7 Upcoming Sci-Fi Movies That Look Set To Be Masterpieces

Science fiction always offers exciting possibilities. From grand space adventures to dark tales of the future, realistic scientific explorations, or alternate history stories, a sci-fi concept immediately grabs your attention. While the actual films don’t always live up to the initial promise, the upcoming movies scheduled for 2026 and beyond suggest we’re on the verge of seeing some truly exceptional science fiction films.

Fans, critics, and movie experts are already excited about these seven new science fiction films. They all have promising ideas and are supported by talented directors, actors, or are based on great stories. Whether they’re original stories or part of existing franchises, the best sci-fi movies tell compelling stories that both entertain and offer meaningful insights about humanity.

7) BRZRKR

Keanu Reeves’s comic book series, BRZRKR, is being turned into a live-action movie on Netflix. Reeves, who created the comic with Matt Kindt, will also star in and produce the film. The story follows “B,” an immortal warrior who has fought for centuries while searching for purpose. Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on The Batman Part II, is writing the screenplay, and Justin Lin, the director behind the Fast & Furious franchise, is set to direct. Combining Reeves’s acting talent with Lin’s experience in action filmmaking, the movie promises exciting fight scenes alongside a compelling and thought-provoking story. A release date hasn’t been announced yet.

6) Cold Storage

Based on David Koepp’s 2019 novel, the upcoming movie Cold Storage is a sci-fi comedy about a dangerous fungus that breaks loose from an old military base. Jonny Campbell directs, and Koepp wrote the screenplay. The film stars Liam Neeson, Joe Keery (known from Stranger Things), Georgina Campbell, Sosie Bacon, and Vanessa Redgrave. Fans of the book are particularly excited to see Neeson and Keery working together. The trailer, set to the song “Bad Day,” hints at a lively and over-the-top adventure. While it might not appeal to hardcore science fiction fans, those who enjoy comedy and exciting action could find Cold Storage to be their new favorite film when it releases on February 13, 2026.

5) The Dog Stars

Ridley Scott’s upcoming film, The Dog Stars, is a science fiction story set after a global disaster, based on the acclaimed 2012 novel by Peter Heller. The movie centers on Hig (played by Jacob Elordi), a pilot, and his dog, as they try to survive in a world largely destroyed by a deadly flu. The cast also features Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong. After a long break from science fiction following iconic films like Blade Runner and Alien, Scott’s return has generated a lot of buzz. While it remains to be seen if he can deliver another sci-fi classic, the film’s realistic premise, strong cast, and excellent source material suggest it has the potential to be great. The Dog Stars is scheduled for release on March 27, 2026.

4) The Bride!

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s new film, The Bride!, is a fresh take on the classic Bride of Frankenstein story. Set in 1930s Chicago, the movie follows Frankenstein’s monster (Christian Bale) as he requests a companion, leading to the reanimation of a deceased woman, played by Jessie Buckley, as “the Bride.” The film boasts a stellar cast including Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz. The trailer reveals a visually striking and exciting blend of horror and science fiction. With the recent popularity of Frankenstein adaptations and the talented team behind this project, anticipation for the March 6th, 2026 release is very high.

3) The Dish

Steven Spielberg’s next film, currently known as The Dish, is a highly anticipated sci-fi project focusing on UFOs. While details are limited, early buzz is strong, especially with a cast including Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson, and Colin Firth. Adding to the excitement, John Williams is composing the score – his 30th collaboration with Spielberg! Given Spielberg’s previous successes with films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, this movie is generating more hype than many upcoming Marvel films. It’s scheduled for release on June 12th, 2026.

2) Project Hail Mary

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’m really excited about the upcoming movie Project Hail Mary! It’s based on the fantastic novel by Andy Weir – the same guy who wrote The Martian, and Drew Goddard is writing the screenplay again, which is a great sign. Ryan Gosling is playing the lead, a teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with the fate of Earth resting on his shoulders. The trailer hints at some incredible alien encounters, and honestly, the book is one of Weir’s best – a real edge-of-your-seat, problem-solving adventure across the stars. Sandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub are also in the cast, which is awesome. We’re looking at a release date of March 20th, 2026, and I’ve already marked my calendar!

1) Dune: Part Three

Denis Villeneuve is officially working on the third and final film in the Dune trilogy, tentatively titled Dune: Part Three. The movie will loosely adapt Dune Messiah and potentially include parts of Children of Dune. Many of the original cast members are returning, including Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Robert Pattinson will join the cast as the villain, Scytale. Although cinematographer Greig Fraser is currently working on a Beatles biopic, Linus Sandgren is expected to deliver visually stunning imagery, and Hans Zimmer will once again compose the music. Given Villeneuve’s reputation as a leading sci-fi director – having successfully adapted Frank Herbert’s previously “unfilmable” novel into a critically acclaimed series like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 – this is one of the most anticipated sci-fi movies in development. It remains to be seen if the final installment will please both dedicated fans and new viewers, but it has the potential to be a true masterpiece. Dune: Part Three is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.

Bonus: Rendezvous With Rama

Currently in development, Rendezvous With Rama is a film adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s celebrated novel, set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve. The story centers on a team of astronauts who encounter a gigantic, enigmatic alien spacecraft—shaped like a cylinder—as it enters our solar system. It’s a thought-provoking and exploratory science fiction story. Eric Roth, who previously collaborated with Villeneuve on Dune, wrote the screenplay. While updates have been scarce and no cast or release date has been announced, this project stands out as a truly ambitious hard science fiction film. Villeneuve considers Rama a unique opportunity to explore the genre. Given the novel’s reputation for mystery and intelligence, and Villeneuve’s success with Dune, the film could become a landmark achievement in visionary science fiction, alongside classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey.

What movie are you most looking forward to seeing in theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-20 20:17