With the freezing winter season on its way, there’s no better plan than sitting down with some popcorn and watching one of the year’s most anticipated movies.
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.
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.
The film’s trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: 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.
The trailer for the movie is out now on YouTube.
When: Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theatres on 31 July 2026
Where to watch: Set for release at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
The third cinematic release for the beloved PAW Patrol franchise, The Dino Movie, sees the group stranded on an unknown world filled with dinosaurs. The ensemble voice cast includes Carter Young, Terry Crews, Jennifer Hudson, Bill Nye, Paris Hilton, and Snoop Dogg.
The PAW Patrol crash-lands on an uncharted tropical island filled with dinosaurs after their ship gets caught in a mysterious storm. They meet Rex, a pup who has been stranded for years and has become an expert in all things dino-related. When the Patrol’s archrival, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly mining to exploit the island’s natural resources, he inadvertently causes a huge, dormant volcano to erupt. The pups are thrown into a series of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues bigger than anything they’ve done before, as they must stop Humdinger before everything on the island goes extinct.
When: PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie opens in theatres on 7 August 2026
Where to watch: Showing at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
Sunny Dancer
Written and directed by rising filmmaker George Jaques, Sunny Dancer follows a 17-year-old cancer survivor who goes to a special “summer camp” in an inspiring and edgy teen comedy.
After 17-year-old Ivy beats cancer, she can’t think of anything worse than becoming a Make-A-Wish kid. When her parents send her to a summer camp for kids affected by cancer, Ivy has a hard time adjusting to the rules. But as the weeks progress, she manages to find unexpected friends in an unlikely group of misfits and has a summer she’ll never forget at ‘Chemo Camp’.
Sunny Dancer is a coming-of-age comedy-romance celebrating love, friendship, and challenging adversity: feeling most alive whilst the world has other plans. The cast includes Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), and James Norton (House of the Dragon). The film premiered at Berlinale in 2026 and was nominated for the Crystal Bear award. A sneak peek is available here.
When: Sunny Dancer opens exclusively in cinemas on 14 August 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are available on Ster-Kinekor
Mutiny
Mutiny is the latest action-thriller featuring film icon Jason Statham (The Meg, Fast & Furious). Directed by Jean-François Richet (Plane) and produced by Statham himself alongside Marc Butan, the story follows an employee after he is framed for his boss’ murder.
After his billionaire industrialist boss is murdered in front of him, Cole Reed is set up to take the fall for the crime – leaving him on the run after going on a one-man crusade as he works to uncover an international conspiracy.
The film also stars Annabelle Wallis (Peaky Blinders), Roland Møller (Skyscraper), and Jason Wong (The Gentlemen). The soundtrack is by industry veteran Marcus Trumpp, who has contributed to fan favourites such as A Quiet Place, Logan, World War Z, and I, Robot. The film’s trailer is available on YouTube.
When: Mutiny hits cinemas on 21 August 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are available on Ster-Kinekor
The Dog Stars
The latest film from legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars features an all-star cast with Josh Brolin (Avengers: Infinity War, Dune), Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Frankenstein), Margaret Qualley (The Substance), Allison Janney (Masters of Sex), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange, Weapons) and Oscar-nominated actor Guy Pearce.
Set after a devastating flu pandemic that has almost eradicated humanity, the film centres on Hig, a former civilian pilot, and Bangley, a hardened former Marine, as they confront outside threats and hold onto the possibility of a better life beyond where they currently live.
The post-apocalyptic science fiction drama is based on a 2012 book by the same name, written by Peter Heller. The film, which has a budget of over $100 million, has a full-length trailer on YouTube.
When: The Dog Stars releases on 28 August 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are available on Ster-Kinekor
Carmen
After bringing Bizet’s Carmen, one of the world’s most loved operas, to the stage in a searing new production, Cape Town Opera’s latest work is now on the big screen. The sold-out triumph is coming to Ster-Kinekor cinemas across the country, and those who missed the acclaimed show (and anyone wanting to see it a second time) can now watch it in an immersive screening experience.
Under the bold directorial vision of Steven Stead, this production is set against the turbulent backdrop of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), intensifying the opera’s themes of power, desire and defiance. At the helm of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Tim Murray drives the score with electrifying momentum, leading a full ensemble of singers, dancers and orchestra in a production of thrilling scale and dramatic force.
Cost: R199.90 per person. Tickets can be booked on Ster-Kinekor.
When: 23 August – 1 September 2026 | Times TBC
Where: Ster-Kinekor cinemas @ V&A Waterfront, Blue Route, Somerset & Garden Route Mall
Fall 2
The sequel to Netflix streaming hit Fall (2022), Fall 2: Deadpoint brings even more vertigo-inducing and teeth-grinding sequences that are sure to keep even the mildest of acrophobics on the edge of their seat. Viewers can expect another thrill-ride of main characters traversing a treacherous landscape in the middle of nowhere, with Deadpoint‘s Thai setting making for an even more exotic and remote adventure.
Grieving her sister Shiloh’s death, Jax Hunter bonds with Shiloh’s bold friend Luce. They tackle Mount Kwan’s dangerous plank walk in Thailand. When a rockslide traps them on a narrow plank 3000 feet up, Jax must face her fears to survive.
The film is directed by the Spierig brothers, known for the time-travel drama Predestination and the horror sequel Jigsaw. The all-new cast features Harriet Slater as Shiloh Hunter’s sister from the first film, alongside Arsema Thomas (as Luce, Shiloh’s old friend), with Grace Caroline Currey reprising her role as Becky Connor.
The film’s official trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: Fall 2 is scheduled to release on 4 September 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are almost open on Ster-Kinekor
Resident Evil
The latest film adaptation of the fan-favourite video game franchise, acclaimed writer-director Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) continues his run of quality horror films with Resident Evil. The film stars many emerging Hollywood talents in Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Weapons), Zach Cherry (Severance), and Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country).
Bryan, a medical courier, is in the process of making a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital when an outbreak forces him to fight for survival.
The film follows a version of the events of Resident Evil 2, one of the most beloved games in the series, albeit with an entirely new story. The 2026 horror movie is the latest addition to the recent renaissance of video game adaptations in film and television, following in the footsteps of The Last of Us, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Fallout. The creepy trailer is available now on YouTube.
When: Resident Evil is scheduled to release on 25 September 2026
Where to watch: Bookings are almost open on Ster-Kinekor
Avengers: Endgame (Re-release)
In the lead-up to the next era of Marvel films, Avengers: Endgame is being re-released to South African audiences this September. A historic movie that served as the end of an era of cinema and, at one point, held the record as the highest-grossing film of all time, this is perhaps the last time viewers can witness the film in a true theatre experience.
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos’ actions and restore balance to the universe.
Endgame features Marvel’s biggest ensemble cast to date, including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, and many more.
When: Re-releases in select SK theatres on 25 September 2026
Where to watch: Tickets available exclusively at Ster-Kinekor cinemas
Digger
Directed by the Oscar-winning visionary Alejandro G. Iñárritu, best known for Birdman and The Revenant, this latest film is a comedy of “catastrophic proportions” starring Tom Cruise. Beyond that, we don’t know much.
The most powerful man in the world races to prove he is humanity’s saviour before the disaster he unleashed destroys everything.
The cast is filled with some fan favourites, including Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, and Emma D’Arcy. The movie’s very strange and intriguing “teaser trailer” (which, for some reason, features clips from most of Cruise’s previous films) is out now on YouTube.
When: Opens in theatres on 2 October 2026
Where to watch: Set for release at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
The Social Reckoning
The much-anticipated sequel to the Facebook origin story The Social Network follows the true story of Facebook engineer Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), who blows the whistle on the trillion-dollar corporation’s darker secrets. The cast also includes Jeremy Allen White as a Wall Street Journal reporter and an older Mark Zuckerberg, now played by Jeremy Strong.
Aaron Sorkin, the writer of the original film (which won three Academy Awards), returns as the film’s writer-director. After The Social Network uncovered many of the scandals that plagued Facebook’s formative years, The Social Reckoning dives even deeper into the terrifying true story of what the company has become over the years.
The film’s trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: Opens in theatres on 9 October 2026
Where to watch: Likely for release at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
Clayface
In what has been a landmark year for horror films, with overnight successes including Obsession and Backrooms, DC Studios is moving beyond the superhero genre with this year’s Clayface.
Rising Hollywood star Matt Hagen descends into a horrifying, revenge-filled monster when scientific ambition strips him of his identity and humanity.
Releasing a week before Halloween, the movie is set to be the horror watch of the spooky season. The very unsettling teaser trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: Opens in theatres on 23 October 2026
Where to watch: Likely for release at Ster-Kinekor 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.
The trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: Opens on 20 November 2026
Where to watch: Set to be released at Ster-Kinekor & 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.
The film’s latest trailer is out now on YouTube.
When: Opens on 18 December 2026
Where: Confirmed for screenings at IMAX locations & Ster-Kinekor 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 otherworldly 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.
The official trailer has been released on YouTube.
When: 18 December 2026
Where to watch: Likely for release at Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide
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