Every year is marked not only by the events, discoveries, or conflicts taking place, but by the cultural and social landmarks. As 2026 progresses, anticipation is building for the film releases that may define the year.” Although thousands of movies are released each year, members of the Princeton Day School community are looking forward to several major titles, including Christoper Nolan’s The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
Freshman Naavya Trivedi expressed interest in the new Hunger Games movie, stating that dystopian movies and book series are always right up her alley. “I read the entire series when I was younger, and I watched the entire movie… It’s just kind of nostalgic and I genuinely enjoy the plot,” she explained. The movie adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has gained anticipation since the release of Suzanne Collins’s novel in 2025, which serves as a prequel to the original series and focuses on the character of Haymitch Abernathy. The movie is directed by Francis Lawrence, starring Joseph Zada (as Haymitch Abernathy) and Mckenna Grace (as Maysilee Donner). The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to release on November 20 of this year, and the PDS community is looking forward to its release.
Another highly anticipated movie adaptation of an acclaimed novel is The Odyssey. Freshman Noah Polito confirmed that it was heavily talked about among his friends, and that he “thinks it’ll be good.” Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is based on Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon (as Odysseus) and Anne Hathaway (as Penelope) The movie is set to release on July 17, 2026.
Polito also mentioned interest in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, expressing that he “is so hyped for [it].” Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be released on July 31, 2026, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Sadie Sink. Additionally, Polito voiced excitement for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, noting that he “saw the original Mario movie in theaters” and thought it “was really good.” Featuring Jack Black (as Bowser) and Chris Pratt (as Mario), the film is set to release on April 1, 2026.
Additional upcoming or recently released movies dominating the media are Toy Story 5, Avengers: Doomsday, How To Make a Killing, the live action Moana, People We Meet On Vacation, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Scream 7, Project Hail Mary, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Wuthering Heights. Whether the movies on 2026’s horizon are horror-filled or light-hearted, action packed or romantic, controversial or beloved, it is certain that they will shape our memories of this year.
