It’s the halfway point of the year, and I had plenty of options when it came to assembling a mid-year top ten list. Yes, there’s plenty of good stuff to choose from, and I’m also pleased to have so much variety to share. Between the indies, surreal thrillers, and studio films, it shows just how strong the first half of 2026 has been, with plenty more to look forward to. So, being that it’s the end of June 2026, I’ve put together a list of features representing my favorites the year has had to offer cinematically, thus far. Most were released theatrically; others were available on various streaming services. The focus is on movies released in the U.S. from the start of January to the end of June, excluding films yet to be released, mainly those screened at the various film festivals I’ve attended.
Favorite Films of 2026 So Far:
(Full Reviews Linked When Applicable)
10. Redux Redux
“We get a lot of time-travel movies, but we don’t get nearly enough parallel-dimension films, let alone ones that really like to have fun with it. Usually, it’s about hopping to just one other dimension and merely teasing a greater universe. On a low budget, Redux Redux doesn’t exactly go wild in its exploration of parallel dimensions, but it does suggest that we have a character charging through them like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. That said, this also has the self-seriousness of Predestination, another cool sci-fi film playing with the tropes in a manner fitting of filmmakers getting to toy with ideas they like on a smaller scale.” (Now on VOD)
9. The Christophers
“There’s something enjoyable about evoking the prolific nature of Steven Soderbergh, as I do like seeing a filmmaker who not only likes to keep working but seems very much inclined not to repeat themselves. There’s a fire in him to hold onto ambition that I greatly admire, and when it allows for horror, thrillers, comedies, period dramas, and more, all handled skillfully, and with a wonderful set of performers, it’s something I feel worth championing. The Christophers has a simple enough premise wrapped around complex characters who are terribly fun to get along with.” (Now on VOD)
8. The Invite
“I really responded to Olivia Wilde’s efforts at playing an insecure woman wanting to impress her neighbors whom she clearly sees as cool adults she only aspires to age into being more like… The key to what makes him work is how consistently great I feel Seth Rogen is at establishing chemistry with anybody… Edward Norton is having a lot of fun underplaying his role… The Invite is Penelope Cruz’s best work in an American film since her Oscar-winning turn in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” (Now playing in theaters)
7. Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert
“80-year-old Yuen Woo-Ping has been a martial arts choreographer and director for decades. Yet, here he is sitting with folks like George Miller, Ridley Scott, and late-period Sidney Lumet, acting like they’re all much younger men, and delivering truly thrilling entertainment like no one’s business. Combining elements of wuxia films with those of the original Star Wars and Mad Max: Fury Road has resulted in a wonderful Hong Kong action epic.” (Available on PVOD)
6. Backrooms
“It’s hard to say if there’s something profound going on with Backrooms. Still, there’s something to admire about a film or a series of shorts (which this film is based on) that operates as anthropological horror. Sure, the inherent creepiness of being in a mysterious, empty space, only to be jolted by random noises or some mysterious entity, can allow for sharply delivered jump scares. With that said, here’s a film that respectfully examines this world’s void and seeks to deepen it through vibes and straightforward investigation. The results are compelling thanks to solid control of pace, performances that resonate, and the choice not to take itself too seriously, leaving it devoid of humor.” (Now playing in theaters)
5. Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie
“The lack of familiarity certainly meant I would be caught off guard by the wild choices in a movie that is a mockumentary of sorts, a sci-fi flick, and a love letter to cinema (one movie in particular). Honestly, this movie plays like a magic trick, getting you caught up in the low-budget spectacle, only to have you care about the absurd plot unfolding and want these characters to pull off the objective they’re aiming for. It’s all pretty wild, and everything is handled without having to stoop to depths that are anything less than playful.” (Now on VOD)
4. Is God Is
“There is so much here to champion it’s ridiculous. Looking at so many films focused on the Black experience that may have specificity on display in terms of the culture, but still feel adjusted to adhere to sympathetic ideals expected for studio projects, here’s a movie that rejects all of that. Based on her own stage play, this is Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut, and it’s a blast of Southern Gothic thrills meshed with a revenge story and a subversion of family drama dynamics. Is God Is is visually striking, well-acted, violent, funny, and a real explosion of thematic intrigue rooted in a form of justice.” (Now on PVOD)
3. Project Hail Mary
“It’s a real joy to watch large-scale sci-fi movies where all the characters are smart and inherently good. Project Hail Mary functions much in the same way as Ridley Scott’s The Martian for obvious reasons (it’s based on another Andy Weir book that Drew Goddard has once again adapted), but there’s still that same core element that hasn’t been rewritten for the sake of clichéd dramatic developments. This is a film about intelligent people doing all the science they can to save the universe. Yet it’s a credit to the filmmaking and to star Ryan Gosling that there’s still enough intimacy in how this is accomplished that the stakes don’t feel too gargantuan to consider. Yes, it’s a lot to think about, but grounding things through humor and maintaining a sense of adventure helps this gorgeously presented film play as a smart crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy just about anyone.” (Now on VOD)
2. The Furious
There’s a good chance that director Kenji Tanigaki may have delivered the best all-out martial arts brawler I’ve seen since The Raid films. The Furious is an action-packed thrill ride, featuring a multinational cast that allows for a variety of fighting styles to collide in the most intense of ways. Knowing who’s involved, the surprising formidability of some on display, and the choices made to ramp up the stakes of the various fights make this ingeniously choreographed piece of work a true masterclass of showmanship when looking for what defines incredible action filmmaking. (Now playing in theaters)
1. Disclosure Day
“Having, in recent times, been able to fulfill certain goals of making a musical, detailing his personal life, and finding ways to address American systems in place, for better or worse, and what can be done about it, it has been exciting to watch Steven Spielberg, a brilliant filmmaker, show no signs of fading in his abilities. Once again delving into the world of summer blockbusters, a sci-fi thriller full of adventure and mystery was a real joy to see, knowing that those strengths are still so apparent. Whether or not there’s some real-world irony to come in regards to this picture, I’m more than happy knowing that Disclosure Day’s endgame is merely one aspect to appreciate, as this is a rich feature that spends a worthwhile amount of time dealing with the journey, rather than handing everything out at the end. That’s a sign of knowing there’s more to a movie like this than just a close encounter.” (Now playing in theaters)
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Runners Up (Alphabetical): 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Carolina Caroline, Cold Storage, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World), The Death of Robin Hood, The Drama, Leviticus, I Love Boosters, Obsession, O Horizon, Pizza Movie, Send Help, Toy Story 5, Tuner, Wasteman
Most Anticipated for the Rest of 2026: Godzilla Minus Zero, The Odyssey, Dune Part III, Evil Dead Burn, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Coyote vs. Acme, Wild Horse Nine, Wildwood, The Dog Stars, Avengers: Doomsday, Jumanji: Open World, The End of Oak Street, Clayface, The Weight, The Rivals of Amaziah King, Forgotten Island, Resident Evil, How to Rob a Bank, Hexed, Soul Patrol, Digger, The Social Reckoning, Whalefall, Street Fighter, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Werwulf
Bonus – Favorite Non-2026 Films Seen For The First Time (Alphabetical): The Apostle, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Flight of the Navigator, Gallipoli, High Art, The Last Wave, Once a Thief, The Plumber, Ruthless People, Sharp Corner, SpaceCamp, Tender Mercies, Things We Lost in the Fire, Under the Cherry Moon, Urchin, The Year of Living Dangerously
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