Biggest Hollywood Movies Releasing This Week: Moana, Evil Dead Burn and More to Watch
The second week of July is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stretches of the 2026 summer movie season. Following the Fourth of July box office battle led by Minions & Monsters, Hollywood is delivering another packed slate of theatrical releases alongside highly anticipated streaming premieres.
From Disney’s ambitious live-action adaptation of Moana to the terrifying return of the Evil Dead franchise, audiences have plenty to choose from whether they’re heading to the cinema or staying home.
Here’s everything movie fans should keep on their radar this week.
Disney Bets Big on Moana
The biggest theatrical release of the week is undoubtedly Disney’s live-action remake of Moana, arriving in theaters on July 10.
The film introduces newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana while Dwayne Johnson reprises his beloved role as Maui after voicing the character in the animated films. Directed by Thomas Kail, the remake follows the same epic journey that made the 2016 original a global phenomenon, blending Polynesian mythology, adventure, music, and breathtaking visuals into a new live-action experience.
Disney hopes the remake can continue the studio’s long tradition of successful live-action adaptations. However, industry analysts are watching closely after early box office projections suggested the film may face tougher competition than previous Disney remakes.
Even so, anticipation remains high thanks to the franchise’s massive fanbase and Johnson’s return as the charismatic demigod Maui.
Evil Dead Burn Brings Horror Back to the Big Screen
Horror fans won’t have to wait long for their summer scare.
Evil Dead Burn arrives in theaters on July 10, marking the latest standalone installment in Sam Raimi’s legendary horror franchise.
Directed by French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček, the film follows a grieving family whose reunion turns into a nightmare after demonic forces begin possessing those inside an isolated home. True to the franchise’s reputation, viewers can expect brutal practical effects, intense violence, and relentless suspense.
Bruce Campbell, the iconic face of the franchise, has praised the filmmakers for respecting the series’ legacy while allowing a fresh creative vision to shape the newest chapter.
After the success of Evil Dead Rise, expectations are high that Burn will become one of the year’s biggest horror releases.
The Invite Offers Comedy Instead of Chaos
Not every movie this week is designed to terrify audiences.
Comedy-drama The Invite also opens on July 10, starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton.
The story follows a married couple attempting to reconnect by inviting their mysterious neighbors to dinner. What begins as an ordinary evening quickly spirals into an unpredictable and hilarious chain of events.
With a star-studded cast and sharp comedic premise, The Invite could become one of the surprise hits of the month.
Independent Films Continue to Shine
While blockbuster releases dominate headlines, several smaller productions are also debuting this week.
Among them is I’m Not Afraid, a coming-of-age thriller arriving on Netflix. The film follows a young boy whose shocking discovery forces him to confront the harsh realities of survival in his isolated community.
Meanwhile, indie titles such as Nothing to Lose continue giving audiences alternatives to major studio productions, highlighting Hollywood’s growing diversity of storytelling.
Streaming Services Keep the Momentum Going
Theaters aren’t the only place packed with fresh entertainment.
Several streaming platforms are releasing notable films and television series throughout the week, giving subscribers plenty to binge after work or over the weekend.
Some of the biggest streaming arrivals include:
- I’m Not Afraid (Netflix)
- Enola Holmes 3 (Netflix)
- Silo Season 3 (Apple TV+)
- Trying Season 5 (Apple TV+)
- Elle (Prime Video)
- The Five Star Weekend (Peacock)
- X-Men ’97 Season 2 (Disney+)
The variety of genres—from mystery and science fiction to comedy and superhero animation—means there’s something for nearly every viewer.
A Busy Summer Continues
Hollywood’s summer calendar shows no signs of slowing down.
The July 10 release window serves as a launching pad before even bigger titles arrive later this month, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and other blockbuster contenders expected to dominate conversations heading into late summer.
Studios are hoping these releases will help maintain momentum following a mixed Fourth of July weekend at the domestic box office. Strong audience turnout over the next few weeks could determine how successful the remainder of the summer season becomes.
Which Movie Could Win the Weekend?
Disney’s Moana enters the weekend with the broadest appeal, targeting families, longtime fans, and audiences looking for a feel-good adventure.
Meanwhile, Evil Dead Burn is expected to attract horror enthusiasts seeking one of the most intense theatrical experiences of the season.
Comedy lovers have The Invite, while streaming subscribers can dive into several high-profile premieres without leaving home.
With such a diverse lineup arriving simultaneously, the second week of July offers one of the strongest combinations of theatrical and streaming entertainment seen so far in 2026.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the cinema or updating your watchlist at home, this week’s releases promise action, laughter, horror, adventure, and plenty of memorable moments for movie fans everywhere.
