SXSW Film & TV Festival 2026: Must-See Films and Essential Tips for Navigating the Fest
What to know before SXSW begins and the screenings to reserve in advance
For film lovers in Austin, the SXSW Film & TV Festival is like Christmas. Thousands of fans, industry leaders and filmmakers descend upon the city each March for a week of world premieres, buzzworthy screenings and events. This year’s lineup features a diverse range of feature films, along with a robust selection of short films, TV projects and immersive XR experiences. While the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, a little planning goes a long way.
Whether attending for the first time or returning as a seasoned festival-goer, here’s a guide to navigating SXSW’s film lineup and making the most of the experience.
Must-See Films and TV Shows
Whittling this year’s lineup down to 10 titles felt nearly impossible. The slate is stacked with audacious directorial debuts, buzzy studio premieres, intimate documentaries and star-powered indies. And while these are our headliners, make room in your schedule for the short film programming.
“I Love Boosters”
Eight years after director Boots Riley’s directorial debut “Sorry to Bother You,” he returns with “I Love Boosters,” starring Keke Palmer, Demi Moore, LaKeith Stanfield and Will Poulter. The film follows a crew of professional shoplifters targeting a ruthless fashion mogul. The trailer teases a candy-coated world of high camp, razor-sharp satire and jaw-dropping costume design. A world premiere with this cast and this filmmaker? Consider it a hot ticket.
“Wishful Thinking”
Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke star in this sci-fi comedy about a couple on the brink. After enrolling in an unconventional couples-therapy seminar led by mystical twin healers, their relationship turmoil begins triggering real-world chaos. What starts as romantic satire spirals into apocalyptic absurdity, asking whether love can survive when the entire planet is collateral damage.
“Hokum”
Set against the misty isolation of rural Ireland, this chilling feature follows novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) as he retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents’ ashes — only to become entangled in whispers of a witch haunting the neighboring suite. Distributed by NEON and marking director Damian McCarthy’s follow-up to his SXSW standout “Oddity,” this promises a slow-burn descent into dread.
“Brian”
Ben Wang stars in “Brian,” a comedy about a teenager whose very public meltdown launches an even more public reinvention: running for class president. What begins as a bid to reclaim his reputation appears to evolve into something more personal, as he leans on his therapist and an unlikely new ally while navigating the chaos of adolescence. With William H. Macy, Edi Patterson and Randall Park rounding out the cast — and Seth Meyers executive producing — the film has all the ingredients of a crowd-pleaser.
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles”
Based on Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel, this Apple TV+ series from David E. Kelley stars Elle Fanning as Margo, a college dropout and aspiring writer whose unplanned pregnancy forces her into financial freefall. When her estranged father (Nick Offerman) reenters her life with unconventional advice rooted in pro wrestling theatrics, Margo launches an OnlyFans account that brings fast fame and thorny questions about the cost of visibility.
“Poetic License”
Maude Apatow makes her feature directorial debut with “Poetic License,” a wry comedy starring Leslie Mann as Liz, a former therapist and impending empty nester who relocates for her husband’s job. Auditing a college poetry class, she becomes the object of fascination and rivalry between two best friends (Andrew Barth Feldman and Cooper Hoffman).
“Monsters of God”
Eric Goode, the mind behind “Tiger King,” pivots from big cats to cold-blooded creatures in this TV crime documentary about the shadowy, billion-dollar world of exotic animal smuggling. What begins as a personal journey into Goode’s lifelong fascination with reptiles evolves into an exposé populated by obsessive collectors, international traffickers and the investigators chasing them.
“Obsession”
Billed as one of 2026’s most anticipated horror films, this Focus Features thriller centers on a hopeless romantic whose wish for his longtime crush to fall in love comes true with catastrophic consequences. As fantasy curdles into nightmare, the film explores the darker cost of getting exactly what you want. For those who miss the festival screening, it lands in U.S. theaters May 15, 2026.
“The Man with the Big Hat”
This intimate documentary resurrects the complicated legacy of Steven Fromholz, a foundational figure in 1970s Texas Progressive Country revered by Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and John Denver, yet largely absent from the mainstream spotlight. Through rare archives and previously unheard recordings, the film reframes success, artistry and the fragile permanence of creative identity. Expect appearances from some familiar faces such as Lovett, Ray Benson and Terry Lickona.
“The Fox”
Olivia Colman and Sam Neill headline this Australian black comedy that turns romance into a dark bargain. When a mild-mannered foxhunter meets a shape-shifting fox, he’s offered the ultimate upgrade: remake his partner into the “perfect” woman and, in the process, bend the natural world to his will. Director Dario Russo’s debut plays like a sly folktale with teeth: funny, eerie, and pointed about the fantasies people use to justify control.
Navigating the festival like a pro
With numerous screenings and events spread across multiple venues, a game plan is essential. Here are suggestions to help make the most of SXSW:
Use the SXSW app and favoriting system
The SXSW GO app allows attendees to filter screenings by category, country, genre, and premiere status. “Favoriting” at least five to ten must-see films helps create a structured schedule.
Book a Reservation in advance
New this year, SXSW introduces a reservation system tied to all badges. Platinum badgeholders receive three reservations per day; Film & TV, Music and Innovation badgeholders receive two. Reservations open up to three weeks before the festival and can be secured through the SXSW Schedule for select conference sessions, film and TV screenings, music showcases and comedy events.
A reservation guarantees access, but attendees still have to arrive early. Badgeholders attending film and comedy screenings must be in line at least 40 minutes before showtime. Conference sessions require arrival 30 minutes in advance. Music showcases require entry before 10 p.m.
Arrive early, especially for big premieres
Without a reservation, attendees should arrive hours in advance for major screenings. Major premieres will draw long lines, and popular screenings often hit capacity well before start time. Plan to arrive at least an hour to 90 minutes early for most films, and two hours (or more) for high-demand titles.
No badge? No problem
Single tickets are available for purchase at venues like the Paramount and Zach, though getting a seat at the headliner screenings is unlikely.
Backup plans are essential
Not every plan works out. Lines fill quickly so a backup list of films or events is essential to fully experiencing the festival.
SXSW passes and festival info
Beyond film premieres, SXSW includes conference sessions featuring industry panels and keynotes, music and comedy showcases and creative industry exhibitions.
SXSW turns 40 this year, and it will look and feel a little different. With the Austin Convention Center — typically the festival’s central hub — now demolished and undergoing redevelopment expected to run through 2028, the event’s footprint is more spread out.
It’s also a shorter SXSW: the 2026 festival runs seven days instead of the traditional nine, so planning ahead matters more than ever.
New clubhouses dedicated to Film & TV, Music and Innovation offer badgeholders space to recharge, connect and access information hubs.
Film screenings will take place across Austin at venues including the Paramount Theatre, ZACH Theatre, Rollins Theatre at The Long Center, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, Violet Crown Cinema, AFS Cinema and the Fairmont Hotel.
Festival badges offer priority access, but individual tickets for select screenings are available at venue box offices or online through the SXSW website. Single-ticket availability varies, and screenings at larger venues like the Paramount and Zach Theatre typically offer more seats for individual sale.
For SXSW Film & TV Festival attendees, flexibility is essential. Planning ahead helps, but some of the most memorable festival experiences come from spontaneous discoveries.
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