MediCinema’s Top Movie Picks for 2026: What Our Cinema Managers Can’t Wait to See

As 2026 kicks off, film fans have plenty to look forward to. From epic blockbusters to imaginative indie projects, this year promises bold storytelling and unforgettable cinematic experiences. At MediCinema, our mission is to bring the magic of movies to patients and families in hospitals across the UK, and who better to share their most anticipated releases than our very own Cinema Managers?  

Wuthering Heights (Warner Bros.) 

Release Date: February 2026 

It’s not long to wait for this adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel, starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie in the iconic roles of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.  

Picked by Kate Thompson, Cinema Manager at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children/Queen Elizabeth University Hospital she says:   

“I can’t wait to see what Emerald Fennel does with Wuthering Heights – one of my favourite books. It could be sacrilege, or it could be genius – I loved Fennel’s Promising Young Woman and was… appropriately bewildered by her film ‘Saltburn’ two years ago.” 

The Bride (Warner Bros.)  

Release Date: March 2026  

Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal (Academy Award-nominated writer/director of The Lost Daughter) this reimagining of Bride of Frankenstein is set in 1930s New York and stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale.   

Chosen by Rose Adamson, Cinema Manager of our soon-to-be newest addition to the MediCinema family at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, she says:  

“I can’t wait to see The Bride! Maggie Gyllenhaal did a fabulous job at adapting The Lost Daughter, and I’m excited to see what she does with the story of the Bride of Frankenstein. Starring two of my favourite actors – Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale – I think it’s set to be unhinged, chaotic and a bit saucy!”

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (Universal Pictures)  

Release Date: April 2026  

Mario and Luigi blast off into space in this sequel to The Super Mario Bros Movie. With Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and newcomers Brie Larson and Benny Safdie, this family-friendly adventure promises colour, nostalgia, and joy.  

Laura Smith, Cinema Manager at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital shares:  

“As someone who also loves playing Mario Kart and sees first-hand how immersive, joyful films uplift spirits, I know this colourful, family-friendly movie would be perfect for MediCinema screenings at Alder Hey, bringing laughter, nostalgia and that shared sense of community to those who need it most…exactly the kind of cinema experience and wellbeing boost we champion every day!”

Normal (Magnolia Pictures)  

Release Date: April 2026  

Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, Normal is set for theatrical release this year and is hotly anticipated by Simon Hickson, Senior Cinema Manager at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s CW+ MediCinema.   

“I can’t wait to see Normal. Written by Derek “John Wick” Kolstad, directed by Ben “every mad film you can ever think of” Wheatley, and starring Bob “Nobody” Odenkirk and Henry “The Fonz” Winkler as the Mayor of the sleepy town of Normal, this is going to be a blast! It’s even got a moose in it!”  

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (Walt Disney Pictures)  

Release Date: May 2026  

After 20 years, the fashion world returns with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprising their iconic roles. Add Kenneth Branagh and Lady Gaga, and you’ve got a nostalgia-packed spectacle.  

Yvonne Grey, Cinema Manager at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children/Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is hoping for a MediCinema screening of this iconic sequel.   

“This film would be a heavy slice of name recognition and nostalgia to serve up to those in the hospital environment, where our goal is to provide an event to look forward to, and escape from everyday worries. This snapshot of the world of high-fashion glamour, with the addition of stars like Kenneth Branagh and Lady Gaga, would be the perfect vehicle to take our imaginations away from the clinical environment for a short while.”  

Masters of the Universe (Sony Pictures Entertainment) 

Release Date: June 2026 

An action-packed movie with a heavy-hitting cast, anticipation is high for Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, and the particularly intriguing casting of Jared Leto as Skeletor.  

Top pick by John Martin, Cinema Manager of the Pop-Up MediCinema at St Thomas’ Hospital he says:  

“I’m really looking forward to watching this one, mainly because of the amazing cast!” 

The Odyssey (Universal Pictures)  

Release Date: 17 July 2026  

Christopher Nolan takes on Homer’s legendary tale in The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya. Expect sweeping visuals and an epic narrative that redefines the classic Greek saga.  

Marc Shaw, Cinema Manager at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, says:  

“I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about how epic it’s going to be!”  

The Apothecary Diaries Movie (Toho Animation Studio)  

Release Date: December 2026  

Anime fans rejoice! This stunning adaptation of the beloved series could hit UK cinemas this year. As a huge fan of the genre our very own Deputy Cinema Manager at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s CW+ MediCinema, Josie Thornton, is a tad excited for its scheduled release.   

“I’m really hoping The Apothecary Diaries Movie will get released in the UK this year, it’s so beautiful and I love the stories within stories. There are quite a few anime series getting films now and I love seeing the artwork in detail on the big screen. Anime movies got a lot of love last year (Demon Slayer, JJK and Chainsaw Man all slayed it) so hopefully it will continue this year (and we’ll get to screen them!)”  

Looking forward to 2026? These films have been selected as personal favourites by our team. Every movie we screen is chosen carefully to suit the hospital sites. So, stay tuned for updates on what’s coming to each of our in-hospital MediCinema screens throughout the year near you!