Top 22 Must-Watch Films Premiering at Sundance 2026

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

The Sundance Film Festival is gearing up for its final year in Park City, Utah, before moving to Boulder, Colorado. Scheduled to start on January 22, 2026, this marks a bittersweet transition, as the festival celebrates its 45th anniversary. The iconic event, originally established in 1978 by Robert Redford, has become a significant platform for independent filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles alike.

Top 22 Must-Watch Films Premiering at Sundance 2026

Sundance 2026 promises to deliver a lineup packed with exciting films. Here’s a preview of the 22 most-anticipated titles set to premiere:

Antiheroine

A documentary about Courtney Love, exploring her life, artistry, and iconic status from her own perspective.
The Best Summer

Directed by Tamra Davis, this film revisits the 1995 Summersault music festival, featuring performances by renowned bands like the Beastie Boys and Foo Fighters.
Broken English

A unique music documentary featuring Marianne Faithfull, with contributions from Nick Cave and Courtney Love, among others.
Buddy

A midnight movie by Casper Kelly, where a brave girl and her friends escape from a kids’ television show.
Carousel

Starring Chris Pine and Jenny Slate, this film depicts a divorced dad whose life changes when an old flame re-enters his world.
Chasing Summer

Comedian Iliza Shlesinger stars in this dramedy about returning to her hometown after an unexpected life change.
The Disciple

A documentary about Tarik Azzougarh, a devoted fan of the Wu-Tang Clan and his connections to the group’s legacy.
The Gallerist

This satire follows a gallery owner, played by Natalie Portman, navigating the art world with a corpse as a plot twist.
Ghost in the Machine

A documentary exploring the impacts of artificial intelligence and technology on society.
The History of Concrete

John Wilson investigates the story behind concrete’s historical significance in this captivating documentary.
I Want Your Sex

A film that tackles intimacy and power dynamics in the context of unconventional relationships, directed by Gregg Araki.
In the Blink of an Eye

Pixar’s Andrew Stanton returns with a trilogy of narratives spanning various eras and highlighting human experiences.
The Invite

Directed by Olivia Wilde, this film features a dinner party gone awry, showcasing marital grievances among couples.
The Moment

A metafiction comedy starring Charli XCX that provides an inside look at pop stardom during the Brat era.
Once Upon a Time in Harlem

A touching documentary about the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance through previously unseen footage from 1972.
Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story

A documentary that highlights the unique and humorous perspective of comedian Maria Bamford.
Public Access

This documentary covers the rise of public access television and its impact on media history and free speech.
See You When I See You

An adaptation of Adam Cayton-Holland’s memoir, focusing on grief and humor as coping mechanisms.
The Shitheads

A buddy comedy featuring a chaotic journey involving a rich adolescent and two hapless transporters.
The Weight

Starring Ethan Hawke, this film follows a father’s attempt to survive harsh conditions while seeking freedom.
When a Witness Recants

Examining a historical crime, this documentary unravels the wrongful conviction of three young men and their eventual exoneration.
Zi

This sci-fi film from Kogonada explores a woman’s encounters with her future self in a surreal narrative.

Sundance 2026 promises a powerful farewell to Park City, showcasing groundbreaking films that span a wide array of themes and genres. Film enthusiasts can expect a celebration of creativity and storytelling as the festival makes its historical shift to a new location.