Happy Tuesday, dear readers! Each week, we’ll rank the top 10 films in a specific category. While we aim to tie these lists to big releases, that won’t always be the case. Our goal? For you to enjoy, share your own lists, and join in on a lively, friendly debate. This is an interactive space to build community here at The Contending.
No fancy intros, no long essays – just a category and a list. Sound good?
I’m just back from the Critics Choice Awards and still feeling the whiplash of flying back and forth across the country in a 24-hour blur. Megan and I attended the 31st annual ceremony, where One Battle After Another landed the first big punch of the season. The pace isn’t slowing down: SAG nominations hit Wednesday, DGA on Thursday, PGA on Friday, and the Golden Globes on Sunday.
So this week, I’m keeping it lean and jumping straight into the films I’m most excited to see in 2026. Each title links to IMDb if you want to dig deeper. As always, let me know what’s at the top of your watchlist.
10. The Dog Stars directed by Ridley Scott
9. The Social Reckoning directed by Aaron Sorkin
8. Ray Gunn directed by Brad Bird
7. Saturn Return directed by Greg Kwedar
6. The Adventures of Cliff Booth directed by David Fincher
5. Werwulf directed by Robert Eggers
4. Disclosure Day directed by Steven Spielberg
3. Project Hail Mary directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
2. Dune: Part Three directed by Denis Villeneuve
1. The Odyssey directed by Christopher Nolan
1. The Way of the Wind (Terrence Malick) [will be in this spot every year until it is released]
2. Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (Jane Schoenbrun)
3. Disclosure Day (Steven Spielberg)
4. Dry Leaf (Alexandre Koberidze)
5. If Love Should Die (Mia Hansen-Løve)
6. The Man I Love (Ira Sachs)
7. Chasing Summer (Josephine Decker)
8. Narnia (Greta Gerwig)
9. Paper Tiger (James Gray)
10. All of a Sudden (Ryûsuke Hamaguchi)
I admire your fortitude regarding Number 1. Keep up the good fight!