SXSW 2026 returns with a daring slate of films and TV shows, ranging from darkly comedic thrillers to powerful documentaries. Here are five premieres we can’t wait to see.
SXSW 2026: Over Your Dead Body
This dark comedy thriller follows a toxic couple who retreat to a remote cabin under the guise of repairing their relationship. What neither realizes is that both have secretly arrived to kill the other.
Samara Weaving and Jason Segel star as the volatile pair, supported by Timothy Olyphant, Juliette Lewis, Paul Guilfoyle, and Keith Jardine. Directed by Jorma Taccone, marking his first feature since Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016). Filmed in Finland, the movie uses its remote setting to heighten the tension and sense of isolation.
Over Your Dead Body premieres on March 14 at SXSW and hits theaters April 24.
SXSW 2026: Power Ballad
Drawing from his own experience as a bar and bat mitzvah DJ, Paul Rudd stars in this music-centered comedy as Rick, a middle-aged wedding singer. When a struggling boy-band star named Danny (Nick Jonas, playing off his real-life image) steals one of Rick’s songs, chaos—and hilarity—ensues during a late-night jam session.
Directed by John Carney, known for his musical storytelling in Begin Again and Once, Power Ballad hits all the right notes. With its blend of comedy and heart, Power Ballad turns the chaos of chasing dreams into a SXSW must-see.
Power Ballad is set to hit theaters June 5, 2026 after its festival run.
SXSW 2026: #SkyKing
Directed by Patricia E. Gillespie, this documentary recounts the 2018 incident in which Richard “Beebo” Russell stole a plane from Horizon Air before crashing it. Using audio from air traffic control, #SkyKing examines mental health and class in America, transforming a simple story into a nuanced meditation on society and personal struggle.
The film premieres on Hulu on April 14 after its SXSW debut.
SXSW 2026: Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Adapted from Rufi Thorpe’s bestselling novel, this family comedy-drama stars Dakota Fanning as Margo, a young writer navigating unexpected pregnancy and financial hurdles. Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman co-star, with appearances by Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Nicole Kidman, and Rico Nasty.
The series premieres on Apple TV on April 15, and with its ensemble cast, it’s shaping up to be a standout.
SXSW 2026: The Audacity
In the bubble of Silicon Valley, the unconventional relationship between a would-be tech mogul and his therapist exposes the Valley’s chaos and quirks. With Billy Magnussen, Sarah Goldberg, and Zach Galifianakis leading the cast, the show delivers the sharp, witty satire that fans will come to love.
The Audacity is set to debut for everyone on AMC and AMC+ on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
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