Can 2026 films restore global box office to pre-pandemic heights?

Major 2026 releases including Avengers, Star Wars, and Nolan’s Odyssey could push global box office above $9B

As 2026 begins, movie theaters are looking to a lineup of high-profile releases to boost box office revenues, with franchises and sequels dominating the schedule.

Anticipated films include Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Disney’s Toy Story 5, and a new Star Wars cinematic entry featuring Baby Yoda.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set for April 3, is expected to draw fans of the Nintendo franchise, while Toy Story 5 (June 19) aims to capture family audiences with its tech-forward premise. Nolan’s The Odyssey (July 17), featuring A-list stars like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Zendaya, is poised to be a summer blockbuster, continuing the director’s track record with high-grossing releases. Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31) will follow up on the multiversal cliffhanger of No Way Home, leveraging Tom Holland’s continued popularity.

Disney’s The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22) benefits from established fan recognition, though theatrical performance remains uncertain after years of streaming-focused releases. Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday (Dec. 18) reunites Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, creating an event film that could overcome recent superhero fatigue.

Original films such as Amazon MGM’s Verity and Warner Bros.’ Clayface represent potential breakout successes or box office risks, while nostalgic sequels like Practical Magic 2 will rely heavily on established audiences. High-budget films like The Bride, Hoppers, and Digger face mixed prospects, as execution and marketing will be key to drawing audiences.

With studios banking on franchise recognition and blockbuster tentpoles, 2026 could surpass previous box office benchmarks, potentially exceeding $9 billion globally if major releases connect with audiences.