Even More Black Films To Look Forward to in 2026
Now that we’re halfway through 2026, the year looks poised and ready to bring us more than a handful of amazing films, and believe us when we tell you—there are plenty coming! Whether you’re looking forward to award-worthy biopics or super cute rom-coms, keep reading for our list of some of the most highly anticipated films dropping in 2026!
From hilarious comedies from RuPaul to more serious dramas with Wendell Pierce, here are some projects to put on your radar.
“Stop! That! Train!”
RuPaul is back on the big screen in the new film, “STOP! THAT! TRAIN!” This fun, camp comedy follows best friends Tess and DeeDee, train stewardesses who trade their dreary shifts on the Stank Rail for the glitzy Glamazonian Express. When a catastrophic “Stormaganza” threatens to derail the high-speed train and crash it into Los Angeles, the duo in coach must join forces with the snobby first-class attendants and President Gagwell (RuPaul) to save the day.
Premiere Date: Out in Theaters Now
“They Fight”
Recently making its debut at Tribeca Festival this year, “They Fight” centers a reformed ex-con, Walt Manigan who comes home to Southeast D.C. a changed man. As he chases redemption, desperate to reclaim his soul, he’s forced to return to the one place he swore he’d never set foot in again—a crumbling boxing gym clinging to life under the watchful eye of his old mentor. Inside, a ragtag trio of young fighters battle their own demons with nothing but grit and gloves. As Walt is pulled back into a world he tried to escape, he realizes his toughest fight was never in the ring
Premiere Date: July 17
Earth, Wind & Fire (To be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World)
Directed by Questlove, this newly released documentary explores Earth, Wind & Fire’s spiritual and musical origins and their lasting cultural impact. It traces their genesis through late founding member Maurice White, chronicling their evolution, highs and lows, and relevance from the 1970s into the present day while exploring the deep philosophical and spiritual meaning behind their message and music.
Premiere Date: Out now on HBO & HBO Max
Once Upon a Time in Harlem
A decade after his death, filmmaker William Greaves captured what he considered the most important event he ever put on film: a four-hour-long, 1972 party with the living luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance. Shot on 16mm film, newly restored and now directed by Greaves’ son David, this landmark film is at once a self-exploration and an inquiry into the heart of the critical mass of energy called the Harlem Renaissance.
Premiere Date: October 16
“Disclosure Day”
Though plot details are being kept to a minimum, the newest Steven Spielberg film is a sci-fi project that asks the question: “If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?” You can expect some alien-like something to pop up, along with a pretty good cast that includes Colman Domingo, Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and more.
Premiere Date: Out in theaters now
“The Christophers”
If you’ve been waiting for Michaela Coel to come back to our screens, then you’re about to get your wish when “The Christophers” hits theaters. In it, she stars as an art restorer and former forger who gets hired to pose as a prospective assistant in order to access eight unfinished canvases—done by one of London’s top artists during the 1960’s and 1970’s pop art explosion—that are buried deep within his storage. Her plan is to complete them, then return them to storage, where they are to be “discovered” upon the artist’s death.
Premiere Date: Out now
“Newborn”
David Oyelowo is back on the big screen for a new psychological thriller directed by Nate Parker. The film tells the story of Chris Newborn (Oyelowo), who, after seven years in solitary confinement, seeks to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family, only to find that freedom has become a terrifying psychological battleground.
Premiere Date: Out now
“They Will Kill You”
Zazie Beetz makes it clear we’re not in Atlanta anymore with this horror-action flick that centers around a Satanic cult, a human sacrifice, and a lot of blood. This one doesn’t look like it’s for the faint of heart, so watch at your own risk!
Premiere Date: Out now
“Don’t Ever Wonder”
Production has officially wrapped
Nia Long and Larenz Tate are reunited for another Black love story we’ll be seated for
DON’T EVER WONDER is coming soon pic.twitter.com/6dMmN96ZGh
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) February 24, 2026
While not much is known about the plot of the upcoming Eugene Ashe-directed film “Don’t Ever Wonder,” we do know that the cast is full of Black cinematic excellence, and production has finally wrapped! Lead stars include “Love Jones” duo Nia Long and Larenz Tate as well as Blair Underwood, Laz Alonso, Susan Kelechi Watson, Pauletta Washington, Dennis Haysb.
Premiere Date: Sometime in 2026
“Backrooms”
A24 is about to bring us something crazy and suspenseful once again, as evidenced by the newly released teaser trailer for “Backrooms.” Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to star in this one, and judging by his voice, this movie already feels like something that’s going to have us on the edge of our seats.
Premiere Date: Out in Theaters Now
“Michael”
The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic will finally hit theaters in 2026. With a range of stars such as Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Jackson’s own nephew Jafar portraying him–this is set to be one of the biggest premieres in a long time!
Premiere Date: Out on VOD now
“You, Me & Tuscany”
Who said Black rom-coms were dead? Thanks to Will Packer and stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, Black folks are about to get in their feels in the best way soon.
Premiere Date: Out on VOD now
“I Love Boosters”
Boots Riley is back again with a new movie, “I Love Boosters.” It’s set to open SXSW and stars Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomie Ackie and more. We don’t have many details about the film now, but per IMDB, the story will center around “a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven.”
Premiere Date: Out in select theaters now
“Scary Movie 6”
Le premier TRAILER du film « SCARY MOVIE 6 » vient d’être DÉVOILÉ !!
10 JUIN 2026pic.twitter.com/loL6c8aR99
— Kultur (@Kulturlesite_) March 2, 2026
After years and years of waiting, the Wayans brothers are coming back for yet another Scary Movie installment. “Scary Movie 6” will see the return of fan favorites, including Marlon Wayans, Regina Hall, and Shawn Wayans, and newcomers like Gregg, Damon Jr., Kim Wayans, and more.
Premiere Date: Out in Theaters now
“Jumanji 3”
In November 2025, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted an Instagram video showing his fans and followers that he was back on set in Los Angeles filming for “Jumanji 3.” He and costars Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are expected to return, according to Deadline. But we still don’t know any specifics about the plot.
Premiere Date: Dec. 11
“Why Did I Get Married Again?”
After much fanfare online, Tyler Perry has wrangled most of the cast of his “Why Did I Get Married?” franchise for a third film. Per Netflix Tudum, this “threequel” sees the couples coming back together again as Marcus (Michael Jai White) and Angela’s (Tasha Smith) daughter prepares to tie the knot herself. After being apart for quite some time, the two quickly learn that as much as things change, they stay the same. Realizing their children have grown up to be so much like them, they must reflect on the examples they’ve set and ask themselves that age-old question: Why did they get married … again?”
Premiere Date: Some time in 2026
“The Drama”
Zendaya is going to have a busy 2026 with several movies coming out, including “Dune,” “Spider-Man: A Brand New Day,” and A24’s new film “The Drama, which she stars in alongside Robert Pattinson. The official synopsis reads like this: “A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.”
Premiere Date: Out on VOD now
“Is God Is”
Janelle Monae, Sterling K. Brown, Kara Young, and more are bringing a new drama to the screen, which will serve as a film adaptation of Aleshea Harris’ Off-Broadway play of the same name. Deadline has the full film description:
“Twin sisters Racine and Anaia have disfiguring burn scars and are eking out a dismal existence in a city that doesn’t feel like home. Though twins, they couldn’t be more different. Racine, whose scars are only on her torso and hands, is the defender, hitting back at their many bullies since childhood. Anaia, whose scars have marked her face, is the quiet one, content to live in her sister’s protective shadow. Their world is upended when the mother they’d believed long dead summons them to her bedside and reveals that their father is responsible for her bedridden state as well as the twins’ scars. They listen in disbelief as she orders them to kill their father for what he has done. Will they take up arms and spill blood? Or find mercy on the road to confront the man who destroyed everything?”
Premiere Date: Out on VOD soon and in select theaters now
“The Odyssey”
Per IMDB, Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” will stay pretty true to the source material but will feature a truly stacked cast. “After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way.”
Premiere Date: July 17
