BBC critics select top films of 2026 including works by Nolan and Wilde

BBC film critics Caryn James and Nicholas Barber have selected their top cinematic highlights of 2026 so far, highlighting diverse genres ranging from adult comedies to epic blockbusters.

Among the standout films is “The Invite,” directed by Olivia Wilde and produced by A24. The film is described as a rare adult comedy featuring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton. Based on a Spanish film, the story follows an unhappy married couple and their neighbors during a single evening, blending awkward farce with emotional depth.

Another major highlight is Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” an epic adaptation of Homer’s poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film features a non-linear narrative and an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, and Zendaya. Critics noted the immersive use of IMAX cameras to capture both large-scale battles and intimate character moments.