As the 2026 awards season heats up, one cinematic fact stands out: Ryan Coogler's Southern Gothic horror film "Sinners" is the only wholly original movie, not based on existing intellectual property, to crack the year's Top 10 highest-grossing films in the United States. This achievement highlights a year where fresh stories captivated audiences alongside notable adaptations. From chilling horror to heartwarming animation, HuffPost staff have compiled their essential list of the year's standout films, many of which are generating significant awards buzz.
Original Stories and Awards Contenders
The conversation around "Sinners" has been relentless. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film is set in the Jim Crow South and features a dual performance by Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers Stack and Smoke. It blends vampire lore with profound themes of Black lineage and blues music, supported by powerful performances from Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and newcomer Miles Caton. Its unique position as a box office success without franchise backing makes it a cultural milestone.
Another original film making waves is "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," featuring a masterful performance by Rose Byrne. Written and directed by Mary Bronstein, this intense portrait of a mother and therapist losing her grip balances dark humor and drama, offering a harrowing look at identity loss beyond motherhood.
Captivating Adaptations and Documentaries
While original stories shone, several adaptations also held audience attention. Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet," based on Maggie O’Farrell's novel, delivered one of the year's most devastating watches. With knockout performances from Jessie Buckley and young Jacobi Jupe, it fictionalizes the death of William Shakespeare's son and its connection to the play "Hamlet."
The documentary scene was particularly strong. "John Candy: I Like Me," directed by Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds, paints a touching portrait of the beloved Canadian comedian through interviews with family and peers like Catherine O'Hara and Dan Aykroyd. Meanwhile, Questlove's "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)" offers a profound exploration of fame and responsibility through the lens of Sly Stone and other Black musical icons.
Global Phenomena and Hidden Gems
Animated films captured global audiences in diverse ways. Pixar's "Elio," voiced by Yonas Kibreab and Zoe Saldaña, offered a smart and relatable space adventure about finding connection. Conversely, "K-Pop Demon Hunters" became a Netflix and box office sensation, with its soundtrack topping the Billboard 200 and a sequel already planned for 2029.
Smaller films also demanded attention. "On Becoming A Guinea Fowl" is a searing Zambian dark comedy about grief and family secrets, featuring a stunning performance by Susan Chardy. From Norway, Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value," starring Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård, delivered a touching story of familial reconciliation.
The year also saw the long-awaited return of the Black women-led buddy comedy with "One of Them Days," produced by Issa Rae and starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Its success has already greenlit a sequel. For horror fans, Zach Cregger's "Weapons," about the disappearance of elementary school children, and A24's deeply disturbing "Bring Her Back," starring Sally Hawkins, provided legitimate scares.
Looking Ahead to the Awards
As the 2026 awards season unfolds, films like "Sinners" and "Hamnet" are racking up coveted nominations. The diversity of this year's standout list—from the Southern horror of "Sinners" to the musical documentary "Songs From the Hole" and the epic action of "One Battle After Another"—proves that compelling storytelling can thrive in any genre. These films not only dominated box office charts and streaming queues but also defined the year's most important cultural conversations.
