SPECIAL EPISODE: The Summer Movie Wager 2026

In this special bonus episode of Best Movies Never Made, co-hosts Josh Miller and Steven Scarletta dive into their annual Summer Movie Wager 2026, a fun, fan-driven box office prediction game tracking the top-grossing films released between May 1st and the end of August. The hosts break down their picks for the top 10 films, with a focus on major franchises, sequels, and surprise contenders. Josh places Toy Story 5 at number one, betting on Pixar’s enduring family appeal and a lack of strong children’s competition in June, while Steven favors Spider-Man: Brand New Day for its August window and potential to dominate the final stretch. Both agree the summer is exceptionally stacked, with major entries like The Mandalorian and Grogu, Moana 2, and The Odyssey creating intense competition. They also discuss dark horse picks, including the horror film Backrooms, the legacy sequel Scary Movie 6, and the under-the-radar comedy Nate Bargatze’s The Breadwinner, which could surprise with a niche audience. The episode ends with a lighthearted reflection on the podcast’s evolving schedule and a tease for future regular episodes. Key takeaways include: 1) The Summer Movie Wager is a fun, community-driven game tracking domestic box office performance from May 1st to August 31st; 2) Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is a strong contender due to its strong opening window and nostalgic pull; 3) Legacy sequels like Scary Movie 6 and The Mandalorian and Grogu could thrive on nostalgia and brand loyalty; 4) Horror and family films may benefit from a crowded summer, with Backrooms and The Odyssey standing out as potential sleeper hits; 5) Dark horses like Nate Bargatze’s The Breadwinner show that unexpected comedies can succeed with the right audience alignment. The hosts express cautious optimism for the summer’s box office, acknowledging the unpredictability of audience fatigue and surprise hits.