EnglishMovies - Paramount Pictures 2026: A year marked by iconic franchises, surprises, and mainstream cinema
By Mulder, 25 december 2025
When a studio as iconic as Paramount Pictures prepares its movie slate for the year, we always expect a carefully balanced mix of risk-taking, nostalgia, ambitious projects, and highly anticipated comebacks. The year 2026 promises to be one of the studio's richest and most exciting in several years, with a calendar that includes major franchises, effective original projects, arthouse cinema, family films, and spectacular offerings designed to thrill audiences. Behind the scenes, there is a sense of renewed confidence from a studio that now knows how to juggle heritage and modernity, and the enthusiasm of the marketing teams suggests that Paramount is not moving forward timidly but with real assurance, fueled by recent successes and a renewed understanding of international audience expectations.
The year gets off to a strong start with Primate, directed by Johannes Roberts and co-written with Ernest Riera, a duo already accustomed to thrills and tense survival stories, here carried by a cast that includes Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, produced by Walter Hamada, John Hodges, and Bradley Pilz, with cinematography by Stephen Murphy, editing by Peter Gvozdas, and music by Adrian Johnston. Premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 18, 2025, before its US release on January 9, 2026, and French release on January 21, 2026, this horror survival film produced by 18hz Productions and distributed by Paramount Pictures promises a tropical nightmare where a vacation turns into a primal fight for survival. It is part of a new wave of demanding but accessible genre films that are as entertaining as they are adrenaline-pumping.
It is impossible not to mention one of the major events of the year: Scream 7, directed by Kevin Williamson, written by Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick, based on a story by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein, still set in the universe shaped by the characters originally created by Kevin Williamson, with music by Marco Beltrami and produced by Spyglass Media Group, Project X Entertainment, and Outerbanks Entertainment. The return of Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, alongside a particularly large cast including Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons, and Mark Consuelos, shows how this new story, which brings horror back into Sidney Prescott's newfound tranquility and puts her own daughter at risk, aims to deliver an emotional and intense, almost testamentary chapter, expected in France on February 25, 2026, and in the United States on February 27, 2026.
A surprising addition to the lineup, Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) marks the meeting of two exceptional worlds: that of James Cameron, the undisputed master of immersive imagery and 3D, and that of Billie Eilish, a global artist whose every performance becomes an event. Produced and directed by James Cameron and Billie Eilish, with the direct participation of Lightstorm Entertainment, Darkroom Films, and Interscope Films, and distributed by Paramount Pictures, this 3D concert film, captured during her sold-out world tour, promises to be a rare sensory experience rather than a simple music documentary. It is expected to be released in France on March 18, 2026, and in the United States on March 20, 2026, and is likely to be as technically ambitious as it is emotionally immersive.
Laughter should also be plentiful in 2026 with Scary Movie 6, the return of a cult parody film franchise, directed by Michael Tiddes and written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Rick Alvarez, produced by Neal H. Moritz, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Rick Alvarez, and starring Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Jon Abrahams, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Dave Sheridan, and Chris Elliott, under the banner of Miramax, Original Film, and Ugly Baby Productions, and distributed by Paramount Pictures with a French release scheduled for June 10, 2026, and a US release on June 12, 2026. There is already talk internally of a return to the essence of the saga: references to contemporary horror cinema, deliberately irreverent humor, and the unapologetic pleasure of mocking modern fears through collective laughter.
Families will also have plenty to celebrate with PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, the third cinematic adventure in the beloved children's franchise created from the universe of Keith Chapman, directed by Cal Brunker, co-written by Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen, produced by Jennifer Dodge, Laura Clunie, and Toni Stevens, with a star-studded voice cast including Mckenna Grace, Jennifer Hudson, Fortune Feimster, Jameela Jamil, Terry Crews, Snoop Dogg, Bill Nye, Paris Hilton, and Meredith MacNeill, edited by Ed Fuller, brought to you by Spin Master Entertainment, and distributed internationally by Paramount Pictures, with a French release date set for August 5, 2026, and an American release date set for August 14, 2026. The idea of combining the license with the world of dinosaurs promises a spectacular, fun adventure tailored for the big screen, while further cementing the franchise's place in the hearts of families.
One of the most eagerly awaited projects for fans of video games and action movies, Street Fighter represents a huge challenge. Directed by Kitao Sakurai, written by Dalan Musson, produced by Mary Parent, based on Capcom's cult license, and starring Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa'i, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Vidyut Jammwal, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Jason Momoa, with cinematography by Ken Seng and editing by Luke Lynch, co-produced by Legendary Pictures and Capcom, and distributed by Paramount Pictures, this film, expected in France on October 14, 2026, and in the United States on October 16, 2026, promises a respectful approach to the original material, combining nostalgia, stylized combat, and a plot mixing global conspiracies and personal drama around Ryu, Ken Masters, and Chun-Li, with the clear ambition of making a lasting mark on video game adaptations in cinema.
In a completely different vein, Ebenezer, directed by Ti West, written by Nathaniel Halpern, based on the work of Charles Dickens, produced by Emma Watts for Paramount Pictures and distributed by Paramount Pictures, with cinematography by Checco Varese, promises to be an ambitious gothic and supernatural reinterpretation of a classic, carried by an impressive cast including Johnny Depp, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Charlie Murphy, Ellie Bamber, and Arthur Conti, with a French release scheduled for November 11, 2026. The film promises a dark, elegant, immersive, and deeply emotional atmosphere, faithful to the spirit of Dickens while taking on the dimension of a contemporary supernatural thriller.
The year will also welcome a comedy event with Focker In-Law (Meet the Parents 4), written and directed by John Hamburg, based on characters created by Greg Glienna and Mary Ruth Clarke, produced by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, Jay Roach, Ben Stiller, John Lesher, and John Hamburg, starring Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Ariana Grande, Skyler Gisondo, Beanie Feldstein, and Eduardo Franco, photographed by Barry Peterson, produced by Tribeca Enterprises, Red Hour Productions, Delirious Media, and Particular Pictures, distributed by Universal Pictures in the United States and Paramount Pictures in France, with a release date set for November 25, 2026, in both territories. This new installment, centered on Greg and Pam's son facing renewed family chaos, promises a return to the dark, sometimes tender, often explosive family comedy that made the franchise famous.
Finally, to end the year on a colorful family note, The Angry Birds Movie 3, directed by John Rice, written by Thurop Van Orman, produced by John Cohen, Dan Chuba, Carla Connor, and Namit Malhotra, based on the Rovio Entertainment franchise, and featuring the voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Emma Myers, Rachel Bloom, Marcello Hernandez, Keke Palmer, Tim Robinson, Walker Scobell, Nikki Glaser, MrBeast, Salish Matter, Danny McBride, Lily James, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Sam Richardson, Psalm West, James Austin Johnson, Anthony Padilla, and Ian Hecox, edited by Sarah K. Reimers, with music by Heitor Pereira, produced by Rovio Entertainment, Sega Sammy Group, and Prime Focus Studios, and distributed by Paramount Pictures, will be released simultaneously in France and the United States on December 23, 2026. With a particularly modern and international voice cast, this third adventure confirms the desire to bring the franchise to life on the big screen with renewed energy and a clear ambition to reach a wide audience.
Primate
Directed by Johannes Roberts
Written by Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera
Produced by Walter Hamada, John Hodges, Bradley Pilz
Starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Troy Kotsur
Cinematography : Stephen Murphy
Edited by Peter Gvozdas
Music by Adrian Johnston
Production company : 18hz Productions
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates : September 18, 2025 (Fantastic Fest); January 9, 2026 (United States), January 21, 2026 (France)
Running time : 89 minutes
Synopsis : A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.
Scream 7
Directed by Kevin Williamson
Written by Kevin Williamson, Guy Busick
Story by James Vanderbilt, Guy Busick
Based on Characters by Kevin Williamson
Produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein
Starring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons, Mark Consuelos
Music by Marco Beltrami
Production companies : Spyglass Media Group, Project X Entertainment, Outerbanks Entertainment
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : February 25, 2026 (France), February 27, 2026 (United States)
Synopsis : When a new Ghostface emerges in the peaceful town where Sidney Prescott has rebuilt her life, her worst nightmares resurface. When her daughter becomes the next target, Sidney has no choice but to resume the fight. Determined to protect her loved ones, she must confront the demons of her past to try to end the bloodshed once and for all.
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)
Directed by James Cameron, Billie Eilish
Produced by James Cameron, Billie Eilish
Starring Billie Eilish, James Cameron
Music by Billie Eilish
Production companies : Lightstorm Entertainment, Darkroom Films, Interscope Films
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : March 18, 2026 (France), March 20, 2026 (United States)
Synopsis : Produced in 3D by James Cameron and Billie Eilish herself, this concert film was shot throughout her sold-out world tour.
Scary Movie 6
Directed by Michael Tiddes
Written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Rick Alvarez
Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Rick Alvarez
Starring Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Jon Abrahams, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Dave Sheridan, Chris Elliott
Production companies : Miramax, Original Film, Ugly Baby Productions
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : June 10, 2026 (France), June 12, 2026 (United States)
Synopsis : Sixth installment of the cult horror parody franchise.
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
Directed by Cal Brunker
Written by Cal Brunker, Bob Barlen
Based on Paw Patrol by Keith Chapman
Produced by Jennifer Dodge, Laura Clunie, Toni Stevens
Starring Mckenna Grace, Jennifer Hudson, Fortune Feimster, Jameela Jamil, Terry Crews, Snoop Dogg, Bill Nye, Paris Hilton, Meredith MacNeill
Edited by Ed Fuller
Production company : Spin Master Entertainment
Distributed by Elevation Pictures (Canada), Paramount Pictures (under Nickelodeon Movies; international)
Release date : August 5, 2026 (France), August 14, 2026 (United States)
Synopsis : Third installment of the adventures of the puppy vigilantes.
Street Fighter
Directed by Kitao Sakurai
Written by Dalan Musson
Based on Street Fighter by Capcom
Produced by Mary Parent
Starring Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Joe "Roman Reigns" Anoa'I, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Vidyut Jammwal, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Jason Momoa
Cinematography : Ken Seng
Edited by Luke Lynch
Production companies : Legendary Pictures, Capcom
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : October 14, 2026 (France), October 16, 2026 (United States)
Synopsis : In 1993, Ryu and Ken Masters, two Street Fighters who were once inseparable, are thrown back into the arena when the mysterious Chun-Li recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash where fists, destiny, and fury collide. But behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face each other, while confronting the demons of their past... And if they fail, it's GAME OVER.
Ebenezer
Directed by Ti West
Written by Nathaniel Halpern
Based on the work of Charles Dickens
Produced by Emma Watts
Starring Johnny Depp, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Tramell Tillman, Charlie Murphy, Ellie Bamber, Arthur Conti
Cinematography : Checco Varese
Production companies : Paramount Pictures
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates : November 11,2026 (France)
Synopsis : A thrilling ghost story set in Dickens' London, following one man's supernatural journey to face his past, present and future as he fights for a second chance at redemption.
Focker In-Law
Written and directed by John Hamburg
Based on Characters by Greg Glienna, Mary Ruth Clarke
Produced by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, Jay Roach, Ben Stiller, John Lesher, John Hamburg
Starring Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Ariana Grande, Skyler Gisondo, Beanie Feldstein, Eduardo Franco
Cinematography : Barry Peterson
Production companies : Tribeca Enterprises, Red Hour Productions, Delirious Media, Particular Pictures
Distributed by Universal Pictures (United States), Paramount Pictures (France)
Release date : November 25, 2026 (United States, France)
Synopsis : A young man named Henry, son of Greg and Pam Focker, faces family chaos when he decides to marry a strong-willed woman who appears to be his complete mismatch.
The Angry Birds Movie 3
Directed by John Rice
Written by Thurop Van Orman
Based on Angry Birds by Rovio Entertainment
Produced by John Cohen, Dan Chuba, Carla Connor, Namit Malhotra
Starring Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Emma Myers, Rachel Bloom, Marcello Hernandez, Keke Palmer, Tim Robinson, Walker Scobell, Nikki Glaser, MrBeast, Salish Matter, Danny McBride, Lily James, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Sam Richardson, Psalm West, James Austin Johnson, Anthony Padilla, Ian Hecox
Edited by Sarah K. Reimers
Music by Heitor Pereira
Production companies : Rovio Entertainment, Sega Sammy Group, Prime Focus Studios
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : December 23, 2026 (France, United States)