Jade Reed
10 Upcoming Sci-Fi Movies We’re Most Excited About
Science fiction movies have always pushed the boundaries of imagination, taking us to distant galaxies, alternate realities, and futures we can barely dream of. The next couple of years promise an incredible lineup of sci-fi films that blend cutting-edge special effects with compelling stories.
Whether you’re a fan of space adventures, artificial intelligence thrillers, or epic mythological tales reimagined for modern audiences, there’s something extraordinary headed to theaters soon.
1. Project Hail Mary
Ryan Gosling takes on one of the most challenging roles of his career as a lone astronaut tasked with saving humanity. Adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel (the same author who wrote The Martian), this film promises the same blend of hard science and emotional storytelling that made its predecessor such a hit.
The plot follows our hero as he wakes up on a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there, only to discover he’s millions of miles from home on a desperate mission. With limited resources and only his wit to rely on, he must solve an impossible problem before time runs out. Weir’s trademark attention to scientific detail means audiences will get a realistic portrayal of space travel.
Gosling’s proven ability to carry a film solo makes him perfect for this isolated, high-stakes adventure that releases March 20, 2026.
2. Mercy
Picture a Los Angeles where artificial intelligence has taken over the justice system, and human detectives must prove their cases to emotionless digital judges.
Chris Pratt stars as a determined detective fighting to prove someone’s innocence in a world where algorithms seem to have all the answers. Rebecca Ferguson joins him in this tense thriller that questions how much control we should give to machines.
Set in the near future, the film explores themes that feel uncomfortably close to our current reality. As AI continues to advance in real life, Mercy asks what happens when we let technology make life-or-death decisions. The chemistry between Pratt and Ferguson promises to anchor the high-tech premise with genuine human emotion.
This January 23, 2026 release offers a darker, more grounded take on sci-fi that fans of Blade Runner will appreciate.
3. Masters of the Universe
Nostalgia meets blockbuster spectacle in this live-action reimagining of the beloved He-Man franchise. For those who grew up in the ’80s, this film is a dream come true, bringing the colorful world of Eternia to life with a massive budget and modern visual effects.
But even if you’ve never heard of Prince Adam or Castle Grayskull, the blend of sword-and-sorcery fantasy with alien technology creates something truly unique.
The story centers on a young prince who transforms into the most powerful man in the universe to defend his planet from evil forces. What makes this franchise special is how it seamlessly combines medieval castles with laser guns, magic spells with spaceships. Studios are betting big on this property, hoping to launch a new franchise.
Arriving June 5, 2026, expect jaw-dropping action sequences and plenty of Easter eggs for longtime fans.
4. The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan returns to theaters with his most ambitious project yet: a retelling of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.
While The Odyssey leans more toward mythology than traditional science fiction, Nolan’s involvement guarantees mind-bending concepts and stunning visuals that will challenge our perception of reality. His track record with films like Interstellar and Inception proves he can make even the most complex ideas accessible and thrilling.
The original story follows Odysseus on his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War, encountering gods, monsters, and impossible challenges. Expect Nolan to add his signature non-linear storytelling and philosophical depth to this timeless tale. The director’s commitment to practical effects and IMAX cinematography means this will be a theatrical experience unlike any other.
Mark your calendars for July 17, 2026, and prepare for an epic adventure that spans both ancient myth and modern filmmaking innovation.
5. The Mandalorian and Grogu
Everyone’s favorite bounty hunter and his adorable companion are making the jump from streaming screens to movie theaters.
After capturing hearts on Disney+, Din Djarin (the Mandalorian) and Grogu (affectionately known as Baby Yoda) get their own big-screen adventure set in the expansive Star Wars universe. Fans have been following their journey for years, and this film promises to deliver the action, humor, and heartwarming moments that made the show such a phenomenon.
The series revolutionized Star Wars storytelling by focusing on smaller, character-driven tales rather than galaxy-spanning conflicts. This movie will likely maintain that approach while taking advantage of a bigger budget for more spectacular set pieces. The relationship between the gruff warrior and the innocent child has resonated with audiences of all ages.
Releasing May 22, 2026, this is essential viewing for Star Wars fans and newcomers alike.
6. Soulm8te
Grief drives a widower to purchase an AI android designed to replace his deceased wife, but technology can’t replicate the human soul. What begins as a story about loss and longing quickly transforms into something far more sinister as the android’s programming takes unexpected turns.
This psychological thriller taps into our growing anxiety about artificial intelligence and our increasing dependence on technology for emotional connection.
The premise raises fascinating questions: Can machines truly understand human emotion, or are they just mimicking behaviors? What happens when we try to use technology to avoid processing grief? The film’s title cleverly plays on modern dating app terminology, highlighting how we’ve already started treating relationships as something that can be optimized and programmed.
Releasing January 2, 2026, Soulm8te offers a cautionary tale wrapped in suspenseful storytelling that will make you think twice about smart home devices.
7. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die
A time traveler bursts into a Los Angeles diner with an urgent mission: recruit ordinary people to save the world. This quirky premise immediately sets the film apart from typical blockbusters, promising a more offbeat and character-driven approach to the sci-fi genre.
Imagine being in the middle of your breakfast when someone from the future tells you that you’re humanity’s last hope—that’s exactly the wild ride these characters experience.
The diner setting creates an intimate stage for what could be an epic story, keeping the focus on human reactions and relationships rather than overwhelming special effects. Films with unconventional premises like this often become cult favorites because they take creative risks. The title itself has a video game quality that suggests a mix of humor and danger.
Opening January 30, 2026, this could be the surprise hit that everyone talks about, offering something refreshingly different from standard sci-fi fare.
8. Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron returns to Pandora for the third installment in his groundbreaking franchise that redefined what’s possible in cinema. After Avatar and The Way of Water broke box office records and pushed visual effects technology forward, expectations are sky-high for this next chapter.
The subtitle suggests we’ll explore new regions of the alien world, possibly volcanic or desert environments that contrast with the lush forests and deep oceans we’ve already seen.
Cameron has always been at the forefront of filmmaking innovation, and each Avatar film introduces new techniques that other studios later adopt. The environmental themes that run through these films resonate strongly with younger audiences who care deeply about climate change and conservation. Beyond the spectacle, the story of the Sully family continues to provide emotional depth.
Though the exact 2026 release date hasn’t been announced, this is undoubtedly one of the year’s most anticipated sci-fi events.
9. Dune: Part Three
The continuation of Paul Atreides’ epic journey is one of the most anticipated sci-fi events of the decade, and Dune: Part Three is expected to adapt the next portion of Frank Herbert’s universe.
Instead of focusing solely on Paul’s rise to power, this chapter dives deeper into the political, mystical, and dangerous consequences of the path he’s chosen. Fans of the franchise know this is where the story becomes even more complex—and even more gripping.
Rather than repeating the structure of the first two films, this installment explores the long-term impact of Fremen prophecy, interstellar politics, and the uneasy balance between destiny and choice. It’s the kind of narrative expansion that promises bigger world-building, deeper character arcs, and a story that challenges everything we thought we knew about Arrakis.
With Denis Villeneuve returning, expectations are sky-high. Stunning visuals, layered storytelling, and an ever-growing ensemble cast make this film a guaranteed blockbuster. If the first two entries proved anything, it’s that Villeneuve knows exactly how to turn impossible sci-fi into unforgettable cinema.
10. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
A new chapter in the rage-virus saga has finally arrived, and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple pushes the franchise into darker, more disturbing territory than ever before.
Instead of simply repeating the survival formula of the earlier films, this installment expands the world and explores how humanity has evolved—physically and morally—nearly three decades after the initial outbreak. Fans have waited years for a continuation, and this one promises to deliver something bold.
Whispers from early production hints suggest a story centered on a remote cult-like community that believes the infected hold a kind of divine significance. This eerie setting creates tension long before the first monster appears. The idea of faith twisted by fear gives the film an unsettling psychological edge that feels fresh for the franchise.
With Danny Boyle returning to the director’s chair, the energy, chaos, and grit that made the original iconic are set to make a roaring comeback. Expect frantic pacing, haunting visuals, and a more mythic take on the virus that changed cinema forever. This is the kind of sequel that feels less like a rehash and more like a rebirth—and fans are absolutely ready.
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