20 Movies We’re Excited to See at the 2026 Fall Festivals

The 2026 fall film festival season is shaping up to be a showcase of both established auteurs and emerging voices, with a slate of projects that promise to engage audiences through a variety of genres and narratives. From intimate character studies to politically charged dramas, this year’s offerings demonstrate the continued vitality and evolving landscape of independent and international cinema.

Among the most anticipated is the latest work from Werner Herzog, whose fiction feature "Bucking Fastard" is expected to be a rare contender appearing at all four major fall festivals: Venice, Toronto, New York, and Telluride. Herzog’s film explores the complex relationship between twin sisters, portrayed by Rooney and Kate Mara, whose shared dreams and synchronized speech lead them into a dramatic conflict over a mutual love interest. Herzog’s signature blend of documentary sensibility and narrative invention continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.

Director Siân Heder returns with "Being Heumann," a meticulously researched biopic centered on disability rights activist Judy Heumann. Highlighting the pivotal 504 Sit-In of 1977, the film not only reconstructs the period’s socio-political climate but also emphasizes authentic representation by casting actors with disabilities, including Ruth Madeley in the titular role. Heder’s previous success with "CODA" positions this film as a significant contender in social justice storytelling.

Political urgency and personal tragedy converge in Ali Asgari’s "A Bit of Light," set against the backdrop of Tehran’s turbulent political atmosphere. The narrative follows a doctor targeted by authorities amid widespread protests, encapsulating themes of oppression and resilience. Asgari, known for his Cannes premiere "Terrestial Verses," delivers a poignant solo directorial effort that balances melancholy with a glimmer of hope.

Psychological tension and socio-economic critique are at the heart of Florian Zeller’s latest film, starring Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. This original screenplay, reminiscent of "Eyes Wide Shut," examines the unraveling of a marriage when the husband accepts a commission to build a bunker for a wealthy tycoon. The film probes the eccentricities of the ultra-rich and explores intimate human dynamics within a thriller framework.

In a narrative blending toxic romance and addiction, Andrea Pallaoro’s "The Echo Chamber" brings to life a script penned by the late Bernardo Bertolucci. Featuring Luca Marinelli and Alicia Vikander, the story delves into a music producer’s descent into dependency, complicated by a fraught relationship with a physician. The film also includes a noteworthy performance by Susan Sarandon, anchoring its exploration of creativity and vulnerability.

"Elsinore," directed by Simon Stone and featuring Andrew Scott in the role of British actor Ian Charleson, recounts the life of the late thespian who became a prominent figure in raising AIDS awareness. Supported by a cast including Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, and Johnny Flynn, the film captures both Charleson’s artistic achievements and his personal struggles, highlighting a poignant chapter in LGBTQ+ history.

Anna Biller’s "The Face of Horror" marks a return for the filmmaker known for the cult hit "The Love Witch." This adaptation of the Kabuki play "Yotsuya Kaidan" intertwines supernatural elements with an examination of gender politics, continuing Biller’s distinct aesthetic and thematic preoccupations. The collaboration with cinematographer M. David Mullen promises a visually rich experience.

Peter Farrelly’s upcoming film chronicles Sylvester Stallone’s arduous journey to create "Rocky," tracing the actor’s determination to write and star in the film that would become a cultural touchstone. With Anthony Ippolito portraying Stallone, this biographical drama is poised to resonate with audiences familiar with the iconic underdog story.

Danny Boyle’s "Ink" revisits the origins of sensationalist journalism through the lens of a young Rupert Murdoch’s transformation of a British newspaper. Featuring Guy Pearce and Jack O’Connell, the film explores the inception of tabloid culture in the 1960s and 70s, drawing parallels to contemporary media dynamics and societal impacts.

Luca Guadagnino returns with an ambitious seven-hour documentary, "Joie de Vivre," which offers an in-depth exploration of Bernardo Bertolucci’s cinematic legacy. The film provides cinephiles with a rich examination of Bertolucci’s influential works, incorporating insights from filmmakers like Alfonso Cuarón and actors such as Margot Robbie.

Further diversifying the festival lineup is Andrew Haigh’s "A Long Winter," a coming-of-age drama set in 1950s Colorado. The film navigates themes of familial tension and emerging sexuality, anchored by performances from Fred Hechinger and Caitríona Balfe. Anticipated to premiere at Telluride, the film continues Haigh’s focus on intimate, character-driven storytelling.

Rounding out the season are a variety of projects including Shinya Tsukamoto’s English-language debut, a war drama based on a Vietnam veteran’s life; Suzie Miller’s adaptation of her acclaimed play starring Cynthia Erivo as a criminal lawyer grappling with personal trauma; and Lance Oppenheim’s "To Catch a Predator," featuring Robert Pattinson in a provocative look at the legacy of a controversial television series.

Together, these films underscore the 2026 fall festivals as a fertile ground for cinematic innovation and reflection, presenting stories that range from personal struggles to societal critiques. The presence of celebrated directors alongside rising talents signals a dynamic season that will offer audiences both familiar voices and fresh perspectives on the human experience.