Memorial Day weekend 2026 has arrived, which means it’s time for backyard barbecues, long weekends, and plenty of binge-worthy television. Whether you’re looking for emotional tributes, blockbuster movies, nostalgic marathons, or brand-new streaming releases, there’s definitely going to be no shortage of entertainment options to fill the holiday weekend.
From patriotic programming honoring military service members to buzzworthy new shows that everyone will be talking about, we compiled a list of what viewers are adding to their watchlists this Memorial Day weekend 2026.
Memorial Day Specials & War Movie Marathons
It’s Memorial Day, which means several networks are leaning into the true meaning of the weekend: military-themed programming and classic war movies.
According to Remind Magazine, Turner Classic Movies will be airing a multi-day Memorial Day marathon. This marathon will feature films like “The Guns of Navarone,” “The Dirty Dozen,” and “The Red Badge of Courage.”
PBS will be broadcasting the 37th annual National Memorial Day Concert live from Washington, D.C., on Sunday night at 8/7c. Gary Sinise and Mary McCormack will serve as co-hosts for the night, which honors fallen service members through musical performances and personal stories from military families.
Other cable networks, like AMC and Smithsonian Channel, will be running extended marathons of military-themed favorites like “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific War in Color,” and “Hacksaw Ridge.”
Over on the History Channel, “World War II with Tom Hanks” will premiere on Memorial Day at 8/7c. This highly anticipated, sweeping docuseries takes a deep dive into the deadliest war in history, with Tom Hanks serving as host.
Big New Movies Hitting Theaters
For movie buffs out there, you know that Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff of the summer movie season. This holiday weekend is no different, as “Star Wars” fans are going to be very happy.
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the latest entry in the “Star Wars” universe. This will be the first theatrical release for the “Star Wars” series since 2019. The movie will also reunite fans with Grogu, or better known to many viewers as Baby Yoda.
For those horror fans out there, we have “Passenger” hitting theaters this weekend. “Passenger” is a supernatural thriller that will battle “Star Wars” in theaters this weekend.
The movie, “Passenger,” follows a couple haunted by a terrifying entity after witnessing a deadly car accident.
Streaming Is Always an Option
Of course, if you want to stay home and avoid those crowded movie theaters, then there are always options for you on the streaming services. They are packed with new releases this holiday weekend.
One of the most-anticipated releases is “The Boroughs,” a supernatural mystery series from the Duffer brothers. This Netflix series stars Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Alfre Woodard, and more.
“Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” started streaming on Apple TV on May 20, 2026. This series follows newly divorced mom Paula, played by Tatiana Maslany, who happens to fall down a rabbit hole of blackmail, murder, and youth soccer. Paula is convinced she witnessed a crime while also struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis.
We also have a new Jack Ryan release on Prime Video, which is a standalone feature film titled “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War.” It premiered on May 20, 2026, and has John Krasinski reprising his role from the since-concluded “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” television series.
Of course, streaming fans can also revisit comfort-watch favorites over the long weekend. Many of the streamers are promoting curated collections of patriotic movies, family-friendly adventures, and summer movie classics.
Whether viewers are revisiting a classic war drama or diving into a new streaming obsession, there’s something for every kind of TV and movie fan this holiday weekend.
