Hollywood’s biggest franchise returns of 2026: From The Devil Wears Prada 2 to Avengers: Doomsday and other must-watch sequels

Hollywood is fully embracing nostalgia in 2026, bringing back some of its most recognisable and beloved franchises for another cinematic run. From high-fashion power plays and modern fairy tales to superhero spectacles, animated favourites and slasher horror, the year’s sequel slate blends emotional pull with blockbuster ambition. These six follow-ups are already shaping the conversation and drawing audiences back to cinemas.





Nearly twenty years after The Devil Wears Prada became a cultural phenomenon, the fashion world is opening its doors once again. The sequel revisits Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs in an industry that has drastically changed, shaped by social media, digital publishing and influencer culture. The original cast is expected to return, with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway stepping back into roles that defined an era. Rather than rehashing old dynamics, the film is set to explore power shifts, relevance and ambition in a modern fashion landscape, making it one of the most eagerly awaited legacy sequels of the decade.





Few early-2000s films have inspired the same devotion as The Princess Diaries, and its long-awaited third instalment is finally taking shape. Anne Hathaway is confirmed to return as Mia Thermopolis, now older, wiser and facing a new chapter in her royal journey. While plot details remain tightly guarded, expectations are high that the sequel will balance nostalgia with maturity, appealing to fans who grew up with the franchise while welcoming a new generation into the world of Genovia.





Tom Holland’s Spider-Man swings back into action with Brand New Day, marking a fresh phase for Peter Parker after the events of No Way Home. With his identity reset and his world stripped back to basics, the film is expected to lean into a more grounded, street-level story while still tying into the wider Marvel universe. The title hints at a clean slate, and fans are eager to see how this next chapter reshapes one of Marvel’s most popular heroes.





Marvel’s biggest event film of 2026 arrives with Avengers: Doomsday. Designed as a major crossover spectacle, the film brings together familiar heroes and newly introduced characters for a multiverse-level conflict. Doctor Doom steps into the spotlight as a formidable threat, signalling a darker, more complex phase for the MCU. With expectations sky-high, this sequel aims to redefine what an Avengers film looks like in a post-Endgame world.





Pixar returns to one of its most beloved franchises with Toy Story 5. Despite previous endings that felt definitive, the studio promises a new story that reflects how childhood, technology and play continue to evolve. Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang are set to face fresh challenges, blending emotional storytelling with humour and heart. For families and long-time fans alike, this sequel is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most comforting cinema experiences.





Horror fans are not left out, as Scream 7 brings Ghostface back for another round. The franchise continues to reinvent itself while honouring its roots, and the latest sequel is expected to blend legacy characters with new faces. With self-awareness still at its core, the film will once again dissect horror tropes while delivering sharp scares and shocking twists.

Taken together, these six films reflect Hollywood’s strategic bet on proven franchises. In 2026, sequels are being positioned as reinventions rather than retreads, aimed at audiences who have matured while remaining emotionally tied to these stories. The result is a slate that looks backwards and forwards at the same time.