There are cultural events that we eventually come to take for granted—a sign that they’ve become part of the landscape. Since 1985, the Fête du Cinéma has seen all of France take a seat in a dark theater. The format hasn’t changed. From Sunday, June 28, to Wednesday, July1, 2026, all screenings of all films at all participating theaters will be shown at a flat rate of 5 €. No advance ticket purchase, no promo code, and no loyalty card required.
This is the 41st edition of the Fête du Cinéma, organized as it is every year by the National Federation of French Cinemas (FNCF), the organization that brings together the country’s approximately 6,000 theaters. Canal+ and BNP Paribas are the event’s official sponsors. Four days to catch up on this month’s new releases, revisit a classic on the big screen (like *Paris, Texas* at the Grand Rex), take the kids to see *Toy Story*, or check out a film that’s making headlines, such as *Backrooms*. In short, as you can see, there’s something for every taste—and now for every budget—at the 2026 Fête du Cinéma.
These are the movies to see for just 5 euros during the 2026 Fête du Cinéma
Several major releases are hitting theaters just a few days before the Fête du Cinéma. The return of Woody, Buzz, and Jessie from Pixar in the fifth installment of *Toy Story*, directed by Andrew Stanton and featuring Randy Newman back as composer, is shaping up to be the family film of the summer. The theme is very much in tune with the times: Bonnie’s toys will have to face (tough) competition from screens.
Released on the same day, June 17, was the highly viral *Backrooms*, directed by Kane Parsons —a 20-year-old YouTuber with promising talent—a creepypasta (a short horror story shared online) that redefines the conventions of the genre, starring the moment’s most bankable actress: Renate Reinsve (Julie in 12 Chapters, Sentimental Value) and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The plot: a strange door appears in the basement of a furniture store… After watching this movie, you’ll think twice the next time you set foot in an IKEA.
“Supergirl,” meanwhile, hits theaters on July 1—the very day the festival closes—starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El in a galactic road trip based on the comic by Tom King. After escaping the explosion of the planet Krypton, Kara Zor-El (Clark Kent’s cousin) now lives on Earth under the identity of Kara Danvers. The young woman possesses superpowers that allow her to protect humans as Supergirl. This female counterpart, produced by Warner Bros. Studios, is every bit as good as her male counterpart!
Another gem not to be missed: *Minions and Monsters*. The little yellow creatures are on the hunt for a new evil genius to serve: this time, their journey takes them into a world of stories and cinema. This animated film from Illumination Studios is sure to make everyone from 7 to 77 laugh.
Practical Information
The process is intentionally simple. No need to buy tickets in advance, present a card, or enter a code. Just go to the box office of a participating theater (6,000 theaters in France) between June 28 and July1, and the flat rate automatically applies to any regular screening, regardless of the time or the movie. A few details to keep in mind: the surcharge still applies to 3D, 4DX, IMAX, or any other premium format screenings.