December is clearly set to be one of Hollywood’s busiest months, with two of the most anticipated films of the year scheduled to grace theaters on the same day. Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday are both set to arrive in cinemas on December 18, 2026. And this could clearly be an exciting box-office battle but also a potential dilemma for moviegoers hoping to catch both films.

Boasting star-studded casts and impressive visuals, both movies have garnered mmuch hype, attracting longtime fans and new fans alike. However, for those caught at a crossroads and forced to choose just one film to watch on December 18, Dune: Part Three could make a good first choice. But now what makes Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic worth prioritizing? 

Here are three things to know before making a final decision about movie plan on December 18, 2026.

It could be Dunesday on December 18, 2026, when Dune: Part Three gets released on IMAX. The film has taken a big impressive step by securing the exclusive rights to IMAX screens on December 18, 2026. These rights of IMAX screening will continue for three consecutive weeks as per World of Reel.

Director Denis Villeneuve has always spoken positively about the IMAX screens, even calling them the future of cinema. He shot more than 70% of Dune: Part Two on IMAX. As for Dune Part Three, the film was shot on IMAX screens as well as digital counterparts.

Coming back to the two movies, the IMAX exclusivity of Villeneuve’s film is certainly one of the solid reasons why one should consider watching this third installment on December 18. Moreover, the IMAX Screen tickets are more expensive than the other tickets, so this exclusive element could have an impact on the initial earnings of the films, too.

As for Avengers: Doomsday, the film is not getting an IMAX screen release until three weeks, while a few IMAX screen releases will take place internationally. And this is not the only reason to choose Villeneuve’s film over the Marvel Studio spectacle.

Dune: Part Three is the third chapter and conclusion of Paul Atreides' emotional story. Rather than setting up the world and characters around Paul, this film will take a look at his life and the consequences of the action he took in the past, which is explored in the first two films. Each and every character, from Chani to Lady Jessica, is carefully built towards the final chapter.

And this, paired with Director Denis Villeneuve's unique vision, is a must-watch. Meanwhile, Avengers: Doomsday is not a final chapter. It is more of a film that is set up for a more crucial and bigger moment in Avengers: Star Wars. There is still much time left for the release of the Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set for release in 2027. 

Most importantly, in contrast to Dune Part Three, which has each and every character carefully involved in the story, Avengers, Doomsday is quite different. It has too many characters making a cameo appearance in the movie without a proper backstory. There does not seem to be a proper depth, history, and motivation for the characters since there are quite a few superheroes set to appear in the film.  

27 characters have been confirmed by the studio, while they have admitted that there could be more surprise appearances. Not to mention the story of bringing Doctor Doom has also been quite abrupt. Kang the Conqueror was supposed to be the super villain in the film, but he was removed quickly and replaced with Doctor Doom. While the secrecy around the plot and character has raised the hype, there can be too much confusion for the same as well.

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And this led to the third and crucial reason why Dune Part Three should be the first movie for December 18

Dune: Part Three is part of a trilogy, so both the new and old fans may need to watch or rewatch the first two movies to understand the plot in the third movie. Although there is some homework to do, the overall experience can be thrilling and satisfying. However, the same cannot be said for Avengers Doomsday.

Most Marvel films required audiences to watch previous other movies to understand the plot and join dots to understand the current film. The newest Marvel studio film is no different. Avengers: Endgame was recently re-released with additional footage that is reportedly said to be a clue for Avengers: Doom Day. Moreover, there are even shows and more movies that seem to feature footages and moments that need to be watched or rewatched to help understand the connection in Avengers: Doomsday. Fans may have to watch for The Avengers and Avengers: Infinity War to understand the Avengers: Doomsday, which can be burdensome. And these are quite a few solid reasons that may make it easy for viewers to pick their choice.

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Will you watch Avengers: Doomsday or Dune: Part Three on December 18. 2026? Let us know in the comments.