Buckle up, BWHS. If you thought last year was big for movies and books, 2026 is about to make
it look like the trailers. From the return of childhood icons to the next chapter of the MCU, the
upcoming year is stacked with enough releases to keep our group chats blowing up for the next
twelve months.
The Big Screen: Legends Return
The 2026 movie slate isn’t just a list of films; it’s a lineup of events. Leading the charge is the
massive return of the Avengers in Avengers: Doomsday, alongside the highly anticipated The
Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. But for many students, the real hype is built on nostalgia.
“I’m beyond hyped,” says 9th grader Sammy Rochat, a self-proclaimed movie fanatic. “I heard
Toy Story 5 is dropping this year, and honestly, growing up with those characters makes it feel
like seeing old friends again. It’s that mix of brand-new stories and sequels we’ve been waiting
years for.”
Whether it’s the high-octane energy of Jumanji 3 or the animated perfection of Pixar, the theater
is the place to be this year. The question isn’t if you’re going to the movies—it’s how you’re
going to afford all that popcorn.
The Page-Turner Takeover
Over in the world of books, the vibes are just as intense. While movies get the big trailers, the
book community is bracing for some of the biggest sequels in recent history.
“I can’t even describe how excited I am for the 2026 sequels,” says Elizabeth Lavrinovich, a 9th
grader who stays on top of every new release. “I’m specifically waiting for the next book in my
favorite series to launch- Elvenbred from the Halfblood Chronicles. I think 2026 is going to be the year where everyone starts reading again because the stories coming out are just that good. It’s literally all I’m going to be doing in
my free time.”
The Streaming Showdown
When we aren’t at the theater or buried in a book, we’ll be glued to our screens. With Netflix,
Disney+, and Prime Video all scheduled to drop major series, the “Streaming Wars” are
reaching a breaking point.
The big debate at BWHS? Which platform will actually own the year. While some students are
betting on Disney+ to dominate with Marvel and Star Wars spinoffs, others are looking to Netflix
for the next viral “must-watch” that everyone will be talking about in the hallways the next
morning.
The Verdict
The timing couldn’t be better. Since this piece is hitting right in January, consider this your
survival guide for the year. 2026 is officially the year of the fan. Whether you’re a gamer, a
reader, or a Marvel theorist, there is something massive coming your way.
The only problem? There might not be enough hours in the day to see it all.
