The superhero genre isn’t as popular as it used to be, but it is still one of the biggest cinematic genres. 2025 was a great year for superhero projects, from the first DCU movie, Superman, to one of the best modern MCU releases, Thunderbolts*. However, now is the time to look forward to what is ahead, and 2026 has plenty of superhero movies and TV shows to get excited about.
There aren’t a lot of new superhero movies, but there are a good number of new shows, which is why this list will rank every superhero project (movies and TV shows) by anticipation based on fan opinion, likelihood of success, originality, and expected quality. Whether viewers are fans of Marvel, DC, or other franchises, this year is jam-packed with superhero content.
12
‘VisionQuest’ (2026)
Paul Bettany as Vision in Avengers Age of Ultron looking to the side in a forest.Image via Marvel Studios
MCU shows on Disney+ haven’t had the best run, but two of the best are WandaVision and Agatha All Along. Both of those shows set up a third that will conclude this trilogy of series, VisionQuest. Not much is known about the plot, but it will follow White Vision (Paul Bettany) and what he has been up to since he left Westview at the end of WandaVision.
Even though WandaVision and Agatha All Along were great, fans are still hesitant about VisionQuest, and the fact that they don’t know anything about the show and that it comes out at the end of the year means it places last on this list. Still, there is a lot to get excited about, as it wraps up Vision’s story.
11
‘X-Men ’97 Season 2’ (2026)
Wolverine in his Brown and Yellow Costume in X-Men ’97 runs with his claws outImage via Marvel Animation Studios
One of the best decisions Marvel made was to continue X-Men: The Animated Series with a modern sequel, X-Men ’97. After a couple of years and no shortage of behind-the-scenes controversies, Season 2 will finally come out, continuing the story of these fan-favorite characters.
Some fans might think this placement is far too low for what is the second season of one of the greatest modern animated series, but the truth is that the general audience doesn’t care too much about animation. However, X-Men ’97 is at the top of the list for diehard fans who know how good season two will be.
10
‘Wonder Man’ (2026)
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams aka Wonder Man looking at something off-screen in Wonder Man.Image via Disney+
The MCU isn’t known to experiment with its movies, sticking to the same formula that has worked in the past. However, they do think outside the box for TV shows, and the next innovative series is Wonder Man. The story will follow two struggling actors, Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley), as they try to get roles in the remake of the film Wonder Man.
Wonder Man could be the next big hit for the MCU, or it could be another forgettable series. However, since they are trying something new and inventive, more fans are looking forward to this series. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II looks perfect for this role, and a meta story that is relevant and fun will surely give the show a welcome twist.
9
‘Clayface’ (2026)
Clayface in Batman: The Animated Series Feat of ClayImage via HBO Max
The DCU is still in its early phase, meaning projects will slowly start to roll out, and 2026 will see the release of an unexpected one, Clayface. This body horror thriller follows the titular character, played by Tom Rhys Harries, as he tries an experimental drug that turns his body into a clay-like substance.
In all honesty, Clayface isn’t likely to be a box-office hit or well-known by the public as a horror movie. However, it is primed to be one of the most original and thrilling superhero movies, if only because of the titular character’s unique backstory and standing. Fans need more movies about villains, and Clayface is exactly what the DCU needs to set itself apart.
8
‘Spider-Noir’ (2026)
Nicolas Cage ready to shoot webs in Spider-NoirImage via Amazon MGM Studios
Speaking of original projects, Marvel is also doing something unexpected, releasing a live-action TV show about Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage). Set in an alternate version of 1930s New York, this series follows the titular hero as he grapples with his past while trying to save the city from crime.
No one was expecting this series, but it could be the superhero show that’s exactly what everyone needed. Spider-Noir looks gritty, fun, and engaging with a rich aesthetic. Plus, everyone can do with some more Nicolas Cage, and he looks like he will excel in this role. Spider-Man will always be popular, and this new series will bring in viewers while trying something new.
7
‘Daredevil: Born Again Season 2’ (2026)
Charlie Cox and Deborah Ann Woll in Daredevil: Born AgainImage via Giovanni Rufino /©Disney+/Marvel Studios /Courtesy Everett Collection
One of the best superhero projects of 2025 was Daredevil: Born Again, and 2026 will pick up where it left off with Season 2. Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) is back in power as the Kingpin, but to beat him, Daredevil (Charlie Cox) will need more help, leading to a superpowered team-up.
The first season was met with mixed reviews, but overall had a positive impression that it was grittier and more action-packed, even if the story wasn’t as good. Fans can expect this season of Daredevil to be more of the same, with maybe some more action and drama. But the best part will be more fan-favorite characters making an appearance.
6
‘Supergirl’ (2026)
Milly Alcock in ‘Supergirl’Image via DC Studios
There are only a handful of DCU projects coming out in 2026, but they are still enough to keep the hype going after 2025’s Superman. However, DCU’s flagship title for 2026 is Supergirl. When the titular hero is at rock bottom, she might find purpose in protecting a mysterious girl on an interstellar adventure.
Milly Alcock is perfect for this role, and the trailer showed that, also showcasing sci-fi goodness with plenty of creativity and exhilarating action. However, everyone wants to see Jason Momoa as Lobo, as he was born for this role. Overall, this movie looks incredible and is easily DC’s most significant movie of the year.
5
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026)
Spider-Man 4’s Tom Holland in the suit without his maskImage via Marvel Studios
Spider-Man (Tom Holland) is one of the most popular superheroes of all time, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day is his next movie. Plot details aren’t known, but it has an incredible cast with many Marvel characters and an excellent director at the helm, Destin Daniel Cretton.
Supergirl and Spider-Man: Brand New Day come out around the same time, and while the former looks more unique and fresh, it can’t compete with Spider-Man’s name value and overall popularity. Fans still haven’t seen anything from Brand New Day, but the character alone is enough to put butts in seats.
4
‘Invincible Season 4’ (2026)
This list initially said that animated projects weren’t mainstream, but one show has broken out into the limelight: Invincible. Season 4 picks up after the epic events of its brutal and action-packed Season 3, delving into more cosmic threats and destruction while exploring the main characters’ morality.
Invincible is the hit new superhero show of this generation, so naturally, a new season would be highly anticipated. After the events of last season, fans can’t wait to go back into this story. The Viltrumite War is one of the most epic and high-stakes storylines in the series, meaning Season 4 will be all hype and action while keeping the show’s trademark blurred lines between “good” and “evil.”
3
‘Lanterns’ (2026)
Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in ‘Lanterns.’Image via HBO
Supergirl may be DCU’s flagship movie of the year, but 2026 has other projects, and Lanterns is one of them. Fans don’t know the exact plot, but James Gunn said that it will be a cosmic thriller mystery where John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) tackle supernatural cases.
Green Lantern is one of the most iconic DC superheroes, and Lanterns will bring two of the most popular iterations into one show. This series has phenomenal writers and directors attached, and the concept is also intriguing, lending it a “prestige TV” quality. Lanterns has the potential to be the best superhero project of the year, and thus is one of the most anticipated TV shows of 2026.