The fall 2025 movie season is upon us, which means audiences will get a wave of award hopefuls and potential blockbusters over the next three months.
There will be, of course, something for everyone – from a dramatic performance by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to a remake of a classic monster movie. Here are 10 films you should add to your calendar this fall.
Don’t be upset we didn’t include Wicked: For Good. You probably have your phone notifications set to remind you to buy tickets already.
One Battle After Another
Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, the action thriller stars Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant) as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary who must face his past and save his daughter from an impending danger. The film is directed by 11-time Oscar-nominated writer-director-producer Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood). If it’s as incredible as it looks, let’s hope one of the most talented directors currently working in Hollywood finally gets his due. Theatrical release on Sept. 26.
The Smashing Machine
Action star and part-time WWE wrestler Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, takes on the most dramatic role of his career in this sports biopic from writer-director Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems). The film tells the story of former mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr. It’s still too early to predict, but Johnson has been getting Oscar buzz since the film played at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month. Theatrical release on Oct. 3.
Kiss of the Spider Woman
The musical is the second film adaptation of the 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig. This time, Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers) plays the titular Spider Woman, a dazzling movie star who takes center stage in the imagination of a prisoner of conscience (Tonatiuh). His fantasies, which he shares with his fellow inmate Valentin (Diego Luna), are the only things which keep them from the reality of their bleak environment. Theatrical release on Oct. 10.
A House of Dynamite
The political thriller directed by Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) follows the U.S. government in crisis. A missile has been launched at the city of Chicago and there’s little time to stop it. Idris Elba (The Suicide Squad) plays the U.S. president. Limited theatrical release on Oct. 10. Netflix release on Oct. 24.
Frankenstein
How many films adapted from author Mary Shelley’s 19th century novel Frankenstein has Hollywood churned out over the past 100 years? No matter. When Oscar-winning director and monster enthusiast Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) wants to create his own version, a studio would be insane not to let him try. Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina) plays scientist Victor Frankenstein, and Jacob Elordi (Saltburn) plays the creature he creates. Limited theatrical release on Oct. 17. Netflix release on Nov. 7.
Predator: Badlands
The ninth film of the Predator franchise, including those Alien vs. Predator crossovers, this sci-fi flick stars Elle Fanning (Super 8) as Thia, a damaged android who teams up with an exiled Predator to go on a treacherous journey. The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who was behind the latest Predator movie, Prey. Theatrical release on Nov. 7.
Die, My Love
The dark comedy-drama directed by Lynne Ramsay (You Were Never Really Here) follows a young couple, Grace (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson), who move from New York City to Montana to live a quiet life. However, isolation isn’t something Grace is used to, and her mental health begins to spiral out of control. Theatrical release on Nov. 7.
Jay Kelly
Directed and co-written by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story), this coming-of-age dramedy pairs Oscar winner George Clooney (Syriana) and comedian Adam Sandler (The Wedding Singer) together for the first time. Clooney plays the title character, a famous actor who contemplates his life choices and legacy when he goes on a trip to Europe with his longtime manager (Sandler). Limited theatrical release on Nov. 14. Netflix release Dec. 5.
Hamnet
Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) fictionalizes the life of English playwright William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes after the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. The film is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell. Oscar-nominated actors Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter) play the Shakespeares. Limited theatrical release on Nov. 27.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
The third installment of the Avatar franchise from Oscar-winning director James Cameron (Titanic) is bound to make a bazillion dollars like its predecessors. Could it also land a Best Picture nomination like them too? The story continues with the introduction of a new volcano-dwelling tribe, the Ash People, who are threatening the Na’vi way of life. Theatrical release on Dec. 19.
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