In the rapidly shifting landscape of nonfiction cinema, where Oscar-winning films can vanish like yesterday's news and brand-new concepts are still in their infancy, 2026 has already begun to deliver an enticing documentary slate that promises both surprises and thrill rides. This year, we'll witness Alex Gibney tackle Elon Musk, Billie Jean King find her due reverence, and William Greaves' 1972 dinner party with Harlem Renaissance luminaries finally make it into the cinema.
For those unfamiliar with the subject matter, Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie is a forthcoming documentary by Alex Gibney, chronicling the 2022 onstage assassination attempt that forced the acclaimed writer to lose his vision in one eye. This film promises never-before-seen footage from Rushdie's recovery process, coupled with interviews and excerpts from his work – not least the infamous fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989.
Gibney is also set to bring us Alex Gibney's Musk, which has been years in the making. This film will allegedly present a definitive, unvarnished look at Elon Musk's erratic career path, with input from those who've worked alongside him. With his proven track record of critically acclaimed documentaries on Scientology, Elizabeth Holmes, and Enron, one can safely assume that this will be no half-hearted exploration.
On the other end of the spectrum lies Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour (Live in 3D), a documentary directed by Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff. By focusing on the life and career of trailblazing tennis icon Billie Jean King, this film aims to shed light on her pivotal battles for women's equity and LGBTQ+ rights.
Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire is another project that promises to celebrate the legacy of a landmark Chicago band. With access to their video and recording archives, Questlove – director of The Summer of Soul and Sly Lives! – will create a vibrant tribute to Maurice White's vision.
As American physicians navigate the humanitarian challenges in Gaza, Alex Gibney presents us with the harrowing documentary, American Doctor. This film chronicles three medical professionals who responded to a moral call to help those suffering in Gaza and grapple with America's role in the region's struggle for freedom.
Finally, The AI Doc promises an in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence, where Daniel Roher examines both its dangers and benefits while grappling with his own existential crises as a new father. Co-directed by Charlie Tyrell and produced by Everything Everywhere All At Once co-director Daniel Kwan, this documentary will aim to cut through the noise surrounding emerging technology.
When it comes to nonfiction cinema, 2026 promises to be an electrifying year – packed with documentaries that promise to push boundaries, ignite passions, and challenge our perspectives on some of humanity's most pressing issues.
For those unfamiliar with the subject matter, Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie is a forthcoming documentary by Alex Gibney, chronicling the 2022 onstage assassination attempt that forced the acclaimed writer to lose his vision in one eye. This film promises never-before-seen footage from Rushdie's recovery process, coupled with interviews and excerpts from his work – not least the infamous fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989.
Gibney is also set to bring us Alex Gibney's Musk, which has been years in the making. This film will allegedly present a definitive, unvarnished look at Elon Musk's erratic career path, with input from those who've worked alongside him. With his proven track record of critically acclaimed documentaries on Scientology, Elizabeth Holmes, and Enron, one can safely assume that this will be no half-hearted exploration.
On the other end of the spectrum lies Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour (Live in 3D), a documentary directed by Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff. By focusing on the life and career of trailblazing tennis icon Billie Jean King, this film aims to shed light on her pivotal battles for women's equity and LGBTQ+ rights.
Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire is another project that promises to celebrate the legacy of a landmark Chicago band. With access to their video and recording archives, Questlove – director of The Summer of Soul and Sly Lives! – will create a vibrant tribute to Maurice White's vision.
As American physicians navigate the humanitarian challenges in Gaza, Alex Gibney presents us with the harrowing documentary, American Doctor. This film chronicles three medical professionals who responded to a moral call to help those suffering in Gaza and grapple with America's role in the region's struggle for freedom.
Finally, The AI Doc promises an in-depth exploration of artificial intelligence, where Daniel Roher examines both its dangers and benefits while grappling with his own existential crises as a new father. Co-directed by Charlie Tyrell and produced by Everything Everywhere All At Once co-director Daniel Kwan, this documentary will aim to cut through the noise surrounding emerging technology.
When it comes to nonfiction cinema, 2026 promises to be an electrifying year – packed with documentaries that promise to push boundaries, ignite passions, and challenge our perspectives on some of humanity's most pressing issues.
So many interesting docs lined up for this year! Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie sounds super intense - never seen footage from Rushdie's recovery process? That must be super emotional to watch 
. And I'm intrigued by Billie Eilish's doc, thinking about how she's already been such a trailblazer in music 
. Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire project is cool too - love the idea of celebrating a legendary band like that 
. Also, American Doctor sounds super thought-provoking, with medical professionals grappling with America's role in Gaza 
. Can't wait to see how all these docs turn out 
. Billie Eilish getting her due reverence? More like a marketing ploy to sell out concerts. And who decides what's "trailblazing" in tennis anyway? Can't wait for the obligatory Oscars nod though 
.
and American Doctor sounds like a really important film on the israeli-palestine conflict, fingers crossed it gets the attention it deserves 
I mean, is this just another example of the 'rich getting richer' in our society?
i'm hyped for Alex Gibney's Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie - it's like he's doing what every journalist should've done years ago, exposing the crazy plot that put Rushdie in danger 
. and Billie Jean King's doco is gonna be so empowering, finally shedding light on her trailblazing career and fight for women's rights 
. Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire project sounds like a party, celebrating Maurice White's iconic legacy 
. but what really got me was American Doctor - it's wild to think of medics putting their lives on the line in Gaza 
. Can't wait to see how Alex Gibney breaks it down.
. but what really got me was the doc on the assassination attempt against Salman Rushdie... like, how did he even recover from that?! 
. can't wait to see these docs hit theaters! 
? And let's not forget The AI Doc 
, it's like, we're living in a sci-fi movie right now, so this doc feels like the ultimate exploration. Bring on 2026! 
i mean alex gibney is like a total rockstar when it comes to makin documentaries that matter 
. And let's be real, Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft sounds like a glorified concert film to me 
. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for celebrating legends like Maurice White, but are these docs really gonna go beyond the surface level? 
can't wait to see questlove's earth, wind & fire doc too!! it's gonna be a wild ride in 2026 with all these docs out 
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! Can't wait to see that Chicago band's archives brought to life. And American Doctor sounds like it's gonna be a real eye-opener - so important to tackle those humanitarian challenges head-on.
. I mean, don't get me wrong, those topics are important too, but sometimes I just wish we could have more of those old-school docs that made you think and feel something real. Anyway, can't wait to see what Alex Gibney's got cooking on Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie