This holiday season, remember to save room for dessert — and movies.
The coming months will bring everything from family fare to award-hopeful dramas to thrillers.
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Oh, and the next “Avatar.”
Here’s a look at much of what’s coming to a theater near you and a streaming device in your living room into early 2026. And remember that these release dates, the latest we have for the Northeast Ohio market, are subject to change.
“Eternity” | Nov. 26 | Theaters >> This high-concept romantic comedy directed by David Freyne (“Dating Amber”) is set during the week after your death, when you make decisions about your eternity, including with whom you’ll spend it. Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen and Callum Turner star.
“Jingle Bell Heist” | Nov. 26 | Netflix >> Christmas, crime, comedy and romance mix in this seasonal romp. Olivia Holt’s Sophie and Connor Swindells’ Nick are thieves who discover they both have their sights set on the same score. Hmm, could jingle bells give way to wedding bells for this morally challenged pair?
This image released by Disney shows Nick Wilde, voiced by Jason Bateman, left, and Judy Hopps, voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, in a scene from “Zootopia 2.” (Disney via AP)
“Zootopia 2” | Nov. 26 | Theaters >> It’s one of the great mysteries of the world: Why did it take Walt Disney Animation Studios so long to put out a sequel to the 2016 hit “Zootopia”? Sure, you can cite the idea of not rushing things, strategic positioning and the like, but we’re talking about an initial offering that made north of $1 billion at the box office. Regardless, the follow-up is finally here, with Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman back to voice optimistic rabbit police officer Judy Hopps and con artist-turned-cop fox Nick Wilde, respectively. Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) joins the fun as Gary De’Snake, a viper trying to save his family from some bad animals. Jared Bush, co‑writer of the original, returns to write and co‑direct alongside fellow returnee Byron Howard.
“The Thing With Feathers” | Nov. 28 | Theaters >> Benedict Cumberbatch portrays a father left to raise two boys after his wife’s death in this British drama. This challenging time in his life is amplified by the presence in the house of what he perceives as a large crow, which taunts him from the shadows. Dylan Southern, whose experience is largely with documentaries, writes and directs, adapting the 2015 novel “Grief Is the Thing with Feathers” by Max Porter.
Jessie Buckley, left, and Paul Mescal in “Hamnet.” (Focus Features/Entertainment Pictures ZUMA PRESS/TNS)
“Hamnet” | Dec. 5 | Theaters >> Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”) is the director of this historical drama. It concerns the death of Hamnet, the son of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), which leads to him penning “Hamlet.” Zhao co-wrote the screenplay with the author of the novel from which the film has been adapted, Maggie O’Farrell.
“Oh. What. Fun.” | Dec. 5 | Prime Video >> Talented director Michael Showalter (“The Big Sick,” “The Lovebirds”) tries his hand at a Christmas comedy with this romp. With action built around a missing mom who’d previously gone underappreciated, it boasts an ensemble that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Dominic Sessa, Chloë Grace Moretz, Eva Longoria and Denis Leary. The story is credited to Chandler Baker (“Discretion”), who co-wrote the movie with Showalter.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” | Dec. 5 | Theaters >> Emma Tammi is returning to helm the sequel to her 2023 supernatural horror romp “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which was adapted from the popular video game series in which players must survive an evening of attacks from animatronic characters in a pizza joint. Returning cast members include Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio and Matthew Lillard. They’re joined by newcomers Mckenna Grace, Wayne Knight and Lillard’s old “Scream” buddy Skeet Ulrich. The creator of the games, Scott Cawthon, who co-wrote the first movie, has the lone screenwriting credit on this one, which is expected to be an adaptation of the game “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.”
This image released by Netflix shows George Clooney in a scene from “Jay Kelly.” (Peter Mountain/Netflix via AP)
“Jay Kelly” | Dec. 5 | Netflix >> Already enjoying a limited theatrical release, the latest effort from filmmaker Noah Baumbach (“The Squid and the Whale,” “White Noise”) serves up the intriguing on-screen tandem of George Clooney and Adam Sandler. Famous actor Clooney is asked to show his range by playing … a famous actor, the titular Jay Kelly, while Sandler portrays Jay’s manager and friend, Ron Sukenick, in this dramedy about life and legacy. The supporting cast includes Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough and “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig, Baumbach’s wife and his co-writer on the acclaimed 2012 film “Frances Ha.” Baumbach penned “Jay Kelly” with actress Emily Mortimer, who also appears in the movie.
“Merrily We Roll Along” | Dec. 5 | Theaters >> As director Richard Linklater applies his decades-long, “Boyhood” approach to a live-action adaptation of this Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical, theater fans can experience this live-recording film of the Tony Award-winning 2023 revival. The story follows three friends over the course of 20 years, and actors Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe earned Tonys for their work, while actress Lindsay Mendez was nominated. The Sony Pictures Classics offering is arriving in theaters via Fathom Entertainment.
“Merv” | Dec. 10 | Prime Video >> In this romcom, Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox play exes who are concerned their dog isn’t himself after their split, so it’s off to Florida with him for the holidays! Jessica Swale directs from a screenplay by Canadian husband-and-wife tandem Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart (“I Put a Hit on You”).
“Dust Bunny” | Dec. 12 | Theaters >> Known for well-thought-of TV shows “Pushing Daisies” and “Hannibal,” Bryan Fuller makes his feature-film debut as the writer-director of this horror thriller. Fuller has recruited “Hannibal” star Mads Mikkelsen to play a hitman asked by a girl (Sophie Sloan) to help kill a monster under her bed, whom she believes to be responsible for her parents’ death. Sigourney Weaver is among the supporting players.
This image released by Netflix shows Josh O’Connor, left, and Daniel Craig in a scene from “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” (John Wilson/Netflix via AP)
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” | Dec. 12 | Netflix >> Considering that 2022’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” was an improvement over 2019’s “Knives Out,” we’re expecting big, deadly fun things from this third entry in writer-director Rian Johnson’s whodunit film series built around clever detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). Already playing in select theaters, “Wake Up Dead Man” boasts an ensemble that also includes Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Josh O’Connor, Kerry Washington and Andrew Scott. The titular dead man is a priest, Brolin’s Jefferson Wicks, with Blanc poking around the monsignor’s congregation for clues connected to his mysterious passing.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” | Dec. 19 | Theaters >> It’s hard to believe that, after all these years, we’ll soon be over the theoretical “Avatar” hump. After delays, director James Cameron’s second of four planned sequels to his technologically amazing 2009 film, “Avatar,” is due in theaters. (Yes, it’s time to wear 3-D glasses again.) This follow-up to 2022’s visually dazzling “Avatar: The Way of Water” is expected to continue the tale of the Na’vi family led by former human Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). They will encounter the dangerous Ash Na’vi people while also continuing to contend with longtime enemy Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) and his forces. How this third, very expensive “Avatar” does at the box office — “The Way of Water” made mountains of money — will help determine whether Cameron is able to move forward with the fourth and fifth installments.
“The Housemaid” | Dec. 19 | Theaters >> Paul Feig (“A Simple Favor”) directs this psychological thriller starring Sydney Sweeney. She portrays Millie Calloway, hired by Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) as a housemaid for her wealthy family. Millie has a troubled past, and she discovers the Winchesters may be hiding some things themselves. Rebecca Sonnenshine (“The Boys”) penned the screenplay, adapting Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel.
“Is This Thing On?” | Dec. 19 | Theaters >> Will Arnett, of “Arrested Development,” “SmartLess” and TV commercial voiceover work fame, portrays a stand-up comic trying to figure out his existence now that he’s no longer living with his ex-wife and their kids. This is the latest directorial effort from Arnett’s pal Bradley Cooper, following impressive efforts “A Star Is Born” (2018) and “Maestro” (2023). Cooper, Arnett and Mark Chappell (“See How They Run”) collaborated on the screenplay.
“The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” | Dec. 19 | Theaters >> SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) goes on a dangerous journey to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) in this fourth big-screen adventure for the kid-friendly animated character. A notable addition to the voice cast: Mark Hamill takes on the role of The Flying Dutchman.
“Goodbye June” | Dec. 24 | Netflix >> Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut with this holiday drama, which is getting a limited theatrical release on Dec. 12 before landing on the streaming giant. Just before Christmas, the health of a matriarch (Helen Mirren) takes a turn, bringing her children together, with messy family dynamics to be explored as the potential loss approaches. The cast also boasts Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, Johnny Flynn and Winslet. The movie is penned by Joe Anders, Winslet’s son.
“Anaconda” | Dec. 25 | Theaters >> The appealing duo of Paul Rudd and Jack Black headlines this comedy-focused meta reboot of the “Anaconda” horror franchise, dating to the 1997 movie of the same name. The pair play buddies who venture to the Amazon rainforest on a passion project — remaking (cough) a certain film from the late 1990s — and run afoul of … well, you know. (Nothing says “Christmas” like giant snakes!) “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” director Tom Gormican is at the helm and co-wrote the screenplay with Kevin Etten, with whom he also penned that enjoyable Nicolas Cage-focused romp.
“Marty Supreme” | Dec. 25 | A24 >> A few months after his younger brother and filmmaking partner on “Uncut Gems” and other projects, Benny Safdie, brought fact-based sports drama “The Smashing Machine” to theaters, Josh Safdie serves up this sports dramedy inspired by the story of Marty Reisman, an American table tennis player from the mid 1900s. Timothée Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, with the film’s supporting cast featuring Gwyneth Paltrow. Safdie co-wrote the screenplay with Ronald Bronstein, who has long worked with the brothers.
“Song Sung Blue” | Dec. 25 | Theaters >> Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow”) writes and directs this biopic musical film based on the documentary from 2008 of the same name about a Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning & Thunder. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson portray the band’s husband-and-wife tandem. Will you spend part of your Christmas belting out “Sweet Caroline”?
“We Bury the Dead” | Jan. 2 | Theaters >> “Star Wars” alum Daisy Ridley plays a woman desperately seeking her husband in a quarantine zone after a military accident, where, a news release tells us, “the dead don’t just rise — they hunt.” Written and directed by Zak Hilditch (“1922”), this one may be just what you need to kick the last remnants of your New Year’s hangover.
“Greenland 2: Migration” | Jan. 9 | Theaters >> Director Ric Roman Waugh returns, as do stars Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin, for the sequel to the 2020 post-apocalyptic disaster thriller “Greenland.” In this second chapter, the Garrity family — led by Butler’s John and Baccarin’s Allison — must abandon their bunker in Greenland and make a dangerous trek across Europe in the name of finding a new home.
“The Rip” | Jan. 16 | Netflix >> Longtime pals and collaborators Matt Damon and Ben Affleck share the screen again as Miami cops. In the drama written and directed by Jo Carnahan (“Narc,” “The A-Team”), their characters’ lives are complicated when they seize millions of dollars.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” | Jan. 16 | Theaters >> Director Nia DaCosta (2021’s “Candyman”) takes the reins from Danny Boyle on this follow-up to his “28 Years Later” from earlier this year. (Boyle directed 2003’s “28 Days Later,” launching the post-apocalyptic franchise in which humans try to survive those turned into vicious creatures by the Rage Virus, but served only as a producer on its 2007 sequel, “28 Weeks Later.”) It felt as if “28 Years Later” existed largely to set up “Bone Temple,” which will see Jack O’Connell front and center as cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal, a character teased in the previous movie. Ralph Fiennes will again play Dr. Ian Kelson, a major figure from this year’s entry. Like all films in the series save for “28 Weeks Later,” this one is penned by Alex Garland (“Civil War”).
“Send Help” | Jan. 30 | Theaters >> Sam Raimi (the “Spider-Man” trilogy) is in the director’s chair for this black comedy thriller that will see a pair of coworkers (Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien) marooned on an island after a plane crash. They’ll have to get past some work-related baggage if they are to survive.
“Mercy” | Jan. 23 | Theaters >> Chris Pratt portrays a detective who has only an hour and a half to prove he didn’t kill his wife in this science-fiction thriller helmed by Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”). The supporting cast includes Rebecca Ferguson and Kali Reis, who was impactful as one of the leads of the excellent HBO series “True Detective: Night Country” in 2024.
“Crime 101” | Feb. 13 | Theaters >> In this crime thriller, Chris Hemsworth portrays a jewel thief and Mark Ruffalo a detective on the case. The supporting cast features Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Monica Barbaro. Known for documentary films such as 2012’s “The Imposter,” Bart Layton is the director and writer, having adapted the screenplay from a novella by Don Winslow.
“Goat” | Feb. 13 | Theaters >> The voice cast of this sports-centered animated offering boasts Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, NBA great Stephen Curry and myriad others. Caleb McLaughlin (“Stranger Things”) voices the main character, Will, a goat who’s out to prove a smaller animal can hang with the big ones in the sport of roarball.
“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” | Feb. 13 | Theaters >> In this tale said to be a mix of science fiction, comedy and action, Sam Rockwell stars as a man from the future who drops by Los Angeles to battle an artificial intelligence. Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz and Juno Temple are among the supporting players. Gore Verbinski (“The Ring,” ”Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”) directs.
“Wuthering Heights” | Feb. 13 | Theaters >> After two impressive directorial efforts, 2020’s “Promising Young Woman” and 2023’s “Saltburn,” Emerald Fennell helms this latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. Also responsible for the screenplay, Fennell has recruited “Saltburn” star Jacob Elordi to portray Heathcliff, while Margot Robbie is the woman Heathcliff desires, the wealthy Catherine Earnshaw. It’s a bit surprising this one is landing in theaters after awards season, but you can understand the business folks at Warner Bros. Pictures seemingly believing “Wuthering” will reach great financial heights as a Valentine’s Day release.
