Movies always come with expectations, but sometimes, our expectations don’t live up to how the movie ends up being, like how Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters”, a movie most people didn’t know much about, exceeded expectations with 77 awards and 99 nominations since its release. On the other hand, Disney’s live-action “Snow White” ranked low with only 39% rotten tomatoes from the Rotten Tomatoes site, while many fans were highly anticipating the movie. Sequels are infamous for either being amazing or horrible, and 2026 brings some of the most anticipated sequels.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a sequel to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” and is based off of the iconic video game franchise. The movie follows Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad’s expedition into space to defeat Bowser Jr., with Chris Pratt continuing his vocal role as Mario. The original movie got 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a decent reception. The brother duo speaks to many by appealing to their nostalgia from their childhood. Set to release on April 3, I think the movie will be a bop.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” is a sequel to the TV show, “The Mandalorian,” acting as its “fourth season” in movie form. The overarching TV show and movie fit into the Star Wars Cinematic Universe, following the main Star Wars series. The movie centers around The Mandalorian and Grogu as they help the New Republic. “The Mandalorian” has 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many people loving the relationship between the Mandalorian and Grogu, which may lead to fans being overly critical towards the movie if it doesn’t fulfill their expectations. Set to release on May 22, I think the movie will be a flop.
Toy Story 5
“Toy Story 5” is a continuation of the Toy Story series, releasing 31 years after the original “Toy Story.” The movie follows Woody, Buzz, and their friends as they face their biggest challenge, technology, after their owner gets a smart tablet. The series has done great so far, with lowered ratings as the series continued. “Toy Story 4” has the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score so far at 96% compared to the record holding 100% for Toy Story 1 and 2, with people criticizing the long run time of the series. Set to release on June 19, I think the movie will be a flop.
Spider Man: A Brand New Day
“Spider-Man: A Brand New Day” is the fourth installment of the Spider-Man series starring Tom Holland as Spider-Man. The series is the third live-action movie interpretation of the “Spider-Man” comics, each with a different cast of actors and different stories. The series has gained popularity because of its vibrant actors and in-depth, emotional story telling. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the third movie, scored a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, with the ending leaving viewers on a big cliffhanger. Set to release on July 31, I think the movie will be a bop.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is the newest installment in the original four movies from the 2010’s. It follows the release of the prequel, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes,” and takes place 24 years before the original series. Starring upcoming actors Maya Hawke and Mckenna Grace, it takes place during the 50th Hunger Games with Haymitch, the mentor of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, competing in the Games. The franchise has been really well received, with the most recent movie receiving 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. Set to release on Nov. 20, I think the movie will be a bop.
Avengers: Doomsday
“Avengers: Doomsday” takes place inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the fifth installment within the Avengers series. It takes part of the sixth phase in the MCU, the multiverse phase, as the 39th movie. The Avengers, as well as the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and many others, face off against Robert Downey’s second role within the MCU as Doctor Doom. The last Avengers movie, “Avengers: Endgame,” rated 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and was the “supposed” ending to the series, meaning that “Avengers Doomsday” will have big shoes to fill. Set to release on Dec. 17, I think the movie will be a flop.
