2026 will be the year for popular culture. From waiting for the release of new music to waiting on a singular movie for years, to wanting to start that one new show that’s coming out, this is the year to connect with others over your interests.

Movies

The abundance of movies coming out this year has people excited. Concluding years long franchises to starting new ones are all in store; this year may be the most influential of this generation in terms of pop culture.

Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has been busy these past years, with that work being displayed on the big screen as “Avengers: Doomsday.” After the heartbreak the Marvel writers left us in “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, many are thrilled but nervous to see The Avengers save the world once again from the tyranny of Dr.

Doom—played by the returning Robert Downey Jr—in theaters on Dec. 18. 

Another Marvel movie, Tom Holland’s “Spider-Man” continues his adventures in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” coming on July 31. Now Tom Holland’s fourth solo “Spider-Man” movie, he has very high hopes for its success. Ending with a sacrifice of being forgotten, Peter Parker must navigate his life as a nobody in college while fighting off villains such as the Punisher.

On the other side of the coin, DC Movies is releasing “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” starring Millie Alcock. Following “Superman,” which came out the year prior, “Supergirl” is set to premier on June 26. Supergirl, also known by her alien name Kara Zor-El, must find her purpose in life in this new movie while also fighting off supervillains that may hurt her world. Juggling themes of vengeance and hope amidst despair, this new DC is expected to hit records, maybe even more than “Superman.”

“The Odyssey,” a famous book often read in freshman English classes, is in the process of being adapted into a movie, directed by the notorious Christopher Nolan. The book, written by the famous Greek poet Homer, is inspired by Greek mythology with many references to Greek gods such as Athena and Poseidon. The movie is set to release on July 17. It is also particularly known for its talented cast, with actors including Zendaya, Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Elliot Page and many more.

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy movies of the year is “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” coming out on Nov. 20. The book, released in early 2025, describes Haymitch’s experience in the 50th annual Hunger Games, which producers have adapted into a movie. The movie has Joseph Zada starring as Haymitch, with other prominent actors such as Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, and Maya Hawke.

TV Shows

Watching TV shows is the best of hobbies: from binging an entire series in a day to waiting for a daily episode, only to realize there will be no more.

One of the most infamous TV shows of this generation, “Euphoria” is releasing its third—and most likely final—season. Roughly four years since the second season arrived, and almost seven since the show debuted, people are raving about this new season, excited to see the return of Rue Bennett, played by Zendaya.

Another notable series, “The Boys,” will have a new season as well. Their fifth season, coming out on April 8, is expected to be revolutionary. With their first episode premiering in 2019, their four seasons have made the charts, including winning the Satellite Award for Best Television Series among other competitors such as “Stranger Things” and “Severance.”

The sitcom “Ted Lasso” is also releasing another season. This comedy has been a fan favorite, gaining a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 8.8 on IMDb. The sitcom follows Ted Lasso, an ex-college football coach from Kansas, who is hired to coach an English soccer team. Often ridiculed for his persistent optimism and experience in soccer, Lasso navigates his way through the many problems affecting his life. The new season—coming mid-to-late 2026—is predicted to be based around Lasso coaching an English women’s soccer team, rather than men’s. 

Finally, “Outer Banks”—a teen favorite—is coming out with its fifth season early-to-mid 2026. Immediately gaining popularity after its first season premiered in 2020, “Outer Banks” has been a hit show. Following the Pogues, Kiara, Pope, JJ and John B, and adding new people to their group as the seasons progressed, they go on a number of adventures, often involving treasure, where they risk their lives for themselves and for others.

Music

Music is an essential part of pop culture, spreading cultures, ideas, emotions, traditions and so much more. 2026 is a notable year for the release of music, from artists who have been underground for years to new up-and-coming artists who are ready to take the spotlight.

Megan Moroney is a rising country singer and songwriter, already producing two studio albums and winning numerous awards for her music. Some of her hit songs include “Tennessee Orange” and “I’m Not Pretty.” Her new album, “Cloud 9,” is set to be released on Feb. 20.; she plans on going on tour, arriving in Chicago in early June.

Another popular artist releasing new music is Bruno Mars, the man who carried the 2010s with his deep, emotional lyrics and melody that he embedded into his songs. His new album, “The Romantic,”was in the making for three years, and Mars announced that he will begin going on tour in April of this year. He will visit Chicago in mid-May at the United Center.

Harry Styles, after disappearing when his “Love On Tour” ended, has emerged once again, announcing his new album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” This album is set to release on March 6, and he will go on tour starting late 2026 or early 2027. Styles has been able to stay relevant since the boy-band era, starting from One Direction, to going on to be on one of the most prominent tours of the generation.

Popular culture can bring everyone together. Whether they like the same movie, or listen to the same music or even binge TV shows together, it’s a way to connect to someone you never thought you would, which may be what happens further into this year.