TIFF may have rolled up its red carpets for another year, but Canadian cinema can be celebrated (and watched) all year long. From a compelling Métis romance, to a documentary about a Canadian comedy icon, to a thrilling film about an international drug smuggling ring on the east coast of Canada, here are ten Canadian films we can’t stop thinking about:
1.
Blood Lines is an incredibly beautiful and poignant film by Gail Maurice (who also stars in it). This film revolves around a budding lesbian romance while exploring the themes of family, belonging, and identity. Its also a true celebration of Métis culture with dialogue in the Michif language, which has only about 1,130 speakers in the world. There’s a reason there wasn’t a dry eye at the world premiere screening — the story pulls at your heart strings at a deep level and touches upon a dark time of Canada’s history. On the flip side, there are some really funny moments in the film from “The Grannies”, a chorus of Métis older women who always seem to be at the right place at the right time. “This story, even though it has laughter and comedy, I also wrote it for the children that were taken away from their families.” — Gail Maurice
2.
A mining explosion. A bunch of lobster. A small town on the east Coast of Canada. And an international drug smuggling ring. That, my friends, is Little Lorraine. Based on a true story in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia during the 1980’s, Little Lorraine is a thrilling drama that tells the story of a man who is out of work, needs to support his family, and gets in way too deep over his head. With the perfect combination of a great cast, stunning visuals, and a sprinkle of that Eastern Canadian charm — this film will have you glued to your screen from beginning to end. The ending will have you speechless. Featuring Canadian Stephen Amell, Stephen McHattie, and Sean Astin, this film is also the debut acting performance by popular Columbian musician J Balvin.
3.
Calling all Degrassi fans… your prayers have been answered! Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is a documentary all about the Canadian tv show that created a cultural phenomenon. Heartfelt, ultra-nostalgic, and honest — this film is like a behind-the-scenes love letter to the entire Degrassi universe. Featuring interviews from Aubrey Drake Graham, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Miriam McDonald, and Melinda Shankar (just to name a few), this documentary dives deep into all things Degrassi and tells the story of how a little Canadian show for teenagers became a global sensation. *Cue Degrassi intro theme song*
4.
If cinematography is your thing AKI will catch your eye — this film is BEAUTIFUL. Filmmaker Darlene Naponse takes us to her home of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in Northern Ontario (formerly known as Whitefish Lake First Nation). The result? A stunning love letter to the land, its generations of people, and the starkly different Canadian seasons. The documentary is mostly wordless — except for some Anishinaabemowin — and immerses the audience into nature over the span of a year. With scenes of kids playing hockey on an outdoor rink, to a dog running through a lake, this film is for anyone curious about the beauty of First Nations’ communities.
5.
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery is your backstage pass to the music fest that changed everything. What happened when Sarah McLachlan brought together only women (or women-led) acts in the ’90s when radio barely played two women in a row? Total magic. Ally Pankiw’s doc features legendary performers like Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, and Emmylou Harris, plus insights from Olivia Rodrigo, Brandi Carlile, and even Dan Levy about how it all left a mark. Packed with performances, backstage chaos, and stories of breaking barriers — it’s a celebration of the music, the women, and the legacy that made Lilith Fair unforgettable.
6.
I Like Movies director Chandler Levack is back for round two with Mile End Kicks. Barbie Ferreira stars in this charming and funny rom-com about a 20-something music critic stumbling through love, friendship, and bad decisions in 2011 Montreal. Between chaotic loft parties, messy crushes, and her obsession with writing about Alanis Morissette, it’s a witty, nostalgic dive into the heartbreak and hilarity of figuring life out during the iconic indie sleaze era.
7.
Everyone knows John Candy, but we’ve never seen behind the curtain like we do in John Candy: I Like Me. With interviews from John’s family, colleagues, and fellow A-list actors like Tom Hanks and Steve Martin, this documentary gives us a full, unfiltered view of who John was. We get to see his journey both in and out of the spotlight, and it’s a true blast being reminded of his best hits. Whether you’re a John Candy super-fan or not, this one is certain to make you laugh AND sob.
8.
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution… is a comprehensive, joyous story about one ’70s theatre production in Toronto that bred all your fave Canadian stars: Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, and we could go on. In this documentary, we hear from the legends themselves (as well as never-before-seen recordings of the production, illegally recorded by Martin Short), as they explain the truly once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon that was Godspell. It’s like a wonderful time machine back to Toronto in the ’70s.
9.
From cult web series to a full-blown feature, Nirvanna the Band the Show The Movie follows Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol as their hapless musical duo stumbles through the ultimate publicity stunt—then accidentally through time. Building on their cult web series, the film mixes absurd comedy, pop-culture chaos, and surprisingly heartfelt friendship. It’s a wild, time-bending ride through Toronto’s past, celebrating creativity, misadventure, and doing everything for your dreams…with your weirdo best friend in tow.
10.
Everyone knows the best movies are based on books, and Out Standing is no exception. Set in the ’80s–’90s, this drama is all about Sandra Perron, Canada’s first female infantry officer. It’s based on the memoir written by Perron herself. Chronicling the sexism she faced in the role, we get to see a strong woman face shocking challenges and break down barriers like never before — learning not only what it’s like to be a Canadian soldier, but one who overcame additional hostility in the role.
It’s hard to believe that TIFF is over, but dare we say… We’re already excited for next year! In the meantime, what was your favourite Canadian film from TIFF this year? Tell us in the comments below.
And check out more of our TIFF coverage here.
