Forget about the major films of 2026; here are the sleeper hits that you definitely shouldn’t overlook.

      There are many exciting films to anticipate from the movie industry in 2026. High-profile, blockbuster titles such as Avengers: Doomsday, The Odyssey, Dune: Part Three, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are expected to be huge successes. Additionally, there are numerous other films set for release in 2026 that could also perform well at the box office.

      Currently, a variety of filmmakers are preparing new projects that feature engaging, original narratives or stories that have not received enough attention. While the future remains unpredictable, these films show significant potential and might emerge as the sleeper hits of 2026.

      **Primate (January 9, 2026)**

      Paramount Pictures / Paramount Pictures

      January has not historically been a prime month for film releases due to school, work, or inclement weather keeping audiences away from theaters. Nonetheless, Primate could turn out to be one of the early profitable films of 2026.

      The storyline follows a young woman (Johnny Sequoyah) on a tropical getaway with friends, who must fight for their survival when her family's adopted chimp gets bitten by a rabid animal and turns aggressive. This film is essentially a twist on Cujo, featuring a primate, which promises a unique and chilling viewing experience.

      Already, Primate has demonstrated considerable promise, showcased by its suspenseful first trailer. The movie has also received a noteworthy 92% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating potential as a Certified Fresh success.

      **Return to Silent Hill (January 23, 2026)**

      Cineverse / Cineverse

      Directed by Christopher Gans, Return to Silent Hill tells the story of a man (Jeremy Irvine) who, after losing his beloved (Hannah Emily Anderson), is prompted by a letter from her to return to the ominous town. Upon arrival, he finds the place overrun by a menacing force, filled with monsters and plunging him into a waking nightmare that makes him doubt what is real.

      Recent adaptations of video games have seen a revival with films like Sonic the Hedgehog, Mortal Kombat, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Silent Hill, being one of the most praised horror gaming franchises, should draw in loyal fans with its adaptation of the second game.

      Although the original Silent Hill film directed by Gans received poor reviews, it was a commercial success and has amassed a cult following. A sequel after 20 years is likely to attract audiences back to theaters.

      Cineverse has also gained recognition as a distributor, earning fame in the horror genre with the astonishing success of Terrifier 3. Regardless of the critiques for Return to Silent Hill, it may turn out to be another terrifying success at the box office.

      **Hokum (May 1, 2026)**

      Neon / Neon

      This eerie film follows an author traveling to Ireland to scatter his deceased parents' ashes, only to discover the inn where he stays may be haunted by a witch. Currently, Hokum appears to present a folk horror take on The Shining, which should resonate with the niche horror audience.

      Despite being an original indie horror film, Hokum has stirred considerable excitement with its unsettling trailer. NEON, known for its clever marketing strategies for horror films, particularly with Longlegs, is distributing it.

      Directed by Damian McCarthy, known for acclaimed works like Caveat and Oddity, Hokum stars Adam Scott from Severance in the lead, which could help attract a decent audience.

      **Flowervale Street (August 14, 2026)**

      Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

      Details about this sci-fi film are currently minimal. Flowervale Street reportedly chronicles a family's experiences in the 1980s as they encounter strange phenomena in their neighborhood. While the premise may seem generic, a production image features a massive Brontosaurus appearing at night, suggesting a time-traveling adventure that pays homage to Steven Spielberg's works.

      Adding to the intrigue, this original narrative marks the much-anticipated comeback of writer/director David Robert Mitchell, known for the modern horror success It Follows. J.J. Abrams is attached as a producer, and notable actors Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor are part of the cast. Although Flowervale Street remains enigmatic, it appears to possess all the qualities of a classic summer blockbuster.

      **Practical Magic 2 (September 18, 2026)**

      Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

      The 1998 film Practical Magic tells the story of sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman), born into a witch family and using their powers to confront the spirit of Gillian's serial killer boyfriend. The upcoming sequel brings back Bullock, Kidman, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest in their original roles.

      Although the first film underperformed at the box office, it developed a significant cult following that warrants a sequel. It