IMDb has unveiled its list of the Most Anticipated Indian Movies scheduled for release in the second half of 2026, with Ramayana Part 1 securing the top spot. Based on page views from IMDb’s global audience of more than 250 million monthly visitors, the rankings offer a glimpse into the films that movie lovers are most eager to watch between July and December 2026.
Topping the list is Ramayana Part 1, which has generated enormous buzz since its announcement. The epic adaptation has consistently remained one of the most discussed upcoming films, and its first-place ranking reflects the high expectations surrounding the project. Close behind are Alpha in second place and Toxic in third, highlighting the growing excitement for big-budget productions across different Indian film industries.
The list also features several highly anticipated Hindi releases, including King, Dhamaal 4, Drishyam 3, Awarapan 2, Haiwaan, Eetha, Ikka, Shakti Shalini, and Vvan – Force of the Forest. Tamil cinema is represented by Vishwanath & Sons, Arasan, Idhayam Murali, and Sigma, while Malayalam entries include Khalifa and I’m Game. Kannada cinema finds representation through Toxic, and Telugu cinema features Ranabaali, reflecting the diversity of Indian cinema across languages.
IMDb’s rankings are based on page views generated between January 1 and June 28, 2026, by users exploring information about films scheduled for release during the latter half of the year. Rather than relying on critic reviews or box office projections, the list captures genuine audience curiosity and anticipation.
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s rankings is the strong presence of several leading stars across multiple films. Yash appears in two of the top three titles, starring in Ramayana Part 1 and Toxic, underlining his growing pan-Indian appeal. Anil Kapoor also features in two of the top four films with Alpha and King, while Sunny Deol appears in both Ramayana Part 1 and Ikka.
Actor Ajay Devgn continues his successful run with two entries in the top six. He headlines Dhamaal 4 and Drishyam 3, both of which are among the year’s most eagerly awaited sequels. Their inclusion reflects the enduring popularity of established franchises among Indian audiences.
The rankings also include a significant milestone for streaming content. Mirzapur: The Movie, placed eighth on the list, marks the first time the widely popular digital series is being adapted into a feature film. Meanwhile, Ikka stands out as the only direct-to-streaming release among the 20 most anticipated titles, highlighting the growing influence of OTT platforms alongside theatrical releases.
According to IMDb, the list spans five Indian languages, demonstrating the increasingly diverse nature of Indian cinema. Of the 20 films featured, 12 are Hindi, four Tamil, two Malayalam, one Kannada, and one Telugu production.
Movie enthusiasts can follow these and millions of other titles using IMDb’s Watchlist feature, available through both the IMDb website and mobile app. The feature allows users to save, organise and track films and series they plan to watch.
With several major franchises, star-driven spectacles and original stories lined up for release, the second half of 2026 promises an exciting period for Indian cinema. IMDb’s latest rankings provide an early indication of the films that have already captured the imagination of audiences across the world.
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