The world of documentary filmmaking is poised for a remarkable year in 2026, with a slate of highly anticipated films set to explore the lives of public figures, tackle provocative subjects, and revisit pivotal historical moments. From the aftermath of an assassination attempt to the complexities of artificial intelligence, the upcoming nonfiction landscape promises both depth and spectacle.
High-Profile Stories and Personal Journeys
Leading the charge is Alex Gibney, the prolific documentarian with two major projects generating significant buzz. The first, Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie, adapts the British-American writer's bestselling memoir about the 2022 onstage attack that cost him the sight in one eye. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film is reported to include never-before-seen footage of Rushdie's recovery, filmed by his wife, photographer Rachel Eliza Griffiths, alongside interviews and excerpts from his work concerning the 1989 fatwa.
Gibney's other major undertaking is his long-gestating film on Elon Musk. Promising a definitive and unvarnished examination of the erratic tech billionaire, the project has been in production for years. Acquired by Bleecker Street in August 2025 for a US theatrical release, the film will feature participants from Musk's orbit, though notably not the man himself. Gibney's previous critical looks at Scientology and Enron suggest a penetrating analysis is in store.
Cultural Icons and Technological Frontiers
The documentary slate also offers deep dives into cultural legacy. Give Me the Ball!, premiering at Sundance, is a retrospective on tennis legend and queer icon Billie Jean King. Directed by Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff, it will explore her famed Battle of the Sexes match and her lifelong advocacy for women's and LGBTQ+ rights.
In the realm of music, Roots member Questlove follows his Oscar-winning Summer of Soul with a celebratory film on the genre-bending band Earth, Wind & Fire. With full access to the band's archives and the support of founder Maurice White's estate, the HBO premiere is set to be a major event for music lovers.
Technology's promise and peril are scrutinised in The AI Doc (Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist) from Oscar-winner Daniel Roher (Navalny). Premiering at Sundance with a March theatrical release, the film adopts Roher's personal perspective as an expectant father to navigate the existential dangers and stunning potential of artificial intelligence, guided by experts on both sides of the debate.
Historical Insights and Contemporary Crises
Audiences will be granted a unique window into history with Once Upon a Time in Harlem. This film presents newly restored cinema verité footage from a 1972 dinner party hosted by filmmaker William Greaves, capturing over three hours of conversation among the surviving luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance.
On a pressing contemporary issue, American Doctor documents the work of three American physicians – Palestinian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian – who answered a moral call to serve in Gaza. The film follows their triage efforts and confronts the devastating human cost of the conflict, aiming to chart a path toward engagement through humanity and collective action.
Rounding out the notable releases are feature debuts from acclaimed television makers, including John Wilson's idiosyncratic The History of Concrete, and big-budget concert experiences like James Cameron's 3D film of Billie Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft tour. With such a diverse and ambitious lineup, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for documentary cinema.
