Movie fans have plenty to look forward to in 2026. Along with the big-name sequels and franchises we already know, several new movies are bringing fresh stories, familiar stars, magical worlds, and some very interesting twists to the big screen.
For Filipino moviegoers, there’s an extra reason to pay attention this year. One of the upcoming animated films features a major Filipino cast, while other releases bring back characters and franchises that have been favorites for years.
If you’re building your 2026 movie watchlist, here are eight upcoming movies worth keeping an eye on—from Forgotten Island to The Adventures of Cliff Booth.
1. Forgotten Island
For Filipino audiences, Forgotten Island is one of the upcoming movies in 2026 that deserves extra attention.
The animated adventure follows two childhood friends who are transported to the mysterious world of Nakali. As they explore the island, they discover that something strange is happening to their memories.
But the story isn't the only reason Filipinos should be watching.
A Filipino cast to watch
Forgotten Island features an impressive Filipino and Filipino-American cast, including Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, and Lea Salonga.
They join an international voice cast that includes H.E.R., Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng.
The Filipino connection also extends behind the scenes, with the movie drawing inspiration from Philippine mythology and culture.
That makes Forgotten Island more than just another animated fantasy adventure. For Filipino movie fans, it’s a chance to see familiar Filipino talent featured in a major international animated production.
Why watch it: Filipino representation, animation, fantasy, and Philippine-inspired storytelling.
2. Heart of the Beast
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| Image: Heart of the Beast trailer still via Paramount Pictures |
If you like survival movies with plenty of action and a good animal story—Heart of the Beast might be one for your list.
The movie follows a Special Forces officer and his combat dog after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the Alaskan wilderness.
With extreme weather and dangerous surroundings working against them, the two have to depend on each other to survive.
Brad Pitt stars in the movie, while David Ayer directs.
The survival story is already enough to make it interesting, but the relationship between the soldier and his dog could give Heart of the Beast its emotional core.
Why watch it: Survival action, Brad Pitt, and a story centered on the bond between a soldier and his dog.
3. Digger
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| Image: Digger trailer still via Warner Bros. |
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the movie follows one of the world's most powerful men as he attempts to prove that he is the only person capable of saving humanity from a disaster he helped create.
That setup alone raises plenty of questions.
What caused the disaster? Why does he believe he's the one who can fix it? And can he actually save the world—or is he making everything worse?
Tom Cruise leads a cast that includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, and Jesse Plemons.
With Iñárritu directing and Cruise in the lead, Digger is one of those upcoming movies where the combination of talent behind the project is almost as interesting as the story itself.
Why watch it: Tom Cruise, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and an unusual end-of-the-world premise.
Prefer Watching Movies at Home?
Not every movie needs a cinema ticket. If you’d rather curl up on the couch with snacks and watch from home, choosing the right streaming service can make a big difference.
Not sure whether Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video gives you the best value in the Philippines? Check out our guide: Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video: Which Streaming Service Is Worth It in the Philippines?
We compare the three platforms to help you figure out which one fits your budget and what you actually like to watch.
4. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
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| Image: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer still via Lionsgate Movies |
Fans of The Hunger Games are heading back to Panem—but this time, the story revolves around a much younger Haymitch Abernathy.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the original story and follows Haymitch during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
The Quarter Quell comes with an especially brutal twist: twice the usual number of tributes are sent into the arena.
Joseph Zada takes on the role of young Haymitch, with Whitney Peak, Ralph Fiennes, and Maya Hawke among the cast.
For longtime fans, the movie offers a chance to understand more about one of the franchise's most complicated characters.
We already know what Haymitch becomes. The interesting part is finding out what happened to him before he became the mentor we met in the original films.
Why watch it: A new Hunger Games story, young Haymitch, and another look at the history of Panem.
5. Hexed
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| Image: Hexed trailer still via Walt Disney Animation Studios |
Disney is adding another magical adventure to its animated lineup with Hexed.
The story centers on Billie, a teenager who discovers that she has magical abilities while dealing with her overprotective mother.
Hailee Steinfeld voices Billie, while Jodie Foster voices Queen Celeste.
The movie combines magic, family relationships, and a coming-of-age story, giving it a slightly different feel from a traditional fantasy adventure.
If you enjoy animated movies with magical worlds and characters who are figuring themselves out along the way, Hexed is worth keeping on your radar.
Why watch it: Magic, family drama, animation, and a teenage heroine discovering her abilities.
Looking for Something to Watch After the Movies?
If your movie watchlist is already getting too long, you can always switch things up with a good K-drama.
Viu has plenty of Korean series to choose from, including romantic comedies, thrillers, dramas, and feel-good favorites. If you're not sure what to start with, check out our Best K-Dramas to Watch on Viu (Free Streaming Guide 2026) for recommendations you can add to your watchlist.
6. Avengers: Doomsday
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| Image: Avengers Doomsday trailer still via Marvel Entertainment |
It wouldn't be a list of the most anticipated movies of 2026 without Avengers: Doomsday.
The next major Marvel event brings together heroes and characters from different corners of the Marvel universe as the MCU continues its multiverse storyline.
One of the biggest talking points is Robert Downey Jr.'s return to Marvel as Doctor Doom.
Yes, the actor best known for playing Tony Stark and Iron Man is returning—but this time, he's stepping into the role of one of Marvel's biggest villains.
The movie also brings together characters connected to the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and other parts of the MCU.
That makes Avengers: Doomsday particularly important for Marvel fans who have been following the franchise's increasingly interconnected stories.
The big question now is how all these characters will fit into the same story—and what Doctor Doom has planned for them.
Why watch it: Doctor Doom, Robert Downey Jr., Marvel's multiverse, and a massive superhero crossover.
7. Practical Magic 2
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| Image: Practical Magic 2 trailer still via Warner Bros. |
Almost three decades after Practical Magic, the Owens sisters are returning.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their roles as Sally and Gillian Owens in Practical Magic 2.
The original movie became a favorite among fans of supernatural stories, but the sequel isn't simply bringing back the same characters for another adventure. The story also introduces the next generation of the Owens family.
Joey King and Maisie Williams join the cast as Sally's daughters.
For fans of the original, seeing Bullock and Kidman back together is probably the biggest draw.
There's also something fun about revisiting a movie from the late '90s and seeing how its characters—and its magical world—have evolved.
If you enjoyed the original Practical Magic, this is one sequel you'll probably want to keep on your radar.
Why watch it: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, magic, family, and plenty of nostalgia.
8. The Adventures of Cliff Booth
Remember Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?
The laid-back stuntman played by Brad Pitt is getting another story of his own in The Adventures of Cliff Booth.
The movie brings Brad Pitt back as Cliff, while David Fincher directs.
That pairing alone makes this one particularly interesting. Pitt and Fincher have worked together before, and now they're teaming up for a movie centered on one of Pitt's most recognizable recent characters.
For fans of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the biggest question is what kind of trouble Cliff will find himself in this time.
The original movie introduced him as Rick Dalton's stunt double and longtime friend. This time, the spotlight is on Cliff.
And if you're a fan of Brad Pitt, Quentin Tarantino's Hollywood universe, or David Fincher's filmmaking style, this is definitely one to watch.
Why watch it: Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth, with David Fincher directing.
Which Upcoming 2026 Movie Are You Most Excited About?
There’s a pretty good mix here.
Forgotten Island gives Filipino audiences a reason to celebrate local talent on a major international production. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes us deeper into Haymitch's story, while Avengers: Doomsday promises another huge Marvel event.
Then you have Practical Magic 2 bringing back a beloved supernatural story, Heart of the Beast offering survival action, Digger taking on a strange end-of-the-world premise, Hexed bringing more magic to animation, and The Adventures of Cliff Booth giving fans another chapter in Cliff Booth's story.
Whether you're choosing what to watch at the cinema or simply building your 2026 movie bucket list, these are worth keeping on your radar.
What's on your movie watchlist?
Which of these upcoming 2026 movies are you most excited to see? Is it Avengers: Doomsday, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Forgotten Island, or something else?
Save this post for your next movie-planning session, and follow us on social media for more movie releases, cinema updates, trailers, and what-to-watch recommendations.
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