This year’s annual Tribeca Film Festival, taking place from June 5th to June 16th, is holding more than 100 feature films from 114 filmmakers spanning 48 countries. This year’s lineup features 86 world premieres, including two international premieres, six North American premieres and eight New York premieres. The 23rd Tribeca Festival emphasizes political activism and the transformative power of art amidst global crises. 

With a record-breaking pool of 13,016 submissions, we gathered our top 10 must-see of the selections during this year’s festival. Feature films including Sacramento directed by Michael Angarano starring Kristen Stewart and Michael Cera, the movie follows two former friends on a road trip across California. Special features include actors like Lily Gladstone, Jenna Ortega, and Dakota Johnson.

“In a year of record high submissions, despite industry-wide challenges, and global tumult, our incredible filmmaking community delivered again with some of the most surprising, inspiring, hilarious, galvanizing, boundary-breaking and downright entertaining work we’ve had the privilege to feature at the festival,” said Cara Cusumano, Tribeca Festival director and SVP of programming. “Whether grappling with everything from the crisis of global democracy to the most intimate of human dramas, it was heartening to be reminded of the undeniable power of a great film to illuminate our world.”

Here are our most anticipated must-see films…

Sacramento

In "Sacramento," Ricky (Michael Angarano), impulsive and unpredictable, forces his best friend Glenn (Michael Cera) on a spontaneous road trip across California after being kicked out of his convalescent home following his father's death. Glenn, who is about to start a family with his wife Rosie (Kristen Stewart), is weary of Ricky’s refusal to mature. As they travel in Glenn’s old college car, the two men confront their past mistakes and uncertain futures. Featuring a stellar cast, including Maya Erskine, and filled with explosive humor and heartfelt moments, "Sacramento" is a sweet and poignant exploration of friendship and self-growth.

Daddio

In Christy Hall’s directorial debut, "Daddio," a late-night cab ride from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan transforms into an extraordinary journey of human connection. Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn play a young woman and her cab driver, whose initial small talk deepens into an exchange of personal stories, revealing secrets and sharing advice. Their candid conversation, marked by moments of humor, tension, and heartfelt emotion, forges a genuine bond that profoundly impacts both. Hall’s authentic and emotionally rich screenplay, brought to life by exceptional performances from Johnson and Penn, turns a mundane trip into a touching ode to human connection and the spirit of New York City.

Winter Spring Summer or Fall

In "Winter Spring Summer or Fall," wunderkind Remy (Jenna Ortega) and music-loving slacker Barnes (Percy Hynes White) forge an unexpected bond that blossoms into love as the seasons change. With Remy set to attend Harvard in the fall, they must confront the challenges of their future and reassess their priorities. Written by seasoned rom-com screenwriter Tiffany Paulsen, this Gen Z love story is filled with charm and classic romantic tropes, evoking the timeless appeal of enduring love stories. Ortega and Hynes White deliver captivating performances reminiscent of Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke in "Before Sunrise," making the film a heartwarming and relatable story for all ages.

The Wasp

In the psychological thriller "The Wasp," estranged friends Heather (Natalie Dormer) and Carla (Naomie Harris) reunite for tea, only to uncover a dangerous and deceptive plot that dramatically alters their lives. As they navigate a complex web of secrets and hidden agendas, the true purpose of their meeting is gradually revealed, exposing a perilous reality neither expected. Anchored by captivating performances from Dormer and Harris, the film, adapted from a play, unfolds in a single room, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. With its expertly crafted twists and intense narrative, "The Wasp" is a must-see for fans of character-driven thrillers.

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The French Italian

In "The French Italian," Doug (Aristotle Athari) and Valerie (Catherine Cohen) impulsively leave their rent-stabilized city apartment, frustrated by their karaoke-singing downstairs neighbors, to stay at Doug’s parents’ upstate. Realizing their mistake, they hatch a plan for revenge that culminates in staging an off-Broadway play starring their nemesis. Writer/director Rachel Wolther infuses the film with a wry sensibility, reminiscent of comedies like "Girls" and "Search Party," satirizing hipster culture, modern relationships, and New York apartment politics. This cringe comedy, brimming with self-absorbed characters and theater kid antics, delivers hilariously relatable moments.

Some Rain Must Fall

In Qiu Yang’s debut feature, Cai, a mother and housewife who once believed family was everything, accidentally injures the grandmother of her daughter's less privileged teammate, causing her seemingly perfect life to unravel into chaos. As her world spirals, Cai begins to question her identity and desires. This intimate film blends mystery with an existential exploration, challenging notions of class, family, and self. Through Cai’s journey, Yang examines what happens when a woman yearning for more disrupts her own life, raising profound questions about identity and fulfillment.

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The Everything Pot

In her feature debut, writer/director Sherise Dorf presents a hilarious comedy of errors with Rachel (Lisa Edelstein), an empty nester who reignites excitement in her mundane marriage after sending a gift to her former colleague Charlie (James Wolk) for his wedding. This innocent act sets off a chain of misunderstandings, leading to speculation of infidelity and revealing cracks in both Rachel’s and Charlie’s relationships. Rachel’s husband, Adam (Erik Griffin), becomes fixated on retrieving the wedding gift, The Everything Pot, adding to the chaos. The film humorously explores modern marriage's trials, with a standout performance from Edelstein and a strong ensemble cast including Gina Torres and Delaney Rowe.

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Jazzy

Filmmaker Morrisa Maltz's poignant and authentic portrayal of childhood friendship centers on Jazzy, a young Oglala Lakota girl in South Dakota. Spanning ages 6 to 12, the film captures the joys and challenges of Jazzy's evolving relationship with her best friend Syriah through a dreamlike, documentary-style approach. As Jazzy faces the heartbreak of Syriah moving away, she begins to understand the complexities of growing up and the adult world. A spiritual successor to "The Unknown Country," Maltz's collaboration with producer Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux delivers an emotionally resonant coming-of-age drama. Featuring touching performances from the young leads and appearances by actors like Executive Producer Lily Gladstone, "Jazzy" beautifully explores the profound impact of friendship during childhood.

Griffin in the Summer

In "Griffin in Summer," fourteen-year-old Griffin Nafly plans to spend his vacation putting on an ambitious new play, a blend of "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and "American Beauty." However, his tween collaborators are distracted by typical summer activities, leading Griffin to focus on Brad, a zoned-out handyman with a failed performance art career in New York. As Griffin becomes increasingly smitten with Brad, he navigates the complexities of unrequited love and embarks on an unforgettable summer. The film, featuring stellar performances from its young cast, offers a hilarious and refreshingly original coming-of-age story that captures the artist's early experiences and emotions.

Firebrand

"Firebrand" is a compelling historical drama set in the final months of King Henry VIII's (Jude Law) reign, focusing on his sixth wife, Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander). Parr, a champion of radical change, navigates the dangerous Tudor court as her progressive beliefs clash with the increasingly paranoid and ailing monarch. Appointed as Regent during Henry's absence, her newfound power threatens the courtiers who scheme against her, casting doubt on her fidelity. Alicia Vikander delivers a nuanced performance as the determined Queen, while Jude Law's volatile Henry VIII is a standout. Director Karim Aïnouz crafts a gripping tale of ambition, survival, and power with sumptuous visuals, a taut script, and a talented supporting cast including Simon Russell Beale, Eddie Marsan, and Sam Riley.

You can purchase your individual tickets to films featured at the festival here.