Movies

The directors redefining Spanish cinema in 2026

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  1. 1

    Pedro Almodóvar

    32 Global Votes

    He remains the most internationally renowned Spanish director, and each new project generates enormous anticipation worldwide. His ability to reinvent himself and explore new narratives keeps him at the forefront of contemporary cinema.

  2. 2

    Isabel Coixet

    32 Global Votes
    • Prolific director with 14 feature films and 7 documentaries

      (+2)

    With a prolific and respected career, Coixet continues to explore intimate and universal stories with a unique sensitivity. Her constant presence at international festivals confirms her as one of the most important voices in Spanish cinema.

  3. 3

    Rodrigo Sorogoyen

    32 Global Votes

    He has established himself as one of the most powerful directors in contemporary Spanish cinema thanks to his mastery of the thriller genre and his narrative drive. His films are synonymous with tension, quality, and success with both critics and at the box office.

  4. 4

    Carla Simón

    32 Global Votes

    Winner of the Golden Bear in Berlin, she has led a new generation of filmmakers who look to their roots with a fresh sensibility. Her naturalistic and autobiographical approach has captivated critics and audiences worldwide.

  5. 5

    Albert Serra

    32 Global Votes
    • “Pacifiction” director

      (+3)

    He is one of the most radical and unique directors on the scene, with a cinematic language that defies conventions. His prestige on the auteur festival circuit makes him a key figure for understanding experimental cinema.

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  7. 6

    Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo

    32 Global Votes
    • Formidable directing duo

      (+3)

    This creative duo has revolutionized the audiovisual landscape with their freshness and their ability to connect with young audiences. The highly anticipated premiere of their second feature film, 'La bola negra' (The Black Ball), positions them as key figures in mainstream cinema in 2026.

  8. 7

    Pilar Palomero

    32 Global Votes
    • Distinctive voice in contemporary Spanish cinema

      (+1)

    Following the success of 'Las niñas' (The Girls), she has established herself as one of the most promising directors, with a remarkable ability to portray adolescence and the female experience. Her subtle and emotive films represent a necessary renewal in the industry.

  9. 8

    Alberto Rodríguez

    32 Global Votes
    • Spanish cinema masterpiece

      (+4)

    A master of thrillers and historical reconstruction, Rodríguez is a director who guarantees quality and rigor in each of his projects. His ability to create complex atmospheres and memorable characters keeps him a leading figure in genre cinema in Spain.

  10. 9

    Carlos Marqués-Marcet

    32 Global Votes
    • Known for The Days to Come (2019)

      (+4)

    Considered one of the most promising new talents, his films explore contemporary relationships with an honest and intimate perspective. His innovative style and focus on generational conflicts position him as a voice to watch.

  11. 10

    Clara Roquet

    32 Global Votes
    • Co-wrote the multi-awarded 10,000 Km

      (+4)

    After a successful career as a screenwriter, her directorial debut with 'Libertad' earned her a Goya Award and critical acclaim. Her talent for crafting complex female characters makes her one of the most promising directors.

  12. 11

    Jonás Trueba

    32 Global Votes
    • Vibrant, sensorial, fresh and spiritual snapshots of contemporary life

      (+2)

    A champion of independent and artisanal cinema, Trueba has created his own universe centered on conversations and feelings. His filmography, which runs counter to major productions, represents a valuable alternative in Spanish cinema.

  13. 12

    Oliver Laxe

    32 Global Votes
    • Celebrated five wins at the 2026 European Film Awards

    His films, straddling the line between fiction and documentary, possess an overwhelming visual and spiritual power. Awarded at Cannes, Laxe is an essential figure for understanding the most daring and poetic cinema being made in Spain.

  14. 13

    Carlos Vermut

    32 Global Votes
    • Known for Quién te cantará (2018)

      (+4)

    He is known as one of the most original and unsettling directors in Spanish cinema, with a highly personal universe. His ability to blend genres and create haunting atmospheres keeps him an unpredictable and fascinating filmmaker.

  15. 14

    Icíar Bollaín

    32 Global Votes
    • Award-winning filmmaker

      (+2)

    With a solid career, Bollaín combines socially conscious cinema with exciting stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her commitment and ability to address complex themes with sensitivity solidify her status as a key director.

  16. 15

    Isaki Lacuesta

    32 Global Votes
    • Honored with the National Price of Cinematography of the Generalitat de Catalunya in 2012

      (+4)

    Winner of two Golden Shells at San Sebastián, he is one of the country's most versatile and innovative filmmakers. His filmography moves freely between documentary, fiction, and experimental cinema, constantly breaking down genre barriers.

  17. 16

    Fernando Franco

    32 Global Votes
    • Goya Award winner for Best New Director

      (+2)

    Known for his introspective cinema and meticulous work with actors, Franco bravely explores the complexity of human emotions. The announcement of a new drama for 2026 is generating interest due to his understated and profound style.

  18. 17

    Celia Rico

    32 Global Votes
    • Writer and director

      (+4)

    Her debut feature, 'Journey to a Mother's Room,' demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity in portraying family relationships. She is considered one of the most important new voices for her ability to create intimate and moving cinema.

  19. 18

    Jaime Rosales

    32 Global Votes
    • Ambitious work honors Spanish and world cinema

      (+3)

    He is a key director of the Spanish avant-garde, constantly exploring new narrative and visual forms. His demanding and formally audacious films are a benchmark on the international festival circuit.

  20. 19

    Jon Garaño

    32 Global Votes

    Along with Aitor Arregi and Jose Mari Goenaga, he forms part of the core of recent successful Basque cinema, with films such as 'Handia' and 'The Endless Trench'. His work stands out for its visual ambition and its interest in revisiting history from new perspectives.

  21. 20

    Santiago Segura

    32 Global Votes

    Although his films are primarily commercial, their impact on the Spanish box office is undeniable, revitalizing the industry year after year. The announced return of Torrente in 2026 once again places him at the center of the debate about popular cinema and its connection with audiences.

  22. 21

    Los Javis (Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo)

    32 Global Votes

    The creative duo returns with one of the most anticipated films of the year, demonstrating their ability to connect with audiences and critics alike.

  23. 22

    Belén Funes

    32 Global Votes

    Identified as one of the key directors in the renewal of Spanish cinema, her work contributes a social perspective and striking realism.

  24. 23

    Salvador Calvo

    32 Global Votes

    With his film 'La Fiera', he is expected to boost box office numbers early in the year, solidifying his career as a director of major productions.

  25. 24

    Cesc Gay

    32 Global Votes

    A well-established filmmaker in Spanish cinema, he presents a new work in 2026, maintaining interest in his skill at portraying human relationships.

  26. 25

    Javier Fesser

    32 Global Votes

    Known for his unique humor and box office success, his new project is one of the most anticipated, promising originality and entertainment.

  27. 26

    Martín Cuenca

    32 Global Votes

    A director with a solid track record, his new film, slated for 2026, joins the list of major releases, bringing his distinctive vision to the thriller and drama genres.

  28. 27

    Marcel Barrena

    32 Global Votes

    He presents a new work in 2026, continuing his career as a director specializing in emotional stories based on true events.

  29. 28

    José Luis Guerín

    32 Global Votes

    A key figure in auteur and experimental cinema, his return in 2026 is news celebrated by critics and the most discerning cinephiles.

  30. 29

    Marina Seresesky

    32 Global Votes

    Director of 'Islas', filmed in Tenerife, she brings a new perspective to Spanish cinema with projects that explore different geographies and themes.

  31. 30

    David Pantaleón

    32 Global Votes

    Considered part of the group of filmmakers who are revitalizing the industry, his work stands out for its bold and experimental approach.