Get Ready for the Weird: Boston Underground Film Festival Reveals Full 2026 Lineup

Cinema fans looking for something beyond the multiplex have something to celebrate this March. The Boston Underground Film Festival (BUFF) has officially pulled back the curtain on its full 2026 program, promising a five-day descent into "pure cinematic madness."

The festival, a staple for fans of horror, sci-fi, and the avant-garde, returns from Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22. This year’s edition marks a new era for the festival, as it transitions to new leadership while maintaining its reputation as one of the top genre film festivals in the world.

A Powerhouse Closing Night

BUFF 2026 will go out with a bang—literally. The festival’s closing night features the New England premiere of The Furious, directed by master stunt coordinator Kenji Tanigaki.

Described as a "jaw-dropping action thriller," the film features a massive ensemble of martial arts legends, including Joe Taslim (The Raid), Yayan Ruhian (The Raid), and JeeJa Yanin (Chocolate). The story follows a humble tradesman (Miao Xie) and a relentless journalist (Taslim) as they battle an international criminal network to rescue a kidnapped girl.

Premieres and Local Legends

The 2026 slate is packed with fresh voices and highly anticipated New England premieres:

• Fresh Blood: First-time features Sugar Rot and Cramps! A Period Piece will make their East Coast and New England debuts.
• Genre Highlights: Fans can catch The Hedonist, Camp, The Serpent’s Skin, and Buffet Infinity.
• Documentary Spotlight: David Kittredge’s Boorman and the Devil explores the history of the infamous sequel Exorcist II: The Heretic. In a special treat for horror buffs, the Coolidge After Midnite will host supporting screenings of the original Exorcist II.

The festival also continues its tradition of championing short films with six themed blocks, including the "The Dunwich Horrors" and "New England Esotercia," which specifically highlight local filmmakers.

Star Power and Cult Classics

The full lineup joins an already stacked list of previously announced highlights. Opening night will feature the film Normal, with star Bob Odenkirk appearing in person. Other major draws include:

• The centerpiece selection, horror sensation Obsession.
• A 40th-anniversary screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 with horror icon Bill Moseley in attendance.
• A late-night screening of The Devil’s Rejects.

A New Chapter for BUFF

This year is particularly significant for the festival following the departure of longtime directors Kevin Monahan and Nicole McControversy. Taking the reins are co-festival directors Adam Van Voorhis and Phil Healy, alongside new Artistic Director Mark Anastasio (of the Coolidge Corner Theatre).

"Our incredibly hard-working, and entirely volunteer, team of programmers has pulled together pure cinematic madness," said Anastasio. "I can’t wait for our audience to lose their minds experiencing these incredible films together in the dark."

How to Attend

• When: March 18 – March 22, 2026
• Tickets: Individual tickets go on sale Thursday, March 5 at 2:00 p.m.
• Where to Buy: Tickets are available at brattlefilm.org and coolidge.org.
• More Info: Visit bostonunderground.org for the full schedule and film descriptions.