The summer lineup may be over, but September still brings plenty of exciting movies to theaters. This past season was dominated by blockbusters such as Superman and Lilo & Stitch. While September may not boast tentpole releases of that scale, it has no shortage of intriguing projects worth a trip to the cinema.
Even with all the great options on streaming, there is no match for seeing a great movie on the big screen. September has a number of movies that can deliver that cinematic magic. From the conclusion of two popular franchises to a new Stephen King adaptation to the return of a modern filmmaking master, there is something for everyone with these must-see movies hitting theaters.
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Release Date: September 5
From Sinners to Weapons, 2025 has already been a standout year for horror movies, but September sees the release of one of the most popular modern horror franchises. The Conjuring movies depict the terrifying cases of real-life paranormal investigators, Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga). The Conjuring: Last Rites is set to be the final movie with the two characters.
This will be the fourth time Wilson and Farmiga have stepped into their roles as the Warrens, although the franchise has already had several spinoffs, like The Nun and Annabelle. This suggests the franchise could continue without the main characters. However, given that the Conjuring movies play fast and loose with the "true story", there's no telling how they will end the Warrens' story.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Release Date: September 12
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale marks the end of another beloved franchise, though a very different one from The Conjuring. Downton Abbey started on the small screen with the acclaimed period drama detailing the lives of a British aristocratic family and their servants during the early 1900s.
The series ran for six seasons, ending in 2015. The popularity of the series brought the story to the big screen. As the third movie, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale marks the end of the story. Focusing on the Crawley family and their close friends as they face the end of an era, it promises to be an emotional farewell.
The Long Walk
Release Date: September 12
The latest Stephen King adaptation is enough to raise anticipation, and the buzz around The Long Walk is strong. The movie is a dark dystopian tale of a society in which young men are forced to participate in an annual march. They must maintain the set pace at all times or else be executed.
The harrowing premise sets the stage for a bleak and powerful story. Director Francis Lawrence previously helmed the majority of the Hunger Games movies, but The Long Walk is an even more twisted tale of those in power subjecting young people to deadly challenges. It also has the benefit of featuring Mark Hamill in a rare villainous role.
Him
Release Date: September 19
Him is an intriguing new horror movie that features one of the rare instances of the genre blending with a sports story. Rising star Tyriq Withers stars as a promising young football player who is given the opportunity to train with a legendary quarterback (Marlon Wayans). However, the opportunity turns to horror as he is put through various sinister challenges to test his will to succeed.
Though Jordan Peele's next movie as a director has been delayed, he remains a strong presence as a producer on Him. The movie is poised to deliver the same haunting imagery and complex social commentary that Peele's work is known for. However, Him is the vision of director Justin Tipping, who could emerge as an exciting new filmmaking voice.
One Battle After Another
Release Date: September 26
One Battle After Another is the first collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson. The acclaimed actor and filmmaker seem like a perfect match for each other, having both delivered several classic movies in their respective careers. One Battle After Another could be the latest hit for them both.
The movie is also a bit of a departure for both DiCaprio and Anderson, as it is a madcap action movie starring DiCaprio as an ex-revolutionary who must confront an old enemy when his daughter is captured. Seeing the duo team up for this wild ride is sure to be a blast and could even be a strong awards contender later on.
Skip - The Strangers: Chapter 2
Release Date: September 26
Die-hard horror fans have some great options to check out in theaters this month, but they don't need to bother with The Strangers: Chapter 2. The new movie continues the story of Maya (Madelaine Petsch), who was the sole survivor of the last attack from the masked killers who are now hunting her down to finish what they started.
The original The Strangers, released in 2008, was an effective horror movie, but the franchise never managed to grow. The ambitious attempt to create a new trilogy of movies, beginning with The Strangers: Chapter 1, was interesting. Unfortunately, the first movie was a dull retread that misunderstood the appeal of the original movie, leaving little reason to check out the next chapter.