From the unsettling horror of Backrooms to the visceral audience reactions of Obsession, readers have shared their favourite films of 2026 so far, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Backrooms: A New Golden Age of Horror
Sylvia Rowe, 58, from Jackson, Tennessee, US, praised Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons, as her favourite film of the year. She highlighted the incredible acting combo of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, and noted that the production design featured more than 30,000 sq ft of sets. "The slow creep of dread was perfectly paced, and combined with the soundtrack it gave me a deep sense of unease," she said, adding that the film is "an unsettling and unusual movie by an innovative young director with a bright future."
Obsession: Seven Viewings and Counting
Scott Muller, 57, from Mittagong, NSW, has seen Obsession seven times, more than any other film this year. He described the audience reactions as a key part of the experience: "The more packed the cinema, the more fun it is to watch, as you get to hear everyone’s reactions: the laughs, the shocks, the gasps, and the tears." He noted that the film is "relentless until the end credits start rolling."
Disclosure Day and Song Sung Blue: Thought-Provoking Choices
Philip Dodd, 40, from Walsall, chose Disclosure Day as his favourite, calling it a film about "truth, trust, empathy and how people react when their worldview is challenged." Helena Bortkiewicz, 59, from Brighton, was surprised by Song Sung Blue, which she expected to be a cheesy romp but found genuinely shocking. "The performances were superb, and it felt like it was made to entertain its audience, not to win an Oscar," she said.
The Bride! and Hamnet: Stellar Performances
Paul Clarke, 57, from Taplow, praised The Bride! for Jessie Buckley's brilliant performance, saying she "makes you care for a character that in other hands would become one dimensional." Jade, 22, from Paris, France, found Hamnet deeply moving, particularly Paul Mescal's performance in a scene where he delivers lines after another actor messes up. "For the first time, I understood Shakespeare. Felt it," she said.
The Secret Agent and Nouvelle Vague: International Flavours
Liz from London was gripped by The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, describing its opening scene at a Brazilian petrol station as "ridiculous and bizarre." Sarah from Dublin loved Nouvelle Vague for its self-aware homage to Godard, calling it "a profound, warm story through hilarious, delightful moments."
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Family Fun
Jim Melin, 56, from Göteborg, Sweden, called The Mandalorian and Grogu "a perfect return to family fun in the cinema," noting that he saw it with his teenage son and later with friends. He dismissed critical reviews, saying the film is "perfect entertainment."
Project Hail Mary and Tuner: Cinematic Excellence
Cathy from Sydney, Australia, praised Project Hail Mary for its enjoyable experience, highlighting Ryan Gosling's performance and Greig Fraser's cinematography. John from London described Tuner as "the sweetest violent crime drama you’ll see this year," praising Leo Woodall's performance and the film's surprisingly tender finale.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie: Cult Hit
Seb from Australia praised Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, a film adaptation of the cult TV series, for its expert translation of the concept to a feature-length story. He noted that it "exists independently from its previous iterations, making it a perfect entry point for audiences unfamiliar with the series."
The Rivals of Amziah King and The Sheep Detectives: Genre-Defying
Kristian Connelly from Fitzroy, Australia, lauded The Rivals of Amziah King for its unpredictable blend of genres, calling it a film that "practically defies further categorisation." Lisa from New Jersey, US, found The Sheep Detectives refreshingly wholesome, saying, "In an age when movies are dominated by horror, violence and sex, it was great to see a film that could just tell a story."
