As the seasons change, so does the cinematic landscape, with Fall 2026 poised to deliver a slate of highly anticipated films that cater to a variety of tastes. From cozy, nostalgic viewing to thrilling new adventures, moviegoers have numerous reasons to head to the theater this autumn. This curated list from Polygon identifies the ten most significant releases, spanning major franchises, unexpected sequels, and ambitious adaptations.
Video game fans have particular cause for excitement, with adaptations of both Resident Evil and Street Fighter set to debut. The Resident Evil reboot, directed by Zach Cregger, aims to offer a fresh take on Capcom's survival horror franchise. This iteration runs parallel to the events of Resident Evil 2, but shifts focus to a medical courier named Bryan, allowing for a new spin on the established lore. Similarly, a new Street Fighter film from director Kitao Sakurai promises an action-comedy approach, delving deeper into characters like Chun-Li, Ken Masters, and Ryu, and featuring a notable cast including Jason Momoa as Blanka.
Sequels and franchise installments are also prominent. The foul-mouthed mercenary Santa returns in Violent Night 2, with David Harbour reprising his role as a troubled Saint Nick facing new threats alongside Mrs. Claus, played by Kristen Bell. The Godzilla saga continues with Godzilla Minus Zero, set in 1949 Japan two years after the events of Godzilla Minus One. This sequel will follow the Shikishima family as Japan rebuilds, facing a new threat that appears to be targeting New York City.
Further down the list, Dune: Part 3 will conclude Denis Villeneuve's ambitious space opera. This installment, set 17 years after Part 2, will challenge the heroic perception of Paul Atreides, portraying him as a more ruthless figure whose universal conquest brings severe consequences. Another high-stakes narrative comes from Marvel Studios with Avengers: Doomsday, the latest superhero team-up that promises a multiverse-spanning conflict against Doctor Doom, bringing together actors from previous MCU films and the X-Men franchise.
Beyond the major franchises, unique stories are set to captivate audiences. Disney's animated feature Hexed follows a rebellious teen girl named Billie who discovers her magical abilities and is transported to a realm of witches. Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn, the film is expected to explore themes of female relationships and family secrets with stylish animation. Meanwhile, Wicker, directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, offers a darkly comedic tale based on a short story about a reclusive fisherwoman who commissions a husband made of wicker, leading to unexpected chaos in her village. The film stars Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård.
Horror fans can anticipate Clayface from DC Studios, with directors James Watkins and producer Mike Flanagan. This body horror film focuses on a movie star who undergoes experimental surgery with horrifying side effects. The film is set in Gotham and explores the psychological toll of losing one's identity.
Two other notable films rounding out the list include The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel set 24 years before the original trilogy, focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, which featured double the tributes. The list also includes a Halloween-themed horror film, Wicker, offering kooky shenanigans in a small medieval town. The full list was compiled by Polygon as part of their Fall 2026 Preview.