Summer is just around the corner, and that means a new season of big movie releases is starting soon! We’ve already seen some hits this year, like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Project Hail Mary, Pixar’s Hoppers, and Scream 7. On TV, popular shows like Paradise, revivals of Scrubs and Malcolm in the Middle, Daredevil: Born Again, The Boys, and The Pitt have returned. It’s been a great year for entertainment so far, and there’s still plenty more to look forward to.

As a movie critic, I’m already gearing up for a jam-packed summer! We’ve got the big superhero showdowns from DC and Marvel coming, plus a serious dose of nostalgia with new takes on Mortal Kombat and Masters of the Universe. But it’s not just reboots and sequels; there are some genuinely exciting original films and shows on the horizon too. Below, I’m sharing a preview of everything I’m most looking forward to, including some exclusive first looks and quotes. Let’s jump right into the movies I’m planning to see on opening day…

Editor’s Picks

Supergirl – In Theaters, June 26

Just a year after appearing in Superman, Milly Alcock is leading her own film: Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The movie closely follows the comic book story, and promises a heartbreaking scene where Supergirl’s dog, Krypto, nearly dies at the hands of the new villain, Krem (played by Matthias Schoenaerts). The story centers on Kara Zor-El, still haunted by the destruction of Krypton, who teams up with another orphan, Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), to avenge her parents’ murder at the hands of Krem. Along the way, they’re joined by Jason Momoa as Lobo, and the three unlikely allies embark on a quest to save Krypto, bring Krem to justice, and help Kara find a sense of belonging.

Mortal Kombat 2 – In Theaters, May 8

Although the delay of Mortal Kombat 2 meant we had to wait longer for it, the first reactions are incredibly positive. Many are saying the sequel is even better than the first film, and it introduces Karl Urban as the new main character, Johnny Cage. The story promises even more action as Earthrealm’s heroes fight to defend against the dangerous Shao Kahn.

Masters of the Universe – In Theaters, June 5

It’s been a long time since He-Man appeared in a major movie – the last one starred Dolph Lundgren back in 1987. But in 2026, Masters of the Universe is returning to the big screen. The film is directed by Travis Knight, known for his work at Laika and the enjoyable Bumblebee, and stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam. He returns to his home planet, Eternia, after 15 years to battle Jared Leto, who plays the villain Skeletor.

Spider-Noir – May 25 (MGM+) & May 27 (Prime Video)

In addition to the other Spider-Man movie this summer, Nic Cage is starring as Spider-Man Noir in a new series called Spider-Noir, which will stream on MGM+ and Prime Video. The show will feature classic comic book villains – played by Brendan Gleeson as Silvermane, Jack Huston as Sandman, and Abraham Popoola as Tombstone – all within a gritty, film-noir setting. Oren Uziel, a co-showrunner and executive producer, told ComicBook he’s thrilled for audiences to see Cage’s take on the character and the combination of comic books and film noir. Spider-Noir will debut exclusively on MGM+ in the US on May 25th, and then become available worldwide (including in the US) on Prime Video on May 27th.

The Boroughs – May 21 (Netflix)

Nearly four decades after the movie Cocoon, Netflix is bringing sci-fi back to the world of seniors with its new series, The Boroughs. Premiering in May, the show—executive produced by the creators of Stranger Things—follows a group of unlikely heroes from a retirement community as they face a mysterious, other-worldly danger. The trailer strongly evokes the feel of classic Amblin films, and many are already predicting it will fill the void left by Stranger Things, especially with its impressive cast including Alfred Molina, Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, and Denis O’Hare. And that’s definitely a good thing!

The Mandalorian & Grogu – In Theaters, May 22

This summer, fans can finally see The Mandalorian and Grogu on the big screen! We talked to director Jon Favreau about what to expect in the movie and how the characters have evolved. He explained that Din Djarin is becoming more of a hero, carefully choosing his missions to protect Grogu. As for Grogu, he’s grown a lot! After training with Luke Skywalker, he now has some Jedi skills, and he’s also learning the ways of the Mandalorians, making him truly special. Now, it’s time for Grogu to join Din on adventures and for Din to teach him everything he knows.

I had the chance to talk to Pedro Pascal about how amazing it was to bring this story to the big screen. He told me how he’d always wanted to see these characters come to life in a movie theater, and Jon Favreau really made that happen. Pedro said filming was incredible – the sets were unbelievable, and it honestly felt like being a kid playing make-believe, but on a much grander scale! He really emphasized how talented Jon Favreau is, having experience in both TV and film, and how that expertise shone through.

Here’s a look at the most anticipated movie releases of Summer 2026, spanning May through August. We’ve got everything from action-packed superhero films and futuristic sci-fi to scary horror, hilarious comedies, and much more – mark your calendars!

The Devil Wears Prada 2 – In Theaters, May 1

Twenty years after the first film, director David Frankel returns with The Devil Wears Prada 2, which premiered in theaters on May 1st. In an exclusive interview, Frankel discussed the sequel, saying it blends fashion and comedy, but he especially loves the emotional scenes. He believes the actors – four of the best in the business – make the characters and their struggles feel authentic and relatable because they are so open and can effortlessly switch between humor, intelligence, and vulnerability, even revealing their deepest emotions in a captivating way.

We had an exclusive conversation with Anne Hathaway about her character in The Devil Wears Prada 2. She explained that the Andy Sachs we’ll see has stayed true to who she is over the past two decades. She’s made choices that align with her beliefs and feels satisfied with the path she’s taken. While her life may not look conventional, it’s authentically hers, and she’s content. She’s gained professional confidence through experience, knows the ropes at work, and has some influence, but remains a kind and enjoyable person to be around – someone you’d genuinely want to be friends with.

Citadel Season 2 – May 6 (Prime Video)

After a successful first season on Prime Video, Citadel is back with Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Stanley Tucci for more spy action. The show, known for being a thrilling and fun espionage series, is adding new cast members – Matt Berry, Jack Reynor, and Rahul Kohli – as the original team builds an unexpected group of agents to face a new worldwide danger.

The Terror: Devil in Silver – May 7 (Prime Video)

Okay, so Devil in Silver is the latest installment in AMC’s The Terror series, though it’s important to know each season tells a completely separate story. This time around, Dan Stevens is fantastic as a man wrongly stuck in a mental hospital, and it’s not just the other patients and staff he has to worry about – there’s something seriously spooky going on beneath the surface. It’s been seven years since we’ve had a new Terror story, and honestly, it’s a welcome return. What’s really great is seeing Stevens get a role that really lets him show off the same kind of talent he displayed in Legion.

Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) – In Theaters, May 8

Following the massive success of Taylor Swift’s recent tour, Billie Eilish is also creating a special concert experience. Five years after her animated concert film, Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, she’s collaborating with director James Cameron to produce an immersive 3D version of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour.

Influenced – In Theaters, May 8

Just before landing the role of Kara Zor-El in Supergirl, David Krumholtz appears with Jill Kargman in this sharply relevant comedy. It’s about a social media mom striving for a million followers, but her focus shifts when she unexpectedly connects with Krumholtz’s character, causing her to question what’s truly important. The film also includes amusing cameos from Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, and Drew Barrymore, all playing themselves.

The Punisher: One Last Kill – May 12 (Disney+)

With the conclusion of Daredevil: Born Again, Disney+ is releasing Jon Bernthal’s first project as Frank Castle (The Punisher) since the Netflix series ended. The Punisher: One Last Kill focuses on Frank grappling with his quest for revenge as he becomes entangled in a conflict with a growing criminal organization. In an exclusive preview, Bernthal, who also co-wrote and executive produced the project, explained their goal: “We really wanted to stay true to the comic books and honor the fans. From the start, we asked how to take Frank from a place of spiraling out of control, driven by vengeance, to a place where he can find new meaning and something worth fighting for. He does discover a sense of purpose, and that’s a fresh take on the character.”

U.S. Against the World – May 12 (HBO)

Beyond summer’s biggest movies and TV shows, 2026 will also host the World Cup in the United States for the first time since 1994. HBO’s new docuseries, U.S. Against the World, filmed over four years, follows American soccer stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie as they prepare for this major international tournament. The first episode premieres on Tuesday, May 12th at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific time on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

Driver’s Ed – In Theaters, May 15

Three years after his well-received first film, Champions, director Bobby Farrelly is back with Driver’s Ed, a funny teen comedy. The movie follows a high school student (Sam Nivola from The White Lotus) who impulsively takes his driver’s ed teacher’s car for a road trip to see his girlfriend at college. Over a wild 24 hours, he and his friends are pursued by security and the police, encounter some small-time criminals who shoot at them, and even end up taking in a three-legged cat! Comedy stars Kumail Nanjiani and Molly Shannon also appear in the film. Farrelly shared that he drew inspiration from classic John Hughes movies, aiming for a heartfelt comedy with a modern edge that reflects the anxieties of today’s world.

LifeHack – In Theaters, May 15

Ronan Corrigan’s new film, LifeHack, is a fresh take on the screenlife genre, blending it with a heist story. The plot centers around four young gamers who decide to steal cryptocurrency from a tech billionaire after seeing his daughter’s revealing posts online. Predictably, their plan goes awry, but early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rivals Season 2 – May 15 (Disney+ and Hulu)

The 2024 period comedy Rivals quickly became popular thanks to its bold and biting portrayal of the British upper class in the 1980s. The second season brings back the rivalry between David Tennant’s television producer, Lord Tony Baddingham, and Alex Hassell’s Rupert Campbell-Black. Expect plenty of scandalous behavior and personal attacks, as Baddingham will stop at nothing to ruin his competitor – and Tennant is fantastic in the role!

Passenger – In Theaters, May 22

André Øvredal, the director of Trollhunter, brings a terrifying twist to the popular ‘van life’ trend in his new film. A young couple, portrayed by Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobella, begin their journey living on the road, but their dream quickly turns into a nightmare after witnessing a fatal car accident. They soon realize they’re being hunted by a terrifying, supernatural being – a demonic figure known as the Passenger (Joseph Lopez) – who won’t stop pursuing them.

Tuner – In Theaters, May 22

Tuner is a gripping crime thriller centered around Niki White (Leo Woodall), a gifted piano tuner with extraordinary hearing. He’s recruited by a security expert (Lior Raz) to use his ability to listen to the intricate mechanisms of safes and crack them. Niki finds himself juggling this dangerous new life with his wish to support his beloved mentor, Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), who needs help with mounting medical expenses. Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, giving the show a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Deli Boys Season 2 – May 28 (Hulu)

Hulu’s popular series, Deli Boys, is back for a second season on May 28th with six new episodes. Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, known from Marvel’s WandaVision and Ms. Marvel, reprise their roles as brothers unexpectedly inheriting their father’s drug business. They’re joined by Poorna Jagannathan, playing the father’s former right-hand woman, as they try to manage the huge amount of cash the business generates. To help them legitimize the money, they turn to Max Sugar, a casino owner and money laundering expert played by Fred Armisen. The first two episodes will be available on Hulu starting May 28th.

Star City – May 29 (Apple TV)

Apple TV+’s new drama, Star City, explores the space race from the Soviet Union’s point of view, continuing the story begun in For All Mankind. The 8-episode series imagines a world where the Russians won the space race, starring Rhys Ifans as the leader of their space program. Created by the team behind the original show – Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, and Ronald D. Moore – Star City features both new actors like Anna Maxwell Martin and Agnes O’Casey, as well as some returning faces. The first two episodes will be available on Apple TV+ on May 29th, followed by weekly releases.

The Breadwinner – In Theaters, May 29

I’m really excited about Nate Bargatze’s new movie! He’s become such a huge comedic force – way beyond just being ‘up-and-coming.’ It’s called The Breadwinner, and the premise is hilarious: his character’s wife gets a deal on Shark Tank, and suddenly he’s the one staying home with the kids. Knowing Nate, it’s going to be full of that relatable, down-to-earth humor that everyone loves. Plus, the cast is stacked with funny people – Will Forte, Colin Jost, Kumail Nanjiani, and Zach Cherry are all in it, which is fantastic!

Backrooms – In Theaters, May 29

Inspired by a chilling 2019 thread on the online forum 4chan, Kane Parsons’ new A24 sci-fi horror film, Backrooms, is already generating a lot of buzz. The movie features Renate Reinsve as a therapist and Chiwetel Ejiofor as her patient, and follows their journey into a strange, otherdimensional world. Think of it as a more ordinary version of the Upside Down from Stranger Things – but without the creatures or iconic music.

Speed Demon – In Theaters, May 29

In director John Keeyes’s Speed Demon, William H. Macy plays Father Novak and Katie Cassidy is Sister Lu, a nun who must rediscover her faith when a demon named Asmodeus takes control of their train. They have to fight passengers possessed by the demon while trying to stop the runaway train, and Sister Lu will attempt the first ever exorcism performed by a nun.

Scary Movie 6 – In Theaters, June 5

Don’t count parody out yet! After a 13-year break, the Wayans brothers are back with Scary Movie 6, offering their signature brand of wild horror comedy. The new film aims to poke fun at recent popular horror movies like Terrifier, Scream, and M3GAN, as well as cultural phenomena like Squid Game and Michael. With most of the original cast returning, this sixth installment should please longtime fans of the series.

Power Ballad – In Theaters, June 5

I have to tell you, the new movie Power Ballad sounds amazing! It’s about Paul Rudd playing a wedding singer who gets into a rivalry with Nick Jonas, a struggling rock star. Apparently, Jonas steals one of Rudd’s songs, it becomes a huge hit, and things just escalate from there. John Carney, the director behind beautiful films like Once and Sing Street, is at the helm, and while this one seems a bit bigger and more star-studded, the story is so good it already wowed people at South by Southwest. I’ve even heard people saying it’s Paul Rudd’s best performance yet, so I’m definitely planning to get tickets!

Carolina Caroline – In Theaters, June 5

Early reviews have given Carolina Caroline a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film stars Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner as a contemporary take on the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. Directed by Adam Carter Rehmeier, the story follows Caroline (Weaving), who’s unhappy with her life in rural Texas, until she meets Oliver (Gallner), a charming con man. He sweeps her off her feet and leads her down a path of escalating criminal activity with dangerous results.

Alice & Steve Season 1 – June 8 (Disney+ and Hulu)

Hulu’s new show, Alice & Steve, is a British comedy-drama starring Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement. The series follows a long-time friendship that gets complicated when Steve begins dating Alice’s daughter, Izzy. Alice is determined to end the relationship, leading to conflict between the two friends.

The Furious – In Theaters, June 12

Kenji Tanigaki’s new action film, The Furious, might be exactly what fans of high-energy action movies have been waiting for. The movie, releasing through Lionsgate, centers on Wang Wei (Mo Tse) and Navin (Joe Taslim) who join forces after their family members are kidnapped. The trailer showcased incredible, fast-paced action sequences, making it a must-see for action movie lovers.

This Tempting Madness – In Theaters, June 12

Directed by Jennifer E. Montgomery and based on real events, This Tempting Madness is a suspenseful psychological thriller. Simone Ashley, known for her role in Bridgerton, stars as Mia, a woman who awakens from a coma with serious injuries and a fragmented memory. As she tries to recover her past, she begins to doubt her own memories and what’s real.

Toy Story 5 – In Theaters, June 19

Woody and Buzz Lightyear return in the latest installment of Toy Story, where Bonnie’s playtime is challenged by the growing appeal of technology. Director Andrew Stanton shared that the film, like previous Toy Story movies, explores big questions, but with a new focus. He explained that the filmmakers noticed children today often spend more time with electronic devices than with traditional toys. They wanted to explore how this change impacts kids and, of course, what it means for the toys themselves. Stanton said they saw this as a compelling and entertaining topic for a new Toy Story film.

Jackass: Best and Last – In Theaters, June 26

It’s strange to become so attached to a series centered around people deliberately getting hurt, but the Jackass crew has become incredibly endearing over the last 26 years. To celebrate, Johnny Knoxville and his team are back with even more wild stunts, injuries, and hilarious moments. While it’s sad to see it end, it’s been an amazing ride.

Evil Dead Burn – In Theaters, July 10

Okay, so I just checked out the teaser for Evil Dead Burn, the latest installment in the Evil Dead series – it’s the sixth film overall, but the third that isn’t directly connected to the original story. From what I’ve seen, it looks seriously intense – they’re promising this one is the most brutal and scary yet! The story centers around a woman named Alice, played by Souheila Yacoub, who’s dealing with the loss of her husband and goes to stay with his family. Things, naturally, go horribly wrong when they all turn into Deadites, and Alice realizes that even death can’t break certain commitments. Definitely looks like a wild ride!

Moana – In Theaters, July 10

Disney’s newest live-action film features Dwayne Johnson returning as the demigod Maui, alongside Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana. The trailers suggest it will be a faithful remake of the original, continuing the pattern seen in most Disney adaptations – with Lilo & Stitch being the notable exception – and giving devoted fans a fresh way to enjoy this beloved Disney story.

The Odyssey – In Theaters, July 17

No preview would be complete without a look at Christopher Nolan’s latest film, which is an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. The movie boasts a fantastic cast, including Matt Damon and Tom Holland, among many other stars. If you’ve managed to get IMAX tickets, it promises to be a truly amazing cinematic experience.

Universal Pictures has several exciting new movies coming soon! On July 1st, look for the latest installment in the Despicable Me series, Minions & Monsters. Sci-fi fans can enjoy Steven Spielberg’s new film, Disclosure Day, arriving June 12th, and those looking for a sweet romantic comedy can catch Will Gluck’s One Night Only on August 7th. Check out photos from all four movies below.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 – July 23 (Paramount+)

Despite having only two seasons remaining – including a brief fifth season – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will be back in July for its fourth season. It continues to blend a classic Star Trek feel with rich backstory and promises episodes that delve deeply into the show’s established universe, much like its Western-themed installment.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day – In Theaters, July 31

Expected to be the summer’s biggest hit, Spider-Man: Brand New Day signals a grittier direction for Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. Still recovering from the events of No Way Home and his previous sacrifice, Spider-Man is now a more experienced hero facing a fresh danger, complicated by a strange change in his powers. The film adds Sadie Sink in a mystery role, alongside returning favorites like Jon Bernthal as the Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, and Michael Mando as Scorpion, creating a formidable team of villains.

I Want Your Sex – In Theaters, July 31

Gregg Araki’s films have a distinct style, and his latest, I Want Your Sex, delivers exactly that. The movie centers around Cooper Hoffman, who unexpectedly becomes the inspiration for Olivia Wilde’s character, a well-known and daring artist. Charlie XCX plays Hoffman’s girlfriend in this standout film from Sundance, and it’s great to see Araki directing again after a 12-year break.

Fall 2 – In Theaters, Aug 7

Four years after the hit film Fall earned $3 million, the sequel, Fall 2, introduces Shiloh Hunter’s sister. Determined to honor her sister’s memory, she and a friend, Jax, travel to Mount Kwan-in in Taipei to attempt a dangerous high-wire walk. However, a rockslide leaves them stranded over 2,000 feet in the air, forcing them to fight for survival.

Ice Cream Man – In Theaters, Aug 7

Eli Roth, known for his horror films, brings us Ice Cream Man, a story about a peaceful town thrown into chaos. A seemingly harmless ice cream vendor starts giving children treats that turn them into violent killers. This project, twenty years in the making for Roth, stars Ari Millen and delivers the twisted, gory experience fans expect from the director.

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie – In Theaters, Aug 14

Every parent knows the struggle of finding summer activities for their kids. The new Paw Patrol movie, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, follows the pups as they magically end up in a world full of dinosaurs and must work together to stop Mayor Humdinger’s latest, villainous scheme.

Lanterns – Aug 16 (HBO Max)

HBO’s Lanterns is the first television series focusing solely on Green Lantern, featuring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. The show follows these two characters – a seasoned Lantern and a newcomer – as they team up to solve a mystery. In a recent interview, showrunner Chris Mundy discussed the difficulty of blending the realistic, high-quality style of HBO dramas with the established world of DC Comics. He explained that it wasn’t so much a challenge as an exciting opportunity. They aimed to create a complex, character-driven drama that explores the humanity of these heroes while remaining faithful to the core of what makes the Green Lantern comics so beloved. The goal was to make the show enjoyable for both newcomers and longtime fans who are deeply familiar with the Green Lantern universe, and Mundy considers that kind of creative balancing act to be a rewarding one.

Insidious: Out of the Further – In Theaters, August 21

This summer, a new installment in the hit horror series, Insidious: Out of the Further, will be released. The film follows a mother, played by Amelia Eve, who learns she can travel to the spirit world, known as The Further, and accidentally lets dangerous demons escape into our world.

Mutiny – In Theaters, August 21

Jason Statham is arguably one of the most important figures in modern action movies. In his latest film, Mutiny, directed by Jean-François Richet, he plays Cole Reed, a security expert and former law enforcement officer who’s falsely accused of murder. While trying to clear his name and avenge a friend, Cole discovers a human trafficking operation aboard a cargo ship, and must battle his way to safety and expose the criminals involved.

The Dog Stars – In Theaters, August 28

Despite a strong year for science fiction, Ridley Scott is adding to the mix with The Dog Stars. This post-apocalyptic film features Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin as two people searching for hope after a worldwide pandemic. The first trailer suggests a blend of the dramatic survival elements of The Walking Dead with the intense action of Mad Max, all based on Peter Heller’s novel.

Train to Busan 10th Anniversary Re-Release – August 28 & Colony – In Theaters, May 21

For fans of thrilling horror, director Yeon Sang-ho’s acclaimed film Train to Busan is coming back to theaters in a newly remastered 4K version to celebrate its 10th anniversary. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s the perfect time to see it on the big screen! And just in time, Yeon Sang-ho’s latest zombie film, Colony, is also being released. It follows a group of people struggling to survive in a fortified compound while facing increasingly dangerous zombies. The trailer suggests it’s another fantastic horror movie from this talented director.

2026-05-01 22:26