37 Movie Sequels That Will Rule the Box Office in 2026

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In 2026, fans can look forward to seeing some iconic movie characters back on the big screen, like Spider-Man, Buzz Lightyear, Cliff Booth, and Miranda Priestly.

The movie industry has been struggling lately due to several factors, including the pandemic, the growing popularity of streaming services, and people spending more time on their phones.

Hollywood has a pretty straightforward strategy: when a movie does well, they make another one. And if a popular series starts to falter, they often revive it with a fresh start after a short break.

Here are 37 sequels, reboots or prequels that will vie for your time and money in 2026:

Greenland 2: Migration (Jan. 9)

The movie Greenland (2020) showed Gerard Butler struggling to save his family from a devastating comet impact that nearly destroyed the world. Now, in Greenland 2: Migration, he continues the fight, risking everything to help what’s left of humanity find a new home.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Jan. 16)

The “28 Days Later” series keeps jumping forward in time after the apocalypse. It was four years between the first film in 2003 and the sequel in 2007, and then another 18 years until last year’s “28 Years Later.” Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next – “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is coming out just two weeks into the new year, continuing the story from the last film’s cliffhanger.

Return to Silent Hill (Jan. 23)

Despite mostly bad reviews, the Silent Hill movies have still been financially successful, and a third film is on the way. Return to Silent Hill will follow the first movie released in 2006 and the second, Silent Hill: Revelation, which came out in 2012.

The Strangers – Chapter 3 (Feb. 6)

The 2008 film The Strangers didn’t receive much critical praise initially, but it’s become a favorite among horror fans over time. Sixteen years later, the franchise was revived with three movies filmed back-to-back. As we reach the final installment, only one person remains alive – and she’s managed to eliminate one of the three masked attackers.

Scream 7 (Feb. 27)

Neve Campbell is returning as Sidney Prescott after sitting out the last Scream movie due to a disagreement over salary. She and her daughter have moved to a quiet town hoping for a peaceful life. Courtney Cox is also back as Gale Weathers, ready to face Ghostface once again. Interestingly, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, and Scott Foley are also returning, despite their characters having died in previous films – so it seems anything is possible!

The Bride! (March 6)

Only three months after Guillermo del Toro reimagined the story of Frankenstein, Maggie Gyllenhaal presents a modern take on The Bride of Frankenstein. Jessie Buckley plays the bride, created to be a companion for Christian Bale’s monster, but this version is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1930s Chicago.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (March 27)

Following a terrifying wedding night in 2019’s Ready or Not, where she barely escaped a deadly game orchestrated by her fiancé’s wealthy and sinister family, Samara Weaving returns as Grace. This time, the stakes are even higher as she’s forced to play the same life-or-death game against several powerful families.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 3)

Despite being a bit annoying for some, The Super Mario Bros. Movie from 2023 was a huge financial success, earning over $1.3 billion. It also boosted Jack Black’s popularity with children, especially thanks to his catchy song, “Peaches.” So, naturally, a sequel is in the works. Hopefully, it will be an improvement – maybe a little more subdued and a bit shorter in length?

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy (April 17)

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are teaming up again for a new Mummy movie, almost 20 years after their last one in 2008. While fans wait, a different take on the story is coming from Lee Cronin, who directed the well-received horror film Evil Dead Rise in 2023. Early reviews suggest this new Mummy film will be much scarier and isn’t suitable for children.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1)

It’s been 20 years since Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway starred in the popular film The Devil Wears Prada, and the cast is reuniting! Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, who were scene-stealers in the original, are also returning.

Mortal Kombat II (May 8)

The 2021 Mortal Kombat movie wasn’t a huge hit with either audiences or critics, but it performed well enough on DVD and streaming to get a sequel made. The biggest reason to be excited about the new film? Karl Urban, known for his role in Dredd, is joining the cast as the popular character Johnny Cage. While fans might prefer to see another Dredd movie, this is a welcome casting choice!

Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 22)

Following the success of three seasons of the hit show The Mandalorian, Din Djarin and Grogu (affectionately known as “Baby Yoda”) are heading to the movies. Jon Favreau, who wrote and directed the television series, will also lead the film.

Still not convinced? Here’s more good news: Sigourney Weaver, famous for playing Ripley in the Alien movies and currently in Avatar: Fire and Ash, is joining the cast and returning to space!

Masters of the Universe (June 5)

Nearly four decades after Dolph Lundgren’s live-action Masters of the Universe movie didn’t succeed, He-Man is back! This time, Nicholas Galitzine plays the iconic character. Jared Leto, hoping to bounce back from the mixed reception to last year’s Tron: Ares, takes on the role of the villain, Skeletor.

Scary Movie 6 (June 12)

With the Scream movies back after a ten-year break – and three new films released in the last five years – it’s a natural fit for the spoof series they influenced to come back as well.

After a 13-year hiatus since Scary Movie 5, the original cast – including Anna Faris, Marlon and Shawn Wayans, and Regina Hall – are returning for a sixth film. Some suggest calling it Scary Movie 6-7 to attract even more viewers, potentially doubling ticket sales.

Toy Story 5 (June 19)

Pixar concluded the Toy Story trilogy with a nearly flawless and emotionally powerful ending in 2010. Despite this, they took a risk by bringing back Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the toys for another film in 2019.

Despite a brief protest from Quentin Tarantino, Toy Story 4 was a huge success with both audiences and critics, and it famously delivered an emotionally powerful ending. Now, seven years later, Toy Story 5 will bring Woody back together with his pals to face a new challenge: video tablets.

Supergirl (June 26)

Milly Alcock, who briefly appeared as Supergirl in last year’s Superman movie, will star in her own film in 2026. Her mischievous super-powered dog, Krypto, will be along for the ride, and Jason Momoa will play Lobo, the galaxy’s most formidable bounty hunter.

Minions 3 (July 1)

The Despicable Me series stumbled a bit creatively with the 2024 release of Despicable Me 4—though it still earned a billion dollars. A return to the Minions prequel stories might be more fun. So far, there’s no trailer, pictures, or story details for Minions 3, but many are predicting we’ll get a first look during the Super Bowl.

Moana (July 10)

Disney continues to successfully remake its popular animated films into live-action versions, even when the original isn’t that old. Following just ten years after the release of Moana (and two years after a sequel), they’re now releasing a live-action version, again starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui, the powerful shapeshifter.

Evil Dead Burn (July 24)

The latest Evil Dead film, Evil Dead Rise from 2023, proved that the series could still deliver the scares and gore fans love—even without Bruce Campbell as Ash. It was a hit with audiences, and focused on a new family terrorized by the infamous Book of the Dead. Hopefully, the next installment, Evil Dead Burn, will continue this success.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31)

Five years after Spider-Man: No Way Home offered a touching conclusion to the story begun in the Avengers films, Tom Holland returns as Spider-Man. This time, everyone has forgotten him, a consequence of his previous selfless act where he risked his relationships to save the world.

He won’t have much time to feel down, as Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk will team up with him to fight a new danger threatening New York City.

Super Troopers 3 (Aug. 7)

Okay, so the guys from Broken Lizard – you know, the team behind ‘Super Troopers’ – are giving us another movie! It’s their third one in 25 years, and honestly, I’m already excited. They’re bringing back those Vermont state troopers and their signature brand of silly pranks. The funny thing is, they’re keeping everything under wraps right now – not a single detail about the plot has been released. It’s a bit mysterious, but knowing these guys, it’s bound to be a wild ride.

Insidious: The Bleeding World (Aug. 21)

I really thought the Lambert family—Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne’s characters—had finally found peace after Insidious: The Red Door last year. But it looks like the Insidious story isn’t over! This new movie, The Bleeding World, is the sixth chapter, and honestly, after everything they’ve been through, I doubt a fresh coat of paint is going to help them now!

Coyote vs. Acme (Aug. 28)

After Warner Bros. decided to delay its release and initially shelved it for a tax benefit, Coyote vs. Acme will finally be shown in theaters three years after it was originally scheduled for release in July 2023.

The new movie blends live action with animation and features Will Forte and John Cena as opposing attorneys. The story revolves around Wile E. Coyote taking legal action against ACME Corporation, claiming their products consistently fail to help him catch the Road Runner.

Cliffhanger (Aug. 28)

Thirty-three years after Sylvester Stallone thrilled audiences with daring mountain stunts in the film Cliffhanger, Lily James—known for her recent role as Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy—takes on the challenge, battling kidnappers alongside Pierce Brosnan.

Clayface (Sept. 11)

James Gunn wasn’t planning on featuring the Batman villain Clayface in a movie right away after becoming head of DC films, but he was so impressed with writer Mike Flanagan’s idea that he decided to move forward with it.

Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, an actor whose face is badly injured by a criminal. Desperate for a solution, Hagen turns to a scientist who ultimately transforms his body into clay.

Resident Evil (Sept. 18)

The Resident Evil series, which has made over a billion dollars at the box office despite mostly negative reviews, is being reimagined. This new take comes from Zach Cregger, the director known for critically acclaimed films like Barbarian and Weapons. The franchise previously starred Milla Jovovich in six films, and had a reboot in 2021.

Practical Magic 2 (Sept. 18)

Despite not being a big hit in theaters when it came out in 1998, the fantasy romance Practical Magic, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, became popular with viewers at home. That means a sequel featuring the Owens sisters is on the way, with Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest reprising their roles.

Street Fighter (Oct. 16)

Over three decades after Jean-Claude Van Damme first brought the Street Fighter video game to the big screen, a new film is in the works with a really interesting group of actors. This reboot will feature WWE stars Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, as well as Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Jason Momoa, Eric Andre, and Kyle Mooney.

The Cat in the Hat (Nov. 6)

Bill Hader will voice the lead character in a new animated movie based on Dr. Seuss’ classic book, The Cat in the Hat. One thing’s for sure: it’s bound to be better than the frustrating live-action film starring Mike Myers from 2003.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Nov. 20)

As a huge fan of The Hunger Games movies – they’ve made over $3.3 billion worldwide, which is incredible! – I’m really excited to hear they’re making another prequel. This one, Sunrise on the Reaping, will tell us how a young Haymitch Abernathy, played so brilliantly by Woody Harrelson in the first four films, became the man we know. It’s going to be fascinating to see his backstory unfold.

Focker In-Law (Nov. 25)

After a 16-year hiatus, the Meet the Parents series is back with a new movie called Focker In-Law. Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson are all reprising their roles, and they’ll be joined by singer and actress Ariana Grande, known for her pop music and role in Wicked.

Narnia (Nov. 26)

The Chronicles of Narnia films were very successful, earning over $1.5 billion across three movies, but the series ended in 2010. Now, three years after the huge success of Barbie, writer and director Greta Gerwig is revisiting the source material – the original seven-book series.

Violent Night 2 (Dec. 4)

Okay, so I have to say, 2022’s Violent Night totally blew me away. It’s a hilarious, dark comedy set during the holidays, and David Harbour is perfect as a really grumpy, disillusioned Santa. The whole movie basically puts Santa in a *Die Hardstyle action scenario, and it just works brilliantly.

The upcoming 2026 sequel is looking promising with the addition of two new cast members: Kristin Bell will play Santa’s wife, and Maxwell Friedman, a popular professional wrestler known as MJF (and recently in Happy Gilmore 2), will also appear in an as-yet-unrevealed role.

Untitled Jumanji Sequel (Dec. 11)

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a decade since Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan revitalized the Jumanji series. Both Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and The Next Level (2019) were hits with audiences and reviewers, and now the entire cast is returning for another exciting film.

Avengers: Doomsday (Dec. 18)

More than 35 superheroes from the Marvel universe are set to return for the next Avengers film, which will be the first since 2019’s Endgame. Notably, Robert Downey Jr. will be back, but not as Iron Man. He’s taking on the role of the villain Dr. Doom instead.

Dune: Part Three (Dec. 18)

The new Avengers movie is set to compete with the highly anticipated third installment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series, marking the biggest box office clash since the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon in 2023. Dune boasts a stellar cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Momoa, and Josh Brolin, making it a day you might want to clear your schedule for.

The Angry Birds Movie 3 (Dec. 23)

It’s surprising, but the first two Angry Birds movies – particularly the second one from 2019 – were actually really fun, considering they’re based on a game about birds launched from a slingshot. So, like you, we’re unexpectedly excited about this new installment.

The Adventures of Cliff Booth (unknown)

Quentin Tarantino seems fascinated by Brad Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth, from his 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He’s already explored the character’s story in a much longer book version, and now he’s created an entire new movie focused solely on Cliff Booth’s life.

Quentin Tarantino decided against directing the project and gave the script to his friend David Fincher. The two had previously collaborated on several films, including the 1995 hit Se7en, Fight Club in 1999, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button from 2008.

The 21 Best Movies of the 21st Century So Far

21. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

As a huge movie fan, I always notice how rarely ‘best’ actually means ‘funniest’ when people make those ‘greatest films of all time’ lists. And honestly, when it comes to pure, consistent laughs in the 21st century, I think Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is right up there. Adam McKay and Will Ferrell just nailed that over-the-top satire of 70s workplace culture. Seriously, the scene with Ron, Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), and that wall of cologne? That might be the funniest scene I’ve ever seen in a movie. Every single line is hilarious, practically every word! There are maybe two syllables that don’t land, but the rest is pure comedy gold.

20. Holy Motors (2012)

Leos Carax’s Holy Motors feels like the most incredible dream you can have while awake. It’s a wildly imaginative and surprisingly moving tribute to film, acting, and life itself – all of which the movie suggests are deeply connected. Denis Lavant delivers an amazing performance, playing multiple distinct characters as Oscar travels around Paris in a limousine. Oscar’s actual profession remains a mystery, but the film powerfully demonstrates the enduring wonder and unrealized possibilities of cinema, especially at a time when how we watch movies is rapidly changing.

19. One Battle After Another (2025)

As a film lover, I’m genuinely thrilled by One Battle After Another. It feels like a rare find in today’s Hollywood, where everything revolves around established franchises. It’s a really ambitious, big-budget film – I’ve heard the price tag was over $150 million – but it doesn’t feel like a studio dictated it. Director Paul Thomas Anderson really brought his vision to life, and it’s packed with political ideas. Honestly, it’s hard to even categorize – it’s got elements of a thriller, a bit of a stoner comedy vibe, and it tackles important issues, all while telling a surprisingly touching story about a father trying to shield his daughter from his own history and a world that’s kind of falling apart. It’s funny, gorgeous, weird, unsettling, and totally captivating. Basically, it feels like another instant classic from PTA.

18. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, the team behind the hit comedy Bridesmaids, reunited for another hilarious film. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar stars Wiig and Mumolo as two best friends who lose their jobs at a furniture store in Nebraska. They decide to use their severance pay for a luxurious trip to Florida, where they both fall for a handsome stranger (Jamie Dornan, playfully poking fun at his heartthrob image). Unbeknownst to them, this man is involved in a ridiculous plot to unleash genetically-modified killer mosquitoes on the town.

Wiig and Mumolo are fantastic, delivering witty dialogue about everything from Tommy Bahama shirts to the appeal of the name Trish – lines that are sure to become instantly quotable. In a world that often feels dark, Barb and Star arrived as a bright and cheerfully absurd escape, offering a much-needed dose of fun.

17. Inside Out (2015)

I’ve always been amazed by Pete Docter. Even before he became Pixar’s creative leader, he was a brilliant mind behind so many of their hits. He helped write classics like Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and WALL-E, and then went on to direct some of Pixar’s best – Monsters, Inc., Up, and my personal favorite, Inside Out. Inside Out is just incredible – it tells the story of Riley, an 11-year-old girl, whose world turns upside down when her family moves. What’s so clever is how the movie shows her emotions as characters battling it out inside her brain. The way they designed Riley’s mind is visually stunning – every single scene is packed with interesting details. But more than that, it’s one of the most insightful films I’ve ever seen about why sadness and grief are actually important parts of life.

16. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

The game Donkey Kong is a surprisingly accurate reflection of life itself. It’s incredibly challenging, often unfair, and success often feels like a matter of luck. You might occasionally triumph, but just as easily, you’ll be unexpectedly defeated. Even achieving the highest possible score doesn’t change the ultimate outcome – eventually, you fail. There’s no real winning, only an inevitable end. And sometimes, life throws in bizarre complications, like a ruthless businessman with questionable style.

That’s why The King of Kong isn’t just a documentary about competitive Donkey Kong; it’s a film about the human experience.

15. The Prestige (2006)

Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige is a masterful film where all his signature techniques – like complex timelines and surprising plot twists – come together beautifully. It’s a more powerful experience than any single element could be on its own. The film follows two competing magicians in Victorian London, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, whose rivalry leads them to incredible breakthroughs and ultimately, to murder. The Prestige is a story within a story, exploring the sacrifices artists make for their work and the inherent duality of good and evil in everyone. What makes it so rewarding is that it reveals new layers with each viewing, especially if you pay close attention to Nolan’s clever foreshadowing. Even knowing the big surprises, it’s a film you’ll enjoy revisiting again and again.

14. The Social Network (2010)

Whether David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin got the details of Facebook’s beginnings right is open for discussion. However, they undeniably captured a specific kind of personality with Mark Zuckerberg, as played by Jesse Eisenberg: incredibly smart, frustrated, believing he deserves special treatment, and craving acceptance. Many people questioned Fincher making a movie about Facebook in 2010, but it now seems like a follow-up to Fight Club, another story about a resentful, isolated man whose anger has unforeseen results.

The film’s success hinges on casting Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, the founder of Napster and an early Facebook executive. Parker essentially serves as Zuckerberg’s rebellious alter ego. Timberlake and Eisenberg look similar enough to be brothers – one seemingly blessed with good fortune, the other constantly facing setbacks. That’s exactly who Mark wants to be, and he’s agonizingly close to achieving it.

13. Nickel Boys (2024)

It’s rare to see a truly original film, one that feels genuinely new and expands what movies can do. But every so often, a movie like Nickel Boys comes along. This film is bold, unique, and offers a fresh perspective – actually, two.

Director and co-screenwriter RaMell Ross made a striking choice: he filmed almost the entire adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from the point of view of the two main characters. This incredible camerawork, achieved with cinematographer Jomo Fray, immerses you in the experiences of two young men fighting to survive a harsh reform school in 1960s Florida. It’s baffling that Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. While this technique could easily feel like a trick, Ross uses it to create a truly new way of seeing the world – and perhaps a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.

12. Past Lives (2023)

This moving and poignant film explores the unseen forces that connect and divide us – whether you call it fate, destiny, or in-yun. It centers on Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), two people who keep finding their way back to each other, despite the obstacles and changes in their lives. We see them meet at different stages – as children, in college, and as adults – and each time, their connection feels undeniable, even when Nora is married to Arthur (John Magaro). The film quietly asks whether Nora will stay with her husband or follow her heart to Hae Sung. The outcome of this subtle love triangle is deeply affecting and will leave you thinking about the significant moments and choices in your own life, and how their true meaning often reveals itself only with time.

11. Boyhood (2014)

For twelve years, director Richard Linklater secretly filmed scenes with the same actors – a boy (Ellar Coltrane), his mother (Patricia Arquette), and his sister (Lorelei Linklater) – to document their lives. While some might see this as a self-indulgent project, the result is a fascinating snapshot of American life in the early 2000s, and a deeply moving portrayal of family, love, and hardship. Unlike most films, Boyhood has a truly special connection to the passage of time. Seeing the actors actually age on screen adds an extra layer of emotion to many scenes, making joyful moments even sweeter and sad ones more poignant. Patricia Arquette’s final speech feels particularly powerful because it’s informed by twelve years of genuine experiences. As the late film critic Roger Ebert once said, “Movies are windows into our world.” And I can’t think of a film that throws those windows open wider than Boyhood.

10. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Despite being a fun and lighthearted film, Catch Me If You Can is also a surprisingly moving story about loneliness and the importance of family. It features a fantastic cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio as the clever con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., Christopher Walken as his frustrated father, Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams as his romantic interests, and Tom Hanks as the determined, yet somber, FBI agent Carl Hanratty.

The cat-and-mouse game between Hanratty and Frank is both exciting and heartbreaking. Both characters are deeply isolated, and their relentless pursuit of each other becomes the central focus of their lives, beautifully illustrated by their yearly Christmas phone calls. In fact, Catch Me If You Can might be one of the most bittersweet Christmas movies ever made, rivaling even It’s a Wonderful Life. If you don’t enjoy this film, I’ve got a joke for you…

9. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

As a huge fan, I truly believe Mad Max: Fury Road is the best action movie of our time, especially when it comes to car chases. But it’s so much more than just explosions and speed! It really struck me as a modern retelling of the Exodus story – a desperate journey out of a ruined world, searching for a better place. Charlize Theron as Furiosa is incredible, leading these women through the desert, and Max, though a bit of a mysterious loner, guides them towards safety. It’s just…powerful. George Miller proved that action films can be both incredibly exciting and genuinely intelligent. Seriously, if anyone tries to tell you it’s just mindless entertainment, don’t listen to them – they’re just trying to bait you into an argument!

8. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Martin Scorsese, now over 80 years old, continues to challenge himself and his viewers with his filmmaking. He still elicits amazing performances from actors and revisits familiar themes – particularly how wealth can both attract and destroy, and the tragic side of American history. His latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, focuses on the murders of members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s. After discovering oil on their land in Oklahoma, the Osage became targets of those around them, including Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), who marries an Osage woman (Lily Gladstone) with oil wealth. It feels repetitive to say this with each new Scorsese film, but it’s especially true here: if this is his last movie, it’s a stunning and fitting conclusion to an extraordinary career.

7. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

2007 was a fantastic year for movies, but the one that really stuck with me was The Diving Bell & The Butterfly. It’s Julian Schnabel’s beautiful adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir about living with locked-in syndrome. Bauby’s story, and how the film captured his message of embracing life, had a profound impact on me. I left the theater that day and knew I wanted to propose to my girlfriend – and 13 years and two kids later, I’m so glad I did! Revisiting the film recently, I was reminded of just how powerful and moving it still is.

6. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher is known for directing films about serial killers, but Zodiac is more than just a thriller. It’s a journey through San Francisco’s history, told through the perspectives of three men obsessed with solving the Zodiac Killer case. We see a dedicated police inspector (Mark Ruffalo), inspired by the character in Bullitt, a crime reporter (Robert Downey Jr.) who became a target of the Zodiac through his articles, and an amateur detective named Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) who can’t stop investigating even after the killings cease. What makes Zodiac stand out is its portrayal of how all-consuming an obsession can be. Fincher immerses the audience in a complex network of clues and misleading information with skillful camerawork and editing. By the film’s ending – which cleverly circles back to its beginning after a tense two and a half hours – viewers truly understand Robert Graysmith’s unwavering fixation.

5. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Many of the films Joel and Ethan Coen created together explore partnerships, and Inside Llewyn Davis is perhaps their most direct exploration of that idea. The movie isn’t just a look at the folk music scene in 1960s New York; it’s a series of sad events happening to a talented musician, Llewyn Davis (played by Oscar Isaac in a breakout performance), after his musical partner dies. It feels significant that Llewyn’s most beautiful song is about saying goodbye, and that it loses something when played alone.

4. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s film Lady Bird is structured around pairs and contrasts. The main character, known as Lady Bird, has two first names and throughout the story navigates two relationships, two best friends, and attends two schools and churches. The film covers two semesters, each featuring a school play and a dance, and showcases two different dynamics with each of her parents. She applies to two colleges, making every decision feel incredibly important—and for a teenager, they often are.

3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

I can’t recall exactly when or where I first watched Eternal Sunshine, but it was around 20 years ago while I was living in New York City. The details of that initial viewing have faded with time, like so many memories do. Ironically, that makes me appreciate the film even more now. What’s so brilliant about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is that it uses a science fiction idea – a couple erasing each other from their memories – to explore how we naturally forget. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet create one of the most memorable couples in film history, and it’s because their relationship is destined to fail. Ultimately, all relationships end, and it feels like watching something beautiful slowly disappear.

2. Take Shelter (2011)

Having experienced panic attacks myself, I can confidently say that Take Shelter is a truly exceptional film about living with anxiety. The movie centers on Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon), a family man who, despite having a loving wife and daughter, is plagued by terrifying nightmares of devastating storms and a constant feeling of impending doom. Michael Shannon delivers a phenomenal performance, brilliantly supported by Jessica Chastain, and the film accurately portrays the vicious cycle of fear: Curtis worries he’s losing his mind – a concern heightened by his family history of mental illness – and this worry only intensifies his anxiety. While some find the ending open to interpretation, I see it as a logical conclusion, because the film understands that this type of anxiety can’t be simply overcome. It also shows that neither physical nor emotional barriers can truly protect what we value. The film suggests that anxiety can only be managed with understanding and the support of those we love.

1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Actor Rick Dalton and his stuntman, Cliff Booth, have lunch with producer Marvin Schwarz at the Musso & Frank Grill. Marvin suggests Rick star in Italian Westerns, but Rick is disheartened – he feels like his career is over. He’s visibly upset, breaking down in tears as soon as he leaves the restaurant. Director Quentin Tarantino emphasizes Rick’s despair with a low camera angle, showing the “Oldest in Hollywood” sign looming over him and Cliff.

Though Rick isn’t actually old news, he feels that way in that moment, realizing his time in the spotlight might be running out. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a brilliantly crafted film, full of subtle details like this. It’s a look back at a changing era in American history and pop culture, and also a loving homage to the art of filmmaking, which itself feels like it’s facing an uncertain future.

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2026-01-19 20:11