Dutch films to look forward to in 2026

The Dutch film industry is in great shape. After a recovery period following the pandemic, the sector shows more ambition every year: larger budgets, international co-productions and films that attract attention beyond the country's borders. Dutch films are no longer a niche product for the dedicated cinema-goer — they draw broad audiences and win international awards. These are the most promising Dutch productions to look forward to in 2026.

The strength of Dutch cinema

The Netherlands has a rich film history stretching back to the earliest days of the industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, directors such as Dick Maas (De lift, Flodder), Fons Rademakers (Oscar winner for De aanslag) and Marleen Gorris laid the foundations for a recognisable Dutch film culture. Since then, directors such as Paul Verhoeven (Turks Fruit, Soldaat van Oranje), Johan ter Steege and later Nanouk Leopold, Ineke Smits and others have built the international reputation of Dutch cinema.

Today the sector is diverse and vital. Comic films like the Ik ook van jou and Mannenharten series attract large audiences, while filmmakers such as Alex van Warmerdam and Rolf de Heer produce internationally acclaimed auteur films. It is these two poles — the popular and the artistic — that make Dutch film culture so interesting.

Genres that perform well in the Netherlands

The Dutch cinema market has clear strengths. Family films and Dutch comedies consistently perform well: audiences appreciate familiar stories in their own language, with actors and settings that feel close to home. Series spin-offs — films based on popular Dutch television series — are a proven formula that works time and again.

True-story drama also has a strong tradition in Dutch cinema. Films about the Second World War, the North Sea flood disaster, historical figures or social issues always find an interested audience in the Netherlands. The grounding in recognisable history or social reality gives these films a direct relevance that international productions sometimes lack.

The role of the Nederlands Filmfonds

The Nederlands Filmfonds (Dutch Film Fund) plays a central role in the production of Dutch films. Through various subsidy schemes — from development support in early production stages to production and distribution support — the Fund finances a large part of Dutch film production. Every year the Film Fund receives applications from hundreds of filmmakers and producers, and selects the projects that show the most artistic and/or commercial promise.

Alongside the Film Fund, CoBO (Co-production Fund for Dutch Broadcasting) and regional funds such as the Mediafonds and various provincial cultural subsidies are also important for financing Dutch films. International co-productions can additionally draw on the European Audiovisual Fund Eurimages.

International success

Dutch films are also increasingly being picked up by international festivals and distributors. The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and the Nederlands Film Festival (NFF) are important showcases where Dutch productions can attract international attention. Films that win awards at these festivals regularly receive international distribution deals that bring Dutch cinema beyond its borders.

Directors such as Carice van Houten (actress and director), Halina Reijn and Sacha Polak have drawn international attention in recent years with work discussed in international media and at international festivals. Halina Reijn's Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) was an American production but proved that Dutch talent can break through internationally.

Co-productions with neighbouring countries

A growing share of Dutch film production is international in nature. Co-productions with Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom have become standard. These collaborations make larger budgets possible and give Dutch stories a broader international distribution. The collaboration with Flanders is particularly fruitful: language and culture are closely enough related to create genuine artistic synergy, while the combined market is larger than either country alone.

What to expect in 2026

The offering of Dutch films in 2026 reflects the diversity of the sector. Comic family films will traditionally perform well during school holidays. Serious dramas and historical films will enter the Nederlands Film Festival circuit. Documentary makers will present their work to wide audiences via IDFA and other platforms.

For cinema programmers, keeping track of Dutch productions is an essential part of their work. Local films create a direct connection with local audiences and are an important component of a varied cinema programme. Teasy helps programmers track Dutch releases as soon as trailers become available.

Conclusion: Dutch film is thriving

The Dutch film industry is more alive than ever. With a strong infrastructure of funds, producers and distributors, a diverse generation of filmmakers and an audience open to Dutch stories, the foundations are in place for a flourishing sector. 2026 promises to be a good year for Dutch cinema — for the makers, the cinemas and the audience.