Sci-fiis always one of the most popular genres in movie theaters, and three of the best sci-fi filmmakers ever are all returning to it next year. Plenty of massive sci-fi movies are released each year, with immensely popular franchises like theMarvel Cinematic Universe, the DCU,Star Wars,Star Trek, and more being members of the sci-fi genre.
Sci-fi comedies, romances, horror movies, and evenWesterns likeCowboys vs. AliensandWild Wild Westhave made their marks on film history throughout the years. However, a select few directors have become known for their work in the sci-fi genre. Luckily, three of the Titans of sci-fi are making their grand returns next year, ensuring that fans of science fiction will have a lot to look forward to in 2026.
Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg & Denis Villeneuve All Have Sci-Fi Movies In 2026
Making It A Legendary Year For The Genre
As it turns out, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, and Denis Villeneuve all have sci-fi movies set to release in 2026. Each of these directors has cemented their names on the sci-fi walk of fame, with Ridley Scott being behindAlien,Blade Runner, andThe Martian,Steven Spielberg being behindClose Encounters of the Third Kind,E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, andWar of the Worlds, and Denis Villeneuve being behindArrival,Annihilation, and the modernDuneseries.
Jun 23, 2025, will see the release of Ridley Scott’sThe Dog Stars, his first sci-fi movie since 2017’sAlien: Covenant. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic society caused by a deadly pandemic, with it following Jacob Elordi’s Hig and Josh Brolin’s Bangley as they use their skills to fight off invaders. The film also stars Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong.
The Dog Stars
Cast
The Dog Stars, scheduled to be released in 2026, follows a man surviving a post-pandemic world in a Colorado hangar with his dog and a gunman. A cryptic radio transmission captured during a Cessna flight propels them on a quest to discover its origin, blending themes of isolation, friendship, and hope.
June 02, 2025 will see the release of Steven Spielberg’s untitled UFO film, his first sci-fi movie since 2018’sReady Player One. Although no details about the film’s story have been given, it is believed to be a conspiracy thriller centered around a UFO. The film will star Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, Wyatt Russell, Noah Robbins, and more.
Finally, June 15, 2025, will see the release of Denis Villeneuve’sDune: Part Three, his first sci-fi movie since 2024’sDune: Part Two. The sequel will be an adaptation of the novelDune: Messiah, featuring many of the returning characters from the first two films. It will also be Villeneuve’s lastDunefilm, concluding his trilogy of Frank Herbert adaptations.
Which Of These 2026 Sci-Fi Movies Is The Most Exciting?
Spielberg’s Return To Sci-Fi Can’t Be Beat
While all three of these projects are incredibly exciting,Steven Spielberg’s UFO movie is the most exciting. Alien movies have been some of his best work throughout his filmography, and it will be Spielberg’s first true alien movie since 2005’sWar of the Worlds. Spielberg is a filmmaker with an incredible track record, and many can’t wait for his next summer blockbuster to release in 2026.
Ridley Scott’s recent works have been a bit hit or miss, so whileThe Dog Starscould be great, it is hard to say definitively.Dune: Part Threeis also incredibly exciting, but it is the thirdDunefilm this decade, meaning that it isn’t as fresh. However, I hope that all three of these movies are great, making 2026 one of the best years forsci-fiever.
