The Sundance Film Festival 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for fans of independent cinema, especially those with a taste for horror, dark comedy, and boundary-pushing storytelling. As the iconic festival prepares for its next edition, organizers have officially revealed the 2026 program slate, and it’s packed with buzzworthy titles that promise sleepless nights and thought-provoking experiences.
Taking place January 22 through February 1, 2026, the Sundance Film Festival will once again return in person to Park City, Salt Lake City, and the Sundance Resort, while also offering a curated selection of films online starting January 30. Festival packages and passes are already available through Sundance’s official website, giving cinephiles early access to one of the most influential film festivals in the world.
With a strong focus on independent horror films, innovative documentaries, and daring new voices, Sundance 2026 continues its tradition of spotlighting projects that challenge audiences and redefine genre conventions.
Midnight Section: The Heart of Horror at Sundance Film Festival 2026
One of the most anticipated components of the festival each year is the Midnight lineup, a section dedicated to films that thrive in the late hours. Known for showcasing bold horror, twisted comedy, and genre-defying works, the Midnight category has previously introduced modern classics such as Hereditary, The Babadook, Mandy, and Assassination Nation.
The Sundance Film Festival 2026 Midnight lineup is no exception, delivering a diverse mix of chilling concepts, unsettling imagery, and inventive narratives.
Buddy – A Nightmarish Twist on Children’s Television
Among the standout selections is Buddy, the latest project from V/H/S/Halloween director Casper Kelly. The film centers on a courageous young girl and her friends who must find a way to escape the confines of a children’s television show that quickly turns sinister. Blending surreal horror with dark humor, Buddy boasts an impressive cast that includes Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, Patton Oswalt, and Peter Dinklage collaborator Delaney Quinn.
With its World Premiere at Sundance 2026, Buddy is already generating strong buzz as one of the most unique horror films of the year.
Saccharine – Supernatural Horror with a Disturbing Edge
Australian filmmaker Natalie Erika James, known for her atmospheric storytelling, returns with Saccharine, a deeply unsettling supernatural horror film. The story follows Hana, a medical student desperate for love, who becomes haunted by a vengeful hungry ghost after participating in a bizarre weight-loss trend involving the consumption of human ashes.
Starring Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald, and Madeleine Madden, Saccharine blends folklore, body horror, and emotional trauma into a terrifying cinematic experience that will debut as a World Premiere.
undertone – Found Audio Terror in the Digital Age
Rounding out the Midnight horror selections is undertone, a Canadian thriller from director Ian Tuason. The film follows the host of a popular paranormal podcast whose life spirals into chaos when she begins receiving terrifying audio recordings from an unknown source. As the recordings grow increasingly disturbing, the line between investigation and obsession begins to blur.
With its U.S. Premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2026, undertone taps into modern anxieties surrounding media, technology, and the unseen.
NEXT Section: The Future of Independent Cinema
Beyond Midnight, Sundance’s NEXT program, presented by Adobe, continues to champion films that push the boundaries of form and storytelling. These projects are known for their experimental approaches and forward-thinking narratives.
One notable inclusion is Night Nurse, written and directed by Georgia Bernstein. The film explores the unsettling events that unfold in a peaceful retirement community plagued by disturbing scam calls. As a compassionate nurse becomes entangled with a mysterious patient, the story evolves into a tense psychological drama. The film stars Cemre Paksoy, Bruce McKenzie, Éléonore Hendricks, and Mimi Rogers, and will make its World Premiere at the festival.
Premieres and Special Screenings Add to the Excitement
The Premieres section of Sundance Film Festival 2026 will once again showcase high-profile fiction and nonfiction films that are expected to make waves throughout the year. While the full list spans a wide range of subjects, genre fans will also appreciate special events such as a Park City Legacy screening of Saw, celebrating the enduring impact of the iconic horror franchise.
Additionally, director Macon Blair reunites with Peter Dinklage for the psychedelic dark comedy The Shitheads, adding another layer of intrigue to an already stacked lineup.
Why Sundance Film Festival 2026 Is a Must-Watch for Horror Fans
With its daring Midnight selections, innovative NEXT films, and highly anticipated premieres, the Sundance Film Festival 2026 once again proves why it remains a launchpad for the future of cinema. For fans of independent horror films, psychological thrillers, and bold storytelling, this year’s lineup offers something truly special.
As audiences count down the days to January, one question remains: which of these chilling new films will become the next breakout sensation? One thing is certain—the horror offerings at Sundance 2026 are not to be missed.
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