027.
5. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova (2027)
The MonsterVerse continues with Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, pitting the two titans against a cosmic threat: SpaceGodzilla. The 2024 installment raked in $572 million, proving audiences can't resist giant monster battles. This time, the cast includes Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O'Connell, and the late Sam Neill in one of his final roles.
Expect epic destruction and jaw-dropping visuals when it stomps into theaters on March 26, 2027.
4. Godzilla Minus Zero (2026)
The Japanese Godzilla Minus One was a critical and commercial sensation, earning an Oscar for its VFX on a modest budget. The sequel, Godzilla Minus Zero, continues to explore the monster as a metaphor for post-war trauma. While details are scarce, the hype is real, especially after the original's success. It's a must-watch for fans of thoughtful, character-driven monster movies.
3. Dune: Part Three (2026)
Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi saga concludes with Dune: Part Three, adapting Dune Messiah. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, now emperor, facing political intrigue and his own dark destiny. With the first two films being critical and commercial hits, anticipation is sky-high. The cast includes Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and new additions like Anya Taylor-Joy. It's set for a December 18, 2026 release.
2. Avengers: Doomsday (2027)
The MCU's next big event, Avengers: Doomsday, brings back Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. The Russo Brothers return to direct, and the film is expected to be a massive crossover event. After the mixed reception of Phase 4 and 5, Marvel needs a win, and this is it. With a May 1, 2027 release, the hype is already enormous.
1. Fast X: Part 2 (2027)
Topping our list is the next installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Despite the series' ups and downs, the action set pieces and family themes keep fans coming back. The sequel to Fast X promises to be the penultimate chapter, with Vin Diesel and the crew facing off against new threats. The trailer broke records, and the anticipation is unmatched. It's the ultimate popcorn blockbuster, and it hits theaters on April 2, 2027.
These are just a few of the action movies that have us counting down the days. For more on what to watch, check out our picks for Prime Video's top picks and Netflix's best this week.
