Lithuanian cinema experienced a real boom this and last year, and the momentum continues. The country’s film scene has seen no shortage of exciting releases lately – ranging from internationally acclaimed dramas to lighter narratives and documentaries. Here are the most exciting Lithuanian movies in 2026 that every film lover should put on their radar.
1. “The Visitor” (dir. Vytautas Katkus)
Vytautas Katkus is steadily cementing his reputation as one of the most prominent directors of the new generation. His film “The Guest” was named Best Feature Film at the “Silver Crane” (Sidabrinė gervė) awards, while the director earned Best Director honors at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
It is a subtle, aesthetic, and atmospheric drama focusing on human relationships, distance, and inner struggles – an ideal pick for an evening of visually refined and deep cinema.
2. “How to Divorce During the War” (dir. Andrius Blaževičius)
The third feature work by Andrius Blaževičius, starring Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė and Marius Repšys, has already captured international attention – premiering at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and reaching US theaters.
The story weaves a couple’s personal divorce drama together with the outbreak of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, revealing the impact of war on families and personal crises. The powerful lead dynamic paired with an ability to connect a personal story to an important geopolitical context creates a deeply emotional experience.
3. “(Ne)tobuli melagiai” / “Imperfect Liars” (dir. Dainius Kazlauskas)
The Lithuanian adaptation of Paolo Genovese’s famous film “Perfect Strangers” marks the feature film directorial debut of Dainius Kazlauskas. The movie features a well-known ensemble cast: Sakalas Uždavinys, Emilija Latėnaitė, Valentinas Krulikovskis, Renata Kutinaitė, and Tomas Žaibus.
At the center of the plot is a group of friends gathered for dinner who decide to play a dangerous game: reading all incoming text messages out loud and answering every phone call on speaker. It is a witty, engaging, lighthearted film perfect for a night with friends.
4. “Renovation” (dir. Gabrielė Urbonaitė)
Gabrielė Urbonaitė’s debut feature has already traveled to more than 30 countries, screening at festivals in Tallinn, Kyiv, and Lübeck, and earned nine nominations at the “Silver Crane” awards.
The film tells a modern and highly relatable story about life changes, fresh starts, and the search for identity. It stands as a great example of how the younger generation of directors is shaping the new face of Lithuanian cinema.
5. “BIX Almost Nirvana” (dir. Saulius Baradinskas)
This documentary about the iconic band BIX recently highlighted the Lithuanian film program during the “Silver Crane Nights” (Sidabrinės gervės naktys).
The film reveals not only the history of the group and its impact on the Lithuanian alternative scene, but also the cultural shifts of the 1980s. It is an inspiring work for anyone interested in the country’s music history and spirit of freedom.
6. “Eyes of Shame” (dir. Tomas Tamošaitis)
This premiere took place at the Venice Film Festival, introducing an innovative, immersive virtual reality (VR) experience.
The director chooses an unconventional storytelling method where the viewer is placed directly in the center of the action. The piece is tailored for curious filmgoers eager to see how Lithuanian creators are experimenting with the future of cinematic technology.
Planning your cultural calendar and looking for more leisure ideas? Check out our complete guide to the biggest events in Lithuania.
