12 Must-See Films at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival

Film Festival Feature by Chris Olson

In March, the streets of Austin, Texas, will once again be flooded with the heady scent of barbecue and the even more intoxicating aroma of cinematic ambition. For those of us who live and breathe film, the South by Southwest Festival is not just another date on the industry calendar; it is a vital, beating heart of independent storytelling. At UK Film Review, we have always championed the underdog and the visionary, and the 2026 lineup feels like a particularly potent blend of high-concept genre pieces and intimate, soul-baring narratives.

The beauty of this festival lies in its refusal to be pigeonholed. You can spend your morning moved to tears by a #documentary about human composting and your midnight screaming at a slasher film about murderous cults. It is a playground for the bold. With the first wave of programming finally revealed, the task of narrowing down the must-see titles is a daunting one, but there are certain projects that leap off the page with that unmistakable SXSW energy.

1. I Love Boosters

Opening the festival with a jolt of pure adrenaline is Boots Riley’s latest offering, I Love Boosters. Riley has already proven himself a master of surrealist social commentary with Sorry to Bother You, and his return to the director’s chair is cause for celebration. Centred on a crew of professional shoplifters targeting a ruthless fashion mogul, the film boasts an ensemble cast that is frankly staggering: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, LaKeith Stanfield, and Demi Moore. Knowing Riley, this will be far more than a simple heist movie. Expect a stylish, sharp-witted dissection of capitalism and consumer culture that will leave the opening night audience buzzing.

2. Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

There is a specific brand of joy found in a well-executed horror sequel, and after the riotous success of the 2019 original, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is easily one of the most anticipated titles in the Headliner section. Samara Weaving returns as Grace, the bride who fought her way through the world’s worst wedding night. This time, she is joined by Kathryn Newton in what promises to be another high-stakes game of life and death. If the directors can maintain that perfect balance of pitch-black comedy and genuine tension, this will be the crowd-pleaser of the festival.

3. The Sun Never Sets

One of the most intriguing additions to the 2026 Narrative Spotlight is Joe Swanberg’s The Sun Never Sets. Swanberg, a stalwart of independent cinema who essentially helped define the mumblecore movement, returns to Austin with a drama that feels both deeply personal and uncomfortably relatable.

The film stars Dakota Fanning as Wendy, a woman whose life is upended when her boyfriend, Jack (played by the reliable Jake Johnson), decides they need "space" to evaluate their future. What follows is a messy, volatile triangle when Wendy unexpectedly reconnects with her ex, Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), during the hiatus.

Featuring an impressive supporting cast including Anna Konkle and Lamorne Morris, the film promises to be a raw exploration of modern commitment and the ghosts of past relationships. It is exactly the kind of character-driven, performance-led storytelling that has made Swanberg a festival favourite for over two decades.

4. Over Your Dead Body

In the realm of high-concept genre cinema, few titles on the 2026 slate carry as much dark promise as Over Your Dead Body.

Directed by Jorma Taccone—one-third of the legendary Lonely Island trio—the film is a world premiere that leans into the "lovers to enemies" trope with lethal commitment. The narrative follows a hopelessly dysfunctional couple who retreat to a remote cabin under the guise of saving their marriage, only for the audience to discover that both partners have arrived with meticulous plans to murder the other.

Produced by the action heavyweights at 87North, including Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, the film promises a level of visceral, inventive stunt work to match its cynical wit.

The cast is a masterclass in eclectic talent: Samara Weaving, who has become a modern scream queen, stars alongside Jason Segel, with the formidable Timothy Olyphant and Juliette Lewis rounding out a group that feels perfectly calibrated for Taccone’s brand of chaotic energy.

Written by Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney, this is a pitch-black marital satire that suggests the only thing more dangerous than falling in love is trying to get out of it.

5. They Will Kill You

Zazie Beetz leads this slasher-action-comedy as a housekeeper who discovers her employers are part of a murderous cult. Directed by Kirill Sokolov, They Will Kill You sounds like the kind of blood-soaked, high-octane genre mashup that thrives in the Headliner category. Beetz is an actress of immense range, and seeing her take on a lead role in a survival horror setting is a prospect that should have every genre fan reaching for their badge.

6. Brian

In the Narrative Feature Competition, Brian stands out as a potential breakout hit. Directed by Will Ropp and starring Ben Wang alongside the legendary William H. Macy, the film follows an acerbic high school student with panic attacks who runs for class president to woo a teacher. It sounds like a classic coming-of-age tale with a modern, anxious edge. At UK Film Review, we always keep a keen eye on the competition slots for the next great indie voice, and Brian has all the hallmarks of a film that finds the extraordinary within the ordinary.

7. Black Zombie

The Documentary Spotlight often provides the most thought-provoking moments of the festival, and Black Zombie looks to be no exception. This documentary uncovers the origins of the zombie film, tracing its deep roots back to Black culture and Haitian folklore. In an age where the zombie genre is a staple of mainstream entertainment, understanding its historical and cultural foundations is essential. This is the kind of educational, engaging filmmaking that reminds us why the documentary format is so vital.

8. Family Movie

Few things are as intriguing as a meta-horror comedy starring a real-life Hollywood family. Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon co-direct and star in Family Movie, alongside their children Travis and Sosie Bacon. The plot, involving a filmmaking family whose production takes a dark turn, allows for a fascinating exploration of the industry and family dynamics. It is a bold move to put one’s own family life under the cinematic microscope, especially within the framework of a horror-comedy.

9. Drag

The Midnighter section is where SXSW truly lets its hair down, and Drag sounds like a quintessential late-night treat. Starring Lizzy Caplan and John Stamos, the film follows two amateur burglars whose routine robbery turns into a nightmare when one of them throws out their back. It is a simple, high-concept premise that relies heavily on performance and comedic timing. With Caplan’s sharp wit and Stamos’s veteran presence, this could be a sleeper hit of the festival.

10. Campeón Gabacho

Directed by Jonás Cuarón and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, Campeón Gabacho brings a much-needed international perspective to the Narrative Spotlight. Jonás has previously shown a knack for building unbearable tension with Desierto, and his latest project, exploring the Mexican experience through a unique lens, is highly anticipated. The Cuarón name is synonymous with technical excellence and emotional depth, making this an essential watch for those looking for global stories told with masterful precision.

11. Obsession

Curry Barker’s Obsession arrives with the "Festival Favourite" tag, and for good reason. The story of a man who uses a "One Wish Willow" to win over his crush, only to find the price is far too high, is a classic supernatural cautionary tale. It sounds like a modern-day Twilight Zone episode, focusing on the dark side of human desire. These kinds of grounded genre pieces often provide the most resonance, staying with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

12. Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice

Finally, we have BenDavid Grabinski’s R-rated action comedy, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice. While plot details remain somewhat under wraps, the title alone suggests a chaotic, character-driven romp. Grabinski has a reputation for playful, inventive writing, and in a festival often dominated by heavy themes, a well-crafted action-comedy can be the perfect palate cleanser. It represents the fun, unapologetic side of independent cinema that SXSW celebrates so well.

As we look toward March, the 2026 SXSW Film Festival promises to be a landmark event. From the high-budget spectacles of the Headliner section to the scrappy, inventive world premieres in the competition categories, there is a sense of renewal in the air.

For those of us in the UK, looking across the Atlantic at this vibrant display of creativity, it serves as a reminder of the power of film to connect us, to challenge us, and, above all, to entertain us. Whether you are in Austin or following from afar, these twelve films are the ones to watch.