Top 22 Must-See Films Debuting at Sundance 2026

The Sundance Film Festival is back for its final year in Park City, Utah, and is ready to wow audiences with an impressive lineup of films. The 2026 edition kicks off on January 22 and marks a significant transition, as it will be the last festival held in Park City after 45 years.

Top 22 Must-See Films Debuting at Sundance 2026

This year’s festival promises an exciting mix of genres and narratives, from documentaries to thrillers and comedies. Here are the standout films you won’t want to miss:

• Antiheroine – A documentary focusing on Courtney Love’s life and career, directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall.
• The Best Summer – Chronicling a 1995 music festival featuring major bands like the Beastie Boys and Foo Fighters, directed by Tamra Davis.
• Broken English – This doc explores Marianne Faithfull’s legacy through interviews, including contributions from Tilda Swinton and Nick Cave.
• Buddy – A surreal narrative from Casper Kelly about a girl and her friends trying to escape a children’s television show.
• Carousel – A drama featuring Chris Pine as a doctor whose life changes when an old flame re-enters his world.
• Chasing Summer – Iliza Shlesinger stars in this comedic tale of a woman retreating to her Texas hometown after a series of life changes.
• The Disciple – Documenting Cilvaringz, a rapper linked to Wu-Tang Clan, directed by Joanna Natasegara.
• The Gallerist – Natalie Portman stars as an art gallery owner navigating the competitive art world, alongside Zach Galifianakis.
• Ghost in the Machine – Two documentary takes on artificial intelligence, exploring its implications for humanity.
• The History of Concrete – John Wilson’s feature debut, diving into the history of the ubiquitous building material.
• I Want Your Sex – A provocative exploration of intimacy and consent, directed by Gregg Araki.
• In the Blink of an Eye – Pixar legend Andrew Stanton returns to live action with a trilogy encompassing various eras and themes.
• The Invite – A darkly comedic dinner party gone wrong featuring Olivia Wilde and Seth Rogen.
• The Moment – A metafictional comedy centered around Charli XCX’s rise to fame, directed by Aidan Zamiri.
• Once Upon a Time in Harlem – An archival documentary capturing the Harlem Renaissance through intimate conversations.
• Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story – A documentary showcasing the comedian’s unique journey through mental health challenges.
• Public Access – A documentary exploring the cultural impact of public access television in the U.S.
• See You When I See You – An adaptation of Adam Cayton-Holland’s memoir focusing on grief and humor, directed by Jay Duplass.
• The Shitheads – A buddy comedy about two men hired to transport a troubled teenager, directed by Macon Blair.
• The Weight – A survivalist thriller starring Ethan Hawke as a father in a brutal work camp seeking freedom through a dangerous task.
• When a Witness Recants – A documentary revisiting a wrongful conviction case in Baltimore through the lens of justice and guilt.
• Zi – A sci-fi narrative from Kogonada, exploring identity through the lens of time and self-discovery.

With a diverse selection of stories and top-tier talent, Sundance 2026 is set to be an unforgettable farewell to Park City. Filmogaz.com will provide updates throughout the festival, covering the cinematic highlights and memorable moments from this iconic event.