The trend of international content crossing borders is explosive, and 2026 is poised to deliver some of the most exciting non-English titles yet. Here are five productions generating worldwide anticipation with solid expected release dates next year.
La Grazia
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Language: Italian
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Genre: Drama
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Why It’s Anticipated: From the award-winning director of Paolo Sorrentino, this film is described as a visually lavish and emotionally resonant drama. It is already slated for a major festival debut early in the year, often a reliable indicator of a quick global theatrical run. The buzz suggests it’s a profound, character-focused story, which will reach theaters in January 2026.
The Remarried Empress
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Language: Korean
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Genre: Fantasy, Historical Romance, Revenge Drama
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Anticipation: This is a major, high-budget adaptation of one of the most popular Korean webtoons in history. The story depicts Empress Navier, who is divorced by Emperor Sovieshu and remarries Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom. The show is expected to be released in the second half of 2026 on Disney+.
“A new study by the researchers at Ampere Analysis found that most of us watch foreign-language content at least “sometimes” — and some of the 54 percent of streaming users ages 18-64 in the U.S., the UK, Australia, and Canada watch non-English-language content “very often.”
Changer L’Eau Des Fleurs
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Language: French
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Genre: Drama, Adaptation
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Anticipation: This is the adaptation of the internationally bestselling novel by Valérie Perrin, following a beloved cemetery caretaker with a tragic history. The book’s global success has fueled anticipation for the film, which will be entirely in French and helmed by acclaimed director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, best known for Amelie. A release date has not been set, but it could release in 2026.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run
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Language: Japanese
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Genre: Anime, Adventure, Supernatural
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Anticipation: According to Netflix, “Adapted from Part 7 of legendary artist Hirohiko Akari’s beloved manga series, STEEL BALL RUN is set in the 19th century United States and follows Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who lost the use of his legs in a freak accident.” The series will air on Netflix in March of 2026.
Ravalear
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Language: Spanish
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Genre: Gritty Thriller, Character Drama
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Anticipation: Slated for a 2026 launch on HBO Max, Ravalear is a highly-anticipated six-part series set in Barcelona’s gritty Raval district. Inspired by true life, it uses the story of a family-run restaurant to tackle pressing contemporary issues like real-estate speculation and the housing crisis. This series reunites a highly acclaimed creative team and promises a raw, character-driven thriller that will appeal to fans of social-commentary dramas.
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