My Top 10 Movies of 2026 (So Far)

Inde Navarrette, left, and Michael Johnston, right, in “Obsession.” // Photo by Focus Features/TNS

These are my top 10 favorite movies of 2026 so far, some of which are my personal hot takes. You might end up disagreeing with these.

10. Pressure

“Pressure” is the story of how General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg faced an impossible choice 72 hours before D-Day, and how they changed the world during the events of World War II. As someone who likes WWII history and most Focus Features films, I really enjoyed watching history unfold on screen. If you are a fan of history, you will really enjoy “Pressure.”

9. Iron Lung

“Iron Lung,” based on a video game from 2022, is told from the perspective of a man trapped in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean. The film takes place during a fictional event from the game called the “Quiet Rapture.” YouTuber Markiplier produced the movie, being a fan of the game himself. His team used vibrant bright red and orange lighting combined with psychological abstract darkness to show what it’s like to be a guy stuck in the ocean. Markiplier excelled in the role of Simon.

8. Ready or Not 2

As a fan of the original 2019 horror hit, “Ready or Not,” I loved the sequel even more. Samara Weaving is once again masterful as Grace, bringing such darkness and brutality to her character in a role where she must once again vanquish her deadly family who are trying to kill her. I also loved the new addition of her sister Faith, played by Kathryn Newton. Newton brings such dark intensity to the role, making her feel like someone you care about and feeling the rawness and shock value of what it’s like to have a sister with you while fighting a devil cult.

7. Send Help

Sam Raimi, in his latest film, “Send Help,” once again grabs the reins of the dark horse bringing his signature “Evil Dead”-style horror to a world where two people are stuck on an island, desperate for escape. If you are a fan of the show “Lost” or the video game series Uncharted, I would absolutely recommend this film. Rachel McAdams is spectacular as Linda Liddle, making her role feel less annoying compared to her role in the 2010 rom-com “Morning Glory,” or the 2005 psychological horror “Red Eye.” “Maze Runner” icon Dylan O’Brien is awesome as the villain as well, letting you feel his rawness and violent character.

6. The Furious

For those who don’t know, “The Furious” is a Hong Kong Chinese action film similar to the “The Raid” films. The characters in “The Furious” are excellent, and if you’re a die-hard fan of action movies, you would really enjoy this film. The writing and dialogue of how the film is played out are stellar, making you feel what it’s like to watch someone save their daughter from ruthless kidnappers. It is absolutely well done.

5. The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s take on Greek mythology, “The Odyssey” was fantastic. Icons like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland did a great job as their characters in the violent, oppressive world of Greek mythology. I have never read “The Odyssey” myself, but as someone who adores Christopher Nolan as a director, I definitely recommend watching “The Odyssey.”

4. Digger

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu’’s latest film, “Digger,” centered on climate change. Tom Cruise, Sandra Miller (who was just in “Project Hail Mary” earlier this year), and Riz Ahmed all do a great job as their characters in the movie. Tom Cruise is amazing as Digger Rockwell, bringing his signature rawness to a character who’s obsessed with oil and climate change. Overall, “Digger” was a pleasant surprise and a very entertaining R-rated satire.

3. 28 Years Later

I am a huge fan of the “28 Days Later” horror series, and the latest entry, “The Bone Temple,” was absolutely fantastic. Ralph Fiennes is brutal in this movie as Dr. Ian Kelson, bringing his rawness and darkness to a character obsessed with infections and zombie cures. A scene with him singing Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast” and its use of psychological gory bloody horror makes it a worthy spot at number three on my top 10 list.

2. Obsession

“Obsession” is a really incredible horror film that I really enjoyed watching. Inde Naverrette is excellent as Nikki, making her feel like someone you hate so much and don’t want to be friends with. What I liked about “Obsession” was how it relied on the idea of stalkers and the aftershocks of wishing for something that ends up not being what you wished for. As someone who loves a good psychological horror, I believe “Obsession” is a worthy watch.

1. Spider-Man: Brand New Day

I am a Spider-Man fan, and “Spider Man: Brand New Day” is my favorite Spider-Man film overall. I love how dark the film was and how it relied on the events of “No Way Home,” where everyone forgot Peter’s identity. The film does a great job explaining the aftershock of what everyone forgetting you is like. Sadie Sink is wonderful as Jean Grey, bringing her “Stranger Things” charm to her character; I cannot wait to see her in the new X-Men movie in 2028. Overall, Spider-Man earns number one.