Usually it takes a bit of time for the best movies of 2026 to roll in (they don’t call it Dumpuary for nothing). But the first half of the year has been surprisingly full of solid material, with a handful of films that could make it onto the year-end list. Even the streaming-only fare hasn’t felt like a total waste of time! A solid mix of genres, budgets, and new and experienced filmmakers has made for an exciting anticipation for the second half, and a formidable list of the best movies of 2026 so far.

Honorable Mentions

• Disclosure Day
• The Drama
• GOAT
• Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die
• Hoppers
• I am Frankelda
• Obsession
• The Rip
• Send Help