We’re over halfway through 2026, and we’ve been blessed with some remarkable films so far. I’ve written about favorites like Project Hail Mary or Rao Bahadur, but sometimes I highlight great movies over on Instagram and YouTube instead of adding a full written review here. Below are a few films I’ve talked about on video that you might not have seen this year. 

Mollywood Times

If you’re a Malayalam film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or just someone who enjoys movies about making movies, this one’s for you. Naslen stars as a director who dreams of making the scariest Malayalam horror film of all time, but quickly discovers that the real horror is navigating the film industry. Described as a hate letter to cinema, this film is filled with great performances, a snappy visual flow, and a message that is equal parts frustrating and uplifting. 

Quick review here, or check it out on Instagram here.

Maa Inti Bangaram

A badass hero who can fight a whole squad of goons is a staple of Telugu cinema, but what if that hero was actually a heroine? Samantha stars as a housewife trying to be the ideal daughter-in-law until her violent past comes back to haunt her and she’s forced to fight for her family. It’s a unique premise for Telugu cinema, executed with stylish action and a top-notch central performance from Samantha, who has always been one of the most talented comedic actresses in Indian cinema.

Quick review here, or check it out on Instagram here.

The Invite

Olivia Wilde’s adaptation about a married couple whose relationship is flipped upside down when their neighbors arrive for a dinner party is easily one of the funniest movies of the year. There are lines in here that had me laughing hysterically in the theater, but there’s also a deeper conversation happening about the evolution of long-term relationships, embracing sexuality, and clear communication. The result is a small-scale story set in one location and featuring some of the best performances of the year from Wilde, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz. The Invite is a movie I’ve quoted endlessly since seeing it, and one I can’t wait to watch again.

Quick review here, or check it out on Instagram here.

The Odyssey

Let’s be honest, the only reason you might have missed this movie is if the projector broke at your 70mm IMAX screening. Christopher Nolan’s IMAX epic is grand in scale, thematically impactful, and such a marvel of modern filmmaking that they even released a making-of documentary on Peacock. 

Quick review here, or check it out on Instagram here.

Follow along with what I’m watching over on Letterboxd, or come leave a comment on Instagram if you’ve seen any of these movies and want to share your thoughts.