“The Threesome”
Zooey Deutch stars in the R-rated romantic comedy “The Threesome” from director Chad Hartigan. Evident by the title, the film follows a night between a committed couple and a woman they meet before having a threesome. However, the film finds its twist when both women end up pregnant. Jonah Hauer-King, Ruby Cruz, Jaboukie Young-White, and Josh Segarra also star.
Release Date: In theaters September 5 via Vertical.
“The Long Walk”
In one of the most talked-about films of the month, “The Long Walk” readies itself as the second Stephen King adaptation of the year (following “The Life of Chuck,”) with ‘Chuck’ being the much lighter tale. The film follows a group of young men randomly selected through a lottery system to enter a contest where they must walk across the country at a three-mile-an-hour speed. If they stop, they die. The winner is the last one standing. Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson anchor the cast.
Release Date: In theaters September 12 via Lionsgate.
“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues”
Forty years after the original film’s events, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” seeks to reclaim the manic energy and improv that fueled its predecessor. The talent behind and in front of the camera reunites with Rob Reiner directing and Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer all reprising their roles. The film follows the days leading up to the band’s last show.
Release Date: In theaters September 12 via Bleecker Street.
“The History of Sound”
Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor combine their talents for the introspective and subtle “The History of Sound” from director Oliver Hermanus. Based on a pair of short stories from Ben Shattuck, the film follows two men who meet and bond over music, forming a romantic relationship. The film follows their relationship and trip to rural Maine, where they intend to collect folk songs.
Release Date: In theaters September 12 via MUBI.
“Him”
Directed by Justin Tipping (“Kicks”),” Him” is getting a lot of attention due to the producing credit from Jordan Peele. Co-written by Skip Bronkie, Zack Akers, and Tipping, the film follows Tyriq Withers as a promising young football player invited to train under the tutelage of the team’s aging quarterback, played by Marlon Wayans. From there, the story unravels as it explores the instability of fame.
Release Date: In theaters September 19 via Universal Pictures.
“Big Bold Beautiful Journey”
Following his work on his previous two films, “Columbus” and “After Yang,” the Margot Robbie and Collin Farrell-led “Big Bold Beautiful Journey” has a lot to live up to. The story, written by Seth Reiss, follows two strangers as they meet and follow how their destinies intersect. The cast includes Kevin Kline, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lily Rabe, Jodie Turner-Smith, Billy Magnussen, and more.
Release Date: In theaters September 19 via Sony Pictures Releasing.
“Plainclothes”
Having received strong reviews for his debut at the 2025 Sundance, “Plainclothes” now receives its theatrical release. Directed by Carmen Emmi and starring Tomy Blyth and Russell Tovey, the film, inspired by true events, takes place in New York during the 1990s, following an undercover officer tasked with entrapping and apprehending gay men. However, this changes when he finds himself drawn to one of his targets. Maria Dizzia, Christian Cooke, Gabe Fazio, Amy Forsyth, and John Bedford-Lyons round out the cast.
Release Date: In theaters September 19 via Magnolia Pictures.
“Steve”
Cillian Murphy stars as a headteacher at a school for boys with societal and behavioral difficulties in “Steve.” Based on the novella “Shy” by Max Porter, which is the second collaboration between Murphy and Mielants in the last two years. Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson also star.
Release Date: In theaters September 19, before streaming on Netflix October 3.
“Adulthood”
Josh Gad and Kaya Scodelario play a pair of siblings who uncover a corpse in their parents’ basement, leading them on an increasingly dangerous journey. Directed and starring Alex Winter with a script from Michael M.B. Gavin, the film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before arriving in theaters later this month.
Release Date: In theaters September 19 via Republic Pictures Paramount.
“Eleanor the Great”
Scarlett Johansson makes his directorial debut with “Eleanor the Great,” starring June Squibb. Squibb plays a 94-year-old woman who, after 70 years of living with her best friend, moves to New York City, where she befriends a 19-year-old student. Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor also star.
Release Date: In theaters September 26 via Sony Pictures Classics.
“The Lost Bus”
Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera star in the survival drama “The Lost Bus” from director Paul Greengrass. Based on true events, the film follows a bus driver who must navigate wildfires in order to get a group of students and their teacher to safety. Based on the novel “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire,” the story draws on the events of the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California’s history.
Release Date: Available to stream September 26 on Apple TV+.
“One Battle After Another”
Paul Thomas Anderson returns and pairs up with Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another.” The crime-filler, loosely based on the novel “Vineland,” boasts a stellar cast including DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chas Infiniti. The film follows a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.
Release Date: In theaters September 26 via Warner Bros. Pictures.
Honorable Mentions: Elsewhere, there’s the dual performance from Dylan O’Brien in “Twinless,” which got a lot of attention out of Sundance earlier this year, out September 5. The Chinese animated sequel “The Legend of Hei 2” and the Orlando Bloom-starring “The Cut” also arrive in theaters September 5.
Dev Patel stars in the psychological-horror “Rabbit Trap” about a married couple who escape to the woods to record a new album, out September 12. “Peacock” delivers an interesting story about a man who works at a company called MyCompanion, where he fills in as any desired role for any of his clients, out September 19. And then, for a tonal shift, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” which marks the final feature in the series, is out September 12.
New England-based Tomatometer-approved film and television critic. Ally is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, and the Online Film Critics Society. Her writing has also appeared at RogerEbert.com and The Mary Sue.
