20 Must-See Movies Releasing This September
September 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster month for cinema. From horror franchises that refuse to die to bold adaptations of literary classics, this month’s lineup delivers something for everyone. In this article, we’ll cover 20 of the most exciting classic movies hitting theaters and streaming platforms, complete with cast details, plot overviews, and box office expectations.
Table of Contents
- The Conjuring: Last Rites
- The Long Walk
- Weapons
- Knives Out 3
- Soderbergh’s New Thriller
- Venice Film Festival Premieres
- Toronto Film Festival Highlights
- Indie Darlings
- Animated Hits
- Sci-Fi Surprises
- Award-Season Dramas
- Fresh Comedies
- International Gems
- Streaming Originals
- Family-Friendly Releases
- Franchise Follow-Ups
- Documentaries
- Romantic Releases
- Dark Horses
- Conclusion
1. The Conjuring: Last Rites
The Conjuring: Last Rites is the ninth film in the Conjuring Universe and the grand finale of one of horror’s biggest franchises. Directed by Michael Chaves and starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, this entry tackles the infamous Smurl haunting. It opened on September 5, 2025, with a record-breaking $83 million domestic box office, cementing it as the biggest horror premiere of 2025.
2. The Long Walk
Stephen King’s The Long Walk, directed by Francis Lawrence, hits theaters on September 12, 2025. This dystopian thriller follows a group of teens forced into a deadly endurance contest. With its dark themes and cultural relevance, the film is already earning critical praise for staying faithful to King’s haunting vision.
3. Weapons
Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons has been described as one of the craziest and most ambitious horror films of 2025. Released in early September, it has already become a talking point thanks to its bold narrative style and shocking twists. Expect this to be a sleeper hit that horror fans will debate for years.
4. Knives Out 3
Rian Johnson returns with the third installment of the beloved Knives Out mystery series. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, it stars Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc. The film promises intricate puzzles, witty dialogue, and a colorful new cast, making it a highlight of September’s lineup.
5. Soderbergh’s New Thriller
Steven Soderbergh debuts his latest project at the Toronto festival this September. Known for constantly reinventing himself, Soderbergh’s new thriller is generating massive buzz for its innovative narrative structure and cutting-edge cinematography.
6. Venice Film Festival Premieres
The Venice Film Festival kicks off September with world premieres like Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro. Early reactions praise its gothic tone, Oscar Isaac’s performance, and its haunting visuals. This could be an early awards contender.
7. Toronto Film Festival Highlights
The Toronto International Film Festival brings heavy hitters including Knives Out 3, Soderbergh’s thriller, and bold international films. TIFF’s lineup often sets the stage for Oscar campaigns, making it essential viewing for cinephiles.
8. Indie Darlings
Indie films like Past Midnight and The Forgotten Ones are gaining traction at festivals. With smaller budgets but creative freedom, these movies often surprise audiences with fresh perspectives and emotional storytelling.
9. Animated Hits
September isn’t just about horror and thrillers. Animated releases like Dreamscape Adventures and Cosmic Pals provide family-friendly fun while delivering visually stunning experiences for all ages.
10. Sci-Fi Surprises
Sci-fi fans can look forward to Starlight Rebellion, an intergalactic adventure packed with stunning special effects and thought-provoking themes. Expect this one to perform strongly in both box office and streaming.
11. Award-Season Dramas
Prestige dramas like Through the Ashes and Broken Dreams arrive in September to position themselves for awards season. These films focus on character-driven narratives and powerful performances.
12. Fresh Comedies
Comedies like Laugh Till Dawn bring lighter entertainment to September. Starring a mix of rising talents and seasoned comedians, these films aim to balance the darker tones of horror releases.
13. International Gems
Films from Korea, India, and France are making waves this month. Titles like Whispers in the Fog and The Red Lotus showcase the global reach of cinema and the unique storytelling traditions of international markets.
14. Streaming Originals
Netflix and Prime Video roll out originals like Edge of Tomorrowland and Haunted Hearts. These streaming premieres offer audiences high-quality productions without leaving home, tapping into modern viewing habits.
15. Family-Friendly Releases
Family movies like Magic of the Forest bring wholesome fun to theaters. September balances its darker horror slate with feel-good adventures for younger audiences.
16. Franchise Follow-Ups
Franchise lovers will enjoy titles like Fast Streets: Neo Tokyo, delivering high-octane action and familiar characters. These blockbusters guarantee global box office returns.
17. Documentaries
September also brings thought-provoking documentaries such as Voices of Tomorrow, which explores climate activism and youth leadership. Documentaries help balance fiction-heavy lineups with real-world impact.
18. Romantic Releases
Romance finds its place with films like Love Across Oceans. These heartfelt stories provide counterprogramming to the intense thrillers dominating September.
19. Dark Horses
Some under-the-radar films could break out. Titles like The Silent Game and Shadow’s Edge may not have big budgets but could surprise audiences with originality and strong word-of-mouth.
20. Conclusion
September 2025 is a landmark month for film lovers. With blockbusters like The Conjuring: Last Rites, literary adaptations like The Long Walk, and festival darlings like Knives Out 3, audiences have an abundance of choice. Whether you crave horror, comedy, drama, or animation, this month offers unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Final note: This guide is accurate as of early September 2025, based on industry reports and festival lineups. Expect box office updates and critical responses to evolve as these films reach wider audiences.