The film industry has been in a major lull since the pandemic, but 2026 has been a major bounce-back year for visual media.
This year had multiple blockbuster hits like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” as well as many other strong films.
“Project Hail Mary” is another film that dominated pop culture during its run due to its strong characters and emotional depth
“I feel like it started a little bit into last year too, like when ‘Sinners’ really took in,” said Lucas Fritz, director of the Kirkwood Film Club. “That was kind of the moment I’m like, ‘Cinema’s back.’”
Fritz said he had to buy tickets in advance for the first time this year when “Obsession” hit theaters. He went to see the movie three weeks after its release, and the theater was sold out.
“It’s just so fun to see stuff is coming back, and people have high expectations again.” Fritz said.
Even smaller-budget films have dramatically outperformed expectations with movies like “Iron Lung,” “Obsession” and “Backrooms” all dropping this year and making massive profits.
Those three films in particular have drawn interest partially due to them originating from YouTube or other online content. Several filmmakers are starting to get their big break now after starting in online content creation.
“The industry is definitely changing,” said Janissa Rockstad, assistant director of the Kirkwood Film Club. “It is now becoming more open to independent filmmakers and creatives that don’t have the biggest budget that aren’t backed by insane studios and companies because that is what the people are wanting now.”
Even beyond film, streaming series and specials have performed well this year with “Lanterns” receiving high praise, “The Muppet Show” making its long awaited return to the screen and “The Punisher: One Last Kill” testing well with audiences and critics.
The universe of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” also made a triumphant return with both a movie and a new series added to the franchise, both of which have been extremely popular with fans of the show. “I almost wonder if it has something to do with the writers’ strike,” said Rockstad. “Maybe we’re finally bouncing back from that.”
There is even strong momentum in the film industry for movies that have either been released recently or are releasing later this year such as “Primetime,” “Clayface” and “Avengers: Doomsday.”
The Kirkwood Film Club meets every Tuesday to discuss films from both the past and present. Both Fritz and Rockstad encourage students interested in film to attend a meeting in 2082 Cedar Hall, during activity hour.
Categories: Art & Life
