2026 has been a stellar year for science fiction, delivering both massive box office hits and indie gems. As the year winds down, the genre is gearing up for an explosive finale with a slate of blockbusters that promise to redefine the cinematic landscape. From Denis Villeneuve's epic conclusion to the Dune saga to Marvel's massive crossover event, there's no shortage of anticipation. And the momentum doesn't stop there—2027 is already shaping up to be just as thrilling, with a long-awaited Spaceballs sequel and a new Star Wars adventure. Here's our ranking of the most hyped sci-fi movies on the horizon.
8. Ray Gunn (2026)
Release Date: December 4, 2026 (Theaters), December 18, 2026 (Netflix)
Directed by Brad Bird, this animated sci-fi noir is set in the sprawling retro-futuristic city of Metropia, where humans and aliens coexist. Sam Rockwell voices Ray Gunn, a private detective investigating the murder of a famous multimedia star, Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson). The film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival to strong reviews, with praise for its stunning animation and voice cast, which also includes Tom Waits, Matt Berry, and Bobby Cannavale. It's a high-octane homage to classic Hollywood noir, and a must-watch for fans of Bird's previous work like The Incredibles.
7. Spaceballs: The New One (2027)
Release Date: April 23, 2027
Mel Brooks returns to the galaxy far, far away—well, his parody of it—with a sequel set 40 years after the original. Dark Helmet is back, and it's up to Prince Starburst and Destiny to find Lone Starr and save the day. The film brings back Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and others, with newcomers like Lewis Pullman, Keke Palmer, and Josh Gad. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, this sequel promises to spoof not just Star Wars but also modern reboot culture and nostalgia-driven entertainment. It's a comedic look at the very trends that dominate today's blockbuster landscape.
6. Not Alone (2027)
Release Date: April 16, 2027
Illumination's first original feature since Migration is a sci-fi rom-com about two scientists, Joe and Fran, who are building a plant-fueled rocket. When Joe discovers three alien fugitives hiding on Earth, he must help them get home while also winning Fran's heart. With Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez voicing the leads, this animated adventure promises a mix of intergalactic fun and heartfelt romance. It's a departure from Illumination's usual family fare, aiming to appeal to a broader audience with its charming story and adorable aliens.
5. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova (2027)
Release Date: March 26, 2027
The Monsterverse continues with this sequel to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, directed by Grant Sputore. Godzilla and Kong must unite against a cosmic threat: SpaceGodzilla. Dan Stevens reprises his role as Trapper, joined by Kaitlyn Dever, Jack O'Connell, and others. This installment promises even more colossal battles and a deeper exploration of the Titans' origins. For fans of monster mayhem, this is one of the most anticipated entries in the franchise.
4. Star Wars: Starfighter (2027)
Release Date: May 28, 2027
Ryan Gosling is set to headline a brand-new Star Wars film, and the hype is real. Directed by Shawn Levy, Starfighter is described as a high-flying adventure that focuses on the galaxy's most skilled pilots. While details are scarce, the combination of Gosling's star power and Levy's knack for crowd-pleasing blockbusters has fans eagerly awaiting this new chapter in the saga. It's a fresh take that could reinvigorate the franchise.
3. Dune: Part Three (2026)
Release Date: December 18, 2026
Denis Villeneuve concludes his epic adaptation of Frank Herbert's saga with Dune: Part Three, arriving just in time for the holidays. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, facing his ultimate destiny. The film is expected to be a visual and emotional tour de force, wrapping up the story that began with Dune and continued with Part Two. For fans of the books and the films, this is the culmination of years of anticipation. If you're looking to dive deeper into the universe, check out our guide to the Dune Messiah graphic novel.
2. Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
Release Date: December 18, 2026
Marvel's next epic crossover brings the entire MCU together for what could be a final showdown. Directed by the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday promises to be a massive event, with rumors of multiversal chaos and the return of beloved characters. The hype is off the charts, as fans speculate on which heroes will survive and what the future holds for the franchise. It's a must-see for any Marvel enthusiast.
1. Ray Gunn (2026) – Wait, That's #8
Hold on, we already covered that. Let's re-rank: The top spot actually belongs to Dune: Part Three, given its critical acclaim and the massive fanbase of the books. But if we're talking pure hype, Avengers: Doomsday might edge it out. It's a close call, but we're giving the edge to Villeneuve's masterpiece for its artistic ambition and the emotional payoff of a saga that has captivated audiences worldwide. And with the action movie lineup also heating up, 2026-27 is shaping up to be a golden era for genre fans.
So there you have it—our ranking of the most hyped sci-fi movies coming your way. Whether you're a fan of epic space operas, animated adventures, or monster mash-ups, there's something to look forward to. And if you're in the mood for more speculative fiction, check out our list of the best mythological books for a different kind of escape.
