Readers have shared their favorite films of the first half of 2026, with titles ranging from the horror of Backrooms to the musical drama Song Sung Blue and the comedic Obsession. The responses highlight diverse genres and standout performances, with many viewers returning to cinemas multiple times.
Backrooms: A New Golden Age of Horror
Sylvia Rowe, 58, from Jackson, Tennessee, US, praised Backrooms, directed by Kane Parsons. She saw it with her husband during opening week at Laugarásbíó cinema in Reykjavík, Iceland, while on vacation. "You cannot beat the acting combo of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve in the leading roles," she said. The production design involved over 30,000 square feet of sets, a feat in an era of CGI. "The slow creep of dread was perfectly paced, and combined with the soundtrack it gave me a deep sense of unease," she added, noting the film's familiarity as a former retail worker. Rowe declared, "We're in a new golden age of horror, and I am here for it!"
The Bride! and Hamnet: Jessie Buckley's Powerful Performances
Jessie Buckley appears in two reader favorites. Paul Clarke, 57, from Taplow, described The Bride! as "both exhilarating and frustrating" but praised Buckley's performance: "She makes you care for a character that in other hands would become one dimensional." He noted the film's musical moments and humor, calling director Maggie Gyllenhaal one to watch. Jade, 22, from Paris, France, chose Hamnet as her top film, citing Buckley's "gut-wrenching" portrayal of grief and Paul Mescal's underappreciated performance. "For the first time, I understood Shakespeare. Felt it," she said.
Song Sung Blue: A Shocking Surprise
Helena Bortkiewicz, 59, from Brighton, was surprised by Song Sung Blue, expecting a cheesy romp about a Neil Diamond tribute act. Instead, she found a "genuinely shocking" story with superb performances and levity. "It felt like it was made to entertain its audience, not to win an Oscar," she said.
Obsession: Seven Cinema Visits
Scott Muller, 57, from Mittagong, NSW, has seen Obsession seven times, more than any other film this year. He enjoys the audience reactions: the laughs, shocks, gasps, and tears. "The more packed the cinema, the more fun it is to watch," he said. The film is "relentless" until the credits, keeping viewers in tense anticipation.
Other Reader Favorites
Liz from London was gripped by The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho, praising its "ridiculous and bizarre first scene" and the chilling performance by Ghirotti. Philip Dodd, 40, from Walsall, highlighted Disclosure Day for its themes of truth and empathy beyond its alien premise. Paul, 53, from Northamptonshire, lauded The Drama for its "succinct, striking and compelling tale" and Alana Haim's performance as "performance of the year so far." Sarah from Dublin enjoyed Nouvelle Vague for its self-aware homage to Godard and warm storytelling. Jim Melin, 56, from Göteborg, Sweden, defended The Mandalorian and Grogu against critics, calling it "perfect entertainment" that he saw with his son and friends. Cathy from Sydney, Australia, praised Project Hail Mary for its engaging character Rocky and Ryan Gosling's performance, seeing it twice. John from London called Tuner "the sweetest violent crime drama" with a surprisingly tender finale and praised Leo Woodall's rising stardom. Kristian Connelly from Fitzroy, Australia, highlighted The Rivals of Amziah King as a genre-defying thriller with Matthew McConaughey. Seb from Australia enjoyed Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie for its unique blend of scripted comedy and hidden camera stunts. Lisa from New Jersey, US, chose The Sheep Detectives as a feelgood whodunnit for all ages, noting the lack of violence and sex in favor of a good story.
