This year, Hollywood is offering a slate of films that serve up nostalgia, Black joy and psychological thrills, all with a twist that speaks to us. Acclaimed creatives like Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) both return to the big screen with releases this spring. Romantic comedies and personal dramas abound, while laughs and scares go hand-in-hand in the Wayans’ latest: Scary Movie 6. The year also delivers on franchises; from The Hunger Games to Jumanji and more, all return to play.
And then there are the wildcards, like Moses in Black. The Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson-produced film is a modern-day biblical retelling of the story of the Ethiopian martyr, famous for his dramatic conversion from a ruthless bandit to a revered saint known for humility, wisdom, and spiritual depth.
Grab your calendar and mark these dates for the films that at worth your time this year.
Just for the Scare of It
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Night Patrol (January 16): An all-star rap legend cast takes on the night to end the gruesome undead secret of the night patrol team that preys on innocent victims in an L.A. housing project. Writer/director Ryan Prows tells EBONY
Mother Mary (March 20): Michaela Coel plays a bewitched stylist to a diva (Anna Hathaway) who needs that dress. But the cost is more than just blood, sweat, and tears in this thriller, which exposes the intense relationship creatives have with the superstars they craft. FKA twigs and Hunter Schafer also star.
They Will Kill You (March 27): Violence, chases, and a need for survival are what star Zazie Beetz faces in this gore-driven plot with breaks of comedy. She fights for her life within a historic Manhattan hotel, where its residents have a pact with the devil, and are set on making her their monthly sacrifice.
Is God Is (May 15): Twins take over Hollywood, again. In Is God IsJanelle Monae plays twin sisters who suffer from permanent burn scars. Their vengeful mother orders her daughters to kill their abusive father, who caused their wounds. Vivca A. Fox and Erika Alexander star alongside this exciting lineup of performers in director Aleshea Harris’ first feature film.
I Love Boosters (May 22): Riley’s offbeat film follows a team of shoplifters who want to overthrow the secrets of a fashion corporate hegemony. Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Demi Moore, and more star in this thrilling sci-fi feature, along with LaKeith Stanfield, who is reteaming with Riley since the brilliantly warped Sorry To Bother You.
Black Love, Unfiltered
Love the Skin You’re In (February 3): A successful photographer must navigate an unexpected career pivot and the return of her estranged father, which reopens old wounds. She turns to therapy to help confront the past and find the courage to choose and love herself.
The Drama (April 3): Zendaya thought she was ready to get married, but her soon-to-be husband, played by Robert Pattinson, gives her apparent cold feet in this dark romantic comedy. It’s an intimate exploration of a young couple’s uncertainty about their future together.
You, Me & Tuscany (April 10): Halle Bailey whisks off to Europe to find her would-be Italian lover, who materializes in the form of British cousin Regé-Jean Page. It’s a Tuscan romantic comedy with Eat, Pray, Love vibes, so we can all get caught up in this foreign love affair.
All About the Sequel
Scary Movie 6 (June 12): It’s the scream we can get behind. The entire original comedy ensemble, including Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, and Shawn Wayans, returns to deliver unflinching jokes and mischief. And since we’re in a whole new era, this 2026 retelling is poking fun at some of the biggest horror tropes of the decade.
The Odyssey (July 27): Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to Oppenheimer transforms verses from the epic poem into magnificent cinematic scenery. Zendaya stars as the divine goddess Athena in this incredulous journey for ancient soldiers to make their way home.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31): Peter Parker wants to retire his superhero suit and live a normal life with MJ. But it will be anything but ordinary as the rumored engaged couple, Tom Holland and Zendaya, return to the screen in this supernatural love story.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (November 20): Finally, we’ll learn how Haymitch Abernathy survived the 50th annual Hunger Games (with double the contestants) and bear witness to his love for Lenore Dove Baird, played by Whitney Peak.
Jumanji 4 (December 11): Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black return in this fourth installment. The new Jumanji franchise follows the board game characters’ adventure into the unknown as they risk their lives time, time, and time again for play.
Dune: Part Three (December 18): The latest installment in this sci-fi odyssey will focus on Paul Atreides’ ascension to the spiritual title Muad’dib. Zendaya plays the Fremen warrior Chani, who must protect and do good for her people, even as her love interest falls victim to the all-powerful forces of an ancient prophecy.
Avengers: Doomsday (December 18): Ready for the sixth phase of the MCU? Robert Downey Jr. has switched sides and now embodies mega-supervillain Doctor Doom. Thank goodness Wakanda’s Black Panther (Letitia Wright) and M’Baku (Winston Duke) will once again be fighting on the side of good.
The Wildcards
Moses The Black (January 30): In this striking iteration of a biblical tale produced by Curtis “50 Cent’ Jackson, Omar Epps is Malik, a Chicago gangster whose life is forever changed by Chukwudi Iwuji, who stars as the modern-day Moses. Rappers Quavo and Wiz Khalifa are a part of the leading cast, offering a fresh perspective on a centuries-old story.
Michael (April 24): Director Anthony Fuqua is behind this story of the rise to become the King of Pop. Jackson becomes Jackson, as Michael’s real-life nephew takes on his uncle’s discography as the titular character and global showman. Colman Domingo plays Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, widely known for crafting the Jackson 5 and carving out Michael’s path towards success, along with Nia Long as his mother, Katherine Jackson.
