The best movies of 2026 so far, from 'Project Hail Mary' to 'Rose of Nevada'

The best movies of 2026 so far span blockbuster appeal and filmmaker-driven experiments, with alien stories sharing the spotlight with time-bending dramas. The year’s first six months have been shaped as much by 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-director Curry Barker as by 79-year-old Steven Spielberg, while some prized Hollywood IP has faltered and other franchises have held up. Among the picks, “Project Hail Mary” is highlighted as an easy crowd-pleaser, streaming on Prime Video on July 3. “Disclosure Day,” playing in theaters, is described as a stealth political take tied to Spielberg’s outlook. Also in theaters, “Rose of Nevada” features George Mackay and Callum Turner in a dreamlike 16mm-shot tale. Other recommendations include “Tuner” for digital rental.