Films you've seen in 2026

[Sardonicus]

Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)

Kathleen Turner (in possibly a career best turn) faints at her high school reunion & travels back in time 25 years to 1960. Perhaps this is seen as a slighter, frothier effort from director Francis Ford Coppolla compared to your Godfathers & Apocalypse Nows but it hits deeper than your average dramedy when you watch it at 40 plus.

Suddenly all the poignancy of Kathleen trying to spend time with her long dead family hits home & her wiser persona compared to her classmates' wide eyed innocence gets you thinking about the choices you make in your younger years shaping so much of you as a person later on. Nicolas Cage is purposefully cartoony as her husband, a divisive acting choice that understandably drove Turner mad during a gruelling 6 week shoot, but personally I didn't mind it. Poor old Sofia Coppolla though - once again proving she's a much better director than actress with another wooden turn as the sister.

 

[Jark]

Gone Girl (2014)

Seen it twice before, rewatched for Film Club. Gripping & twisty, with Rosamund Pike stunning in the title role & David Fincher the ideal director for this sort of material. I only wish I'd read the book before seeing it, as that's very much a work of 2 halves & I wonder if the structure would have brought further surprises if I'd not known how things were going to go.

the book is absolute garbage I HATED it. the characters are both such cunts! that can work in a film (although they made Nick quite likeable) but in a book less so.

 

[Sardonicus]

What Have I Done To Deserve This? (1984)

Pedro Almodovár starts hitting his STRIDE as a director with this blacker than anything comedy starring Carmen Maura as a put upon housewife with a dysfunctional family & crappy excuse for a husband. Things escalate a la Roald Dahl's short story Lamb To The Slaughter & it all looking so DRAB & SQUALID fits entirely with the theme of the film. It's frigging great, watch it immediately.

 

[Sardonicus]

Hellraiser (1987)

PAIN & PLEASURE INDIVISIBLE as some nobhead solves a puzzle box which summons him to the realm of the Cenobites, who are into such WOKE NONSENSE as sadomasochism & hideous torture in both usual & unusual ways. HILARIOUS JAPES obviously ensue as a result, with the iconic Pinhead one of the defining images of the horror genre, & the makeup & bloody imagery belying the small budget. Scary & sleazy, as VISCERAL as 80s horror gets, yet it's still the bit where she licks his finger that skeeves me out the most.

 

[Debbie Jellinsky]

You have to admire Julia, she really did all that just to get that D again.

 

[jivafox]

WHO WOULDN’T

 

[Sardonicus]

You have to admire Julia, she really did all that just to get that D again.

That Cenobite with the sunglasses on - where did it get them from? Is there a SUNGLASSES HUT somewhere in the torture realm?

 

[Debbie Jellinsky]

That Cenobite with the sunglasses on - where did it get them from? Is there a SUNGLASSES HUT somewhere in the torture realm?

Can't a Cenobite stay up to date with fashion? God forbid a girl has a hobby!

(I think Hellraiser 2 has one that can dispense CDs?)

 

[jivafox]

Hellraiser 3!

 

[Sardonicus]

Basic Instinct (1992)

Sharon Stone is CONNIVING TROLLOP Catherine Tramell, suspected of being a murderess by detective Michael Douglas in this FINAL BOSS of trashy 90s erotic thrillers that I'd never seen before. I'd seen a clip of its most infamous scene, although it seems a tad quaint now to remember the media furore around the blink & you'll miss it shot. Shazza is also clearly having a ball in this starmaking role despite her later protestations about it.

 

[Sardonicus]

Gas Food Lodging (1992)

Sisters Fairuza Balk & Ione Skye - one an idealistic, movie loving romantic, the other a brash, boy mad rebel - eke out an existence with their waitress mother in a trailer park in the middle of nowhere. This is a ponderous & poetic slice of life - Balk is the heart of the film & gives her performance a depth that stops the character falling into the MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL trope. She deservedly won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead at just 18 years old.

 

[Sardonicus]

Days Of Heaven (1978)

Terrence Malick might be an acquired taste as a director, but I think he's tinged with (eccentric) genius. This might be the most beautifully shot film ever made - every single shot looks like a classic painting. The plot about working on a farm in the Texas panhandle is a bit thin, but who cares when it looks as stunning as this? Malick didn't direct another film for 20 years after this - I don't know what he was doing in that time, but I'm glad he returned.

 

[Ellie]

Days Of Heaven (1978)

Terrence Malick might be an acquired taste as a director, but I think he's tinged with (eccentric) genius. This might be the most beautifully shot film ever made - every single shot looks like a classic painting. The plot about working on a farm in the Texas panhandle is a bit thin, but who cares when it looks as stunning as this? Malick didn't direct another film for 20 years after this - I don't know what he was doing in that time, but I'm glad he returned.

This is one of those exceptions when I think a film could be longer. It feels like he’s taken an epic film, left in the lovely music and cinematography, but accidentally taken out the plot.

 

[Sardonicus]

3 Women (1977)

Sissy Spacek & Shelley Duvall become roommates & slowly start to mimic/resemble each other. It's fitting that this plot came to director Robert Altman in a dream, because it's a fever dream put on celluloid. Just so ODD - is it about personality disorders? Schizophrenia? The weird way people can take on aspects of others we become close to? I'm sure analysing the whole thing would require multiple rewatches. Casting 2 very unconventional looking actresses just adds to the unease, & this was surely a huge influence on David Lynch's Mulholland Drive.

 

[Shirley]

The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994)

There's a lot of things one might say about this but I'm just going to say IT'S STILL QUITE FUNNY

 

[Sardonicus]

Mommie Dearest (1981)

I'd not seen this all-time GAY FAVE, although I obviously could quote loads of it from the likes of Drag Race. The scenery chewing from Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford has to be seen to be believed - Dunaway has unsurprisingly been a miserable cow about the film's lampooning ever since, but there's the rub; Dunaway thinks she's acting in some dreadfully important biopic that'll be sweeping the Oscars, when she's actually in one of the most OTT soapy melodramas ever made, & this contrast between her earnest approach & the camp reality makes the film the INSANE JOY it is. It might be an unintentional legendary cinematic joke, but legendary it is. I couldn't believe what I was watching half the time. Honourable mention to Diana Scarwid as the adult daughter putting in a wooden performance that Sofia Coppolla would be proud of.

 

[Sardonicus]

Coffee & Cigarettes (2003)

Everyone from Cate Blanchett to Steve Buscemi to Iggy Pop shows up in this loose anthology of 11 shorts connected only by the title. The quality varies, all in all it's as indie as American filmmaking gets, with director Jim Jarmusch filming everything in black & white with minimal sets & background actors - it seems intended to give things a timeless feel, but the scenes of everybody smoking indoors dates it immediately by at least 20 years.

 

[Sardonicus]

Cherry Falls (2000)

Inverting the usual horror film trope of SAFETY IN VIRGINITY, as a killer starts carving up teens who've never had sex, with the schoolkids organising a town-wide orgy to try avoid a bloody death mid-rampage. This got lost in a slew of similar films like Scream, Urban Legend & I Know What You Did Last Summer but it should be AT LEAST as well known as them because it's not only scary, it's funny as fuck & had me cracking up a bunch of times & it subverts the conventions of the genre in a clever & playful manner. Severely underrated, & how can you not have time for a film that includes the phrase HYMEN HOLOCAUST

 

[Jark]

Basic Instinct (1992)

Sharon Stone is CONNIVING TROLLOP Catherine Tramell, suspected of being a murderess by detective Michael Douglas in this FINAL BOSS of trashy 90s erotic thrillers that I'd never seen before. I'd seen a clip of its most infamous scene, although it seems a tad quaint now to remember the media furore around the blink & you'll miss it shot. Shazza is also clearly having a ball in this starmaking role despite her later protestations about it.

this film is actually genuinely brilliant though. I think because of the scene and being an erotic thriller it doesn't always get recognised for how good it is. it's so unhinged, so stylish. there's just something about Michael Douglas playing a cold bastard detective in 90s 'muricah that scratches an itch. and a legendary PERF by Sharon.

 

[Sardonicus]

this film is actually genuinely brilliant though. I think because of the scene and being an erotic thriller it doesn't always get recognised for how good it is. it's so unhinged, so stylish. there's just something about Michael Douglas playing a cold bastard detective in 90s 'muricah that scratches an itch. and a legendary PERF by Sharon.

I did like how it kept you guessing till the VERY END about if Shazza was guilty or not - & her performance was definitely underrated. It was clever how every clue was worked to point to her being guilty or innocent. Just wish they'd gone with someone other than Michael in the male lead for all the gratuitous shagging & ARSE SHOTS.

 

[Debbie Jellinsky]

I SHOULD love Basic Instinct and Sharon Stone is fucking fantastic in it, but I've always found it a bit DULL.

 

[Debbie Jellinsky]

It's just not as fun as some of the other 90s thrillers.

 

[Debbie Jellinsky]

Cherry Falls (2000)

Inverting the usual horror film trope of SAFETY IN VIRGINITY, as a killer starts carving up teens who've never had sex, with the schoolkids organising a town-wide orgy to try avoid a bloody death mid-rampage. This got lost in a slew of similar films like Scream, Urban Legend & I Know What You Did Last Summer but it should be AT LEAST as well known as them because it's not only scary, it's funny as fuck & had me cracking up a bunch of times & it subverts the conventions of the genre in a clever & playful manner. Severely underrated, & how can you not have time for a film that includes the phrase HYMEN HOLOCAUST

It was neutered in post-production, pity we'll never get to see the original cut.

 

[jyxz]

this film is actually genuinely brilliant though. I think because of the scene and being an erotic thriller it doesn't always get recognised for how good it is. it's so unhinged, so stylish. there's just something about Michael Douglas playing a cold bastard detective in 90s 'muricah that scratches an itch. and a legendary PERF by Sharon.

I can’t watch Michael Douglas. He has a voice that sounds like a kazoo

 

[Ellie]

I can’t watch Michael Douglas. He has a voice that sounds like a kazoo

What, like Sweep?

 

[jyxz]

What, like Sweep?

EXACTLY this

 

[Sardonicus]

Dark City (1998)

One of the most visually stylish films ever made, as a man suspected of murder goes on the run while being chased by a bunch of WOKE NONSENSE WEIRDOS known as 'The Strangers' led by an exemplary Richard O'Brien. Taking its cues from film noirs, comic books & very much looking like an influence for The Matrix, this is gloriously imaginative.

 

[Sardonicus]

@straightorbroken I think you watched this either this year or last? The version I watched was the director's cut which removes the voiceover & adds 20 additional minutes. If you didn't see that version, it's worth a rewatch sometime.

 

[straightorbroken]

Oh it's a stunner. I'm not sure what version I saw, I'll have to check

 

[OutSynk]

I'm attempting to do the DC movies from the 10s. Many of which I've never seen.

Man of Steel (2013)

Mama the amount of explosions and collateral damage. I wasn't bored but it definitely made me appreciate the James Gunn reboot more. Also the faux dad was fucking stupid.

 

[jyxz]

Did we have an upcoming films you’re excited for thread? Can’t find it.

Anyway - ‘Stuffed’ starring Jodie Comer as a taxidermist who wants to stuff a human. And it’s a musical.

 

[Sardonicus]

Midsommar (2019)

The moral of the story: DON'T TRUST HIPPIES OR THE SWEDISH

A couple on shaky ground (props to Florence Pugh for a good performance) head to a commune in Sweden & rather like The Wicker Man, f'd up & weird shit happens - almost always in broad daylight & some of it darkly funny. It's a very, very leisurely paced film & it's one of many things that make it an acquired taste. Great visuals, ideas & creativity although you'd need to be very much IN THE MOOD to get the most out of it.

 

[supermassive]

Maddie's Secret (2026)

A fun homeage of 90s eating disorder TV movies meets Showgirls or as one critic called it "Showgirls, Interrupted".

 

[jyxz]

Midsommar (2019)

The moral of the story: DON'T TRUST HIPPIES OR THE SWEDISH

A couple on shaky ground (props to Florence Pugh for a good performance) head to a commune in Sweden & rather like The Wicker Man, f'd up & weird shit happens - almost always in broad daylight & some of it darkly funny. It's a very, very leisurely paced film & it's one of many things that make it an acquired taste. Great visuals, ideas & creativity although you'd need to be very much IN THE MOOD to get the most out of it.

Did you watch the extended Directors Cut? I loved this one.

 

[Sardonicus]

Did you watch the extended Directors Cut? I loved this one.

Just the normal edit. I'd watch it again when I'm in the right place for a long, slow film & perhaps I'll think a lot more of it - same as with There Will Be Blood & Once Upon A Time In America which are similarly GREAT BUT GLACIAL.

 

[FannyFaudrey]

Midsommar (2019)

The moral of the story: DON'T TRUST HIPPIES OR THE SWEDISH

A couple on shaky ground (props to Florence Pugh for a good performance) head to a commune in Sweden & rather like The Wicker Man, f'd up & weird shit happens - almost always in broad daylight & some of it darkly funny. It's a very, very leisurely paced film & it's one of many things that make it an acquired taste. Great visuals, ideas & creativity although you'd need to be very much IN THE MOOD to get the most out of it.

One of my favourites. It’s so, so unsettling!

 

[Debbie Jellinsky]

Maddie's Secret (2026)

A fun homeage of 90s eating disorder TV movies meets Showgirls or as one critic called it "Showgirls, Interrupted".

This looks essential

 

[OutSynk]

I'm attempting to do the DC movies from the 10s. Many of which I've never seen.

Batman v Superman 3 Hour Director's Cut (2016)

A masterpiece...

Suicide Squad (2016)

...compared to this turd. Learning about everything that went wrong with it behind the scenes was much more entertaining than the film itself.

 

[straightorbroken]

Maddie's Secret (2026)

A fun homeage of 90s eating disorder TV movies meets Showgirls or as one critic called it "Showgirls, Interrupted".

I need to eat and throw this up lap this up immediately.

 

[Jark]

Batman v Superman 3 Hour Director's Cut (2016)

A masterpiece...

I loved Affleck as Batman, it's a shame it happened when it did with the DCEU (and Ben himself it would seem) such a hot mess. but this was the best film they made, I saw it twice I think and would see it again. Justice League basically stank and Suicide Squad is obv the worst film of all time.