Critic’s Top 7 Favorite Sundance Films: NPR
At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, a significant moment in cinematic history unfolded. This event marked the first festival held without its iconic founder, Robert Redford, who passed away the previous year. Additionally, this year was the last held in Park City, Utah, as the festival will move to Boulder, Colorado, starting next year.
As the festival bid farewell to its over four-decade-long residence, it also faced serious social issues. Protests erupted not only in Minnesota but across the country against the heightened presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The situation escalated tragically when Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents on the festival’s third day. Furthermore, a man was arrested for assaulting Congressman Maxwell Frost during an event, further overshadowing the festival’s atmosphere.
Highlighted Films from Sundance 2026
Despite the surrounding circumstances, the festival showcased a variety of compelling films. Below are seven standout films from Sundance 2026:
- Once Upon a Time in Harlem
- Josephine
- Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass
- Filipiñana
- Frank & Louis
- Carousel
- The Gallerist
This film resurrects an unfinished project from 1972 by visionary filmmaker William Greaves, featuring significant figures of the Harlem Renaissance. It was completed and restored by Greaves’ son, David.
Directed by Beth de Araújo, this tense drama stars Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan as parents navigating a family crisis after their daughter, Josephine, witnesses a crime.
David Wain’s comedic film follows a hairdresser, played by Zoey Deutch, seeking to reclaim her life after her fiancé misuses a celebrity “hall pass.”
Rafael Manuel’s debut tackles the delusions of capitalism through the story of Isabel, a golf club tee girl in the Philippines, and her interactions with the club’s powerful president.
This prison drama, directed by Petra Biondina Volpe, explores themes of punishment and redemption through the relationship between inmates Frank, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Louis, portrayed by Rob Morgan.
Rachel Lambert’s film features Chris Pine and Jenny Slate as former lovers attempting to reconnect. Their palpable chemistry drives this nostalgic romantic melodrama.
Cathy Yan’s art world satire stars Natalie Portman as a gallery owner who attempts to sell a dead body as a part of an art installation, surrounded by a stellar cast including Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Sundance’s 2026 edition highlighted the power of storytelling amid real-life challenges. The films chosen resonate deeply with contemporary social themes while celebrating creativity and heritage.
