Sundance 2026: best flicks picks
As Sundance 2026 wrapped its snowy swan song in Park City—poised to decamp to Boulder come 2027, stirring whispers of a seismic identity shake-up—the indie film fest still delivered a bounty of gems amid hushed deal-making vibes.
Critics buzzed over crowd-pleasers and bold visions, from Olivia Wilde’s razor-sharp dinner-party romp to Charli XCX’s fame-fueled frenzy, proving the festival’s spirit endures.
Dive into our top picks that lit up the slopes, darling readers, before the vibe shifts forever.
Festival standouts
At Sundance 2026, Olivia Wilde’s The Invite stole the show as a razor-sharp dinner-party comedy, blending witty banter with escalating chaos that had audiences roaring. This crowd-pleaser, snapped up by A24 after a fierce bidding war, channels the spirit of classic screwball romps while skewering modern social pretensions—pure, un adulterated fun that lingers like a perfect guest who overstays just right.
Filmdaily‘s coverage of this spicy comedy captures the lively spirit and inventive humor that defines the film.
Charli XCX’s turn in The Moment turned heads at Sundance 2026, delivering a frenetic satire on fame’s voracious appetite. This high-energy flick dives into self-consumption with neon flair, echoing the chaotic vibes of peak TV like Euphoria but with a pop-star twist—bold, brash, and brilliantly addictive for anyone hooked on celebrity culture’s dark underbelly.
Filmdaily examines the pop-star’s cinematic debut and its commentary on modern fame.
Extra Geography charmed Sundance 2026 crowds with its tender take on an English boarding-school romance, unfolding like a quiet period drama laced with coming-of-age heart. This understated gem explores young love’s awkward geography, evoking the subtle tensions of Call Me by Your Name—sweet, sincere, and subtly queer, it’s a hug in film form.
Wicker wonders
Olivia Colman’s bawdy medieval fable Wicker enchanted Sundance 2026 with its rollicking tale of folklore and folly, blending ribald humor with sharp social commentary that feels like a cheeky nod to Monty Python. This vivacious romp, full of witchy whimsy and unexpected twists, proves Colman’s queenly command of quirky roles—utterly spellbinding and ripe for cult status.
Chasing Summer sizzled at Sundance 2026 as Iliza Shlesinger’s self-penned rom-com, dripping with Y2K nostalgia and steamy escapades that turn the genre on its head. Think Clueless meets modern sensuality, with punchy dialogue and infectious energy—sexy, smart, and surprisingly heartfelt, it’s the guilty pleasure that’ll have you replaying those retro tracks.
Undertone unnerved Sundance 2026 attendees with its audio-driven micro-horror, a taut A24 acquisition that plays on sound’s sinister side like a twisted episode of Black Mirror. Minimalist yet menacing, it builds dread through whispers and echoes, delivering chills without cheap jumps—clever, compact, and perfect for late-night thrills that linger in your ears.
Cookie queens
Cookie Queens delighted Sundance 2026 with its warm yet incisive dive into the Girl Scout cookie empire, blending heartfelt stories of young entrepreneurs with sharp economic insights like a feel-good docuseries episode. This charming chronicle uncovers the sweet hustle behind the sales, proving irresistible for fans of uplifting real-life tales that pack a thoughtful punch.
The Best Summer transported Sundance 2026 viewers back to the ’90s indie-rock scene via Tamra Davis’s shaggy archive of tour chaos and creativity, evoking the raw energy of Almost Famous with authentic footage. Loose yet immersive, it captures the era’s rebellious spirit— a nostalgic joyride for music geeks craving that unpolished vibe.
The Friend’s House Is Here gripped Sundance 2026 with its quietly devastating portrait of quiet resilience in Iran, shot in secrecy and smuggled from Tehran, unfolding like a poignant whisper of forbidden truths. This brave film honors everyday struggles with empathy, a sobering reminder of art’s power amid oppression—profound and unflinchingly human.
Distribution deals
As Sundance 2026 bids adieu to Park City’s frosty embrace, several titles have snagged distribution deals, like The Invite and Undertone both landing with indie powerhouse A24, promising wide releases that could turn festival buzz into box-office gold. Others, including the poignant The Friend’s House Is Here, await buyers, their fates hanging in the balance amid a cautious market.
Yet Sundance 2026’s muted sales chatter hasn’t dimmed the excitement—films like Chasing Summer and The Best Summer boast release dates later this year, teasing audiences with Y2K rom-com vibes and ’90s rock nostalgia. It’s a reminder that strong storytelling endures, even as the festival preps for its Boulder reboot.
Fears of an identity shift loom for Sundance 2026’s legacy, with the 2027 move to Colorado sparking debates on whether the event’s scrappy soul will survive relocation. Critics remain optimistic, citing this year’s robust lineup as proof that cinematic magic thrives beyond geography—here’s to fresh slopes ahead.
Boulder’s new era
Sundance 2026 marked a poignant farewell to Park City’s iconic slopes, wrapping with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as filmmakers and fans pondered the end of an era. The festival’s valedictory air hung heavy, yet the strong slate of films underscored its enduring appeal, leaving attendees buzzing about indie cinema’s resilient heartbeat.
With the move to Boulder set for 2027, excitement builds around Colorado’s vibrant scene, where university campuses and creative hubs promise fresh energy. Governor Jared Polis hailed the relocation as a thrilling boost, envisioning Sundance 2026’s spirit evolving amid Boulder’s progressive vibe, potentially attracting even more diverse voices to the fold.
Critics speculate that Boulder’s altitude and artsy ethos could infuse Sundance with new life, countering fears of dilution by amplifying community ties and innovation. As Sundance 2026 fades, the horizon looks bright, with the festival poised to reinvent itself while honoring its scrappy roots in this bold chapter.
Legacy’s last bow
Sundance 2026 closed under a valedictory cloud, marking its swan song in Park City before the big shift to Boulder in 2027, with insiders fretting over potential identity tweaks. Yet amid the bittersweet farewell, the festival’s core magic shone through, delivering a lineup that reaffirmed indie cinema’s unyielding charm and creative pulse.
Despite muted sales buzz at Sundance 2026, critics unearthed a treasure trove of strong films that transcended the chatter, from Wilde‘s witty romp to secret Iranian gems. These bold visions prove the event’s knack for spotlighting fresh voices, even as relocation looms, keeping the spotlight on storytelling’s timeless allure.
As many Sundance 2026 titles hunt for distribution deals, a select few—like the nostalgic Chasing Summer and rocking The Best Summer—gear up for releases later this year, promising to carry the festival’s spirit to wider audiences. Here’s hoping the rest find homes soon, ensuring this valedictory edition’s legacy endures.
Indie’s enduring spark
Sundance 2026 wrapped with a valedictory flourish, its Park City finale stirring a mix of melancholy and moxie as the festival eyes Boulder’s bolder terrain for 2027. Amid fears of an identity wobble, the event’s scrappy essence held firm, spotlighting films that dazzled without relying on splashy sales, a true testament to indie grit.
Critics at Sundance 2026 shrugged off the subdued deal buzz, zeroing in on a slate brimming with bold bets—from Wilde’s witty feast to Colman’s cheeky chronicle—that echoed the festival’s history of unearthing underdogs. This year’s gems, blending satire and sentiment, affirm that cinematic soul survives shifts, much like a plucky period drama pivoting plots.
With many Sundance 2026 titles still scouting distribution deals, optimism simmers for quick pickups, especially after standouts like Undertone snagged A24 nods. A handful boast upcoming releases, hinting at broader audiences ahead, ensuring this transitional edition’s spark ignites fresh fires in the evolving indie landscape.
Deals inked
Sundance 2026’s acquisition frenzy, though tempered, saw powerhouse buys like The Invite landing a splashy deal with A24 for a cool seven figures, setting the stage for a theatrical rollout that could redefine dinner-party comedies. This savvy pickup, amid a cautious market, highlights indie darlings’ pull, with insiders betting on awards-season buzz to amplify its witty chaos.filmdaily.co[[1]](https://www.vulture.com/article/sundance-2026-acquisitions.html)
Chasing Summer snagged distribution buzz at Sundance 2026, with whispers of a summer release tying into its Y2K vibes, courtesy of a fresh deal that promises streaming and screens alike. Iliza Shlesinger’s sexy rom-com gem, blending nostalgia with steamy smarts, stands poised to charm wider crowds, proving the festival’s knack for unearthing box-office sleepers in transitional times.filmdaily.co[[2]](https://www.screendaily.com/news/15-sundance-2026-acquisition-titles-to-look-out-for/5212806.article)
While many Sundance 2026 titles linger in distribution limbo, standouts like Undertone’s A24 nod tease fall drops, fueling optimism for indie cinema’s post-Park City glow. These deals underscore the event’s enduring spark, countering relocation jitters with concrete wins that keep bold visions alive and kicking into 2027’s Boulder dawn.
Farewell, Park City
As Sundance 2026 bows out from its Park City perch, the festival’s valedictory glow lingers on these stellar picks, from Wilde’s witty feast to secret Iranian heart-tuggers. With muted sales yielding gems still seeking homes and a few slated for release, here’s to indie cinema’s resilient spark enduring the Boulder shift—fresh slopes, same bold visions.
