The year in moviegoing can, perhaps, be summed up by one fact: “Sinners” is the only film in the Top 10 list of highest-grossing movies in the United States that isn’t based on existing IP and isn’t a part of a popular franchise.
That alone is enough reason for the Ryan Coogler-directed film to make this list, which is full of other wholly original films. The Southern Gothic horror set in the Jim Crow South was one of the most talked-about films this year, down to the very last minute, as it racked up coveted nominations for the 2026 awards season and was left off a few big best-of lists.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t some worthy adaptations that held our attention, like “One Battle After Another,” “Hamnet” and “Wicked: For Good.” But there’s something special about several of the lesser-known films on this list that deserve your attention, too.
In this year-end roundup, HuffPost staffers talk about their favorite films of the year, including popular animated movies, gripping documentaries and captivating scripted dramas. Be sure to add these to your watchlist if you haven’t seen them yet.
‘Bring Her Back’
