From superheroes and terrifying villains to real-life stories, and epic science fiction adventures, 2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for cinema. With audiences eagerly awaiting the return of familiar franchises alongside bold new stories, there is something on the horizon for almost every film fan out there.
As we enter these last few months of the year, here are my picks for the top five most intriguing and exciting films still to come.
Primetime – September 25th, 2026
A24’s next film, starring Robert Pattinson as famous television host Chris Hansen, is set to hit theaters on September 25th and already boasts a whopping 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics who have seen early screenings mostly agree that Pattinson’s performance in this movie is amazing.
Pattinson, one of Hollywood’s most impressive actors, has proven time and time again why he has the chops. Having built a career on playing intense and charismatic characters, Primetime gives him an opportunity to venture into something different and deeply grounded: a TV crusader consumed by fame and ambition.
To Catch a Predator was one of NBC Dateline’s hottest shows in the 2000s. If you had any fascination with that era of television, this film will be right up your alley, as it dives directly into Chris Hansen’s story and the chaotic behind-the-scenes creation of the series.
Clayface – October 23rd, 2026
Luckily for fans of horror, Spooky Season is about to get even more real with the release of Clayface October 23rd.
Written by modern-day horror master Mike Flanagan, Clayface is set in the DC universe and centers on one of Batman’s most tragic and unsettling foes.
Described as a “body horror nightmare,” the film stars upcoming Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries in his biggest role to date. Harries was personally handpicked by producers Matt Reeves and James Gunn, who were reportedly blown away by his audition for the role of Matt Hagen/Clayface.
The film marks DC’s first true dip into the genre horror as they tackle a villain riddled with tragedy and obscurity. Hagen’s downfall occurs when his greed and desperation push him to transform into Clayface, ultimately destroying his humanity and costing him almost everything.
Superhero films can feel exhausting at times with repetitive, “play-it-safe” plots; so why not give this darker villain story a shot?
I Play Rocky – November 6th, 2026
The Philadelphia region has been home to plenty of film productions over the years. None have been as impactful or iconic as Rocky, released in 1976. The Character of Rocky is so legendary in Philadelphia that he has multiple statues, iconic landmarks, and an entire festival dedicated to him (RockyFest).
In the 1970s, before the film’s release, a struggling actor named Sylvester Stallone was practically broke. He refused to sell his original script for Rocky unless he was cast as the lead, gambling everything on his vision.
Rocky was a true underdog tale both on and off the screen. Just as Rocky Balboa struggled to prove himself in the ring, Stallone struggled to make his mark in Hollywood.
The good news? It worked. Since 1976, Sylvester Stallone has accumulated over 80 film credits and stands as one of the most famous actors in Hollywood. As for Rocky, the franchise has grossed over $1 billion at the box office and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.
I Play Rocky is the story of how Stallone brought his vision for Rocky to life. It shows true grit and hustle, making it a story well worth experiencing in theaters this upcoming November.
Dune: Part 3 – December 18th, 2026
Following the massive success of Dune: Part Two, the franchise returns for an epic conclusion to its seven-year trilogy with Dune: Part 3.
Returning director Denis Villeneuve brings his biggest swing yet to the screen in this epic science fiction saga based on the classic novels by author Frank Herbert. Dune: Part Two set the benchmark for what modern sci-fi cinema should be, and now, expectations and excitement for this final installment couldn’t be higher.
The film’s cast is stacked with returning stars like Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Zendaya. Meanwhile, the franchise gains a major new addition in Robert Pattinson, who steps away from his usual heroic roles to play the sadistic villain Scytale, a shape-shifting assassin hellbent on taking down Paul Atreides (Chalamet).
Villeneuve insisted on using custom IMAX lenses designed specifically for Part 3 to give audiences the most visually stunning and immersive experience possible when it hits theaters this December.
Avengers: Doomsday – December 18th, 2026
After many years of buildup, we are finally reaching the climax of Marvel’s Multiverse Saga.
The trajectory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has shifted substantially in recent years. Marvel Studios’ head Kevin Feige knew that the best way to get back on track was to return to the franchise’s roots. That meant bringing back Anthony and Joe Russo, who directed some of the MCU’s biggest and most critically acclaimed hits, including the last two Avengers films.
Avengers: Doomsday centers around Marvel’s most iconic villain, Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. in a shocking return to the MCU: Doom is the movie’s chief antagonist rather than its hero.
In addition, members of the original X-Men cast are set to return, including legendary actors Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, who have been two of the most recognizable names in Hollywood for decades.
The hype and curiosity surrounding how this massive crossover unfolds are off the charts. Avengers’ movies have always been major pop-culture milestones, grossing over $7 billion collectively at the worldwide box office. Doomsday’s stacked cast, returning directors, and its massive budget give us a very good reason to believe that this could very well be the biggest blockbuster of the year.
Where to Watch Near Campus
AMC DINE-IN Painters Crossing 9 — 112 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA 19382 | (610) 558-4814
Closest to campus (~10 min south on Rt. 202). Recliners and in-seat dining; tickets are 20% off daily before 4 p.m., plus Discount Tuesdays.
Movie Tavern Exton — 110 Bartlett Ave., Exton, PA 19341 | (484) 870-5875
~15 min north. Full food and drink service at your seat, cheapest tickets on Tuesdays.
Regal Downingtown & IMAX — 100 Quarry Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335 | (844) 462-7342
~20 min out; true IMAX screen (best for Dune: Part Three, which Villeneuve shot with IMAX film cameras).
Regal Edgmont Square — 4777 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073 | (844) 462-7342
A straight shot east on Rt. 3.
AMC Marple 10 — 400 S. State Rd, Springfield, PA 19064 | (610) 328-5439
The Colonial Theatre — 227 Bridge St, Phoenixville, PA 19460 | (610) 917-1228
This is the historic three-screen house from The Blob! Worth checking for Spooky Season programming around Clayface. Adult film tickets run $10, or $6 for members.
Regal UA King of Prussia 4DX & IMAX — 300 Goddard Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
This one is a bit of a hike (~40 min), but the only area screen with IMAX 70mm and 4DX for December’s Dune and Doomsday releases.
All five films are expected at the multiplexes above. Showtimes typically go on sale two to four weeks ahead.