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.
It might only be October, but studios are gearing up for awards season. They start releasing all their top contenders now so they’re top of mind when nominations roll around. As a result, we’re knee-deep in thought-provoking, powerful, impressive films that will move and inspire audiences. So far, we’ve got about a political thriller from the famed director of Zero Dark Thirty, a tense academic drama starring Julia Roberts, and the odd story of an escaped prisoner secretly living in a Toys “R” Us. Plus, we’re excited but anxious to watch a film about a mom’s nervous breakdown that’s been repeatedly compared to Uncut Gems.
Best New Movies: Fall 2025
One Battle After Another
Bob is a washed-up radical stagnating in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off the grid with his daughter, Willa. But when Bob’s nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former revolutionary scrambles to find Willa as both father and daughter battle the consequences of their pasts. Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor star.
Where to watch One Battle After Another: Now playing in theaters.
After the Hunt
A college professor is thrown for a loop when a star student makes an accusation against one of her colleagues, threatening to expose a dark secret from her own past. Andrew Garfield, Julia Roberts, and Ayo Edebiri star.
Where to watch After the Hunt: Now playing in theaters.
A House of Dynamite
Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow returns with a new political thriller that’s all but guaranteed to be gripping. At the White House, government officials rush to deal with the threat of a nuclear missile launched by a foreign power at the city of Chicago.
Where to watch A House of Dynamite: Now playing in theaters; streaming on Netflix starting October 24.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Want to feel some real-deal tension? Here’s a film that’s been consistently compared to both Nightbitch and Uncut Gems. Amid her life crashing down, Linda struggles to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her checked-out husband, a missing person, and a particularly hostile relationship with her therapist.
Where to watch If I Had Legs I’d Kick You: Now playing in theaters.
Roofman
After breaking out of prison, convicted thief Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) finds a hideout in a Toys “R” Us, where he lives undetected for months. But when Jeffrey falls for a divorced mom (Kirsten Dunst), his double life starts to unravel.
Where to watch Roofman: Now playing in theaters.
Blue Moon
This Richard Linklater film is set on March 31, 1943, the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Rodgers’ former creative partner, Lorenz Hart, who is struggling with alcoholism and depression, tries to maintain his composure despite his troubles.
Where to watch Blue Moon: Playing in theaters starting October 17.
Frankenstein
Pinocchio director Guillermo del Toro returns with the classic tale of a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment. If you can’t catch this in theaters, watch out for its streaming premiere on November 7.
Where to watch Frankenstein: Playing in theaters starting October 17; streaming on Netflix starting November 7.
Good Fortune
In this supernatural comedy, a well-intentioned angel named Gabriel interferes in the lives of a scrappy gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist. Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, Keanu Reeves, and Aziz Ansari (who also directed) star.
Where to watch Good Fortune: Playing in theaters starting October 17.
It Was Just an Accident
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi was arrested, imprisoned, and banned from making movies by the Iranian government 15 years ago. Since then, he’s been making movies in secret. In this Palme d’Or-winning dark comedy, a mechanic seeks revenge against the government intelligence officer whom he thinks tortured him while in detainment.
Where to watch It Was Just an Accident: Playing in theaters starting October 15.
The Mastermind
Want to catch a heist film this fall? In 1970, Mooney and two associates walk into a museum in broad daylight and take several paintings. When hiding the art ends up being surprisingly difficult, Mooney begins living his life on the run.
Where to watch The Mastermind: Playing in theaters starting October 17.
Bugonia
Two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnap the CEO of a major company (Emma Stone), convinced that she’s an alien who wants to destroy Earth. If you liked Poor Things, you’ll be pleased to learn that this is another collaboration between Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos.
Where to watch Bugonia: Playing in theaters starting October 24.
Honorable Mention: KPop Demon Hunters
While it’s not new, we couldn’t leave KPop Demon Hunters off the list, as it’s still garnering so much attention. If you have children in your life, you’ve probably already heard about this smash hit animated film. But the fun story about friendship, acceptance, and girl power truly transcends elementary school. When K-pop icons Rumi, Mira, and Zoey aren’t selling out stadiums or topping the Billboard charts, they’re moonlighting as demon hunters to protect the world from ever-present supernatural danger. But a new boy band threatens their fame and fate. Expect engaging animation and catchy tunes.
Where to watch KPop Demom Hunters: Now available on Netflix.
