The 2026 film slate features major releases across Indian and international cinema, including Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Part 1, Shah Rukh Khan’s King, and Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday. The year’s calendar spans mythological epics, spy thrillers, horror films, animated adventures, and franchise sequels.
Most Anticipated Indian Films
Ramayana Part 1 tops IMDb’s list of most anticipated Indian films for the second half of 2026. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the mythological epic stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol. It is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 theatrical release [citation:2][citation:12].
Alpha ranks second on the list. The spy thriller marks the first female-led installment in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe. Alia Bhatt and Sharvari star, with Hrithik Roshan appearing in a cameo. Shiv Rawail directs, and the film opens July 3 [citation:2].
Yash’s Toxic holds the third spot. The period action drama unfolds along Goa’s coastline and explores a drug syndicate. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, it releases August 26 [citation:2][citation:12].
King ranks fourth. Shah Rukh Khan stars in the action entertainer, which marks the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan. Siddharth Anand directs, and the film arrives December 24 [citation:2][citation:12].
Dhamaal 4 and Mirzapur: The Movie occupy the fifth and sixth spots. Dhamaal 4 releases July 10, while Mirzapur: The Movie brings the crime franchise to theaters on September 4 [citation:12].
Bollywood Releases
Bhooth Bangla reunites Akshay Kumar with director Priyadarshan for a horror-comedy. The film released April 17 [citation:13].
Cocktail 2 stars Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in a new love triangle. Homi Adajania directs, and the sequel released June 19 [citation:13].
Awarapan 2 brings Emraan Hashmi back in an intense action-romantic role. The sequel is set for the 2026 Independence Day weekend [citation:13].
Shakti Shalini expands the horror-comedy universe that began with Stree. Aneet Padda stars, and the film releases December 24 [citation:13].
Tamil Cinema
Jana Nayagan marks Vijay’s swansong. Directed by H Vinoth, the film also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, and Mamitha Baiju. It faced censorship issues and a piracy leak, and no new release date has been set [citation:3].
Jailer 2 brings Rajinikanth back as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. Nelson directs the sequel, which also features Ramya Krishnan, Shivarajkumar, and Vidya Balan. It is expected during the pooja holidays or Diwali [citation:3].
Vishwanath & Sons stars Suriya in a romance about a middle-aged man and a woman half his age. Venky Atluri directs, and the film releases August 14 [citation:3].
Om stars Dhanush in his 55th film. Rajkumar Periasamy directs, and the cast includes Sreeleela, Sai Pallavi, and Mammootty. It is set for an October 16 release [citation:3].
Irandu Vaanam is a Tamil romantic drama starring Vishnu Vishal and Mamitha Baiju. Directed by Ramkumar, it releases October 23 [citation:14].
Malayalam Cinema
Drishyam 3 reunites Mohanlal with director Jeethu Joseph and the original cast. The third installment in the franchise is scheduled for a theatrical release on Mohanlal’s 66th birthday [citation:4].
Khalifa stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in a big-budget action entertainer. Vysakh directs, and the film releases August 20 [citation:4].
I Am Game marks Dulquer Salmaan’s return to Malayalam cinema after three years. Nahas Hidayath directs the action thriller, which also stars Antony Varghese and Mysskin [citation:4].
Unmadham is a psychological thriller starring Kunchacko Boban and Lijomol Jose. Kiran Das makes his directorial debut, and the film releases August 7 [citation:15].
Punjabi Releases
Oye Bhole Oye 2 is the sequel to the 2024 Punjabi comedy hit. Jagjeet Sandhu returns as Bhola and also directs. The film released June 12 [citation:5].
Panorama Studios acquired worldwide distribution rights for three Punjabi films in 2026. Argentina stars Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta. Thaapi features Neeru Bajwa and Sunny Singh. Ranjheya stars Harrdy Sandhu and Simrat Kaur [citation:16].
Hollywood and International
Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings Tom Holland back as Peter Parker. Destin Daniel Cretton directs the fourth MCU Spider-Man film, which releases July 31 [citation:6][citation:17].
Avengers: Doomsday unites heroes from multiple worlds against Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. The Russo brothers direct, and the film releases December 18 [citation:1][citation:6].
Dune: Part Three continues the saga of Paul Atreides. Denis Villeneuve directs, with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya returning [citation:1].
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping revisits Panem 24 years before the original film. Francis Lawrence directs, and the story covers the 50th Hunger Games [citation:1].
Moana is Disney’s live-action reimagining of the animated adventure. Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana, with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. Thomas Kail directs, and the film releases in July [citation:7].
Toy Story 5 brings Buzz, Woody, and Jessie back to face a new threat from technology. Andrew Stanton directs, and the film opens in June [citation:7].
Hexed is a new Walt Disney Animation film about an awkward teen and his mother who discover his quirks are magical powers. It releases November 25 [citation:1][citation:18].
Horror Releases
Other Mommy stars Jessica Chastain as a woman terrorized by an evil doppelgänger. Based on Josh Malerman’s novel, the film releases October 9 [citation:8].
V/H/S/MIXTAPE is a found-footage horror anthology exploring sound and fear. Directors include Ernest Dickerson, Flying Lotus, and RZA. It streams on Shudder from October 9 [citation:19].
Nosferatu director Robert Eggers returns with Werwulf, described as a tale of devotion, damnation, and the devil within. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Willem Dafoe star [citation:1].
Netflix Releases
Gentle Monster stars Léa Seydoux as a concert pianist whose world unravels after an accusation against her husband. Catherine Deneuve also stars. The film releases in select theaters October 30 and on Netflix November 18 [citation:9].
UNABOMBER is a crime drama about Ted Kaczynski. Jacob Tremblay plays Kaczynski, with Russell Crowe and Shailene Woodley also starring. The film releases on Netflix September 25 [citation:20].
Prime Video’s 2026 slate includes Dahaad Season 2, Mirzapur The Movie, Storm backed by Hrithik Roshan, and Don’t Be Shy backed by Alia Bhatt [citation:10].
