Fantasia International Film Festival
Fantasia Festival 2026: Our 5 Most Anticipated Films
Fantasia International Film Festival returns this summer, and as always, the lineup rewards those who want their cinema dark and fearless. Here are our 5 most anticipated films at Fantasia 2026.
1) Nameless
Nameless Movie Still. Credit: Fantasia 2026 Film Festival
A mystery suspense thriller about a man who can eliminate people with no weapon in sight, just the motion of his hand. The police are baffled, questioning what they’re missing in the case. The occult? An invisible weapon not captured on camera? Nevertheless, they’ll have to figure out the secret to his vile power quickly before the next tragedy.
Why you should watch it: The mystery is the irresistible draw, just how is this man going on his evil sprees in broad daylight?
2) GROTESQQQUE
‘Grotesqqque’ Movie Still. Credit: Fantasia 2026 Film Festival
‘GROTESQQQUE’ is an anime feature film directed and written by Darling in the Franxx Director Atsushi Nishigori. Readers of The Natural Aristocrat® know its founder holds Darling in the Franxx as one of its favorites, a quintessential romance drama, sci-fi mecha anime. An unusual combo, which is why we’re intrigued to what Astsushi has in mind with aliens, gals, and vampires in ‘GROTESQQQUE’… Another unusual combo.
Why you should watch it: Because the Director of Darling in the Franxx, Atsushi Nishigori, directed & wrote it. We’ll honestly give any anime he’s involved in a chance because of Zero Two.
3) Captured
‘Captured’ Movie Still. Credit: Fantasia 2026 Film Festival
High school girl Misaki’s video channel experiences growth when she produces fake horror style footage to gain subscribers and views… Only to attract a masked entity who begins following her for real everywhere she goes. The epitome of be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. A ‘monkey paw’s style wish if there ever was one.
Why You Should Watch It: The film trailer gives off some The Ring style vibes, should be a classic Japanese horror film.
4) Face Thief
‘Face Thief’ Movie Still. Credit: Fantasia 2026 Film Festival
Two identical twins move into town and one, Kamei, begs high school girl Machida to be her friend. But Kamei is after something more than time, friendship or affection, she’s after Machida’s appearance! Based on Junji Ito’s work, Face Thief is the story of Kamei, a girl who can match anyone’s face in order to attract the boy she likes.
Why you should watch it: Sounds like a classic fairy horror tale. Junji Ito’s works have continued to be expanded to a mass audience recently following the success of 2024 series Uzumaki.
5) AnyMart
AnyMart Movie Still. Credit: Fantasia 2026 Film Festival
A horror comedy film about a Japanese konbini (convience store). The convenience stores in Japan have become a staple in their film & anime in recent years, almost as well known as their coffee vending machines.
There’s something intriguing about watching the almost round the clock dystopian lifestyle of a convenience store employee navigating shoplifting, the anger of his superiors, and the general dull existence of an employee taken for granted as a human being via none ‘prestigious status’.
Why you should watch it: To discover its dark satire. AnyMart in itself is a great name, a faceless konbini that can be anywhere at any time.
Fantasia Film Festival 2026 runs from July 16 through August 2, 2026.
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