Johnny Depp & Brad Pitt Return, Villeneuve Is Completing His Epic Trilogy, and Many Sequels—Here’s Every Major Project the Big Studios Are Sending to Theaters This Fall

Major film studios and independent distributors have established a packed theatrical calendar scheduled across the fall and holiday seasons of 2026. Moviegoers can expect a dynamic combination of tentpole franchise continuations, high-profile book adaptations, original animated adventures, and auteur-driven prestige dramas.

Spanning Warner Bros., Disney, Universal, Sony, Paramount, Netflix, Amazon MGM, A24, and Black Bear, cinemas will showcase an expansive lineup from September through December. Here is a comprehensive overview of the upcoming studio films slated to debut on the big screen in late 2026.

‘Practical Magic 2’ (2026)

Distributed by Warner Bros., ‘Practical Magic 2’ serves as a supernatural sequel following sisters Sally and Gillian Owens as they confront a new mystical threat alongside their ancestral curse. Susanne Bier directs the feature from a screenplay penned by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their leading roles alongside an ensemble featuring Joey King, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing. The fantasy drama is scheduled to arrive in North American theaters on September 11, 2026.

‘Digger’ (2026)

Warner Bros. brings ‘Digger’ to theaters on October 2, 2026, marking the latest dramatic feature from filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Iñárritu directs and co-wrote the script alongside Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Nicolás Giacobone, and Sabina Berman. The narrative centers on an enormously powerful man attempting to convince humanity that he can save the world before a self-inflicted disaster brings total ruin. Tom Cruise leads the production alongside an ensemble cast that includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons.

‘The Cat in the Hat’ (2026)

Warner Bros. Pictures is set to release the animated feature ‘The Cat in the Hat’ in theaters on November 6, 2026. Directed and written by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja, the adaptation draws directly from the iconic children’s book by Dr. Seuss. The storyline follows the mischievous titular feline attempting to cheer up siblings Gabby and Sebastian after they relocate to a new town, risking the loss of his magical hat in the process. Bill Hader voices the titular character alongside a voice cast that features Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, America Ferrera, Giancarlo Esposito, and Bowen Yang.

‘Dune: Part Three’ (2026)

Denis Villeneuve directs and co-wrote ‘Dune: Part Three’ alongside Brian K. Vaughan, serving as the concluding installment in his science-fiction epic trilogy. Adapting Frank Herbert’s novel, the story jumps nearly two decades into the future to chronicle Paul Atreides’ turbulent reign as galactic emperor. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya return alongside a cast including Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson, and Javier Bardem. Warner Bros. will release the epic internationally on December 16, 2026, before its North American theatrical launch on December 18, 2026.

‘Hexed’ (2026)

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents ‘Hexed’, an original animated adventure scheduled to debut in cinemas on November 25, 2026. Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, with Josie Trinidad serving as co-director, the film centers on a teenager named Billie who accidentally unlocks dormant magical powers. Billie and her cautious mother are suddenly transported into Hexe, a hidden realm of witches where they must uncover long-buried family secrets. The voice cast is led by Hailee Steinfeld alongside Rashida Jones, Tracey Ullman, Stephen Fry, Walton Goggins, and Jodie Foster.

‘Whalefall’ (2026)

20th Century Studios is set to distribute ‘Whalefall’ in theaters on October 16, 2026. Directed by Brian Duffield, who co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Kraus based on Kraus’ novel, the thriller focuses on a young scuba diver named Jay Gardiner. While grieving the loss of his father, Jay is swallowed by a sperm whale and must utilize his remaining hour of oxygen and his father’s teachings to escape. Austin Abrams stars as Gardiner alongside supporting performances from Josh Brolin, Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd.

‘Wild Horse Nine’ (2026)

Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, ‘Wild Horse Nine’ is slated for theatrical release by Searchlight Pictures on November 6, 2026. Set shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, the historical thriller tracks two CIA agents dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island on an intelligence mission. Once on the remote island, buried secrets and an escalating conspiracy threaten to completely derail their operation. The ensemble cast features John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Mariana di Girolamo, Ailín Salas, Tom Waits, and Parker Posey.

‘Behemoth!’ (2026)

Searchlight Pictures will release ‘Behemoth!’ in theaters on December 4, 2026. Tony Gilroy serves as writer and director for the drama, which explores themes of artistic ambition and personal transformation. The plot follows a gifted cellist who returns to Los Angeles after spending two decades touring on the road, where a musical reconnection alters his trajectory. Pedro Pascal stars in the lead role alongside Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, Will Arnett, Alexa Swinton, Margarita Levieva, and Hank Azaria.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (2026)

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ will hit theaters under Marvel Studios and Disney on December 18, 2026. The cinematic event unites heroes across three distinct realities to confront an existential multiverse threat. The production integrates characters from the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men into a single sprawling narrative. The expansive ensemble features Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart.

‘Focker-in-Law’ (2026)

Universal Pictures will release the comedy ‘Focker-in-Law’ in theaters on November 25, 2026. Written and directed by John Hamburg, the sequel continues the story of Greg and Pam Focker as their son Henry prepares for marriage. The family dynamic unravels when Henry’s fiancée appears completely incompatible with him, prompting extensive meddling from both sides. Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, and Owen Wilson reprise their roles alongside newcomers Ariana Grande, Skyler Gisondo, and Beanie Feldstein.

‘Forgotten Island’ (2026)

DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures have slated ‘Forgotten Island’ for a theatrical rollout on September 25, 2026. Helmed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the animated fantasy follows two lifelong best friends transported through a portal to the mythical realm of Nakali. While navigating hazardous creature encounters, the duo discovers that escaping the island may result in erasing all memories of their bond. The voice ensemble includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.

‘Other Mommy’ (2026)

Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the psychological horror film ‘Other Mommy’ on October 9, 2026. Rob Savage directs from a script by Nathan Elston, adapting author Josh Malerman’s novel. The story follows a young girl who develops a terrifying relationship with a sinister entity lurking in her home that closely mimics her mother’s appearance. Jessica Chastain stars in a dual role alongside Jay Duplass, Arabella Olivia Clark, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, and Karen Allen.

‘Sense and Sensibility’ (2026)

Focus Features is set to release a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ in United States cinemas on October 16, 2026. Directed by Georgia Oakley from a screenplay written by Diana Reid, the period drama centers on sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. The narrative explores the sisters’ differing approaches to romantic heartbreak, societal pressure, and financial hardship following their father’s death. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles star as the Dashwood sisters alongside Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw.

‘Violent Night 2’ (2026)

Universal Pictures brings holiday action back to the big screen with ‘Violent Night 2’, releasing in theaters on December 4, 2026. Director Tommy Wirkola returns to helm the project alongside screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller. The plot follows a magic-depleted Santa Claus who must restore his lost faith and recruit Mrs. Claus to defend a shopping mall under siege. David Harbour reprises his central role as Santa, joined by Kristen Bell, Jared Harris, Joe Pantoliano, Daniela Melchior, Andrew Bachelor, and Maxwell Friedman.

‘Werwulf’ (2026)

Focus Features will distribute ‘Werwulf’ in cinemas on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026. The medieval gothic horror feature is directed by Robert Eggers, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Icelandic writer Sjón. Set in historical England, the atmospheric story reinterprets the traditional werewolf legend through the lens of a vicious creature terrorizing rural communities. The film features a principal cast that includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp, and Ralph Ineson.

‘Resident Evil’ (2026)

Sony Pictures is bringing a fresh cinematic entry to theaters with ‘Resident Evil’, set to premiere on September 18, 2026. Zach Cregger directs the survival horror film and co-authored the script with screenwriter Shay Hatten. The plot focuses on a medical courier named Bryan whose routine assignment spirals into violence during an unexpected viral outbreak. Austin Abrams stars as Bryan alongside supporting cast members Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.

‘The Social Reckoning’ (2026)

Produced by Alcon Entertainment and Columbia Pictures for Sony, ‘The Social Reckoning’ arrives in theaters on October 9, 2026. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film acts as a thematic companion to ‘The Social Network’. The drama dramatizes the revelations of whistleblower Frances Haugen and investigative journalist Jeff Horwitz as they expose internal tech industry controversies. Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White lead the ensemble alongside Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen, Bill Burr, and Jeremy Strong.

‘Heart of the Beast’ (2026)

Paramount Pictures has scheduled the wilderness survival drama ‘Heart of the Beast’ to debut in theaters on September 25, 2026. Directed by David Ayer, the film tracks a former Special Forces operative named James Belmont stranded in the harsh Alaskan wilderness following a plane crash. Belmont must rely on his tactical training and the loyalty of his combat dog Odin to navigate the unforgiving natural terrain. Brad Pitt portrays the lead role in the high-stakes survival thriller.

‘Street Fighter’ (2026)

Paramount Pictures will release the live-action video game adaptation ‘Street Fighter’ in theaters on October 16, 2026. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the martial arts action film takes place in 1993 during the brutal World Warrior Tournament. Martial artists Ryu and Ken are recruited by Chun-Li to compete, only to uncover a sinister conspiracy running beneath the competition. The adaptation stars Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, and Callina Liang in the primary roles.

‘Ebenezer’ (2026)

Paramount Pictures is releasing the dark fantasy film ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ on November 13, 2026. Ti West directs the gothic adaptation from a screenplay written by Nathaniel Halpern, based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella. The story offers a grim reimagining of Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting by spectral apparitions across Christmas Eve. Johnny Depp portrays Scrooge alongside a supporting cast featuring Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Daisy Ridley, Sam Claflin, and Ian McKellen.

‘Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story’ (2026)

Directed by Jonathan Levine from a screenplay by Nick Santora, ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ arrives in theaters via Paramount Pictures on December 25, 2026. The sports biopic chronicles the real-life journey of football player John Tuggle, who was selected as the final pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. The plot details Tuggle’s determination to overcome his draft status and earn a lasting legacy with the New York Giants organization. David Corenswet stars as Tuggle alongside a cast that includes Michael Shannon, Isabel May, and David Krumholtz.

‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ (2026)

Paramount Pictures will bring the animated sequel ‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’ to theaters on December 23, 2026. John Rice directs the animated family feature from a screenplay written by Thurop Van Orman. The comedic story centers on Red attempting to manage the trials of fatherhood while answering the call to protect his world once again. Jason Sudeikis returns to voice Red alongside Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Rachel Bloom, Emma Myers, Keke Palmer, and Lily James.

‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth’ (2026)

Directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth’ continues the story of the titular character originally introduced in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Set in 1977 Los Angeles, the drama follows Booth as he navigates the criminal underbelly and high-stakes politics of working as a studio fixer. Brad Pitt leads the cast as Booth alongside Timothy Olyphant, Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Netflix will launch the project with an exclusive two-week theatrical IMAX release starting November 25, 2026, before streaming it on December 23, 2026.

‘Verity’ (2026)

Amazon MGM Studios will distribute ‘Verity’ in movie theaters on October 2, 2026. Michael Showalter directs the psychological thriller from a screenplay by Nick Antosca, adapting the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. The narrative follows a struggling writer hired to complete the manuscripts of an incapacitated author, only to uncover a disturbing unpublished autobiography detailing family secrets. Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Córdova, and Brady Wagner comprise the central cast.

‘Primetime’ (2026)

A24 has scheduled the release of ‘Primetime’ in theaters on September 25, 2026. Directed by Lance Oppenheim from a script by Ajon Singh, the drama dramatizes television host Chris Hansen’s high-profile 2006 broadcast ventures. The story examines the ethical tensions and media frenzy surrounding investigative stings designed to capture television ratings. Robert Pattinson portrays the central role alongside Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher, and Bokeem Woodbine.

‘The Debut’ (2026)

A24 is slated to release ‘The Debut’ in cinemas nationwide on December 11, 2026. Jesse Eisenberg wrote and directed the comedy-drama, marking his latest directorial project. The story tracks a reserved housewife who wins a part in a local community theater production and becomes obsessively committed to method acting, clashing with the director. Julianne Moore stars in the lead role alongside Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, and Eisenberg.

‘Wicker’ (2026)

Black Bear will release the dark romantic fantasy ‘Wicker’ in select theaters on October 23, 2026, followed by a wide expansion on October 30, 2026. Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson co-wrote and directed the feature, which adapts Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story. The plot follows a lonely seaside resident who commissions a husband woven entirely from wicker, confronting social ostracism and unexpected intimacy. Olivia Colman stars in the lead role alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Elizabeth Debicki, Peter Dinklage, and Richard E. Grant.

Tell us which of these fall 2026 theatrical releases you are most excited to watch on the big screen by sharing your thoughts in the comments.