With the freezing winter season on its way, there’s no better plan than sitting down with some popcorn and watching one of the most anticipated films of the year.
With everything from massive blockbusters to indie darlings and kids’ favourites, there’s something for everyone at the cinema in 2026. Here are some of our most hotly anticipated movies of 2026.
Keep an eye out as we’ll be updating this guide throughout the year.
Upcoming Film Events
Encounters Documentary Festival 2026
Now in its 28th year, the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is Africa’s premier documentary festival, highlighting some of the world’s most pressing issues and celebrating global pioneers in the film industry.
Tackling topics such as rural poverty, homophobia, American doctors working in Gaza and the legacy of apartheid, the festival is a crucial point of information for raising awareness around global and local issues. The festival is taking place in both Cape Town and Johannesburg from 4 to 14 June, and highlights the increasingly important role that filmmakers play in the modern world.
Discover important documentaries from visionary South African filmmakers at Encounters
Disclosure Day
We know very little about Disclosure Day, other than that it’s directed by Steven Spielberg and features the likes of Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, and Josh O’Connor. What we’ve seen from the trailer promises something eerie, suspenseful, and somewhat sci-fi. Whatever it is, it’s sure to be something completely unexpected.
When: Opens in theatres on 12 June 2026
Where to watch: Likely to be screened at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
Toy Story 5
The fifth instalment of the popular film series about sentient childhood toys sees the toy crew encounter a new foe: technology. The story takes a cue from real life, introducing a technological device that threatens to leave the toys abandoned and obsolete.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to voice Woody and Buzz Lightyear, respectively, with the rest of the toy cast being voiced by other all-stars, including Craig Robinson, Greta Lee, Joan Cusack, Keanu Reeves and more.
When: Toy Story 5 opens in theatres on 19 June 2026
Where: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and IMAX cinemas, and on Disney+.
Supergirl
After seeing her briefly in 2025’s Superman, the titular heroine is back on the big screen: this time, going on a space odyssey to celebrate her 23rd birthday with Krypto the Dog. The movie features Milly Alcock (as Supergirl herself), Emily Beecham, David Corenswet, and Jason Momoa (importantly, not as Aquaman).
The film promises to be a fun comic book romp through space, returning to familiar territory for producer James Gunn. Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya & Cruella) with a script written by Ana Noguiera (Hamilton).
When: Opens in theatres on 26 June 2026
Where to watch: Likely to be screened at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
Minions & Monsters
The latest film in the iconic kids franchise sees the minions in 1920s Hollywood, as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.
The all-star voice cast includes Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, and Zoey Deutch.
When: Opens in theatres on 26 June 2026
Where to watch: Screening at Nu Metro and SterKinekor cinemas nationwide.
Moana
A live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney animation, Moana follows the titular character as she leaves her home island of Motunui for the first time. Accompanied by the demigod Maui, she undertakes a voyage aimed at recovering the well-being of her community.
The film stars Catherine Laga’aia in her film debut as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his role of the fan favourite Maui.
When: Opens in theatres on 10 July 2026
Where to watch: Screening at SterKinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide. Bookings are not yet available.
The Odyssey
The Odyssey is award-winning director, Christopher Nolan’s (Interstellar, The Dark Knight, Oppenheimer), latest blockbuster epic. The movie features an unbelievable A-list cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and more.
The film follows the Greek hero Odysseus after the Trojan War, as he faces a dangerous 10-year voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way.
The mythic action epic has been shot around the world using brand-new IMAX film technology. The movie brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theatres everywhere.
When: The Odyssey opens in theatres on 17 July 2026
Where to watch: Set to be released in IMAX cinemas nationwide
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The start of a new trilogy of Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man franchise films finally arrives in cinemas this winter. In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a college-aged ‘Spider-Man’ (Tom Holland) has to navigate life in a world where Peter Parker no longer exists.
He lives on his own with no family and friends to speak of, working full-time as a superhero. As he tries to reconnect with the friends he once knew as Peter Parker before any trace of him was erased from his world, a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats Spider-Man has ever faced.
When: Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theatres on 31 July 2026
Where to watch: Confirmed for release at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
The latest addition to the Hunger Games film series goes back 24 years before Katniss’ first games to character Haymitch’s (Katniss’ mentor played by Woody Harrelson in the original movies) youth.
The film follows Haymitch’s participation in the second quarter quell, which saw twice as many tributes from each district selected to participate in the infamous Hunger Games.
The cast features newcomer Joseph Zada as Haymitch, alongside stars such as McKenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close and more.
When: Opens on 20 November 2026
Where to watch: Select Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro and IMAX cinemas
Dune: Part Three
The third and final part of Denis Villeneuve’s film series of Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novels (this time based on Dune Messiah) is out this December.
With the first two Dune films earning both critical acclaim and fan favour, fans will not want to miss the conclusion to this epic franchise. The third film sees Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) ascend to power and explores the implications of his rule as Emperor, as well as the dangers of unchecked power.
When: 18 December 2026
Where: Confirmed for screenings at IMAX locations, Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
Avengers: Doomsday
The first Avengers instalment in nearly a decade, Doomsday first gained traction when a promotional video showcased the incredible cast, including returns by Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Robert Downey Jr. The film promises another other-worldly unification of Marvel’s biggest heroes, some old and some new, with Downey playing the villainous Doctor Doom.
With little information about the film’s plot beyond teasers for major characters, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s biggest blockbuster (and its planned sequel, Secret Wars in 2027) remains a mystery.
When: 18 December 2026
Where to watch: Likely for release at Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas nationwide
See more film, tech and gaming events in Cape Town
