Despite major box office wins for films like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, this summer at the movies otherwise felt a little quiet. The projects that most assumed would be surefire successes — like, say, DC’s Supergirl, or The Mandalorian and Grogu — didn’t make nearly as big a splash as anticipated, making 2026 a subversive year for the world’s biggest franchises. And there’s sure to be more surprises as summer gives way to fall.
Blockbuster season may be reaching its end, but this year’s slate is heating up all the same. Superhero fans will get a bit of a lull until December, when Marvel returns with the latest Avengers film. Meanwhile, it’s a great time to be a fan of freaky horror fests, sticky psychological thrillers, and big performances not-so-subtly designed to put the Oscars on notice. Here are the 15 most exciting movies to keep on your radar this fall.
