5 Absolutely Massive Movies Still To Come in 2026

The second half of 2026 is packed with major cinema releases that could make this one of the busiest years for film fans in recent memory. Whether you enjoy action, horror, fantasy, superhero blockbusters or family adventures, there is something arriving on the big screen before Christmas.

For cinema-goers across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham and the wider North East, the coming months promise packed screenings at venues including Tyneside Cinema, ODEON Metrocentre, Vue Gateshead and Cineworld Boldon. A strong release schedule also benefits local restaurants, bars and city centres as thousands of people combine blockbuster releases with evenings out.

According to the latest UK cinema release calendar, several major Hollywood studios have positioned their biggest films between September and December in what is expected to be one of the most competitive festive box office periods for years.

Here are five of the biggest movies still to come before the end of 2026.

Resident Evil.

Release date: 18 September 2026

The legendary horror franchise returns with a brand-new reboot that promises to move much closer to the original Capcom video games. Sony has remained deliberately secretive about the storyline, but expectations are high after years of fans asking for a more faithful adaptation.

The Resident Evil franchise has already generated more than $1.2 billion at the worldwide box office across its previous live-action films, making it one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations ever made.

Horror films continue to perform exceptionally well in UK cinemas, particularly during the autumn months when audiences traditionally look for seasonal scares. North East horror fans can expect late-night screenings to be especially popular throughout September.

Why people are excited.

Fans have waited years for a fresh interpretation that captures the atmosphere, suspense and survival horror that made the games famous. With Halloween approaching only weeks later, the timing could hardly be better.

Street Fighter.

Release date: 16 October 2026

One of gaming's most iconic franchises finally returns to cinemas with a completely new adaptation. Street Fighter has remained one of the world's biggest fighting game brands for almost four decades, selling more than 55 million copies across the series.

The new film aims to introduce classic characters to a new generation while satisfying long-time fans who have been waiting years for a modern big-screen version.

Video game adaptations have experienced a remarkable revival in recent years thanks to the success of films based on Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros. and Five Nights at Freddy's.

Why it matters.

If Street Fighter delivers, it could become another major success for the growing trend of high-quality video game movies, making it one of autumn's biggest cinema events.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Release date: 20 November 2026

The Hunger Games returns with another story set in Panem, this time adapting Suzanne Collins' latest bestselling novel.

Interest in the franchise remains incredibly strong despite the original series ending years ago. The previous five Hunger Games films have collectively earned more than $3.3 billion worldwide, while the books have sold well over 100 million copies globally.

That combination gives Lionsgate another opportunity to bring one of modern cinema's biggest young adult franchises back to audiences.

Why North East audiences will love it.

The Hunger Games films have traditionally attracted audiences spanning multiple generations, making them ideal for family cinema trips and groups of friends during the busy run-up to Christmas.

Disney's Hexed.

Release date: 27 November 2026

Disney Animation hopes to create its next original hit with Hexed, arriving just as families begin planning festive cinema visits.

While Disney is famous for established franchises including Frozen, Moana and Zootopia, its original animated films often become surprise successes through positive reviews and word of mouth.

Animation remains one of the strongest-performing genres during the festive season, particularly among families looking for entertainment during school holidays.

Why this could become a sleeper hit.

Original Disney films often develop momentum after release rather than relying solely on opening weekend. If audiences connect with the story, Hexed could become one of the surprise successes of Christmas 2026.

Avengers: Doomsday.

Release date: 18 December 2026

Few films arriving this year can match the anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday.

The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel's biggest crossover event in years, while Robert Downey Jr. makes a dramatic return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time portraying Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man.

Marvel films have collectively generated well over $30 billion worldwide, making the MCU the highest-grossing film franchise in cinema history.

Industry experts expect Avengers: Doomsday to become one of the biggest opening weekends of 2026 despite fierce competition from other festive releases.

Why cinemas will be packed.

Large-format IMAX and premium screenings are expected to sell out quickly, with advance bookings likely to begin several weeks before release. For cinemas across Newcastle and the North East, it could become the biggest ticket seller of the year.

Why late 2026 could be a fantastic period for North East cinema fans.

From horror and action to animation and superhero spectacles, the final four months of 2026 offer something for every type of film fan. That variety should help attract audiences of all ages while supporting cinemas throughout Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the wider North East.

Blockbuster weekends also provide a welcome boost for nearby restaurants, shopping centres and city centre businesses, making major film releases an important part of the region's entertainment economy.

If these releases meet expectations, the closing months of 2026 could deliver one of the strongest cinema line-ups seen for several years.

Join the conversation.

Which of these upcoming movies are you most excited to see at the cinema?