Every summer, I start to get excited once July rolls around because I know one thing: the Fantasia International Film Festival is right around the corner. This is my fifth year covering the festival, and it’s always a highlight of my summer. Featuring more indie and obscure titles, this is always a great opportunity to catch something that may have slipped under the radar otherwise. I still vividly remember getting to watch Red Rooms nearly 2 years before it was given a wide release, and it was phenomenal. I’m always able to find some gems that end up being amongst my favorites of the year, so here’s hoping one of these films could potentially grab that spot. Now let’s take a look at 5 Films we’re looking forward to at Fantasia 2026!
The Last Temptation of Becky
I’ve been a fan of Lulu Wilson since seeing her in Ouija: Origin of Evil, so it’s been great to see her get her own horror franchise with Becky. The first two films were different enough from each other while still having the throughline of a badass Becky taking down bigoted assholes. Now, she’s facing off against Nazi Neil Patrick Harris, and it looks like the biggest in scope yet. Whether this is the final time we see Becky or not, this is one that I’ll be sure not to miss.
Freaks Part II
I went into Final Destination: Bloodlines expecting the worst, but directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein really pulled it off. Now they’re making a sequel for their 2018 film that put them on the map. I haven’t seen Freaks but this sequel sounds very similar to Joe Begos’ Almost Human. I’m just happy to see “mutants” and “superheroes” being done away from Marvel and DC, and given a bit more of a horror edge. While boasting a smaller name cast, here’s hoping they’re still able to bring the same big budget chaos they gave us in Bloodlines.
Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma
Jane Schoenbrun has proven to be one of the most unique voices in horror with films like I Saw The TV Glow and We’re All Going To The World’s Fair. Now, she’s dissecting slasher movies and giving us something that looks wholly unique. Starring Hacks’ Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, this looks to take slasher tropes and completely flip them on their heads, while still honoring the subgenre overall. Chris Bumbray was able to catch this film at Cannes, and it sounds like an absolute blast. As a massive fan of slashers, I am so absurdly excited for this one.
Colony
Train to Busan managed to be one of the greatest zombie films ever made, while also featuring a ton of over the top action. Director Yeon Sang-ho has a very clear vision and he’s able to maintain high emotional stakes in the midst of a zombie outbreak. While Colony doesn’t take place in the same world, it practically feels like a spiritual sequel, with the director taking on zombies yet again. Chris Bumbray was also able to see this at Cannes, and I can’t wait to see what Sang-ho does next.
Rubberhead: The Life and Monsters of Steve Johnson
Sure, everyone knows about Stan Winston and Rick Baker, but there’s one name in the industry that hasn’t gotten enough credit, and his time is finally at hand. Steve Johnson created special FX on A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Leviathan, Species, Lord of Illusions, Bad Moon, An American Werewolf In London, Night of the Demons, and so much more! The man has been hard at work for decades so it’s awesome to finally see his career get highlighted so others can appreciate all that he has done for cinema at large. This documentary covers his career and is sure to give a look at the ingenuity that Johnson constantly put on display.
We’ll be seeing plenty of other films at the festival as well, so make sure to keep out for many reviews in the coming weeks.
What films are YOU looking forward to from Fantasia this year? Are there any titles that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed