Best movies of the year, ranked by fans, revealed ahead of Oscars 2026

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Ahead of the 2026 Oscars, Rotten Tomatoes has revealed the most popular movies of the past year according to the site's audience-based 'Popcornmeter.' While some expected Academy Award nominees like 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' to lead the list, the actual fan-favorites may surprise you. The top 10 movies include titles like 'Weapons,' 'Frankenstein,' 'Eternity,' 'Zootopia 2,' 'Predator: Badlands,' 'Solo Mio,' '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' 'Rental Family,' 'The Housemaid,' and the top-ranked 'Nuremberg.'

Why it matters

The Rotten Tomatoes 'Popcornmeter' rankings provide an interesting contrast to the Academy's official nominees, highlighting the movies that resonated most with general audiences rather than just critics and industry insiders. This data can offer insights into broader film trends and preferences, as well as potential surprises come Oscars night.

The details

The top 10 movies on the Rotten Tomatoes 'Popcornmeter' list include a mix of genres, from horror ('Weapons'), to sci-fi ('Predator: Badlands'), to romantic comedies ('Eternity' and 'Solo Mio'). Several are sequels or part of established franchises, like 'Zootopia 2' and the '28 Days Later' series. The list also features acclaimed directors like Guillermo del Toro ('Frankenstein') and Danny Boyle ('28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'). Overall, the rankings highlight the diverse tastes of moviegoers and the continued popularity of big-budget, high-profile releases.

• The 2026 Oscars ceremony will take place this Sunday, March 16, 2026.