2026 is a big year for movies; even though it is only February, we have already gotten a wide array of movie releases. After interviewing Overlake students, I have found the top 3 most popular hyped movies amongst our community from the end of 2025 to beginning of 2026, and I’ll provide an analysis of each one. At the end, I’ll also provide my insight into 5 unreleased movies which are coming this year, as we look forward into what’s coming next.
Let’s get into the list:
Released so far in end of 2025 & 2026:
- Wicked: For Good (Wicked 2)
Genre: Musical Fantasy
Release date: November 21st, 2025
Rotten tomatoes: 66%
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango, Peacock (can stream on Peacock around Spring 2026)
Summary: Wicked: For Good continues the story of Oz by showing the aftermath of Wicked 1, once Elphaba is labeled “wicked” and Glinda is celebrated as “good.” As the two former friends take vastly different paths, the movie explores how public image, power, and fear can twist the truth. Elphaba lives in hiding while trying to do what’s right, even as everyone turned against her. Meanwhile, Glinda struggles with the cost of popularity and her role in a corrupt system. Through music, magic, and emotional choices, the film reveals the real story behind the Wicked Witch of the West and asks what it truly means to be good.
Why should you watch it: You should watch Wicked: Part Two because it finishes the story in Wicked 1 in a more emotional and exciting way. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda is tested, the stakes are higher, and everything finally comes together by the end of the movie.
“I liked Wicked 2 because it was fun and emotional at the same time, and the story makes you care about the characters and the witch more, putting a new perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West.” – Anusha Navin (’29)
2. Zootopia 2
Genre: Animated comedy-adventure
Release date: November 26th, 2025
Rotten tomatoes: 91%
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Disney Plus (arriving soon)
Summary: Zootopia 2 continues the story of Judy Hopps, a rabbit police officer, and her partner Nick Wilde, a fox. In this movie, they’re working together again in the diverse city of Zootopia when a suspicious reptile named Gary De’Snake shows up and causes trouble. To solve the mystery and prove themselves, they go undercover in new parts of the city and face challenges that test their friendship, trust, and teamwork.
Why should you watch it: You should watch Zootopia 2 because it’s funny, exciting, and heartwarming, with important messages about accepting differences and trusting each other. Plus, the animations and humor are really enjoyable. It’s great for both kids and adults, and a great continuation from Zootopia 1.
“Zootopia 2 was incredibly funny and entertaining to watch the entire time. They brought back a lot of jokes made in the first movie as well, and that was super funny to see overall. Would definitely recommend.” – Sana Ramesh (’32)
3. People We Meet on Vacation
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release date: January 9th, 2025
Rotten tomatoes: 76%
Age Rating: PG-13
Where to watch: Netflix (with subscription)
Summary: The movie follows Poppy and Alex, two friends who couldn’t be more different. Poppy is an energetic free‑spirited traveler who loves going with the flow, and Alex likes routines and having a plan. For years, they have gone on an annual summer vacation together for fun. Over time, their friendship starts to feel like it might be something more, and the movie follows how they deal with that while exploring new places and their feelings for each other.
Why should you watch it: This movie is light, feel‑good, and sweet, with travel, friendship, and romantic moments that make it a nice to watch when you want something relaxing and fun. This movie is for you if you want a simple yet funny romantic comedy.
“I loved this movie; I watched it with my friend, and the whole plot and story was a mix of humor, sorrow, and sweetness. Definitely recommended for teens and older.” – Meher Sinha (’29)
“I’m a big fan of the book, so I was really excited when I heard there would be a film version. While I was a bit disappointed that some key lines and plot points from the book were cut from the film, I would say that was necessary to create a cohesive film-length story. Overall, a cute rom com that I would watch again!” – Diya Mahesh (’29)
Unreleased (upcoming in 2026):
- Spiderman – Brand New Day
Genre: Action-adventure superhero
Release date: July 31st, 2026
Age rating: Unreleased, most likely pg-13
Summary: This movie continues Peter Parker’s story after Spider‑Man: No Way Home. Peter (Spider‑Man) tries to live a normal life while still protecting people as a hero. When new threats arise in New York and his friends are in danger, he suits up again and faces challenges with new and returning characters like MJ, Ned, Hulk, and Punisher.
Why should you watch it: You should watch this movie because it’s a big Marvel adventure with exciting action, new surprises, and story developments for Spider‑Man. Especially if you like superhero movies or have watched the earlier Spider‑Man films, this movie will be a great choice.
2. Dune pt 3
Genre: Science-fiction adventure
Release date: December 18th, 2026
Age rating: Unreleased, most likely pg-13
Summary: Dune: Part Three continues the story after Dune: Part Two. It’s based on the novel Dune Messiah and follows Paul Atreides, now Emperor, as he deals with the consequences of his rise to power, political conspiracies, and threats to his rule. The movie explores how Paul’s decisions affect his family, allies, and the entire universe, mixing action with deep themes about power and destiny. With actors like Timothée Chalamet as Paul and Zendaya and Chani, this is a movie worth seeing when it is released.
Why should you watch it: Dune: Part Three finishes the big sci‑fi story, ties up character arcs from the first two movies, and offers complex characters, intense drama, and stunning visuals. If you like deep and epic science‑fiction adventures, this is the conclusion many fans have been waiting for.
3. The Odyssey
Genre: Action fantasy
Release date: July 17th, 2026
Age Rating: Not released; expected to be pg-13
Summary: The movie adapts Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey. It follows King Odysseus as he tries to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. His journey takes many years and is filled with dangers, including mythical beasts, angry gods, and magical challenges, while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus deal with problems at home.
Why should you watch it: The Odyssey is expected to be an exciting, visually huge adventure from one of the most acclaimed directors working today. It combines mythic storytelling with modern filmmaking. It is perfect if you like big action. Following actors like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson, this is a movie worth seeing.
4. Avengers: Doomsday
Genre: Action-adventure, science fiction superhero
Release date: December 19th, 2026
Age Rating: Not rated yet, expected to be pg-13
Summary: In Avengers: Doomsday, multiple superhero teams including the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and other allies must work together to face a threat from Doctor Doom, a villain who has plans that could destroy the world. It follows up events from other Marvel movies and builds toward big future stories in Marvel.
Why should you watch it: This movie is great because it brings multiple stars from earlier Marvel Films, combining a wide array of characters into one movie. Actors like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, and more will be returning to Marvel for the film. This movie is also full of action and suspense, creating big action with familiar faces. If you are a Marvel or superhero fan, this movie is perfect to see when it releases.
5. Toy Story 5
Genre: Animated adventure comedy
Release date: June 19th, 2026
Age Rating: Kids and Adults
Summary: Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the toy gang face a new challenge when Bonnie gets a new tablet called Lilypad, that distracts her from paying attention and playing with the toys. The toys work together to figure out what playtime and free time means for kids in a technology filled world. Bringing back famous actors like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Tony Hale, and more, this children-friendly adventure will be a great movie to continue the Toy Story series.
Why should you watch it:
Toy Story 5 is the fifth movie in the Toy Story series, and it brings back many beloved characters from a classic franchise. It offers new fun challenges and humor, and it is perfect for both kids and adults who grew up with this series.
Overall, these are some of the already released and upcoming hyped movies in 2026. From animated to comedy to adventure, there is a large variety of movies you can check out this year. If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming movies in 2026, I would recommend using rottentomatoes.com, which has a list of movies by month along with a trailer for each upcoming movie. Enjoy watching!
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