Winter is the season for blankets, quiet nights, and films that reward slow sips and deep focus. These are the films from last September’s 50th Anniverary of the Toronto International Film Festival worth bookmarking as they make their way to screens near you slowly over the next few months. Whether you missed the festival or need some great films that youre algorithm may never show you, this list is for you.
Roofman
A strangely compelling true-crime dramedy starring Kirsten Dunst and Channing Tatum as a real-life Army veteran who turns to robbing fast-food restaurants by breaking in through the roof and winds up hiding out in a Toys “R” Us while on the run from the law. Stream it now on Paramount+ or rent it on Apple TV+ and Amazon Video.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
A visceral, character-driven drama that debuted at TIFF’s Special Presentations. Rose Byrne delivers a career-defining performance in this darkly comedic, psychologically intense dramedy about a mother navigating isolation, caregiving, and personal collapse. Rent or buy it on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Sentimental Value
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value is a moving family drama about two sisters confronting a long‑absent father who re-enters the picture after their mother’s death. Set against the backdrop of creative ambition and unresolved pain the film stars Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas who together deliver a performance that balance heartbreak, humour and emotional nuance. Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2025 and warmly received at TIFF, it blends quiet introspection with sharp observations about family, art and reconciliation. Available to rent or buy now on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
John Candy: I Like Me
A heartfelt documentary about the late beloved Canadian comedian John Candy, built around archival material and personal interviews. The film celebrates Candy’s life and career with warmth, humour, and nostalgia. Stream it now on Amazon Prime Video.
Arco
A poetic, intimate character study exploring mood, memory, and human connection, Arco premiered at TIFF 2025 and quickly became a festival favourite. The animated short features voice performances from Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and John Boyega, bringing warmth and nuance to the film’s quiet, reflective story. Natalie Portman also serves as a producer, lending her creative influence to this visually and emotionally layered project. Its meditative pacing and introspective tone make it ideal for a slow, contemplative winter watch. See it in theatres now at select theatres including the TIFF Lightbox.
Rental Family
Brendan Fraser stars in this moving dramedy about an out of work American actor living in Tokyo working at a “rental family” agency. The film balances humour and heartfelt moments, offering a warm escape for winter viewing eith plenty of scenic footage of Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Available to rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and streaming soon on Disney+ in late February.
Nuremberg
A gripping courtroom drama starring Rami Malek, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon and a slew of other talented actors. The tense legal battles and historical stakes follow Malek, a WWII psychiatrist as he evaluates Nazi leaders before their Nuremberg trials, it’s a compelling winter watch to say the least. Available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video now.
Eternity
A contemplative blend of genre and existential storytelling, A24’s Eternity is a bright comedy that follows Miles Teller to an afterlife junction as he waits for his wife Joan, played by Elizabeth Olsen, to arrive and choose which eternity to spend their afterlife together. Available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ or Amazon Prime Video now.
Good Fortune
Aziz Ansari’s whimsical comedy and directorial debut features Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen in a playful take on luck and destiny. Its mix of heart, absurdity, and comedy makes it the perfect light winter watch for a saturday afternoon. Available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video now.
Hedda
Director Nia DaCosta’s bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler places Tessa Thompson at the centre of a tense, manipulation‑driven drama, set over one charged night in 1950s England. The film co‑stars Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock and Nina Hoss in a story about desire, power and self‑destruction that twists the classic text into something raw and urgent. Available now on Amazon Prime Video.
Adulthood
Alex Winter’s dark comedic mystery follows a group of old friends whose reunion spirals into secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists. TIFF 2025 audiences praised performances from Brie Larson, Riz Ahmed, and Lakeith Stanfield, whose chemistry keeps the tension simmering throughout. Equal parts suspense and introspection, the film combines Winter’s signature wit with a layered, unpredictable plot. Available to rent or buy now on Apple TV+.
Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein reinvents the classic tale with a visually stunning, emotionally charged approach, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. The gothic atmosphere and layered performances, balance horror, romance, and humanity in equal measure making this a perfect watch for a long, dark winter night. Steam it now on Netflix.
Hamnet
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is an emotionally powerful historical drama that imagines the intimate life of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley) in the wake of their son’s tragic death, a loss that profoundly influenced the writing of Hamlet. The film took home the coveted People’s Choice Award at TIFF 2025 and has already established itself as one of the year’s most talked‑about dramas. With lush visuals and deeply felt performances, Hamnet is available to watch in theatres now.
The Lost Bus
The Lost Bus dramatizes a harrowing true story of survival as school bus driver Kevin McKay played by Matthew McConaughey and teacher Mary Ludwig played by America Ferrera race to shepherd 22 children through one of California’s deadliest wildfires.The thriller blends gripping, real‑world stakes with emotional resilience and standout performances from McConaughey and Ferrera. After a limited theatrical run, the film is now streaming in Canada on Apple TV+.