20 Must-Watch Movies and TV Shows to Kick Off 2026

From highly anticipated sequels to fresh original content, here's your ultimate watchlist for the beginning of 2026.

The new year brings a fresh slate of entertainment options across streaming platforms and theaters. Here's our curated list of 20 movies and TV shows that should be on your radar as we kick off 2026.

Movies

1. Avatar 3: Fire and Ash (Theatrical) James Cameron returns to Pandora with the third installment of the Avatar saga. This time, the story explores the fire-based Na'vi tribes, promising stunning visuals and expanded world-building.

2. The Batman Part II (Theatrical) Robert Pattinson returns as the Dark Knight in Matt Reeves' sequel. Early reports suggest the Joker will play a significant role following his brief appearance in the first film.

3. Mission: Impossible 8 (Theatrical) Tom Cruise continues his death-defying stunts in what's rumored to be the penultimate entry in the franchise. Expect more impossible missions and jaw-dropping action sequences.

4. Blade (Theatrical) Mahershala Ali finally brings the daywalker to the MCU after multiple delays. The R-rated vampire hunter promises to add a darker tone to Marvel's lineup.

5. Gladiator 2 (Theatrical) Ridley Scott returns to ancient Rome with Paul Mescal stepping into the arena. The long-awaited sequel explores a new generation of gladiators.

6. Wicked: Part Two (Theatrical) The conclusion to the beloved musical adaptation, continuing the story of Elphaba and Glinda with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

7. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Theatrical) Tom Holland swings back into action in his fourth solo outing, reportedly introducing new multiverse elements.

8. Dune: Messiah (Theatrical) Denis Villeneuve adapts the second Dune novel, continuing Paul Atreides' complex journey as ruler of Arrakis.

9. Kantara 2 (Theatrical) Rishab Shetty returns with the sequel to the 2022 blockbuster, exploring more of the mystical Kadamba folklore.

10. Pushpa 3 (Theatrical) Allu Arjun's Pushpa Raj continues his rise in the sandalwood smuggling world in this highly anticipated Telugu action film.

TV Shows

11. Stranger Things Season 5 (Netflix) The final season of the Duffer Brothers' supernatural phenomenon promises to close out the story of Eleven and the Hawkins crew.

12. The White Lotus Season 4 (HBO/JioCinema) Mike White's satirical anthology series moves to a new exotic location with a fresh ensemble cast.

13. House of the Dragon Season 3 (HBO/JioCinema) The Targaryen civil war intensifies as the Dance of the Dragons reaches its most dramatic chapters.

14. Squid Game Season 3 (Netflix) The Korean survival drama returns for its final chapter, promising more deadly games and social commentary.

15. Severance Season 2 (Apple TV+) The acclaimed workplace thriller returns after a long hiatus, continuing the mystery of Lumon Industries.

16. The Last of Us Season 2 (HBO/JioCinema) Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return as Joel and Ellie, adapting the emotionally intense second game.

17. Panchayat Season 4 (Prime Video) India's beloved rural comedy returns with more wholesome content from Phulera village.

18. Wednesday Season 2 (Netflix) Jenna Ortega returns as the deadpan Addams family member, with new mysteries at Nevermore Academy.

19. Mirzapur Season 4 (Prime Video) The gritty crime drama from Uttar Pradesh continues its tale of power, revenge, and family.

20. The Bear Season 4 (Hotstar) The high-stress kitchen drama returns, following Carmy and crew as they chase culinary excellence.

Where to Watch

Our Top Picks

If you can only watch a few:

1. Stranger Things S5 - A nostalgic farewell to beloved characters
2. Avatar 3 - Visual spectacle meant for the big screen
3. Panchayat S4 - Heartwarming Indian content at its finest
4. The Last of Us S2 - Emotionally powerful storytelling

Start your 2026 entertainment journey with these carefully curated picks!