Lights dim. The screen glows. And suddenly, the story starts to sing.
At TIFF 2026, music is stepping out into the forefront, bringing rhythm, emotion, laughter and a touch of theatrical magic to the festival. From pop-fuelled dreams and unlikely friendships to unconventional romances that refuse to follow the rules, this year’s musical selections showcase just how wonderfully unpredictable the genre can be.
For audiences, it is an invitation to experience cinema differently — where a melody can reveal a secret, a chorus can change a character’s journey, and a single song can say what an entire conversation cannot.
As Toronto once again becomes a global stage for filmmakers and storytellers, the musicals at TIFF 2026 are ready to add their own soundtrack to the festival — proving that sometimes, the best stories aren’t just watched.
They are felt. They are heard. And they are sung.
Among this year’s musical offerings is Girl Group, Rebel Wilson’s energetic musical comedy about a disgraced pop star who finds an unexpected path to redemption. Forced to work with a group of young girls as part of her community service, her journey becomes a celebration of female friendship, second chances and the enduring power of girl-group music. The film also brings real-life musical performers into the mix, adding an extra layer of pop authenticity.
Then there is Stuffed, a wonderfully unconventional musical romance starring Jodie Comer and Harry Melling. Blending music, dark comedy, romance and body-horror elements, the film takes audiences somewhere far removed from the traditional movie-musical formula. At its centre is an unlikely connection between lonely characters, proving that even the strangest stories can find tenderness — and occasionally a song.
#tiff26 is underway; join in the film festival!
