10 films to watch at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival

As the Toronto International Film Festival gets underway, the 51st edition brings a wealth of new releases, international cinema, and celebrated directors like Pedro Almodóvar and Mike Leigh. Here are 10 films to keep an eye on during the festival.

1. Bitter Christmas, directed by Pedro Almodóvar, presents a captivating tale of two writers-directors with striking self-referential storytelling. The film is a blend of two timelines, featuring characters based on Almodóvar himself, his interests, and personal experiences, including the loss of his mother. The film is a critical analysis of autofiction, offering both humor and metatextual edge.

2. Djinn Wedding by Ferit Karahan is a bleak Turkish family drama, exploring the impact of loss and unmet expectations on four siblings. The story follows the siblings through various periods of their lives, showcasing the deterioration of their relationships as secrets and resentment grow.

3. Yeon Sang-ho's tech thriller, Paradise Lost, takes a dark approach to the concept of resurrection. After a mother's son inexplicably returns, she must decide between embracing him or the AI companion who has been trapped in time. The film's chilling premise and philosophical twist make for an intriguing watch.

4. Anchors Aweigh, a Midnight Madness selection, merges elements of comedy, drama, and documentary in a unique way. Matt Barats' anti-comedy revolves around an aspiring Broadway singer who gets rejected by his girlfriend and spirals out to Queens, where he navigates New York City life, attempts to recreate old tapes, and attempts to be witty but ultimately falls short in his attempts.

5. Hombre Al Agua, a sneakily clever comedy by Gael García Bernal, explores the boundaries between art and life. The story follows a Cuban lifeguard named Camilo who, by chance, saves a millionaire on vacation. Camilo is subsequently hired to assist the man in running a factory and eventually marries his spoiled daughter. The movie's dry wit and thriller-like structure blend Camilo's dreams and reality, offering a unique cinematic experience.

6. Edward Said: Between Worlds, a documentary by Maiken Baird, provides a comprehensive look at the life and work of academic Edward Said. The film traces Said's journey from his birth in Jerusalem, his loss of home due to the Palestinian displacement, and his eventual move to the United States. It allows Said's voice to narrate his life story and reflects on how it shaped his monumental works like Orientalism and The Question of Palestine.

7. Rehearsals for a Revolution, an essay-like documentary by Pegah Ahangarani, offers a heartbreaking insight into Iran's history through the lens of her family. The film is broken into five chapters, featuring Ahangarani's memories, family photo albums, and home movies alongside reflections on Iran's history. The documentary paints a poignant picture of the legacy of the Iranian Revolution.