We’ve made it to July, which means we’re halfway through 2026. While there are undoubtedly some great films coming, it’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate the great things we’ve seen thus far. Below is my Top 5 of the year through July 1. Films appear in ascending order!

No. 5: Pressure
About: This was a summer release, dropping at the end of May between Memorial Day and D-Day. That makes sense for a film about World War II, more specifically the meteorologist that helped find the ideal window for the D-Day landing. Andrew Scott is great in the lead role, and I enjoyed Brendan Fraser as Dwight D. Eisenhower. It had a moving score, some great back-and-forth between the characters, and a really engrossing story. I’m higher than most, but I loved it.

No. 4: Michael
About: This is the biopic about the King of Pop. There are some out there that shied away from the film, or gave it a terrible review, because of the checkered history of Michael Jackson. I get it if you didn’t want to see the movie, but if you did see it, you know it packed a punch. The sequences on stage were magical and Jaafar Jackson gives an electric lead performance. This was a lot of fun to see on the big screen.

No. 3: Mother Mary
About: This was the most surprising film of the year for me. I didn’t have incredible expectations based on the trailer, plot, or the filmmaker, David Lowery. I have enjoyed Lowery’s films to some degree in the past, and appreciated the craft, but never loved them. That changed with Mother Mary, which is incredible. The epic scope of the production, the way this story comes together, and the sizzling performances from Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel blew me away. This is an incredible piece of art.

No. 2: Project Hail Mary
About: Ryan Gosling and Rocky carry this epic based on the novel from Andy Weir and brought to life by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The visuals here are stunning. The story moves at a good pace and makes the most of its run time. It really builds an investment in the characters and the project. It is a fun ride, a poignant ride, and a memorable ride. I loved it.

No. 1: Disclosure Day
About: I guess it’s a big year for aliens, so far. Disclosure Day is about aliens, and then again, it’s not. It’s about people and what we do when we’re grappling with big truths we might not fully understand. Emily Blunt is the star here, but I was riveted by the story and the journey. It’s my favorite film of 2026 so far, and one of Steven Spielberg’s best.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.