‘I saw it seven times in the cinema’: the favorite movies of 2026 readers so far | Video

The film that grabbed my attention from its first absurd and dramatic scene in a Brazilian gas station was The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho. The handsome Armando is chased by the head of a corrupt company, who wants to steal his academic skills for money. It’s a deal that Armando knows will tarnish his academic reputation but refuses to do so, ending up with a target on his back from an angry Ghirotti, which sent chills down my spine. This is an amazing video. Liz, London

My favorite so far in 2026 is Revelation Day. The film is not only about foreigners, but also about truth, trust, compassion and how people react when challenged. Philip Dodd, 40, Walsall

Sung Blue’s music was not what I expected. I thought it would be fun, but a little funny, just talking about the Neil Diamond tribute, but the story was so weird that I didn’t see anything that went up this year. The performances were very good and, given the dark nature, there was also an important need. But, more importantly, it felt like it was made to please its audience, not to win an Oscar. Helena Bortkiewicz, 59, Brighton

The bride! it was exciting and frustrating in equal measure, but it’s good to see the filmmaker go. One thing that is not in doubt is the success of Jessie Buckley. He makes you care about someone whose hands can be one sided without the emotion or anger he brings to the role. There are some great musical moments, it’s funny in places and it shows that Maggie Gyllenhaal is a director to watch. Paul Clarke, aged 57, Taplow

Backrooms (directed by Kane Parsons) is my favorite movie of 2026 so far. My husband and I saw it opening week at the Laugarásbíó cinema in Reykjavík, Iceland, as we were on vacation there, which made for a great viewing experience. You can’t beat actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve in the lead roles, and I’m glad to see big names appearing in horror films, especially when it’s still a director’s debut. The creative process was incredible; they built over 30,000 sq ft of sets, which is impressive in this age of CGI and green screens. The slow pace of fear was well-paced, and combined with the soundtrack gave me the impression of seeing something that was not quite right and familiar to me as a former sales person. It is an unsettling and strange film by a young director with a promising future. We are in a new era of horror, and I am here for it! Sylvia Rowe, 58, Jackson, Tennessee, US

I would say that Hamnet is my favorite movie of 2026 so far. The performances of the actors were very strong and believable. Jessie Buckley’s portrayal of grief and death was poignant. Desperation, stillness. I think that Paul Mescal’s performance deserves a lot of credit, because he did a great job. The scene where the actor mumbles his lines and Paul acts in his place brought tears to my eyes. English is not my first language and I struggle with some of Shakespeare’s works. For the first time, I understood. I heard. Jade, 22 years old, Paris, France

Drama. It’s a short, poignant and entertaining tale of alcohol-fuelled folly, followed by four spectacular performances. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson may have taken most of the inches, but it was Alana Haim who delivered my work of the year so far. Portraying a man who locked a child in a bedroom and abandoned him, Haim somehow remains a constant presence. There wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t excited about where the story would go, and the hope that the family could find redemption remained strong. Not Alana’s character, though. I don’t want to meet him anymore. After writing this I have now stopped listening to this song. Paul, 53, Northamptonshire

I love how Nouvelle Vague is self-aware of its Godard homage, but in true Richard Linklater style it tells a very deep, warm story through moments of humor and fun. This is a fascinating look at the world of filmmaking and the origins of the French New Wave. Engine Raoul! Sarah, Dublin

The Mandalorian and Grogu were a great return to family fun in the cinema: lots of heart, adventure and incredible fun. I watched it with my teenage son who also loved it. We went back with a friend two days later with her young children who were also very excited about the movie. I don’t understand all the reviews on this entertainment! Jim Melin, 56, Gothenburgorg, Sweden

I think if I ever make a fun video, Project Hail Mary is my favorite so far. Rocky was a great character, Ryan Gosling was handsome and Greig Fraser’s movie was great. I saw it twice at the cinema. Cathy, Sydney, Australia

I have now watched Obsession seven times, more than any other movie this year. The more crowded the movies, the more fun they are to watch, when you hear what everyone is saying: “I don’t know if I should laugh at this” laughing, shaking, crying, shaking, bursting with tears. I don’t remember the last film at the cinema that created such a sensation in the audience. The last two or three times I’ve seen it it’s been as much about enjoying the audience as watching the film. It is also interesting in its timing and methods. The movie is a constant until the end credits start – you are suspended with difficulty every second. Scott Muller, 57, Mittagong, NSW

Tuner is probably the most violent action drama you will see this year. It moves at the speed of a breeze, and like a simple jazz tune it doesn’t tend to hit your expectations. Daniel Roher is more than happy to take a slight left turn in his plot, but Tuner doesn’t feel dismayed, just cruising along to his stunning finish. Great to see Leo Woodall taking his steps into the Hollywood atmosphere. He has defended the crown from Tom Hardy as the cherub-lipped leader of our country who looks like he could easily break your arm. John, London

Matthew McConaughey directs this southern-fried thriller that defies other episodes. Beginning as the tale of a beekeeper in Alabama, the film is filled with left-field screwball moments (complete with over-the-top music) before settling in for revenge. The second installment from writer-director Andrew Patterson, makes him a filmmaker to watch. Patterson’s film evokes the unexpectedness of Paul Thomas Anderson’s past works and I can’t wait to see what he does next. It will be a long time until another film like this comes along. Kristian Connelly, Fitzroy, Australia

I’ve been a fan of this Canadian cult TV show (based on the site of the same name) for a few years now. It follows two friends, Matt and Jay, as they hatch a crazy scheme with the goal of finally booking a show at the Rivoli, a local music venue, both without writing songs or promoting themselves in a traditional way. It combines comedy, crime thrillers with hidden cameras, and popular movies that are often new and old. Much of it is filmed on the streets of Toronto and focuses on ordinary people, creating a sense of excitement and exuberance about the duo’s antics. The movie takes this idea and translates it professionally into a long story that shows the characters unknowingly traveling through the time of 2008 and their efforts to find a way back home. I’ve seen it three times now and there are times when I don’t know how they did it. Best of all, it’s available independently from its previous iterations making it a great entry point for listeners unfamiliar with the series. Seb, Australia

Sheepdog is the best movie I have seen in a long time. I love whodunnit and this is perfect for that genre. It is a movie for all ages and it has humor and charm. In an era where movies are obsessed with horror, violence and sex, it was great to see a movie that could just tell a story without all that stuff (which is often used as filler for lack of a good story). Let’s be honest, the world is feeling a little dark right now… so I like to watch a relaxing movie like Sheep Explorers during the darkest days. Lisa, New Jersey, USA