Whether you’re a casual cinema-goer or a massive cinephile, the mystery/thriller genres appeal to practically everyone—inviting the viewer with the promise of a compelling story, and keeping them guessing and on tenterhooks until the very end. And on that front 2026 looks to be a bountiful year, with plenty of films that are packed with mystery plots and edge-of-the-seat thrill in tune with the audience’s adrenaline rush.
From remakes and sequels to sci-fi and comedy horror, these upcoming films span genres and yet are crafted with the right mystery and thriller ingredients to keep the viewers mesmerized with their eyes on-screen. So, if you’re planning a solo trip to the movies or a thrilling romantic date, keep an eye out for the following films coming to a hall near you in 2026!
Remain
Directed by none other than M. Night Shyamalan known for his original scary movies with twist endings, Remain (starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor) promises to be one hell of a terrifying blast.
The plot follows a depressed architect, still mourning his sister’s death, on an assignment in Cape Cod to design a summer home for his best friend, where he meets a woman who unsettles his world further.
It’s based on an idea that the director conceived with Nicholas Sparks (the bestselling romance novelist), and if you’re in the mood for a supernatural romantic thriller, you should catch Remain when it hits theaters in October.
Disclosure Day
Sci-fi fans are already be hyped for Disclosure Day, a sci-fi thriller produced and directed by Steven Speilberg.
We don’t yet know what the story is about, but it definitely involves UFOs, crop circles and alien contact—so we’re guessing that the narrative might feature some kind of a global conspiracy and the people’s right to know the truth.
Cold Storage
If you have a soft spot for comedies, the upcoming comedy horror thriller Cold Storage directed by Jonny Campbell sure looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.
The story revolves around the two employees at a self-storage facility built on a former military base, from where a parasitic fungus is accidentally released. Now the duo must find a way to contain it before it leads to the extinction of humanity.
The film also stars “scream queen” Georgina Campbell in the lead—and she’s also playing the lead role in another 2026 horror thriller, Psycho Killer.
The Sheep Detectives
Those looking for a suitable fun family watch can go in for The Sheep Detectives, a light-hearted flick wherein a flock of sheep set off to uncover the mystery behind their shepherd’s death. Hugh Jackman plays George Hardy, the dead shepherd, and Emma Thompson, his lawyer.
Accompanied by a talented voice-acting cast, The Sheep Detectives is the perfect family-friendly watch for kids and adults alike.
Mother Mary
If you love A24 releases and psychological drama, Mother Mary must already be on your 2026 watchlists. Starring Anne Hathaway in the titular role, it explores the psychosexual affairs between a pop star and her fashion designer.
Directed by David Lowery, the director of The Green Knight (2021), Mother Mary appears to be a moody and glamorous watch.
I Want Your Sex
We don’t see a lot of erotic thrillers these days, which already makes I Want Your Sex a 2026 highlight, and more so, since it’s directed by Gregg Araki.
Araki’s films are noted for exploring queer issues with a nuanced sensitivity and don’t shy away from exploring trauma and assault, and his Teenage Apocalypse trilogy is particularly acclaimed. He also directed Mysterious Skin (2004), a personal favorite about two teenagers coming to terms with the sexual abuse they experienced, with a narrative about UFOs and alien abduction blended in.
I Want Your Sex appears to be compatively lighter — a comedy thriller where Cooper Hoffman plays Elliot, who’s hired by provocative artist Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde) to be his sexual muse.
Over Your Dead Body
The upcoming action thriller, Over Your Dead Body directed by Jorma Taccone is actually a remake of the Norwegian film, The Trip (2021) about a couple who go on vacation under the pretext of “reconnecting” while actually planning to kill the other — only to be beset by an unexpected greater enemy.
That definitely sounds like an enticing plot, and we’re sure the movie will be even more compelling!
Jumanji 4
Finally, there’s the upcoming Jumanji movie that’s supposed to be the fourth and final entry in the franchise and also a direct sequel to Jumanji: The Next Generation.
Most of the older cast is set to reprise their roles, and we hope that the movie is a fitting end to the series, packed with thrills and scares in equal measure.
