From mind-bending indie comedies to raw emotional odysseys, Close-Up Culture pick out 10 films from BFI London Film Festival 2026 that we think you’ll be obsessed with.
1. Atlantic Rhapsody – Zhong Kaifeng
The surreal Chinese father-son odyssey that could become LFF’s great sleeper hit. More info
2. The Fox – Dario Russo
This shape-shifting comedy, featuring the voices of Olivia Colman and the late Sam Neill, will surely send audiences down a rabbit hole. More info
3. French Girls – Hyun Lee
This cool, intimate, micro-budget directorial debut is about a construction worker who is suddenly scouted by a modelling agency. We believe it is destined to become a word-of-mouth favourite. More info
4. I Love Boosters – Boots Riley
Boots Riley’s wild fashion-heist fever dream is set to shock and captivate audiences. More info
5. Nightborn – Hanna Bergholm
One of our fave directors here on CUC, we’re sure Hanna Bergholm’s horror will win big acclaim. And it stars Rupert Grint! More info
6. Wildwood – Travis Knight
LAIKA Studios? You needn’t say any more – we’re seated for another classic. More info
7. Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother – Bassam Tariq
We have a strong feeling that Mahershala Ali’s central performance will alone be worth a trip to the festival. More info
8. A Mighty Adventure – Toe Yuen
A butterfly, a grasshopper, and a spider embark on an epic journey in an animated feature that we’re sure will steal hearts. More info
9. Look Back – Hirokazu Koreeda
This intimate coming-of-age story could sneak up on audiences emotionally.
10. The Liberation – Guy Nattiv
Another one of our long-time CUC favourites, Guy Nattiv is set to deliver a historical drama with the kind of ambitious international scope that could become one of those LFF discoveries people insist you see. More info
Leave a Reply