After a summer dominated by tentpole adventures, family fare and even YouTube creator vision sensations, September ushers in one of the year’s most fascinating stretches for movie lovers. Animation, horror reboots, prestige dramas and festival favorites begin arriving in theaters as studios position films for both commercial success and year-end awards consideration. While many of these titles will expand gradually following premieres at Venice, Telluride, Toronto and New York, audiences can expect an unusually diverse lineup throughout the month.

Sept. 4

How to Rob a Bank: Director David Leitch, whose energetic style powered Bullet Train, returns with an elevated crime caper with Nicholas Hoult leading an ensemble cast outwitting law enforcement while navigating betrayals from within the criminal underworld.

Sept. 11

Practical Magic 2: Susanne Bier’s sequel to a cult favorite crowd-pleaser from a quarter century ago, reunites Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidmana, revisiting the magical family curse that has haunted the Owens women for generations. Expect a younger coven in the mix too.

Sept. 18

Resident Evil:  After years of action-oriented adaptations, the video game inspired franchise returns to its survival-horror roots. Director Zach Cregger, whose Barbarian and Weapons became some of the most acclaimed horror films of the decade, emphasizes suspense, isolation and psychological terror over explosive spectacle as a small group of outbreak survivors desperately attempt to escape as terrifying biological experiments spread. Austin Abrams and Paul Walter Hauser star.

Sept. 25

Forgotten Island: This brand-new original DreamWorks/Universal animated fantasy adventure centers on explorers who stumble upon a mysterious island untouched by modern civilization. Hidden beneath its breathtaking landscapes are magical creatures, forgotten kingdoms and secrets capable of changing the world. Dave Franco and Jenny Slate head the voice cast.

Primetime:  Acclaimed documentarian Lance Oppenheim makes his narrative feature debut with this A24 prestige project starring the ubiquitous Robert Pattinson. Inspired by the media phenomenon surrounding To Catch a Predator, this film examines ethical compromises made by journalists, producers and audiences in pursuit of ratings.

October is traditionally where awards season begins to take shape, and 2026 may feature one of the strongest October lineups in years. Oscar hopefuls from acclaimed filmmakers share the calendar with literary adaptations, comic book films, animated adventures and more IP projects. Whether audiences are searching for prestige dramas or crowd-pleasing entertainment, nearly every weekend offers something noteworthy, with some films still jockeying for their exact weekend.

Oct. 2

Digger: Oscar winning Birdman director Alejandro G. Iñárritu centers Tom Cruise as an enormously influential man racing to convince humanity he alone can solve a worldwide catastrophe that he may have helped create. Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Jesse Plemons and John Goodman support this mysterious satire.

Verity: Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological gothic mystery thriller comes to the screen under the direction of Michael Showalter. A struggling writer (Dakota Johnson) accepts the task of finishing a popular series by an incapacitated author (Anne Hathaway) only to discover disturbing manuscripts hidden inside the family’s home. Josh Hartnett co-stars.

Oct. 9

The Social Reckoning: Aaron Sorkin writes and directs this fact-based companion piece to The Social Network, chronicling how Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen risked everything by partnering with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz to expose the company’s internal knowledge of the platform’s impact on users, teen mental health and global events. Mikey Madison stars as Haugen, with Jeremy Allen White as Horwitz and Jeremy Strong taking over the role of Mark Zuckerberg in a drama exploring the real-world consequences of social media’s unchecked power.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender:  Avatar Studios continues one of animation’s most beloved universes with its first feature centered on an adult Aang. Years after the original series, Team Avatar reunites to confront a new threat capable of disrupting the fragile peace they fought so hard to establish. The fantasy film features voice actors Eric Nam, Jessica Matten, Steven Yeun and Dave Bautista.

Other Mommy: Director Rob Savage, whose intense style helped define films such as Hostel and The Boogeyman, returns with a supernatural horror thriller starring Jessica Chastain as a desperate mother fighting to protect her young daughter from a malevolent, closet-dwelling entity manifesting as her exact doppelgänger. 

Fjord: Following its Palme d’Or triumph at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Neon positions Cristian Mungiu’s latest as one of the season’s premier international awards contenders. Set in a remote Norwegian fjord, the drama follows a devout Romanian-Norwegian family whose close-knit relationship with their neighbors unravels after signs of possible child abuse spark a community reckoning over faith, parenting and cultural values. Starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, this emotionally charged moral drama explores the clash between traditional beliefs and progressive society through Mungiu’s characteristically nuanced lens.

Oct. 16

Street Fighter: Director Kitao Sakurai blends stylized action with colorful personalities in hopes of launching a successful new franchise based on the video game. As the world’s greatest martial artists gather for an international tournament, they uncover a conspiracy. Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo and Jason Momoa star.

Oct. 23

Clayface: Director James Watkins heads into darker territory for James Gunn’s DC Studios with an origin story unlike any previous superhero film. A gifted actor (Tom Rhys Harries) becomes the victim of a horrifying scientific experiment that transforms him into Gotham City’s shape-shifting monster. Naomi Ackie and Eddie Marsan co-star in this body horror thriller.

Klara and the Sun: Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel, Taika (Jojo Rabbit) Waititi’s film unfolds through the perspective of Klara, an “Artificial Friend” (Jenna Ortega) purchased to care for a chronically ill teenager. As Klara observes the complexities of human relationships, she develops an extraordinary understanding of love, sacrifice and hope in a film featuring  Amy Adams.

Oct. TBD

La Bola Negra (The Black Ball):  Inspired by an unfinished work from Federico García Lorca, this sweeping Spanish drama co-directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi explores the lives of three gay men living in different generations whose stories become emotionally intertwined across decades of history. Following its acclaimed festival debut in Cannes, the film has emerged as one of the year’s most celebrated international productions. Penélope Cruz, Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau and Carlos González star in this Netflix production which will get a “platform release” of limited theatrical distribution before streaming.

Bunker:  Oscar-winning playwright and filmmaker Florian Zeller (The Father) returns with an intimate psychological drama centered on a married couple (Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem) sheltering underground during an escalating international crisis. As isolation intensifies, long-buried resentments and fears begin to surface.

Possible Love: Acclaimed Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong (Burning) focuses on two married couples (Jeon Do-yeon, Cho Yeo-jeong, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung) connecting while collaborating on a documentary project, forcing each person to confront difficult truths about love, loyalty and regret.

Ink:  Danny (Slumdog Millionaire) Boyle examines the evolution of modern media through the story of newspaper publisher and Fox News maven Rupert Murdoch, played by Guy Pearce. Rather than functioning as a traditional biopic, the film explores the growing influence of tabloid journalism and its impact on politics, entertainment and public opinion.

If late October belongs to critics, November belongs to everyone. Studios begin rolling out their biggest holiday attractions while prestige distributors expand acclaimed festival favorites nationwide. Family films, historical dramas, literary adaptations and blockbuster franchises all converge during one of the busiest moviegoing months of the year.

Nov. 6

The Cat in the Hat: One of children’s literature’s most beloved troublemakers returns in a completely new animated adventure inspired by Dr. Seuss’ timeless classic. Rather than simply retelling the original story, the filmmakers expand the Cat’s whimsical universe with new characters, elaborate visual set pieces and plenty of playful humor for audiences of every age. Bill Hader lends his unmistakable comic energy to the voice of the title character, opposite Quinta Brunson, Xochitl Gomez and Bowen Yang.

Wild Horse Nine: Martin (Banshees of Inisherin) McDonagh reunites with longtime collaborator Sam Rockwell. Set on a remote island, the dark comedy follows a collection of morally questionable characters whose ambitions, betrayals and long-held grudges erupt into increasingly outrageous confrontations. John Malkovich headlines a remarkable ensemble with Steve Buscemi and Parker Posey, expected to include droll dialogue.

Club Kid: Inspired by New York’s legendary nightlife scene, Jordan Firstman’s Club Kid explores ambition, identity and celebrity within an underground culture where reinvention becomes both liberation and obsession. A24 continues its tradition of releasing stylish, character-driven dramas aimed at adventurous moviegoers. With a colorful visual style and energetic soundtrack, the film promises to capture the excitement and excess of an unforgettable era. Cara Delevingne and Diego Calva headline. 

Nov. 13

Paper Tiger: James (Armageddon Time) Gray’s latest drama examines the emotional consequences of power, ambition and family loyalty through the story of siblings forced to confront decades of hidden resentment after a shocking personal revelation. Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller star in this Neon prestige pic.

Nov. 20

I Play Rocky: Peter (Green Book) Farrelly celebrates an inspiring cinematic success story. Rather than just chronicling the making of Rocky, this biographical drama focuses on Sylvester Stallone’s extraordinary determination to bring his screenplay to life despite repeated setbacks. Anthony Ippolito portrays the young Stallone during the pivotal months that forever changed his career.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping: Returning to Panem a quarter century before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, this prequel follows teen Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) who is selected for the brutal Fiftieth Hunger Games, aka the Second Quarter Quell. Francis Lawrence returns to direct another chapter in Suzanne Collins’ universe, with Ralph Fiennes portraying President Snow decades before the original films. Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke and Kieran Culkin round out the ensemble.

Nov. 25

Focker-in-Law: More than two decades after audiences first met this awkward extended family, Universal reunites much of the original cast for more awkward reunions, impossible expectations and escalating misunderstandings. This time, a new generation of relatives complicates an already chaotic family dynamic. Writer/director John Hamburg returns with Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner and Ariana Grande.

Nov. 25

Hexed: Disney looks to reclaim a hint of Thanksgiving box office dominance with a fantasy adventure animated feature centered on an ancient curse unexpectedly transforming the lives of an ordinary family. Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones headline the voice cast.

Every December promises movie magic, but 2026 may deliver one of the most competitive holiday seasons in modern memory. Superheroes, science fiction epics, fantasy adventures, horror, family animation and prestige dramas all crowd multiplexes within a few short weeks. For movie lovers, it may be impossible to see everything before the calendar turns to 2027.

Dec. 4

Violent Night 2: After turning Santa Claus into an unlikely action hero in the surprise 2022 hit, director Tommy Wirkola reunites with David Harbour for another gleefully over-the-top holiday adventure balancing outrageous violence with surprisingly heartfelt holiday sentiment. The sequel is expected to send its gruff St. Nick into another battle against criminals who have made the mistake of ruining Christmas.

Dec. 11

The Debut: Jesse Eisenberg directs and writes (including songs) this character-driven drama set in the theatre world about an aging performer forced to reconsider artistic ambition, mentorship and legacy. Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti headline what promises to be one of the year’s strongest acting showcases from A24, building on expected buzz from Toronto Film Festival. The movie blends humor, music and emotional honesty into an expected heartfelt examination of ambition, reinvention and the sacrifices required to pursue creative fulfillment. 

Clarissa: Neon continues its awards-season drip campaigns with this specialty Nigerian drama centered on a woman confronting a series of life-changing personal decisions. Directed by Arie and Chuko Esiri, this character study reimagines Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway character in contemporary Africa, following a society woman preparing for a party and reflecting on her past. Starring Sophie Okonedo, David Oyelowo and Ayo Edebiri, this film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

December 18 brings two blockbusters, Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, on the same day. Is it double the box office as “Dunesday” (or with Florence Pugh in both, is it a “Free-Flo” or a “Florence-torrent”)? This clash of tentpole titans will be worth watching closely. 

Dec. 18

Avengers: Doomsday:  Marvel Studios launches its next cinematic event bringing together heroes from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. At the center stands an unexpected adversary: Robert Downey Jr., returning to Marvel not as Iron Man, but as the legendary Victor Von Doom. The Russo brothers helm a multiverse-spanning spectacle inspired by Marvel’s acclaimed comic storylines. Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Ryan Reynolds, Simu Liu and Sebastian Stan are among the sprawling ensemble.

Dune: Part Three: Denis Villeneuve returns to Arrakis for the concluding chapter of his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s original saga, drawing heavily from Dune Messiah. Now Emperor, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) discovers that victory has brought consequences far beyond anything he imagined as political conspiracies, religious fanaticism and personal tragedy threaten everything he fought to build. Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy and returning Jason Momoa co-star. 

Dec. 23

The Angry Birds Movie 3: The titular winged characters including voice talent of Jason Sudeikis, Danny McBride, Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lily James return for another animated adventure inspired by Rovio’s enormously popular mobile game franchise. This time, an unexpected alliance forces longtime rivals to work together against a threat capable of disrupting life across Bird Island and beyond. We suppose audiences will flock.

Dec. 25

Jumanji: Open World: The blockbuster franchise reaches its next chapter with a twist: instead of people entering the game, the game’s avatars escape into the real world. As the digital and human worlds collide, familiar heroes must stop increasingly chaotic consequences before reality itself spirals out of control in Jake Kasdan’s sequel with Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Awkwafina and Danny DeVito.

A Place in Hell: Following the success of Fair Play, Chloe Domont returns with another morally complex thriller. Michelle Williams stars as an elite attorney whose carefully constructed professional life begins unraveling after she becomes involved in a deeply troubling legal case. Andrew Scott and Daisy Edgar-Jones co-star.

Werwulf: Following The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman and Nosferatu, Robert Eggers returns to historical horror with a chilling tale rooted in medieval folklore. Set centuries before the modern werewolf myth became popularized, the film explores superstition, religious fear and survival in an isolated European village haunted by an ancient predator. The cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe and Ralph Ineson.

Whether you’re drawn to intimate independent dramas, international cinema, family animation, pulse-pounding action or ambitious science fiction, this fall offers a notable lineup. It promises to be a season that reminds audiences why the communal experience of discovering movies on the big screen remains as exciting as ever.