There’s nothing quite like a great movie to give you some much-needed escapism from the stresses of work, family, and everything else you’re balancing. And if you’ve already run through the feel-good movies on Netflix or gobbled up our favorite book-to-film adaptations, you’re probably looking for something new. Luckily, there’s a slew of great movies out this season to freshen up your watch list.
As we gradually dip our toes into the holidays, many of the films coming to theaters are bonafide awards season hopefuls. That said, we’re planning to watch everything from searing dramas vying for the spotlight to lighthearted cartoons that take the edge off.
On our list, you’ll find the epic conclusion of a star-studded musical, a documentary about end of life that will make you cry, a period-piece spoof that’ll delight fans of of Downton Abbey, and so much more. Grab the popcorn and let’s dive in.
Best New Movies: Fall 2025
Come See Me In the Good Light
This touching documentary follows iconic poet Andrea Gibson — who passed away in July 2025 — as they navigate a terminal cancer diagnosis. Alongside their partner, Megan Falley, Gibson works towards a big final performance, bringing their spoken word skills to life on an otherwise tragic topic. The film was produced in part by comedian Tig Notaro, whom our very own Katie Couric recently interviewed on Substack; after watching the pair delved into the emotional intricacies of this tear-jerking film, you won’t want to miss it.
Where to watch: Currently playing in theaters and streaming on Apple TV.
Wicked: For Good
This sequel to Jon M. Chu’s 2024 smash hit musical drama is an absolute must-watch. Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lurks in the Ozian forest, while the famous Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City. As a blood thirsty mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Elphaba will need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good. Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, and Bowen Yang star.
Where to watch: In theaters now.
Rental Family
Brendan Fraser stars as a lonely American actor living in Tokyo who starts working for a Japanese rental family service to play stand-in roles in other people’s lives. Along the way, he finds surprising connections and unexpected joys within his new family.
Where to watch: In theaters now.
Train Dreams
Robert Grainier lives all of his years in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, working on the land, helping to create a new world at the turn of the 20th century. This drama is based on a novella by the legendary writer Denis Johnson (if you know, you know). The film stars Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and William H. Macy.
Where to watch: On Netflix now.
Left-Handed Girl
In this vibrant film, a single mother and her two daughters arrive in Taipei to open a small restaurant in the heart of a bustling night market. Each of them must find a way to adapt to their new surroundings. The film was written and directed by Shih-Ching Tsou, longtime collaborator of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sean Baker (of Anora fame), who also edited the film.
Where to watch: In theaters now, on Netflix Nov. 28.
Eternity
In this fantastical comedy, everybody gets one week to pick where to spend eternity after they die. But Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) has to carefully choose between spending it with her first love, who died in a war, or the man she built her life with.
Where to watch: In theaters Nov. 26.
Hamnet
William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, are blissful after the birth of their son, Hamnet. However, when Hamnet tragically passes away, it inspires Shakespeare to write his timeless masterpiece “Hamlet.” Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star in this historical drama.
Where to watch: In theaters Nov. 26.
Zootopia 2
In this raucous, family-friendly sequel, detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde follow the twisting trail of a reptile who turns the mammal metropolis of Zootopia upside down. Testing their burgeoning partnership like never before, they journey into new parts of town to crack the case. Expect laughs, cool cameos (Shakira voices a gazelle), and a heartfelt ending.
Where to watch: In theaters Nov. 26.
Fackham Hall
Calling all fans of Downton Abbey: This over-the-top parody period film is for you. A new porter forms an odd bond with the youngest daughter of a prosperous family. Meanwhile, the Davenport family grapples with the epic disaster of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin.
Where to watch: In theaters Dec. 5.
Rosemead
On the other hand, sometimes we crave a tense drama about an impossible situation. In a race against time, a sick mother (Lucy Liu) is stricken by the discovery of her teenage son’s violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him — and possibly others — in this portrait of a Chinese American family.
Where to watch: In theaters Dec. 5.
