10 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week

Whether you're a casual moviegoer or an avid buff, our reviewers think these films are worth knowing about.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 7:31am

The New York Times film critics have highlighted 10 new movies that are generating buzz this week, ranging from a gothic romance adaptation to a sci-fi comedy about time travel and a basketball-playing goat animated film.

Why it matters

The New York Times is a highly respected and influential publication when it comes to film criticism and recommendations. Their reviews can make or break a movie's success, so their selections of notable new releases are valuable for movie fans looking to stay up-to-date on the latest cinematic offerings.

The details

The 10 movies highlighted span a variety of genres, from gothic romance and sci-fi to comedy and animation. Some of the films feature big-name stars like Margot Robbie, Liam Neeson, and Chris Hemsworth, while others showcase lesser-known talent. The critics provide a brief overview and assessment of each movie to help readers decide which ones are worth checking out.

  • The movies are all new releases, with the article published on February 13, 2026.

The players

The New York Times

A highly respected and influential American newspaper known for its quality journalism, including its renowned film criticism.

Margot Robbie

An acclaimed Australian actress known for her roles in films like "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "I, Tonya."

Jacob Elordi

An Australian actor who has gained recognition for his roles in the "Kissing Booth" film series and the HBO series "Euphoria."

Emerald Fennell

A British actress, writer, and director who is known for her work on the TV series "Killing Eve" and the film "Promising Young Woman."

Joe Keery

An American actor best known for his role as Steve Harrington in the Netflix series "Stranger Things."

Georgina Campbell

A British actress who has appeared in various TV shows and films, including "Black Mirror" and "Krypton."

Liam Neeson

A veteran Irish actor known for his roles in action films like "Taken" and "The Commuter."

Sam Rockwell

An American actor who has won critical acclaim for his performances in films like "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "Three Christs."

Akinola Davies

A Nigerian-British filmmaker and artist who has directed several short films and documentaries.

Mamoru Hosoda

A Japanese anime director known for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant films like "Wolf Children" and "Mirai."

Chris Hemsworth

An Australian actor best known for his portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Bart Layton

A British filmmaker who has directed acclaimed documentaries like "The Imposter" and the feature film "American Animals."

Matt Johnson

A Canadian actor, writer, and director known for his offbeat comedies like "The Dirties" and "Operation Avalanche."

Jay McCarrol

A Canadian actor and filmmaker who frequently collaborates with Matt Johnson.

Tyler Perry

An American actor, filmmaker, playwright, and entrepreneur who is known for his popular Madea film and TV franchise.

Jermaine Harris

An American actor who has appeared in various TV shows and films, including "The First Purge" and "The Walking Dead."

Juliette Lewis

An American actress known for her roles in films like "Natural Born Killers" and "Cape Fear."

Amanda Kramer

An American filmmaker who has directed several independent films, including "Please Baby Please" and "Ladyworld."

Tyree Dillihay

An American animator and director who has worked on various animated projects, including the upcoming film "Basketball Goat."

Caleb McLaughlin

An American actor best known for his role as Lucas Sinclair in the Netflix series "Stranger Things."

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The takeaway

The New York Times' selection of 10 notable new movie releases this week showcases the diversity and creativity in the current film landscape, with a range of genres, styles, and perspectives represented. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a dedicated cinephile, this list provides a helpful guide to some of the most talked-about and potentially compelling new films worth checking out.