Top 10 Movies and Series to Watch This Summer 2026

Must-See Movies and Series for Summer 2026

The summer of 2026 is set to be a thrilling time for film enthusiasts. In theaters, audiences can expect a grand spectacle from Christopher Nolan, alongside two award-winning films from the Cannes Film Festival and a selection of challenging auteur works. Streaming platforms are also stepping up, featuring a gripping prison thriller starring Tahar Rahim and a limited series led by Anya Taylor-Joy. Here’s a curated list of ten films and series for the summer of 2026, complete with context, angles, and trailers to create a diverse viewing experience.

This selection intentionally blends big-screen blockbusters with smaller screen productions, appealing to both mainstream and auteur cinema lovers. Each title includes its release date, platform, and our critical perspective, focusing on the French market, with dates that may vary by region.

1. The Odyssey by Christopher Nolan: The Summer Blockbuster

The most anticipated film of the season comes from Christopher Nolan. The Odyssey, an adaptation of Homer’s epic, is filmed entirely in Imax 70 mm worldwide. The story follows Odysseus’s perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, featuring Matt Damon as the Greek king and a stellar cast including Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Lupita Nyong’o. The film explores encounters with mythological figures such as the Cyclops Polyphemus and the Sirens, culminating in Odysseus's reunion with his wife.

Notably, Universal has chosen to premiere the film exclusively for the press, a decision that reflects confidence in a film designed for the theater experience. In France, only the Pathé Odysseum in Montpellier will screen it in Imax 70 mm, where advance ticket sales have already broken records. The Grand Rex will host a midnight screening on July 14-15. With a budget of approximately $250 million, The Odyssey is poised to be a major cinematic event.

In theaters on July 15.

2. Comet by Élie Wajeman: A Parisian Ensemble Film

Selected as the film of the month by Maison Dulac Cinéma, Comet deserves its place in this lineup. A comet streaks across the Parisian sky, intertwining the lives of various characters. Two friends reflect on their lives, a young woman reconnects with an estranged father, and another sells drugs for her brother. Elsewhere, two individuals haunted by death meet, while a troupe rehearses Chekhov’s Three Sisters, echoing the lives of the characters.

Élie Wajeman crafted this film for eighteen actors from the Atelier Cinemasterclass, shooting in just four weeks with a budget of under €100,000, primarily in the 11th arrondissement. The cast includes Vincent Macaigne, Sandor Funtek, Alexia Chardard, Lou Lampros, and Sarah Le Picard, capturing a feverish energy reminiscent of Cassavetes. Following the tense thriller Médecin de nuit, Wajeman embraces the ensemble film genre, often considered outdated, citing influences like Nashville and Certain Women. The result is a sensitive portrait of a bustling city under a cosmic sky.

In theaters on July 15.

3. Moana: The Adventure for Families

Disney is reimagining its 2016 animated classic Moana with a live-action adaptation. Catherine Laga’aia reprises her role as the young navigator, joined by Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. Directed by Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton, the film follows Moana’s first voyage beyond the reef of her island, Motunui, in search of ways to restore her people's prosperity.

With a predominantly New Zealand cast and stunning visual storytelling, this adaptation aims to attract family audiences. It stands out as a quintessential summer blockbuster, perfect for intergenerational outings. The ongoing question with Disney's live-action adaptations remains whether they enhance the magic of the original animated film.

In theaters on July 8.

4. The Passage by Brandt Andersen: A Drama of Exile

Amira works in a major hospital in Chicago. On her birthday, a message triggers a traumatic memory from years past when a bomb destroyed her home in Aleppo. On that fateful night, she had only one instinct: to grab her daughter and flee. The Passage weaves together five stories linked by exile, featuring a doctor, a soldier, a smuggler, a poet, and a coast guard captain across four countries.

Yasmine Al Massri stars as Amira, with Omar Sy as Marwan and Yahya Mahayni as Mustafa. Directed by Brandt Andersen, this contemporary migration narrative has garnered accolades at festivals, including the Amnesty International Peace Prize at the Deauville Festival and Best International Film at the San Diego Festival. The film adopts a realistic tone, challenging viewers to contemplate the meaning of survival amid chaos.

In theaters on July 8.

5. The Dream Adventure by Valeska Grisebach: A Feminist Western

Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, The Dream Adventure is set in Svilengrad, a small Bulgarian town near the Turkish and Greek borders. The film begins as a road movie featuring a solitary man named Said, who traverses rural roads under a scorching sun. Everything changes when his car is stolen, leading him to cross paths with Veska, an archaeologist and childhood friend. In her attempt to help him, Veska becomes embroiled in a criminal underworld that dominates the town.

This marks the fourth feature from German director Valeska Grisebach, following the acclaimed Western presented in Un Certain Regard in 2017. This naturalistic thriller presents a powerful feminist narrative, with Yana Radeva portraying a heroine who quietly rebels against a male-dominated world. Grisebach unflinchingly depicts post-communist Bulgaria, grappling with economic despair while highlighting moments of hope where sisterhood becomes a weapon. However, the film's lengthy runtime of two hours and forty-four minutes may deter some viewers.

In theaters on July 15.

6. Fjord by Cristian Mungiu: The 2026 Palme d'Or Winner

Fjord, which won the Palme d'Or at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, marks Cristian Mungiu's second prestigious award, nearly two decades after 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. The Romanian director joins an elite group of filmmakers with multiple Palme d'Or wins, including Francis Ford Coppola and Ken Loach. For the first time, he shoots outside Romania, capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Norway.

The film follows the Gheorghiu family, a devout Romanian-Norwegian couple, as they settle with their five children in a village at the end of a fjord, forming friendships with their neighbors. Their lives take a turn when a teacher discovers bruises on Elia, their eldest daughter. The community then questions their strict upbringing, which shuns smartphones and embraces their faith. Starring Sebastian Stan, who has received critical acclaim for his performance, and Renate Reinsve, this nuanced courtroom drama challenges viewers to consider the complexities of coexistence amid conservatism and progressivism.

In theaters on August 19.

7. Lucky on Apple TV+: Anya Taylor-Joy Returns to Series

Anya Taylor-Joy makes her return to television in this limited series adapted from Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel, chosen by Reese Witherspoon’s book club. The story revolves around a heist gone wrong, forcing Lucky Armstrong to flee. Raised in a criminal environment by her father John, she becomes the target of both the FBI and a ruthless mafia leader determined to reclaim her son and money.

Timothy Olyphant plays her father, with Annette Bening as the crime lord Priscilla and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as agent Billie Rand, who is on Lucky's trail. Created by Jonathan Tropper and produced by Reese Witherspoon, the series promises high-speed chases, overturned cars, and a heroine grappling with a series of poor choices. With seven episodes, the first two will be available at launch, followed by weekly releases until August 19.

Available on July 15, with new episodes released every Wednesday until August 19.

8. Prisoner on Canal+: Tahar Rahim in Action Mode

Tahar Rahim returns to English-language fiction in this fast-paced action thriller, the inaugural original creation from the partnership between Canal and British broadcaster Sky. Amber Todd, a young prison officer, resumes work after maternity leave, tasked with escorting Tibor Stone, a former elite assassin turned key witness against his old criminal organization, to court. When their convoy is ambushed on a remote road, Amber handcuffs herself to Tibor to prevent his escape. The two must navigate their way to safety, pursued by both the criminal network and compromised authorities.

Izuka Hoyle stars alongside Tahar Rahim, with Eddie Marsan, Catherine McCormack, and Finn Bennett in supporting roles. Created by Matt Charman, an Oscar-winning screenwriter, and directed by Otto Bathurst, known for Peaky Blinders, the series features a tense, mobile setting and moral dilemmas. With six episodes, one will be released each Monday, and a second season has already been confirmed.

Available on July 13, with new episodes released every Monday.

9. Gomorrah: The Origins - A Cult Saga Prequel

The highly anticipated prequel to the Gomorrah saga transports viewers to Naples in 1977, where a young Pietro Savastano, who will become the future boss of Secondigliano, is still just a child from the poorest neighborhoods. Set against a backdrop of a city undergoing transformation, marked by cigarette smuggling and the rise of heroin, the series chronicles the loss of innocence of the future crime lord, alongside his brothers and friends, as they navigate their ambitions and first passionate love.

Based on the novel by Roberto Saviano and produced by Sky Studios and Cattleya, the series features Marco D'Amore, who reprises his unforgettable role as Ciro and also directs the first four episodes. This return to Pietro's roots captures an era that shaped the landscape of modern crime.

Available on July 15.

10. The Unbreakable by Anna K. – A Romantic Comedy

In this romantic comedy, Anna K. explores the complexities of modern relationships through the lens of humor and charm. The film follows a group of friends navigating love, heartbreak, and the pursuit of happiness in today’s fast-paced society. With witty dialogue and relatable characters, The Unbreakable aims to resonate with audiences looking for a light-hearted yet poignant cinematic experience.

In theaters on July 22.

As the summer unfolds, these films and series promise to cater to a wide array of tastes, ensuring that audiences have plenty of options for entertainment, whether in theaters or at home. Enjoy the cinematic journey ahead!