The Best New Movies of 2026 So Far: Our Mid-Year Picks
29 July, 20262026 is only halfway done and considering the plethora of massive hits we have coming towards the year’s end, it’s impressive that cinema has already graced us with a number of excellent, and surprisingly varied movies. Major filmmakers return alongside rising stars and some unexpected favourites, this year so far has offered something for almost every kind of movie fan. Let’s take a look at some of the standouts.
The Odyssey
I mean come on, how could we possibly start anywhere else?
Christopher Nolan doesn’t do anything small, and so he decided to take on one of the oldest stories in Western literature with The Odyssey, a huge-scale adaptation of Homer’s epic ancient Greek poem. The story follows Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War. Nolan’s adaptation stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron among the ensemble cast. Based mainly off Emily Wilson’s modern 2017 translation, Nolan’s The Odyssey is the first film to be shot fully with IMAX cameras, creating a true large-format cinematic experience.
Few filmmakers would attempt to turn an ancient story into a modern cinematic event quite like Nolan, and with something as highly regarded and studied as this, and with its strong ties to Greek history and culture, there were bound to be some strong opinions. Despite some people’s outrage at the casting, “historical inaccuracies” and treatment of the source material, The Odyssey has become one of 2026’s biggest theatrical successes. It has become Nolan’s biggest worldwide opening ever, the biggest opening weekend of Matt Damon’s career, and it is on track to make $1 billion before the end of its theatrical run. Its scale and practical filmmaking in particular make it a genuinely awe-inspiring big-screen experience, even if it doesn’t all live up to expectations for some.
Project Hail Mary
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary adapts Andy Weir’s bestselling science-fiction novel into a big-screen adventure. Starring Ryan Gosling alongside Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung and Milana Vayntrub; the story follows a former teacher-turned-astronaut who wakes up alone aboard a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there. He soon discovers that he has been sent on a mission to solve the mystery behind a threat that could endanger life on Earth.
Project Hail Mary has been a massive hit with audiences and critics alike, with praise for its sense of wonder and visual ambition. Ryan Gosling, who seemingly can do no wrong, leads with emotion and curiosity- combining hard science-fiction ideas with a surprisingly heartfelt story of a lonely man’s unlikely friendship with an extraterrestrial that doesn’t want to kill him. Amaze amaze amaze!
Michael
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael explores the extraordinary life and career of arguably the biggest star of all time: Michael Jackson. Whilst there has been several biopics depicting his life over the years, none of them have been on this scale. Michael follows his rise from childhood performer with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to one of the most influential entertainers in music history. The film stars Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. Whilst the biopic doesn’t break any new ground and doesn’t go into any of the more complicated situations surrounding his life and career, ending during the “Bad” era of the 80s, it does offer a lovely celebration of his artistic achievements and his creative process.
Jaafar Jackson’s performance and his physical and musical resemblance to his uncle have been praised enormously, and despite mixed opinions on the handling of Jackson’s complicated legacy, its ambition, musical sequences and the challenge of portraying one of the most famous figures of the modern era make it one of the year’s most talked-about releases. With a sequel reportedly on the way which will dive into said complications, we eagerly await more news.
The Drama
Starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya who are both on absolutely legendary runs right now, The Drama is directed by Kristoffer Borgli and follows a couple whose relationship begins to unravel in the days leading up to their wedding. Also with Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim, the film is a blend of psychological drama, dark comedy and surrealism much in keeping with Borgli’s work. The focus here is far less on romance and more on the anxieties, insecurities and shifting identities that can emerge when two people are forced to confront the reality of spending their lives together.
The Drama is both uncomfortable and darkly funny. Pattinson and Zendaya share great on-screen chemistry, giving two of the year's strongest performances (in a year that has them in many!). Whilst its unusual approach won't work for everyone, The Drama stands out as one of 2026's boldest and most original releases, proving that love stories can still take fresh and surprising turns.
Disclosure Day
One of the godfathers of modern cinema, Steven Spielberg returned to science-fiction with Disclosure Day, a first-contact story centred on humanity’s reaction to discovering that we may not be alone in the universe. Starring Emily Blunt alongside Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo and Wyatt Russell, the film continues the director’s long-running fascination with humanity’s relationship with the unknown as seen in classics like E.T, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Jurassic Park.
Part of the excitement surrounding Disclosure Day came from Spielberg returning to the genre that produced some of his most iconic work. Much of the marketing chose to, well, not “disclose” very much, focusing on mystery, wonder and emotional impact over spectacle. Whilst it had big ideas and a major cast, Disclosure Day divided opinions with some enjoying its classic, very Spielberg approach to filmmaking, whilst others questioned whether that style still works in 2026. Personally, the film has plenty of great things going for it, but they came together in a package that ultimately felt a little disconnected. Its big philosophical question about humanity’s place in the universe are intriguing though, and still make it one of 2026’s most significant science-fiction releases.
Obsession
Another love story gone wrong, Obsession is by director Curry Barker and became one of 2026's biggest surprise success stories. Starring Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson and Andy Richter, this horror film follows a lonely young man who uses a mysterious "One Wish Willow" to make his lifelong crush fall in love with him. I mean you can spot the issue with this from a mile away. But the heart wants what the heart wants and all that. He soon discovers that every desire comes with a terrifying price, spiralling into a disturbing tale of, well, obsession, possession and the consequences of trying to control another person's free will.
Made on a reported budget of under $1 million, Obsession became a genuine word-of-mouth phenomenon, proving that original horror can still dominate at the box office without relying on an established franchise. Equal parts tragic romance and nightmare fuel, Obsession is one of the year's most inventive horror films and a hugely impressive breakthrough for its young filmmaker.
Honourable Mention: The Mandalorian and Grogu
The Mandalorian and Grogu brings the hugely popular Disney+ series to the big screen, reuniting audiences with the galaxy's most beloved bounty hunter and his pint-sized companion. Directed by Disney veteran Jon Favreau, Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin alongside Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White and Jonny Coyne, with the film following the duo on a new adventure that expands the ever-growing Star Wars universe while remaining accessible to newcomers.
After years of dominating streaming, The Mandalorian proves it can make the jump to cinemas without losing the charm that made it a global phenomenon. Favreau delivers a crowd-pleasing blend of action, humour and heartfelt character moments, with our beloved "Baby Yoda" Grogu once again stealing almost every scene he appears in. Whilst it doesn't reinvent Star Wars, the film embraces everything fans loved about the series. A welcome return to the big screen for a galaxy far, far away.
Space missions, ancient mythology, horror and character-driven dramas, 2026 so far has showcased a wide array of genres. With the likes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing this week, and Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three still to come- not to mention releasing on the same day (Hello, Dunesday!), the year’s best movies are far from over! We look forward to what’s in store.
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