As a new year unfolds, it brings with it a fresh wave of anticipation and discovery. The months ahead promise a captivating mix of breakthroughs, adrenaline-fuelled sporting highlights, must-see films, and vibrant places to visit, set to awaken every sense.
It’s 2026, and there’s far more to look forward to than simply flipping the calendar. A dynamic line-up of experiences awaits, ready to be explored.
Whether you’re drawn to the wonders of space, the thrill of competition, or the magic of cinema, this is your guide to the standout moments that will keep you firmly in the know. A year rich with opportunity lies ahead, so let’s step right in.
It is the year of blockbusters, and throwing its hat into the ring is Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of the classic epic, Ramayana.
Featuring a star cast of Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol, with music from A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, the first part hits theatres in late 2026.
After an explosive return to box office form in 2023 with hits like Pathaan and Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan returns to theatres in 2026 with King.
The film will also star Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan, and is reportedly a sleek action thriller, based on the classic Leon: The Professional (1994).
Real-life spouses Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are to share the screen once again in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic saga, Love and War.
Also starring Vicky Kaushal, this love triangle is reportedly a remake of Kapoor’s grandfather, Raj Kapoor’s Sangam (1964). The film is set to be released in August 2026.
Sam Levinson’s breakout hit, Euphoria (2019–), returns to HBO Max in the first quarter of the new year.
The titular star cast returns to the world of Euphoria following a dramatic five-year time jump. It will be interesting to see stars like Jacob Elordi, Zendaya, and Sydney Sweeney return to the roles that helped them break into the mainstream.
The Regency-era romance phenomenon graced our Netflix homepages in 2020 and promptly cemented itself into the cultural zeitgeist.
The fourth season takes viewers back to the world of the Bridgerton family. Fans of the series won’t have to wait long. The episodes drop in January and February of 2026.
Ridley Scott’s 1982 film, Blade Runner, changed the face of science fiction when it was released.
Now, a television series starring Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer titled Blade Runner 2099 will be premiering on Amazon Prime Video in 2026.
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby strutting through the streets of 19th-century Birmingham wearing a three-piece suit and a newsboy cap is perhaps an iconic piece of imagery from TV.
After six seasons and resounding demand, Tommy Shelby and the gang return for one last hurrah. New faces include Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will be on Netflix this March.
Through the 2010s, there has been one constant: a Hunger Games movie.
After the conclusion of the original trilogy with Mockingjay: Part 2 (2015), Suzanne Collins gave us a prequel in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), detailing President Snow’s youth.
Now, in 2026, comes perhaps the most anticipated story from the Hunger Games universe: Haymitch’s games. Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in November 2026.
The Avengers have been a cultural touchpoint in defining the 2010s.
Their individual members have spawned movies, television shows, and countless references. Now, after 15 movies since Avengers: Endgame (2019), the superhero all-star teams join up to defeat a new villain—Dr. Doom, played by MCU veteran Robert Downey Jr.
Avengers: Doomsday comes to theatres in late 2026.
With all-timer hits like Jaws (1975), the Indiana Jones trilogy (1981–1989), Jurassic Park (1993), and Saving Private Ryan (1998), Steven Spielberg goes back to basics with his newest offering: Disclosure Day.
A UFO film, most details are under wraps, but the film will star Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, and Colman Domingo. Releasing in June, this one promises to be a summer blockbuster.
Emily Brontë’s gothic romance has captivated readers from its inception.
The dark and timeless tale has now captured the interest of Emerald Fennell, director of the scintillating Saltburn (2023). Starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, and music by Charli XCX, the movie has already stirred controversy and conversation.
Wuthering Heights comes to theatres on Valentine’s Day.
• Kicking the year off with a little rave is Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2026. The festival runs from 16 to 18 January at Rhythm Park in Phuket, with a full-scale sensory takeover blending pulsing electronic music, carnival rides, performers, and immersive art. Expect three nights of very little sleep and peak festival energy.
• Put on your dancing shoes, Tomorrowland is set to make its debut in Thailand this December in Chonburi’s Wisdom Valley, bringing its signature fantasy to the central region’s coastal area. Experience the transformative power of music with global headliners, stages straight out of a silver screen, and an air of unmatched energy.
• Set to release this February, Gorillaz’s The Mountain marks the band’s ninth studio album, featuring 15 new tracks and a stack of collaborators. Described as an expansive sonic landscape, this record weaves Indian sounds, aesthetics, and cinematic influences into the band’s ever-evolving universe.
• Missing BRAT summer? Maybe this new drop will curb your appetite. Dropping in February is Charli XCX’s Wuthering Heights (2026) soundtrack record created for Emerald Fennell’s sultry adaptation of the Brontë classic.
• 2026 marks a new year for record rollouts. Here are some artists who have teased new drops for the year: Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Lana Del Rey. If half of these land, playlists are about to stay busy.
• Hey gamers, GTA 6 is just around the corner and set to redefine open-world storytelling in November, with sharper satire, denser cities, and moments clearly built to be clipped, streamed, and memed. Get set for a new excursion, and a roll out of hilariously entertaining gameplays from your favourite streamers.
• This February, Resident Evil 9 (Requiem) continues the franchise’s shift towards psychological horror, favouring atmosphere and emotional weight over jump scares. This new drop promises a slower burn that dwells long after the screen fades to black.
• Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (Remake) is polishing a cult classic for a new generation, blending nostalgia with smoother mechanics and upgraded visuals. The remake is set to release sometime in March, allowing long-time fans to relive the vibes and maybe pass on the fun to younger members of the family, too.
• Rumour has it Apple may be teasing a new iPhone drop this year, aligning with its recent hardware refresh and setting the stage for the iPhone 17 era. Industry chatter suggests the brand could finally be stepping into foldable territory with an iPhone Fold, blending Apple’s software ecosystem with the tactile nostalgia of the Motorola Razr days.
• The Samsung Galaxy Trifold is tipped to take foldables up a notch, unfolding from phone to tablet to full work mode with effortless ease. It is playful, practical, and very much a flex for those who like their tech to feel one step ahead.
• This year, Apple Vision Pro 2 is also expected to be released, with an upgrade to feel sharper, smarter, and far more practical, powered by Apple’s next-gen M5 chip. With stronger AI and a more work-ready visionOS, it is edging away from novelty and towards something you might actually use every day.
• Expect to see far more of XR, spanning Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, in 2026 as it moves beyond gaming and into everyday use. From workspaces to retail and wellness, immersive tech is becoming part of the standard toolkit.
• The most-watched sporting event in the world makes its return, kicking things off on 11 June. The 23rd edition of the Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026 also has a couple of firsts. For one, it will be co-hosted by three countries: the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada. The tourney will also now feature 48 teams in the group stage, expanding the format from the traditional 32. The global game is expected to have more eyes on screen and more backs on seats than previous tournaments, as the largest World Cup ever, with 104 matches through 16 different cities. However, we’ll just have to tolerate the Canadians and Americans referring to it as soccer.
• From summer to the colder months, the Winter Olympics 2026 primarily take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, with the opening ceremony at the famous San Siro Stadium. This edition will host the highest proportion of female athletes in the competition’s history, not to mention the return of NHL players to Olympic events. From gold, silver, and bronze, national pride is at stake, made more challenging by the chill factor of winter days and the heightened level of competition.
• Benito had quite the year in 2025, spilling his success into the new year and headlining the upcoming Super Bowl on 8 February 2026. Puerto Rican superstar and multi-Grammy winner, Bad Bunny, is set to put political and cultural debate aside for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, aiming to celebrate Latin music and is expected to perform mainly in Spanish—a first in the platform’s history, being the biggest U.S. sporting event around.
• Football isn’t the only sport on display for the global stage, as the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is in full swing from 7 February to 8 March, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The 20-team lineup for the 20-overs tourney sees Italy as the newcomers, a significant impact for a non-traditional cricket nation. But the titans remain, as defending champions India take on rivals and championship contenders to continue their dominance in the competition’s 10-year history. The 10th edition is sure to make for an exciting watch, even more so for being hosted in the Indian subcontinent, culminating at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Beaches
• A unique project that blends the heritage of Bangkok’s old Custom House with the iconography of The Langham brings luxury to Bangkok this year with The Langham, Custom House alongside the Chao Phraya River. Slated to open in late 2026.
• Expected to open its doors in the first half of 2026 is the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit. The classic, timeless luxury of the Fairmont Hotel Group will meet the vivacity of Bangkok’s bustling shopping district in Sukhumvit.
• As part of IHG’s expansion in Thailand, the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9 and Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit are set to come to Bangkok soon. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9 is anticipated to open its doors in Q2 of 2026.
• Hotel Indigo Bangkok Phayathai and Hotel Indigo Bangkok Thonglor will bring boutique flair to the streets of Bangkok. Hotel Indigo Bangkok Phayathai’s opening is set for Q3 of 2026.
• Coming to Sukhumvit’s innovation district in 2026 is Yotel’s Thailand debut. Yotel Bangkok Sukhumvit promises to be not just a stay but a smart place in a well connected locale.
• Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit 12 will make its entrance into the heart of the Sukhumvit district. Only a couple of minutes from the Asoke BTS, it is anticipated to open in 2026.
• A dual-branded hotel, the Mercure & ibis Bangkok Siam Ratchathewi will house the Mercure brand and the ibis in the same building. The property will offer between 299 to 354 keys, offering several price points for travellers. It is scheduled to open in mid-2026.
Central
• Designed to be a secluded sanctuary, the Navera Phuket – MGallery Collection will be perched on a hillside overlooking Surin Beach and panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. Part of Accor’s MGallery Collection, it is projected to open in mid-2026.
• The Grand Mercure Krabi Ao Nang is situated in the heart of Ao Nang. Different from other properties on Krabi’s beachfront, this resort is set against the iconic limestone cliffs of Krabi’s landscape. It is in the announcements for the 2026 travel season.
• Another offering from Accor is the Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket – MGallery Collection. Located in Kamala, this one is for guests who prefer a quieter environment. It is scheduled to open in April 2026.
• The Barai Hua Hin, an iconic wellness destination, will be joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in late 2026. The aforementioned brand is reserved for one-of-a-kind hotels with deep, storied legacies. It also marks the debut of The Unbound Collection in Thailand.
• One of the most anticipated luxury openings debuting in early 2026 will be the JW Marriott Phuket Chalong Bay Resort & Spa. Located on the quieter southeast coast of Phuket, the resort is designed to be exclusive and private for utmost serenity.
• Located in the heart of Kata Town is the Radisson Hotel Phuket Kata, slated for opening in early 2026. The 202 keys at this property will offer views of both the mountains and the Andaman Sea.
• The Radisson Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach is anticipated to be unveiled in 2026. It consists of 222 luxury rooms and suites and is situated on Mai Khao Beach, a tranquil 11-kilometre stretch of sand only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport.
North
• A complete transformation of the former Wiang Indra Riverside Resort in Chiang Rai, the Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, is set to be one of Northern Thailand’s most distinctive luxury resorts, opening in early 2026.