Berlin Film Festival Reveals 2026 Film Lineup

The Berlin Film Festival has announced its film lineup for 2026, set to take place from February 12 to 22. This year’s program features an impressive selection of films, including various international and European premieres.

Berlinale Specials

Among the highlights in the Berlinale Specials section are:

• The Only Living Pickpocket in New York—An international premiere featuring actors John Turturro and Steve Buscemi.
• The Weight—A European premiere starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe.
• Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die—A sci-fi comedy with Sam Rockwell, Juno Temple, and Zazie Beetz.

Panorama Section

The Panorama section of the festival will showcase:

• The Moment—This film features music star Charli XCX in a unique mockumentary format.
• Árru—Directed by Sámi choreographer Elle Sofe Sara, marking her debut.
• Roya—A new drama from Iranian filmmaker Mahnaz Mohammadi.
• Lady—Featuring the first work from Olive Nwosu.

Notable Returning Filmmakers

Hong Sangsoo, the acclaimed South Korean director, presents a new drama titled Geunyeoga doraon nal, exploring themes of acting and the profession.

World Premieres

The festival will feature the much-anticipated horror mystery thriller The Blood Countess, starring Isabelle Huppert. This film aims to deliver a sophisticated retelling of the tale of Countess Elizabeth Báthory, notorious for her alleged ritualistic acts to retain youth.

Other world premieres include:

• Heysel 85—Telling the tragic story of the Heysel Stadium disaster.
• The Testament of Ann Lee—Starring Amanda Seyfried as a pivotal 18th-century religious figure.
• Sleep No More—A body horror film from Indonesian director Edwin.
• Saccharine—An Australian horror feature about a medical student’s dark experiences.

Documentary Highlights

Documentaries to watch for include:

• Who Killed Alex Odeh?—A true-crime investigation following its Sundance premiere.
• The Ballad of Judas Priest—A celebration of the legendary heavy metal band.

Television Premieres

This year’s Berlinale will also showcase several series, including:

• A new adaptation of Lord of the Flies directed by Marc Munden.
• Mint—A darkly comic crime drama directed by Charlotte Regan.
• La casa de los espíritus—A Chilean adaptation based on Isabel Allende’s famous novel.

The full lineup for the Berlinale will be revealed on January 20, adding to the anticipation surrounding one of the film industry’s most prominent festivals.