The 100 Films Everyone is Looking Forward to in 2026: Part One
With the New Year approaching, it’s time for our traditional dive into the upcoming cinematic landscape. After showcasing the films we firmly believe are must-sees in 2026 and those we’re hoping will secure U.S. distribution, we now explore the uncharted. We’ve meticulously compiled a list of the 100 films we’re eagerly anticipating, encompassing everything from debuts to documentaries and the return of some of our favorite auteurs, along with a select few studio films that deserve attention.
Although most of these films don’t have confirmed release dates—nor festival premieres—most have completed production and are expected to debut sometime in 2026. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates throughout the next year (and beyond).
100. Digger (Alejandro González Iñárritu; Oct. 2)
Iñárritu’s long-anticipated project following The Revenant (apologies for Bardo) is touted as a "brutal comedy" that chronicles the world's most powerful individual attempting to rescue humanity from his calamitous invention. For cinephiles lamenting Tom Cruise's shift toward director-less action films, this seems like a blessing (even if those films are generally quite good). While Cruise has notably elevated action stardom in the 21st century, he also established himself as one of the greatest actors of all time, taking on diverse roles with exceptional directors. From 1985 to 2006, he collaborated with legends like Coppola, Scorsese, Spielberg, PTA, Ridley Scott, and many others. Digger, set for release in October 2026, could signify his return to thought-provoking cinema. Check out the first teaser here. – Luke H.
99. Ghostwriter (J.J. Abrams)
You might excuse J.J. Abrams for taking time to return to directing. His last venture, 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was a critical failure that necessitated a thorough rethinking of that galaxy far, far away. So where does his newest project take him? For the first time since 2011’s Super 8, Abrams steps away from franchises to create an original narrative—this is his only directorial effort besides the somewhat underrated film that preceded it. Plot details about Ghostwriter (likely a working title) are tightly guarded, but he has gathered a noteworthy ensemble cast for this film: Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, Emma Mackey, and Samuel L. Jackson. – Mitchell B.
98. Over Your Dead Body (Jorma Taccone)
With only one solo directing credit— the underrated parody MacGruber—and a co-directing credit with fellow Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer for Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Jorma Taccone may not seem like the obvious choice for a romantic thriller. However, the comedy giant is embracing a new chapter in his career. Echoing elements of The One I Love in its premise, Over Your Dead Body centers on a troubled couple who retreat to a secluded cabin to resolve their issues, which translates to secretly plotting each other's demise. Juliette Lewis, Timothy Olyphant, Jason Segel, and Samara Weaving are among the star-studded cast. – Luke H.
97. Here Comes the Flood (Fernando Meirelles)
A collaboration between the writer of several underwhelming X-Men sequels (Simon Kinberg) and a director who has yet to fulfill his initial promise (Fernando Meirelles) wouldn't usually catch our eye. Nevertheless, Here Comes the Flood boasts two essential elements: Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson, likely set to clash in a heist narrative already hinting at multiple betrayals. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it certainly appears poised to provide plenty of enjoyment. – Alistair R.
96. Roma Elastica (Bertrand Mandico)
After exploring captivating, unique realms of queer fantasy, will Bertrand Mandico aim for broader horizons in his next film? Starring Marion Cotillard, Isabella Ferrari, Noémie Merlant, and Franco Nero, his upcoming feature follows an actress in the 1980s as she embarks on her final film shoot. Reportedly paying tribute to Italian masters and filming at the iconic Cinecittà Studios, we’re keen to see how Mandico evolves his style. – Jordan R.
95. Sweetsick (Alice Birch)
After penning Lady Macbeth, which launched Florence Pugh into stardom, celebrated playwright Alice Birch is set to make her directorial debut with Sweetsick. Produced by and featuring Cate Blanchett, the film follows “a mercurial woman possessing a strange and piercing ability—to perceive what others intimately need, often at significant personal cost—who embarks on a journey home.” With Searchlight Pictures in charge of distribution, we expect this one to arrive in the fall. – Jordan R.
94. Cut Off and Outcome (Jonah Hill
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Anthemic, impressive, and filled with arena-sized energy, Stereophonics rank among the UK’s finest live performances, and their concert at the O2 Arena showcased a collection of crowd-favorite anthems, raw rock vigor, and exceptional stage presence.
Their remarkable, career-spanning performance was truly magnificent, providing a sonic journey through their extensive discography that covers three decades. The band presented a confident, well-rehearsed set that celebrated their history while maintaining a fresh and lively feel, skillfully blending beloved classics with newer tracks to thrilling effect.
From the intense atmosphere of ‘Mr Writer’ driven by its pulsating bassline to an unexpected acoustic version of ‘Indian Summer,’ the band was relentless, delivering electrifying performances to a full house. With strong support from singer-songwriter Finn Forster, who gave a stellar performance, the band launched their exciting set with ‘Vegas Two Times’ from the 2001 album ‘Just Enough Education to Perform.’
This show also provided a chance to hear songs from their latest album ‘Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait,’ including ‘Seems Like You Don’t Know Me,’ ‘Colours Of October,’ and a powerful rendition of ‘There’s Always Gonna Be Something’ with its vibrant riffs.
‘Local Boy in a Photograph’ resonated with emotion as always, and the sing-along favorite ‘Have a Nice Day’ was a guaranteed hit with the audience. All band members were in excellent form, particularly Jamie Morrison, whose exemplary drumming shone throughout, especially with impressive finishes on ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ and ‘Mr Writer’ – he is a formidable drummer, blending skill, style, and personality seamlessly.
Kelly Jones broke up the set with witty, self-deprecating stories about the band's encounters with fame, reminiscing about their time on the road with The Rolling Stones, U2, and the late, legendary David Bowie. He also had reflective moments, recalling how he and Stuart Cable used to transport their equipment down the street on a squeaky trolley, recognizable to everyone playing bingo at the local workmen's club.
Kelly also shared that we are “all going through stuff” and encouraged everyone to “leave our troubles at the door and have a good time” – and we certainly did! While much of the set was energetic, the band also slowed down with a dreamy version of ‘Fly Like An Eagle,’ creating a shared dream-like atmosphere that captivated every fan.
A thunderous, high-energy performance of ‘Bartender and the Thief’ brought the main set to an exhilarating close, followed by a quick return for a dazzling encore featuring ‘C’est La Vie,’ ‘Traffic,’ and the outstanding ‘Dakota,’ with its irresistible riff providing a perfect conclusion to an electrifying set.
As one of the UK’s most enduring rock bands, Stereophonics continue to be a formidable force, and this show was a powerhouse performance from a band at the peak of their prowess, delivering pure rock ‘n’ roll energy from start to finish.
Words: Emma Harrison
Photo Credit: Robin Clewley
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The 100 Films Everyone is Looking Forward to in 2026: Part One
As the New Year arrives, it's time for our yearly custom of examining the cinematic landscape ahead. After showcasing the films we assure are worth watching in 2026 and those we wish will be distributed in the U.S., we now explore the uncertain future. We thoroughly researched to outline the 100 films we are most excited about, ranging from debuts to documentaries.