There’s nothing better than going out with a friend or two, buying a large popcorn and an ice-cold slushy, and sitting down in front of the big screen to catch one of the latest and most anticipated movies of the year.
2026 is a big year for film, with everything from huge blockbusters directed by and starring the world’s best to indie films from rising talents in cinema and fun kids’ entertainment. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most exciting movies on our radar this year.
Keep an eye out as we’ll be updating this guide throughout the year!
April
Michael
This highly anticipated biopic gives fans an intimate look into pop sensation, Michael Jackson’s, life.
The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and features Michael Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the role of Michael. The cast also features Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Kat Graham, Miles Teller, Larenz Tate, Kendrick Sampson and more.
When: Michael opens in theatres on 24 April 2026
Where to watch: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro cinemas and IMAX locations nationwide
June
Toy Story 5
The fifth instalment of the popular film series about sentient childhood toys sees the toy crew encounter a new foe: technology. The story takes a cue from real life, introducing a technological device that threatens to leave the toys abandoned and obsolete.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice Woody and Buzz Lightyear respectively, with the rest of the toy cast being voiced by other all-stars including Craig Robinson, Greta Lee, Joan Cusack, Keanu Reeves and more.
When: Toy Story 5 opens in theatres on 19 June 2026
Where: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and IMAX cinemas on Disney+
Minions & Monsters
Gru’s yellow companions are back for another adventure. This is the story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood, became movie stars, lost everything, unleashed monsters onto the world and then banded together to try and save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.
When: Minions & Monsters opens in theatres on 19 June 2026
Where: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and IMAX cinemas
July
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is award-winning director, Christopher Nolan’s (Interstellar, The Dark Knight, Oppenheimer), latest blockbuster epic. The movie features an a-list cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Anne Hataway, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and more.
The film follows the Greek hero Odysseus after the Trojan War, as he faces a dangerous 10-year voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way.
From the outset, Nolan envisioned The Odyssey as a cinematic event rather than simply another blockbuster. By shooting the entire film using IMAX cameras, every scene was designed to maximise image quality, scale and immersion in a way that cannot be replicated on a television or mobile device.
IMAX cameras capture substantially more image detail than conventional digital formats, delivering extraordinary sharpness, richer colours and a much taller image.
The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theatres everywhere.
When: The Odyssey opens in theatres on 17 July 2026
Where to watch: Set to be released in IMAX cinemas nationwide
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The third in the Sony Pictures Spider-Man franchise films finally arrives in cinemas this winter. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a college-aged ‘Spider-Man’ (Tom Holland) has to navigate life in a world where Peter Parker no longer exists.
He lives on his own with no family and friends to speak of, working fulltime as a superhero. As he tries to reconnect with the friends he once knew as Peter Parker before any trace of him was erased from his world, a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats Spider-Man’s ever faced.
When: Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theatres on 29 July 2026
Where to watch: Confirmed for release at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
October
Digger
Tom Cruise takes on a role unlike any of his others in the dark comedy, Digger.
Starring Tom Cruise as Digger, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Jesse Plemmons and more, this star-studded film sees the most powerful man in the world race to prove he is humanity’s saviour before the disaster he unleashed destroys everything.
When: Digger opens in theatre on 2 October 2026
Where: Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas worldwide
Street Fighter
Street Fighter is a film adaptation of the iconic video game, filmed for IMAX.
Set in 1993, estranged Street Fighters Ryu and Ken Masters are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury.
But they discover a deadly conspiracy during the tournament that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past.
When: Street Fighter opens in theatres on 16 October 2026
Where: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and IMAX cinemas
November
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
The latest addition to the Hunger Games film series goes back 24 years before Katniss’ first games to character Haymitch’s (Katniss’ mentor played by Woody Harrelson in the original movies) youth.
The film follows Haymitch’s participation in the second quarter quell, which saw double the tributes from each district be selected to participate in the infamous Hunger Games.
The cast features newcomer Joseph Zada as Haymitch, alongside stars such as McKenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close and more.
When: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in cinemas on 20 November 2026
Where to watch: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and IMAX cinemas
December
Dune: Part Three
The third and final part of Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptation of Brian Herbert’s epic novel, Dune Messiah, is out this December.
With the first two Dune films earning both critical acclaim and fan favour, you will not want to miss this epic conclusion! The third film sees Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) ascend to power and explores the implications of his rule as Emperor and the dangers of unchecked power.
When: Dune: Part Three opens in theatres on 18 December 2026
Where: Confirmed for screenings at IMAX locations, Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
Avengers: Doomsday
Following the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame released in 2019, Marvel studios is bringing the latest in the Avengers franchise with Avengers: Doomsday.
In the film, the X-Men, Avengers and Fantastic Four join forces to deal with a problem that has detrimental effects on the multiverse. The main villain in the film is Victor von Doom, who has been confirmed to be played by Robert Downey Jr., best known for his role as the beloved Iron Man character.
When: Avengers: Doomsday opens in theatres on 18 December 2026
Where: Confirmed for screenings at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
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