Here is a list of my most anticipated movies of 2026, but with a twist. These are films that I believe are going to have the best production design that have been announced with release dates in 2026.
Dune: Part Three
Definitely one of the most anticipated movies of this year, Dune: Part Three is the epic conclusion to the sci-fi action series of the 2020s. Led by Chalemet and featuring new star-studded cast members, we can expect the production design of this movie to continue with its predecessors.
It’s going to be massive, it’s going to be immersive, and it’s going to be cinematic.
The landscape of the films takes place in the fictional planet of Arakkis, a desert planet. The costuming and design of this barren landscape is spectacular in itself.
Dune: Part Three will be in theaters on December 18th, 2026.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
As a big fan of the Hunger Games series and books, I’m excited to see the design of the 50th Hunger Games come to life on the big screen. From the trailer, we see the floral landscape of the arena, a seemingly peaceful backdrop, unlike the rugged, deadly arenas we have seen in previous installments.
Reminiscent of the backdrop of Midsommar, this arena is a red herring; it hides more than it reveals. I believe that it’s what’s going to make the film so interesting, since *spoiler alert* it is a living, breathing arena of poisonous water, plants, and deadly terrians.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
Backrooms
As mentioned in my previous post, A24’s Backrooms film specializes in creating a void, an ominous setting where the film will take place. The simplicity and absence of any defining details of the locations of the Backrooms is a genius in and of itself.
Read More about my in-depth discussion about the Backroom’s film design here
Backrooms will be in theaters on May 29th, 2026.
The Odyssey
With the little teaser we have seen and the knowledge of Christopher Nolan’s commitment to limited usage of CGI, The Odyssey is going to be a cinematic feat. Set photos have revealed large man-made, historically accurate ships created for the film. The film was filmed on location in the countries of the Mediterranean to capture the true essence of this Greek epic.
If Nolan’s filmography is any indication of his dedication to physical, detailed sets, it can be assumed that The Odyssey will be no different.
The Odyssey will be in theaters on July 17th, 2026.
Werewulf
While there have been no teaser or confirmed set photos of this film yet, Robert Eggers film’s atmosphere heavily relies on production design to create gothic worlds. Notable films in his filmography that we could look at to provide an idea of this film’s set design and setting are The Lighthouse, Nosferatu, and The Witch.
This dark, gothic design presented in his films is enticing and moody, providing a fresh and unique style to modern films.
Werewulf will be in theaters on December 25, 2026.