Industry experts are optimistic about the upcoming release of Avengers: Doomsday, expected to be the top box office performer of 2026. According to a recent survey conducted by ComicBookMovie, over 700 industry professionals believe this film will outperform all other releases, marking a significant turnaround for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has faced challenges in recent years.
Scheduled for release in December 2026, Avengers: Doomsday introduces a formidable new antagonist, Doctor Doom. The film promises to feature a star-studded cast, including the return of Robert Downey Jr. in a pivotal role. Following the success of films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Deadpool & Wolverine, the MCU is banking on this release to reignite audience enthusiasm.
The survey results show that 174 experts predict Avengers: Doomsday will achieve the highest box office earnings in 2026. In contrast, the second-place contender, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, garnered 139 votes. This sequel follows the original Super Mario Bros Movie, which earned $1.3 billion globally. Toy Story 5 trails in third with 109 votes, though historically, Pixar films have not consistently dominated the box office, as seen with Toy Story 4‘s $844 million worldwide earnings.
The remaining contenders include The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, which received 104 votes. Nolan’s previous film, Oppenheimer, impressed audiences and critics alike, making nearly $976 million at the box office. Other films in contention include Dune: Part Three (55 votes), The Mandalorian and Grogu (43 votes), Minions 3 (41 votes), and a live-action adaptation of Moana (41 votes).
As marketing efforts for Avengers: Doomsday ramp up, reactions have been mixed. Fans are excited to see the return of familiar heroes like Steve Rogers and Thor, while others express concern that this focus on legacy characters may hinder the MCU’s future direction. The success of this film is crucial for the franchise, as it seeks to establish a new generation of heroes, including potential introductions of the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and a Young Avengers team.
The recent downturn in box office earnings for the MCU has prompted discussions about audience reception. Several recent releases have been met with skepticism, often receiving criticism without giving them a fair chance. This pattern must change for the MCU, and superhero films in general, to thrive.
If the predictions hold true and Avengers: Doomsday draws large crowds, it could signal a renewed era for Marvel. The film’s success may not only pave the way for future projects but also reassure fans about the franchise’s evolution. The anticipation builds as audiences prepare for yet another chapter in the storied MCU.
