Top Anticipated Sundance 2026 Films Revealed

As the Sundance Film Festival approaches its next edition, fans and filmmakers are eagerly looking forward to the anticipated highlights of Sundance 2026. This year, the festival will showcase a diverse array of films from January 22 to February 1. With over 90 feature films selected, festival-goers can expect intriguing documentaries, engaging dramas, and standout performances from emerging talents.

Noteworthy Films at Sundance 2026

• Barbara Forever

  This documentary, directed by Brydie O’Connor, explores the life of pioneering filmmaker Barbara Hammer. It captures her aesthetic and ideological themes, presenting a visual biography filled with artistry and openness.

• Big Girls Don’t Cry

  A coming-of-age drama by Paloma Schneideman, it depicts a teenager navigating her queerness amidst the complexities of growing up too quickly in an increasingly digital world.

• Burn

  Set in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, this film by Makoto Nagahisa portrays the harrowing journey of street kids. Infused with chaotic visuals and humor, it reflects on survival and exploitation.

• Everybody To Kenmure Street

  Directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra, this documentary recounts the community’s grassroots activism during a 2021 immigration raid in Glasgow, illustrating solidarity and resilience in the face of injustice.

• Levitating

  Wregas Bhanuteja’s film merges spiritual themes with humor, focusing on an up-and-coming spirit-channeler fighting against gentrification in rural Indonesia.

• Once Upon A Time In Harlem

  This archival project by David Greaves showcases a 1972 party hosted by Duke Ellington, capturing the essence of Harlem Renaissance icons through interviews and lively interactions.

• Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story

  A documentary that delves into comedian Maria Bamford’s life and mental health challenges, featuring insights from fellow comedians and her personal story.

• Shame And Money

  Visar Morina’s dramatic narrative explores the economic hardships faced by a farming family, depicting the struggles surrounding immigration and domestic labor.

• The Last First: Winter K2

  Directed by Amir Bar-Lev, this documentary covers the challenges of summiting K2 in winter, featuring personal stories against the backdrop of extreme mountaineering.

• Time And Water

  Andri Snær Magnason’s film, conducted by Sara Dosa, reflects on climate change through a history of glaciers, blending personal and environmental narratives.

As Sundance transitions to its new home in Boulder, Colorado, the festival’s legacy continues. Sundance 2026 promises to deliver impactful stories and cinematic artistry. Film enthusiasts can anticipate a rich variety of films to inspire and provoke thought, ensuring the festival remains a focal point for independent cinema.