Fall film festival season is heating up, and genre fans have a lot to look forward to. Fantastic Fest, the premier U.S. destination for horror, sci-fi, and everything in between, has just revealed its complete 2026 program. Running from September 17 through 24 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas, this year's event promises a packed schedule of 73 features and episodic projects, including 35 world premieres, 21 international or North American premieres, and 14 U.S. premieres. Add in special guests, parties, and a few surprises, and it's shaping up to be a can't-miss week for cinephiles.
This year marks the festival's 21st edition, and it's building on the momentum of last year's 20th anniversary celebration. Founder Tim League started Fantastic Fest as a haven for bold, unconventional cinema, and the 2026 slate continues that tradition with a mix of high-profile titles and hidden gems. The festival opens with a double dose of excitement: the world premiere of Lionsgate's creature feature Beware Boiúna, about a medical mission in the Amazon that turns into a fight against a legendary giant serpent, and a gala screening of Zach Cregger's highly anticipated Resident Evil, based on the beloved Capcom video game series. Cregger's take on the survival horror franchise has been one of the most talked-about projects in the genre, and fans will get an early look at what he's cooked up.
On the closing night, directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer will present The Swallow, a survival horror starring Stranger Things' Grace Van Dien. The film follows rebellious teens who trespass into a restricted forest area and encounter a sentient, quicksand-like ooze. It's described as a "brutally efficient, effects-forward" throwback that promises to leave audiences on edge. Between the bookends, the lineup is packed with notable entries. Victorian Psycho, featuring Maika Monroe and Jason Isaacs, and the body horror Bloody Tennis will both make their North American debuts. Shudder's The Cycle, led by Deborah Ann Woll, is among the buzziest world premieres.
Horror maestro Mike Flanagan is also returning to the festival to preview the first two episodes of his Carrie adaptation, marking its U.S. debut before the series hits Prime Video on October 7. This is a major draw for Stephen King fans, and you can catch up on all the details in our coverage of the Prime Video series. Additionally, attendees will get a chance to see Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine, a potential Oscar contender, after its Venice premiere. The film is generating serious awards buzz, and its inclusion at Fantastic Fest is a testament to the festival's growing prestige.
Beyond the screenings, Fantastic Fest continues to champion emerging talent through its Fantastic Pitches program. Filmmaking teams will pitch their projects live for a chance to win $100,000 in financing, distribution, and sales support from Chroma and Narrative Global Sales. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges hosted by Gore Verbinski and Catherine Hardwicke. This year, the festival will also world premiere Play House, last year's pitch winner, giving audiences a chance to see the fruits of the program. Other special events include new restorations, live podcast recordings, conversations with filmmakers, a concert, and a tribute to director Walter Hill, who will receive a special award alongside a screening of his neo-western classic Extreme Prejudice.
Festival Director Lisa Dreyer emphasized that the focus remains on discovering the next generation of filmmakers. "This year, we're doubling down on what we do best: introducing the world to exciting new talent and helping launch filmmakers' careers," she said. "We really focused our programming efforts on bringing new discoveries to our audience of discerning and passionate cinephiles. I guarantee we have the next batch of breakout directors in our lineup, and you'll discover them first at Fantastic Fest."
With a lineup that spans everything from big-budget adaptations to indie oddities, Fantastic Fest 2026 is poised to be a standout year. Whether you're there for Resident Evil, Carrie, or the next cult classic, there's something for every genre enthusiast. For more on the festival's highlights, check out our interview with Cregger and his collaborators from SDCC, and stay tuned for more updates as the festival approaches.
