As summer winds down and Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the season, moviegoers are gearing up for a fresh slate of films. This period traditionally bridges the lighter, blockbuster fare of summer with the awards-season contenders of fall. From horror sequels and literary adaptations to biopics and experimental dramas, the next three months promise an eclectic mix of cinema designed to entertain, challenge, and inspire audiences across the United States.
Below, we break down the most anticipated films from early September through late November, highlighting major releases, key cast members, and potential box-office and awards appeal.
‘The Cut’ – September 5
Orlando Bloom returns to the big screen in The Cut, a boxing drama that channels the gritty spirit of classics like Rocky. Bloom plays a troubled boxer who confronts personal demons while navigating the high-stakes world of professional fighting. Caitríona Balfe and John Turturro costar, bringing additional gravitas to the ensemble.
Films centered on the struggles of athletes often draw awards attention, particularly for performances that explore vulnerability and resilience. With Bloom in the lead, The Cut is positioned to balance commercial appeal with critical recognition.
Image alt text: Orlando Bloom in a boxing scene from The Cut, Sept. 5 release.
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ – September 5
The horror franchise that redefined supernatural thrillers continues with The Conjuring: Last Rites. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, facing a demonic presence that escalates beyond previous encounters.
This installment promises an epic conclusion, drawing on real-life lore, including stories connected to the infamous Annabelle doll. The franchise’s consistent track record for delivering tense, chilling experiences ensures a strong opening weekend for horror fans.
Image alt text: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga confronting a demonic entity in The Conjuring: Last Rites.
‘Twinless’ – September 5
Twinless introduces a modern fable exploring grief, identity, and connection. Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney portray two young men who bond after losing their identical twin brothers. Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girls also stars.
Blending drama and emotional introspection, the film explores themes of sibling loss and personal growth. It’s expected to resonate with audiences seeking heartfelt narratives outside mainstream blockbuster fare.
Image alt text: Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney in a reflective scene from Twinless.
‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’ – September 12
Christopher Guest returns with a sequel to the 1984 cult classic This Is Spinal Tap. The film reunites the mockumentary’s original cast while offering satirical commentary on the music industry.
Guest, known for hits like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show, delivers humor that blends nostalgia with contemporary insight. Fans of the original will appreciate the continuity, while new audiences may be introduced to the absurdly humorous world of rock mockumentaries.
Image alt text: The band Spinal Tap performing in the trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.
‘The Long Walk’ – September 12
Based on Stephen King’s Richard Bachman novella, The Long Walk chronicles a grueling competition where boys must maintain a relentless pace under lethal consequences. David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman, Jordan Gonzalez, Ben Wang, and Tut Nyuot lead the cast.
King adaptations continue to draw both horror and literary audiences. The story’s tension and moral ambiguity position it as a contender for awards in cinematography and direction, while offering a chilling spectacle for general viewers.
Image alt text: Young contestants face off in the intense race of The Long Walk.
‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ – September 12
After nearly a decade since the original series concluded, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale returns the Crawleys and Granthams to the screen. Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, and Laura Carmichael reprise their roles.
The film promises closure for fans, navigating the dynamics of legacy, social change, and family intrigue. Although Maggie Smith, the beloved Dowager Countess, passed away in 2024, the film honors her character’s enduring influence on the narrative.
Image alt text: Cast of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale during a dramatic scene in the mansion.
‘Him’ – September 19
Produced by Jordan Peele, Him examines ambition and the perils of mentorship through the lens of football. Marlon Wayans stars as a former champion whose extreme methods influence a young athlete, played by Tyriq Withers.
The film blends sports drama with psychological tension, appealing to audiences drawn to character-driven narratives with a cautionary edge. Peele’s involvement suggests an emphasis on suspense and social commentary.
Image alt text: Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers in a tense scene from Him.
‘History of Sound’ – September 19
This period drama explores a clandestine romance between a World War I-era music prodigy, played by Paul Mescal, and a student collector of folk songs, portrayed by Josh O’Connor.
Quietly contemplative, the film highlights cultural preservation and the complexities of love in a restrictive historical era. It complements Mescal and O’Connor’s other projects in 2025, creating a cohesive season for the actors’ fans.
Image alt text: Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor sharing a moment in History of Sound.
‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ – September 19
Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell star in this surreal narrative about characters who traverse doors into alternate periods of their lives. Following Robbie’s success in Barbie, this film ventures into whimsical, metaphysical storytelling.
The film’s adventurous concept offers a visually engaging cinematic experience, merging romance, fantasy, and existential themes.
Image alt text: Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell navigate surreal doorways in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
Upcoming Titles: September to November 2025
Beyond these September releases, the fall film season introduces a mix of prestige dramas, genre films, and award contenders:
One Battle After Another (Sep 26) – Paul Thomas Anderson reunites Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro in a revolutionary-era drama.
Good Boy (Oct 3) – A haunted house story told from a dog’s perspective, merging horror and family appeal.
Anemone (Oct 3) – Daniel Day-Lewis returns from retirement in a family drama directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, alongside Sean Bean.
The Smashing Machine (Oct 3) – Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt portray real-life MMA champions in a sports biopic.
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Oct 10) – Jennifer Lopez stars in a remake of Manuel Puig’s novel, co-starring Diego Luna.
Tron: Ares (Oct 10) – A technologically advanced sequel in the virtual reality franchise, featuring a Nine Inch Nails soundtrack.
It Was Just an Accident (Oct 15) – Cannes 2025 Palme d’Or winner from Iran explores mistaken identity and revenge.
After the Hunt (Oct 17) – Luca Guadagnino’s legal drama starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield.
Good Fortune (Oct 17) – Keanu Reeves, Sandra Oh, Seth Rogen, and Aziz Ansari headline a body-swap comedy.
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (Oct 24) – Biopic chronicling Bruce Springsteen’s rise, starring Jeremy Allen White.
Mortal Kombat II (Oct 24) – Karl Urban joins the sequel to the 2021 video game adaptation reboot.
Blue Moon (Oct 24) – Historical musical drama starring Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Oct 24) – Rose Byrne’s portrayal of a mother in peril signals potential Oscar buzz.
Bugonia (Oct 31) – Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone star in Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest surrealist project.
Predator: Badlands (Nov 7) – Elle Fanning leads as an android allied with a Predator.
Die My Love (Nov 7) – Jennifer Lawrence stars in a festival-favorite exploring psychosis and maternal struggle.
Nuremberg (Nov 7) – Russell Crowe and Rami Malek star in a historical epic on post-WWII trials.
I Wish You All The Best (Nov 7) – Trans teen coming-of-age story from Tommy Dorfman, featuring Alexandra Daddario and Cole Sprouse.
The Running Man (Nov 14) – Glen Powell takes on the titular role in a macabre, high-stakes competition.
Rental Family (Nov 21) – Brendan Fraser stars in a cross-cultural comedy-drama set in Tokyo.
Wicked: For Good (Nov 21) – Follow-up to the hit musical adaptation, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
These releases reflect a diverse cinematic landscape. Audiences can expect high-profile sequels, adaptations of celebrated literature, innovative dramas, and genre films poised to generate both commercial success and critical attention.
Looking Ahead
As moviegoers transition from summer blockbusters to fall fare, studios strategically position films for both box-office performance and awards season. September through November 2025 demonstrates a remarkable mix of offerings—balancing familiar franchises with fresh, ambitious projects. From psychological thrillers and sports dramas to period romances and biographical studies, this season underscores the continued evolution of cinema in catering to diverse tastes while maintaining cultural relevance.
