What to watch in 2026: from witches to Avengers

      The list of upcoming premieres is filled with titles that will send nostalgic Zoomers into a cultural ecstasy, while their wallets will experience quiet horror. I sifted through the announcements, filtered out the trash like the tenth installment of "Insidious" (18+), and gathered the most "delicious" ones. Here’s your guide to the main cinematic events of the year.

      Magical sequels

      This fall, we will finally get what we've been waiting for nearly thirty years. In September, "Practical Magic 2" hits theaters. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are donning black dresses again to deal with a family curse that, as usual, awakens at the most inconvenient time. The trailer is already out, so you can take a look. Director Susanne Bier, known for "Bird Box" (18+), clearly won't be making a sweet fairy tale — expect adult conversations about what it means to be a witch when you're over fifty and your kids have grown up. And that... is slightly concerning, to be honest. But we remain hopeful that the beloved film will at least be treated with respect.

      But it’s not just magic. This year is full of sequels that no one asked for, but for some reason, we want to see. For example, "The Devil Wears Prada 2" (18+)* (May 1) — Meryl Streep is sharpening her insults to diamond-like sharpness again. Or "Toy Story 5" (18+)* (June 19), where the toys seem to be battling tablets. It sounds like nonsense, but Pixar usually knows what it's doing.

      Superheroes: old faces in new costumes

      Marvel and DC have set up a no-rules race this year. Let's start with "Supergirl" (18+)*, which comes out on June 26 — finally a solo film that should correct the mistakes of past years. I warn you right away: if you were expecting something in the spirit of "Wonder Woman" — forget it. This is more about a teenage crisis against a cosmic backdrop. But the main punch of the year is "Avengers: Judgment Day" (18+)* (December 18). Robert Downey Jr. returns to the MCU, but this time he’s not playing Tony Stark; he’s playing Doctor Doom. Alongside him, the old X-Men and Fantastic Four will appear on screen. The hype is insane.

      Also, "Spider-Man: New Day" (18+)* will be released on July 31. What will happen after the finale of "No Way Home" is a mystery, but spoilers are leaking online with enviable regularity. Be careful with social media.

      Horror and thriller

      Horror fans have not been disappointed this year, although after January and February, there was a lull. The loudest release of spring was the remake of "The Mummy" (18+) by Lee Cronin (released April 17), which many dubbed "the scariest movie of the year." The mummy is not in bandages but in some rotten rags, and it doesn't resurrect armies but slowly drives the heroes insane. However, if you were expecting a direct nod to ancient Egyptian ambiance — you will be disappointed. Essentially, the new "Mummy" is a film about the same obsession, just with an exotic demon.

      As for what hasn't been released yet — "Mortal Kombat 2" (18+)* (May 8). There, it's not so much horror as it is large-scale dismemberment.

      Russian cinema: is there life?

      Our filmmakers are also not idle. "Holop 3" (18+)* will be released on June 12 — a continuation of the comedy franchise where rich kids find themselves in a village without smartphones and learn to appreciate simple joys. How funny it is is a debatable question, but the first two parts did well at the box office, so the producers decided not to stop.

      For fans of serious cinema: "Ninth Planet" (18+)* (September 24) — a sci-fi action film with Yura Borisov and Irina Starshenbaum. They promise quality special effects and a dark atmosphere. I'm skeptical for now, but let's hope for the best.

      What else you can't miss

      From blockbusters that didn't fit into genres, I’ll highlight "Odyssey" (18+)* by Christopher Nolan (July 17). This is $250 million, Matt Damon as Odysseus, and Nolan shooting again with IMAX cameras. It will be long, beautiful, and likely with an incomprehensible ending. And at the end of the year, if all goes according to plan — "Dune: Part Three" by Denis Villeneuve. The finale of the saga that should break the mold and your perception of what epic fantasy can look like.

      2026 is not for saving. Plan your movie budget in advance. You’ll have to choose between Nolan, Marvel, the magical sisters, and Meryl Streep.