8 Most Anticipated Fantasy Movies of 2026, Ranked by Excitement (#1 Sounds Like a Masterpiece)

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2026 looks like a fantastic year for fantasy fans! Lots of new movies, shows, and book adaptations are coming out, and there’s something for everyone. While some of the upcoming films are a bit of a gamble, many others are incredibly promising, ranging from Disney releases to big-name adaptations we’ve been eagerly awaiting.

This year’s most exciting fantasy releases are continuations of stories people already love – from classic books to popular movies and TV shows. The lineup includes both live-action and animated films, and most will be shown in theaters, giving audiences a fully immersive experience. These projects also boast impressive casts, with the most anticipated film heavily featuring its well-known stars.

8) Hexed

Disney’s new animated fantasy film, Hexed, is scheduled to come out on November 25, 2026. The movie, as reported by Deadline, centers on a teenage boy and his mother who learn the reason behind his unusual behavior: he has magical powers. Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand are directing, but details are currently limited. Considering recent disappointments with original Disney films like Elio and Wish, it’s difficult to generate much enthusiasm right now. There simply isn’t enough information available yet. Hopefully, once we learn more about the cast and see some images, it will seem more promising. For now, it’s a title for fans of fantasy to watch for.

7) Moana

Another Disney live-action remake I’m approaching with caution is Moana, which comes out on July 10, 2026. While most of Disney’s live-action remakes haven’t lived up to the originals, this one has potential. The cast is promising, with Catherine Lagaʻaia taking the lead and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. Johnson is also an executive producer, alongside Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated film. Plus, Thomas Kail—the director of Hamilton—is directing. All this talent makes me cautiously optimistic, but Disney’s past remakes keep my expectations in check.

6) Jumanji 3

Dwayne Johnson has another exciting fantasy film coming out this year besides Moana. The Jumanji reboot series will finish with its third movie, scheduled for release on December 11, 2026 (according to Deadline). While the original Jumanji from 1995 is a classic, the new films have been surprisingly enjoyable. Jumanji: The Next Level ended on a strong note in 2019, and with the same cast and director Jake Kasdan back for this final installment, Jumanji 3 promises to be just as fun. It’s likely to be a lighthearted, entertaining movie, similar to the previous ones. And even more big films are on the way, including sequels to beloved franchises and some more dramatic stories.

5) Practical Magic 2

Fans of fantasy are eagerly anticipating Practical Magic 2, which is set to release in 2026 – almost three decades after the original became a beloved classic. Reviving such a popular film is always a challenge, so I’m approaching the news with cautious optimism. The return of Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as Gillian and Sally is a good sign, and it’s exciting that Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing will reprise their roles as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny. With Lee Pace and Maisie Williams also joining the cast, the film is shaping up nicely. Details are still scarce, but Practical Magic 2 has the potential to be one of the biggest fantasy releases of the year, especially with its scheduled release date of September 18th – just in time for Halloween!

4) The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender

As a huge fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting new content from Avatar Studios for what feels like forever, and it’s finally happening in 2026! I’m so thrilled to hear that The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender is coming on October 9th – another sequel to the animated series I love. It’s set between the original show and The Legend of Korra, and will follow the grown-up Team Avatar as they embark on a mission to potentially save the Air Nomads. Honestly, just the chance to revisit that world is amazing, and with Steven Yeun, Dave Bautista, and Taika Waititi involved, it’s shaping up to be something really special. I was a little bummed to learn it won’t be in theaters, but even so, it’s a fantastic time to be a Last Airbender fan with both this movie and the second season of the Netflix live-action series coming out this year!

3) The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

The 2023 animated film The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a huge success, earning over a billion dollars worldwide. It’s a little surprising it’s taken until 2026 for a sequel, but The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is scheduled to release on April 3rd. The new film will be based on the Super Mario Galaxy games, and fans are especially excited about the movie debut of Rosalina, who will be voiced by Brie Larson (known for Captain Marvel). The trailer also shows Bowser Jr. will be appearing! With the original cast returning, the sequel is poised for similar success. While I’m looking forward to seeing where Illumination takes the series, two other live-action Mario projects currently in development seem even more significant.

2) Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew

The Chronicles of Narnia is a beloved fantasy series, but many feel the Disney films didn’t quite capture its magic. Now, Netflix has a chance to create a truly great adaptation, with plans for an IMAX release on November 26th and streaming in December. While only two films are currently planned, this new adaptation could launch a whole franchise. Interestingly, it will begin with The Magician’s Nephew, a story never before adapted for the screen. Given Greta Gerwig’s track record – she consistently delivers fantastic films – this version has a strong chance of being one of the best fantasy projects of the year. Only one other upcoming film is generating more buzz, largely because it features a Hollywood icon adapting another classic, and early previews look amazing.

1) The Odyssey

Any movie directed by Christopher Nolan is worth seeing, and his upcoming film, The Odyssey, is expected to be a major event in the fantasy genre. Set to release in 2026, the film will bring Homer’s classic story to the big screen, following Odysseus’s long and challenging journey home after the Trojan War. The movie boasts an incredible cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya, among others. The recently released trailer confirms that The Odyssey will be a spectacular cinematic experience, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year – not just in fantasy, but across all genres. The Odyssey is scheduled to hit theaters on July 17, 2026.

What fantasy movie coming out in 2026 are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-13 06:12