The year 2026 is set to be another blockbuster time for movies, given the numerous highly-anticipated titles that are slated for release, whether it's a big-budget original, a sequel or spinoff, or an adaptation of a popular, familiar property.
One of the biggest questions is which films this year may likely join the billion-dollar club, a feat that most blockbusters would like to achieve. Here are the titles that we think have a strong chance of becoming a billion-dollar grosser.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will see Mario and his friends venture into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.
Considering that the first film managed to join the billion-dollar club, we can safely predict that the sequel will have a similar performance, given that fans have been anticipating its release and are excited to see how it will expand the lore and universe.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
In the upcoming Star Wars movie, Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new adventure in the galaxy far, far away after the events of the Disney+ series.
Except for Solo, all Disney Star Wars movies managed to cross the billion-dollar mark. Considering how beloved the TV series is, especially the character of Grogu, we can safely say that this film has a strong likelihood of joining the club, which is the performance that Disney is hoping for as the franchise returns to the big screen.
Toy Story 5
In the fifth installment of the beloved Pixar franchise, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime.
The fourth film, which was released in 2019, managed to cross the billion-dollar mark, so we can safely say that the upcoming movie will likely do the same. While some fans are complaining that the franchise has been exhausted beyond its full potential, a lot of audiences are still excited for the movie and want to see another Toy Story adventure on the big screen.
Minions 3
Minions 3 marks the third installment in the Despicable Me spin-off franchise that focuses on the adventures of the beloved yellow creatures.
To this day, the Minions remain popular across the globe due to their mass appeal, viral moments, and crazy antics that resonate with audiences worldwide. Regardless of what the story is, the film should easily manage to find its way to the billion-dollar club.
Moana
Moana is the live-action remake of the beloved 2016 animated film that follows the titular character's adventure in the ancient Polynesian ocean together with the demigod Maui.
While having a live-action version might be too premature at this point, the nostalgia factor could still draw audiences to watch it in theaters and relive the glory of the now-classic story. Given that the second film managed to cross the billion-dollar mark in 2024, the live-action remake will likely have the same performance, regardless of what the reception will be.
The Odyssey
In Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, after the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way.
Considering that Oppenheimer almost crossed the billion-dollar mark at the box office, The Odyssey, which is an epic action fantasy film that will appeal to a global audience, may have an easier time joining the club this time. In the last several years, we've seen how Nolan's movies have managed to attract a lot of audiences to theaters, especially in IMAX screenings.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter Parker tries to focus on college and leave Spider-Man behind. But when a new threat endangers his friends, he must break his promise and suit up again, teaming with an unexpected ally to protect those he loves.
It's been five years since the last Spider-Man movie in the MCU was released, and there has been a lot of anticipation for its release. Given that No Way Home almost grossed $2 billion worldwide, this new installment should have an easy time joining the coveted club.
Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday will see our favorite Earth-616 heroes, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men from the Fox universe work together against Doctor Doom's threat amidst a multiversal battle.
It doesn't take being a genius to say that Avengers: Doomsday will join the billion-dollar club. Not only because of the anticipation and the previous Avengers movies are part of the club, but the holiday release corridor also allows them to have the best box office performance possible, and most likely become the highest-grossing film of the year.
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