Summer may be the season that sees the highest number of mainstream releases, but there is still plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead as we approach autumn and winter in terms of new movies hitting theaters.
In particular, as we gear up for Halloween in the coming weeks, September will see several films be more deeply rooted in horror — such as the new supernatural screamfest, Barbarian, or the Danish indie film, Speak No Evil.
Along with those new movies, there is still plenty of opportunities to see some fantastic movies from the weeks’ past before they disappear from theaters, including Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., Nope, and (unbelievably) Top Gun: Maverick.
Here are all the movies you can find playing at your local movie theaters starting this weekend.
Updated: September 8
Popular New Releases
All the movies that have audiences buzzing or that fans have been eagerly awaiting for months.
Barbarian
Haunted house movies are a staple of horror, having been featured in everything from popular horror movies like Poltergeist to ‘70s exploitation films like The Amityville Horror. The newest entry to the distinct subgenre offers a more modern inversion of the haunted house trope, exploring what it would be like to spend the night at a sinister Airbnb rental house.
Tess (Georgina Campbell) is a young woman who arrives in Detroit for a job interview. Renting an Airbnb for the night, Tess is initially surprised to find the house double-booked and that a peculiar man (Bill Skarsgård) is already there occupying it. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the night anyway, leading to a night of horrifying discoveries.
Reviews for Barbarian have been generally enthusiastic thus far, praise being allocated towards the movie’s suspense, unpredictability, and originality in updating the haunted house subgenre.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
IMDb score: 7.4
Brahmastra Part One: Shiva
In recent years, Bollywood films have found a growing number of receptive fans among global audiences. In the wake of the incredibly successful Indian Telugu film, RRR, viewers are looking forward to the latest Bollywood arrival, the fantasy adventure movie, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva.
Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor) is a radio DJ who discovers he has pyrotechnic superpowers, as well as uncovering the knowledge that he’s able to activate the Brahmāstra — an all-powerful weapon capable of destroying the universe.
The first in a planned three-part series, reviews for Brahmastra Part One: Shiva have been scarce thus far, but the few critics who have seen the film have positively noted its visuals and inventive storyline, calling it a promising first entry in a trilogy.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: %
IMDb score: TBD
Honk for Jesus, Save Your Soul.
Religion is a hard subject to explore in a comedy film. In it, you risk either offending or alienating religious audience members, or not having enough of an edge to actually portray the subject in a more fundamental or moving way.
Luckily, Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. strikes a great balance, portraying the hypocrisy of religious leaders and the pitfalls of organized religion in a tasteful, hilarious way.
Trinitie (Regina Hall) and Lee-Curtis Childs (Sterling K. Brown) are a husband and wife in charge of a massive megachurch with a congregation numbering in the thousands. Rocked by a scandal that causes their public fall from grace, the Childs ambitiously plan on relaunching their careers.
Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. is an inventive, humorous, and at times biting social satire on religious groups, led by winning performances from Hall and Brown.
Where to watch: In theaters/on Peacock.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
IMDb score: 5.3
Beast
A survival thriller in the same mold as Jaws and The Grey, Beast is a fun albeit slightly silly monster movie that may be short on logic, but still an entertaining movie overall.
Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) is a recently widowed father who travels with his two daughters to an African game reserve in the hopes of reconnecting with them.
Soon, however, they find themselves stalked by a massive, man-eating lion who hunts them across the reserve.
So far, Beast has earned mostly mixed reviews, criticism mostly going to its somewhat thin plot and lack of basis in reality (most critics are quick to point out that lions aren’t as aggressive as the one seen in the film).
However, more positive reviews opine that the movie is still a worthwhile B-movie thriller, containing some tense moments and generally decent action and horror.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
IMDb score: 5.8
Three Thousand Years of Longing
It’s been seven long years since we’ve seen George Miller after his 2014 genre-bending apocalyptic action movie, Mad Max: Fury Road. Now, the Australian filmmaker returns with his most recent directorial effort, the fantasy film Three Thousand Years of Longing.
Based on a short story by AS Byatt, a traveling academic (Tilda Swinton) happens across an imprisoned Djinn (Idris Elba) who offers her three wishes, leading to consequences neither could’ve expected.
Premiering at this year’s past Cannes Film Festival, Three Thousand Years of Longing had a mixed response among early viewers.
Critics positively commented on the film’s ambition, scope, and visuals, but criticized the lackluster screenplay and the movie’s tendency to jump around far too often to provide a genuinely moving story.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%
IMDb score: 6.1
Burial
With how many World War 2 films there have been over the years, it can be easy to forget of how brutal and downright terrifying the conflict really was. A film that channels the darkest aspects of World War 2, Burial is a more horror-centric approach to the genre.
With the end of World War 2 in sight, a group of Russian soldiers are tasked with transporting the corpse of Adolf Hitler from Berlin to their homeland.
Meeting a roadblock on the way, the remaining Russian troops battle an elite German unit of soldiers trying to reclaim the Fuhrer’s body for themselves.
For its pure grittiness, Burial has earned more positive attention from early critics, many of whom have positively lauded the film for its maturity, tone, and underlying messages. Elements of the film may feel a little hackneyed, but overall, it’s an enjoyably hard-boiled interpretation of World War 2.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 81%
IMDb score: 6.5
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
The most recent entry in the Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is the long-awaited twenty-first feature film related to the popular martial arts fantasy anime series.
After the Red Ribbon Army has been destroyed by Son Goku, several people still loyal to the group construct two all-powerful androids to carry out the Army’s legacy. Posing as superheroes in the public eye, these indestructible androids seek revenge against Piccolo and Gohan, attacking them and anyone who happens to be aligned with the fighters.
Seeing another Dragon Ball film release is always a point of excitement for hardcore anime buffs, and luckily, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero more than manages to live up to the high expectations set by fans.
Reviews for the film have been almost entirely positive, with many critics having complimentary views in regards to the movie’s animation, story, and action.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
IMDb score: 7.0
Orphan: First Kill
It’s been 13 years since the release of Orphan — the 2009 horror film starring Isabelle Fuhrman as a mysterious, homicidal orphan who isn’t at all what she seems to be.
It may be odd that we’re getting a prequel after all these years, but the end results with Orphan: First Kill mark a major improvement over the disappointingly reviewed earlier film.
Years before the events of the first Orphan, Esther (Fuhrman) narrowly escapes from an Estonian psychiatric facility, managing to venture to America and find a home in a wealthy family’s household. Over time, however, the family’s matriarch (Julia Stiles) begins to suspect there’s something suspicious about Esther’s behavior.
The plot may be overarchingly similar to the first Orphan, but Orphan: First Kill embraces the campiness of its horror roots, not taking itself nearly as seriously as the original movie.
Reviews for the film have been mixed to positive, praise going to the film’s high number of plot twists and Fuhrman’s ominous lead performance, with negative reception going to the movie’s predictability and uneven screenplay.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters/Paramount+
Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%
IMDb score: 6.1
Bullet Train
The biggest new arrival to cinemas, Bullet Train is a fast-paced action comedy that features a plethora of big-name stars, all of them facing off onboard a high-speed train traveling through Japan.
Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is a skilled but perpetually unlucky assassin who hopes his next mission will go more smoothly than any of his last. Sent to recover a mysterious briefcase on a bullet train enroute from Tokyo to Kyoto, the unfortunate Ladybug finds himself in the middle of his most dangerous assignment yet.
Featuring appearances from notable talents like Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, and Benito A Martínez Ocasio (AKA Bad Bunny), Bullet Train is an entertaining enough action movie, although not much else.
Reviews for the film have been mostly mixed, with some positively commenting on the film’s cast and action sequences, and others noting the movie does little to set itself apart from most other action films out there.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%
IMDb score: 7.5
Other Movies of Note
Notable films that will likely continue playing for only a few more weeks.
Nope
The newest film from acclaimed director Jordan Peele, Nope marks Peele’s first entry into the realm of science fiction. Set in a small desert town in inland California, a pair of ranch-owning siblings (Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer) try to capture evidence of a UFO that seems to be lurking in their area.
Inspired by early Spielberg films and the thrillers of M. Night Shyamalan, Nope is essentially Jaws, Signs, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind all rolled up into one. It’s a predictably fast-paced, chill-inducing sci-fi horror film from Peele, one of the new faces of the genre.
As with his previous films, Get Out and Us, Nope has won general acclaim from critics, all of whom praised the film for its atmosphere, creativity, direction, and the performances of the cast, with some slight criticism towards the movie’s script.
However, fans of Peele’s will almost certainly not be disappointed with his newest work, which is just as humorous, original, and horrifying as his earlier films.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%
IMDb score: 7.8
Bodies Bodies Bodies
From a screenplay by best-selling author Kristen Roupenian comes this dark comedy/slasher film that examines young adults within the Gen Z population, and the complexities of friendship in the digital world.
With a hurricane growing near, a group of wealthy twenty-something-year-olds prepare to wait out the storm at an isolated mansion. To pass the time, they play a game from their childhood that leads to an actual murder, with the group trying to find the guilty party responsible.
Premiering at South by Southwest, Bodies Bodies Bodies has earned significant acclaim from critics, many of whom have praised the film’s biting social satire, atmosphere, and the main cast’s performances.
Already, it’s being called the modern equivalent of Scream, providing a deep dive into younger generations and the inherent toxicity that some friendships suffer due to social media.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
IMDb score: 6
DC League of Super-Pets
The fifth and most recent collaboration between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart comes with the animated superhero comedy, DC League of Super-Pets.
After the heroes of the Justice League are captured by Lex Luthor (Marc Maron) and his hairless guinea pig ally, Lulu (Kate McKinnon), Superman’s dog, Krypto (Johnson) assembles a team of super-powered animals to rescue the League and save the world.
It’s a silly concept to be sure, but thanks to the comedic partnership between Hart and Johnson and a great cast of vocal performers (from SNL alumni like Vanessa Brayer and McKinnon to big-name celebrities like John Krasinski and Keanu Reeves), it’s a movie that soars above expectations.
Most critics have similarly commented that the movie isn’t the greatest thing out in theaters right now, but still delivers a fun outing for the entire family, offering a more lighthearted take on DC’s roster of superheroes.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%
IMDb score: 7.9
Thor: Love and Thunder
The fourth MCU film centered around everyone’s favorite Asgardian hero, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Thor: Love and Thunder finds Thor trying to get his life back together after his traumatic battle with Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
When a nightmarish, intergalactic criminal (Christian Bale) sets out to murder all of the gods, though, Thor finds himself scrambling to combat this newfound threat. With no other options left, Thor enlists his best friend, Korg (Taika Waititi), former ally Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) — now the Mighty Thor — for help.
Though not quite as universally well-received as director Taika Waititi’s previous effort on Thor: Ragnarok, Love and Thunder has earned largely positive reviews, particularly for its humor, tone, and the performances of the cast involved (especially Hemsworth, Bale, and Portman).
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%
IMDB score: 7.3
Minions: The Rise of Gru
The fifth installment in the Despicable Me series and a sequel to the 2015 Minions prequel film, Minions: The Rise of Gru chronicles Gru’s (voiced by Steve Carell) early years. An aspiring villain in the making, the 12-year-old Gru tries his best to impress his longtime idols in the Vicious 6 — a group of world-famous supervillains — in the hopes of becoming their newest member.
After unintentionally making himself an enemy of the Vicious 6, though, Gru finds himself having to battle his former heroes, surviving with the help of his loyal Minions and the elderly, exiled leader of the Vicious 6 (Alan Arkin) who takes the boy under his wing.
Early reviews for the film have been mixed to positive, with many deeming Carell’s return to the franchise a welcome surprise after his brief cameo at the end of Minions. Critics also said that, while the film may not fully resonate with adults as other family-friendly films, it’s bound to entertain its younger audience members.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%
IMDb score: 7.3
Top Gun: Maverick
A sequel over 30 years in the making, Top Gun: Maverick sees Tom Cruise return to one of his most famous roles as Maverick, an action-addicted, ace pilot in the US Navy. When Maverick is reassigned to instruct the new generation of TOP GUN pilots — including the son of his deceased best friend (Miles Teller) — he has to deal with the ghosts of his past and the idea that his life of excitement may be coming to an end.
One of those rare sequels that surpasses the quality of the original, Top Gun: Maverick has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. A massive financial success, it’s been called one of the best movies of the year so far, with many also proclaiming it one of the best films in Cruise’s career to date.
Where to watch: In theaters/on VOD
Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
IMDb score: 8.6
Elvis
A biopic focused on the King of Rock and Roll himself (Austin Butler), Elvis takes audiences through the iconic R & B singer’s career from his early days to his peak popularity in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Also showcased throughout is Presley’s tumultuous relationship with his legendary manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the man responsible for discovering Elvis in the first place.
Premiering at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, Elvis garnered generally positive reviews, particular praise being aimed at Butler’s performance in the film. It’s more than likely to earn a few nominations come award season, so we’d suggest watching it on the big screen while you can.
Where to watch: In theaters/on HBO Max
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
IMDb score: 7.8
Comedy
For movie fans who love to laugh.
The Good Boss
The most remarkable foreign-language comedies are the ones that transcend language barriers, making every viewer laugh regardless of their individual cultural background or ethnicity.
If that is the basic criteria for what makes an effective comedy, then The Good Boss is not only a good comedy movie — it’s a great one.
Julio Blanco (Javier Bardem) is the owner of an independent industrial factory in a small Spanish town preparing for the arrival of a committee to decide whether his company will win a prestigious award or not.
When a vindictive former employee (Óscar de la Fuente) sets out to do everything he can to undermine Blanco, the depth of Blanco’s unethical treatment of his employees slowly comes to light.
With a transformative performance by Bardem, The Good Boss is a strongly-written, wonderfully acted satire examining corporate greed and interpersonal rivalries in the workplace.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
IMDb score: 7.2
Spin Me Round
From the indie team that brought such underrated gems like The Little Hours and Horse Girl, Spin Me Round reunites Alison Brie and Aubrey Plaza with filmmaker Jeff Baena for another wonderfully offbeat romantic comedy unlike most others.
Amber (Brie) is a talented young chef who wins an all-expenses paid trip to Italy to attend her company’s prestigious learning program. As she indulges in the beauty of the country, Amber slowly develops a romance with the company’s handsome and enigmatic owner (Alessandro Nivola).
Mixing a rom-com with elements of a whodunit thriller, Spin Me Round will likely be one of the greatest comedies to come out this year that only a handful of people know about.
Reviews for the film have been mostly mixed to positive, with praise going to its script, direction, and the performances of its ensemble cast — which includes Brie, Plaza, Molly Shannon, Tim Heidecker, Lil Rel Hower, Zach Woods, Fred Armisen, Ben Sinclair, and Debby Ryan.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%
IMDb score: 5.8
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
The most recent adaptation of Paul Gallico’s 1958 novel Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris follows widowed cleaning lady Ada Harris (Lesley Manville) as she becomes obsessed with a wondrously-designed Dior dress. Working relentlessly and carefully saving her wages to afford the dress, Mrs. Harris eventually resolves to travel to Paris in order to obtain one for herself.
The premise of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris may not exactly sound as exciting as other viewing options you can find in theaters, but the film is nothing short of an acting tour de force for Manville and her talented co-stars (most especially Isabelle Huppert and Jason Isaacs).
Playing for a limited engagement at local arthouse theaters, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris has been positively met by critics, with particular praise going to the actors and for the movie’s prevalent warmth and upbeat themes.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
IMDb score: 8.3
Mack & Rita
A modern riff on similarly-plotted films like 13 Going on 30 and Big, Mack & Rita offers a different view of age from an unexpectedly original perspective.
Thirty-year-old writer Mack (Elizabeth Lail) heads to Palm Springs for her best friend’s bachelorette party. After a wild night of partying, she wakes up to find herself in the body of a 70-year-old woman (Diane Keaton).
While movies like Big take the usual approach of having a child age into their adult self, learning the responsibilities that come with growing up, Mack & Rita goes one step further, pushing the timetables forward.
As promising as the premise might sound, the film has earned mixed to negative reviews so far, many calling it unimaginative, boring, and just plain unfunny.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 22%
IMDb score: TBD
Easter Sunday
Based heavily on comedian and main star Jo Koy’s personal life, Easter Sunday traces the story of a dysfunctional family as they celebrate the Easter holiday together.
In the film, Jo Koy plays Joe, a down-on-his-luck actor, aspiring comedian, and single father to Junior (Brandon Wardell), Joe’s adoptive son who he has trouble bonding with and relating to.
For as personal as the project is to Koy, the movie falls flat in a number of ways, failing to deliver basic laughs or a memorable premise.
Reviews to the film have been almost entirely negative, with The Guardian’s Charles Bramesco going so far as to describe Easter Sunday as an “unfunny mess” and a “regrettable disaster.”
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%
IMDb score: 6.8
Horror
For movie fans looking for a scare.
Speak No Evil
Horror is probably one of the more universal genres for any viewer (regardless of their nationality or country of origin) to enjoy. If you don’t believe us, just check out the absolutely blood-curdling Danish film, Speak No Evil.
After meeting a friendly Dutch family on vacation, a Danish family is invited to stay at their quaint countryside house. Over time, the two families’ attitudes quickly change from politeness to something far more sinister.
An elegant look at cultural differences and hospitality, Speak No Evil has earned almost entirely positive reviews, with complimentary remarks aimed at the movie’s screenplay, scares, and positively eerie atmosphere.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%
IMDb score: 6.9
The Invitation
A loose retelling of the classic Dracula plot line, The Invitation adds a distinctly modern spin to the age-old stories about vampires that lurk in the dark of isolated European manor houses.
In the wake of her mother’s death, a young woman (Nathalie Emmanuel) undergoes a DNA test to see if she has any other family in the world.
Discovering her connection to a long-lost cousin, the woman travels to the English countryside and quickly falls for an alluring aristocrat (Thomas Doherty). The longer she stays, the more the woman begins to suspect something sinister about her new hosts.
Early reviews for The Invitation have been mostly mixed, with praise going to its atmosphere, Gothic aesthetic, and contemporary reframing of the Dracula legend.
Repeated criticisms toward the film were directed at its conventional plot and limited imagination when it came to expanding the vampire legend we’ve seen in numerous films from decade to decade.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: TBD
IMDb score: 5.9
Action
For movie fans that like a rush.
Medieval
Medieval films feel like something of a relic nowadays, the industry not really seizing on the opportunity to make the same caliber films as Braveheart or Kingdom of Heaven anymore (probably due to the poor financial performances of movies like The Last Duel when they do). Yet every so often, a film depicting the Middle Ages will come around, such as the English-language Czech film, Medieval.
Set shortly before the Hussite Wars of 1419 to 1434, Medieval chronicles the life of Jan Žižka (Ben Foster), a Czech military leader who won every battle he fought.
Despite its promising premise and Northman-levels of gritty violence, Medieval has earned mostly mixed reviews, many deeming it generic and doing little to set itself apart from other middling medieval films that have come before it.
Where to watch: In theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%
IMDb score: 7.4
Documentary
For viewers who want to learn more about the world.
Blind Ambition
Wine. Who doesn’t love it? Wherever your taste with the sultry beverage lies, we can all enjoy the fundamental artistry that it takes to make wine — from its initial growth to its final taste test.
A documentary focusing on the art of wine, Blind Ambition follows the inspirational story of four Zimbabwean who immigrate from their country and eventually compete in the World Blind Wine Tasting Championships — the Olympic games of wine-tasting.
A surprisingly touching story for a movie centered around alcohol, Blind Ambition is as tasteful and enjoyable to watch as a nice Chardonnay or a vintage Pinot Noir.
Tugging on your heartstrings, it’s a feel-good documentary that documents immigrants’ incredible journeys across vast continents, achieving better lives for themselves in the end.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
IMDb score: 7.8
Fun for All Ages
Movies that are perfect for the entire family.
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On
From indie giant A24 comes this charming mockumentary about a sentient mollusk named Marcel (voiced by Jenny Slate). Based on a series of short films available on YouTube, the film covers Marcel’s search for his family with the help of a documentary filmmaker (Dean Fleischer-Camp, the director and writer of the actual film) after a mysterious event has seemingly wiped out most of Marcel’s species.
A24 isn’t very well-known for producing family-friendly films that often, but Marcel the Shell With Shoes On is a rare achievement, intersecting wonderful comedic moments with heartfelt emotion. As to be expected from an A24 movie, critic and audience reception to the film has been extremely positive.
Where to watch: In select theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
IMDb score: 8.1
Mystery
For movie fans who love a good mystery.
Where the Crawdads Sing
An adaptation of Delia Owens’ critically acclaimed novel of the same name, Where the Crawdads Sing follows two narrative plot threads. In the 1950s, young Kya Clark (Jojo Regina) is abandoned by her family, and forced to live on her own in the swamplands of North Carolina — her only caretaker being her best friend (Luke David Blumm) whom she slowly falls in love with.
Years later, a now teenaged Kya finds herself at the center of a murder trial following the death of a local popular high school athlete (Harris Dickinson), with all the evidence pointing towards her.
For as widely-loved as Where the Crawdads Sing was among literary audiences, the feature film adaptation was decidedly less warmly received. Grossing mostly mixed to negative reviews, many felt disappointed with the finished film, the common consensus being the movie fell completely short in recapturing the spirit and tone of the original novel.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 30%
IMDb score: 4.6
Vengeance
Most people probably associate BJ Novak with his character, Ryan Howard, on The Office (a show he also wrote some of the best episodes for). However, Novak is also a skilled writer and more versatile actor than most people give him credit for, as seen with his directorial debut, Vengeance.
In Vengeance, Novak stars as a New York City-based podcaster who travels to western Texas, trying to solve the mysterious death of a girl he had previously dated.
Balancing dark humor with an intriguing mystery at its center, Vengeance is a wonderfully quirky dramedy that illustrates Novak’s strengths as an actor, writer, and now feature film director.
Reviews for the film have been largely positive, with many critics complimenting the movie’s script and tone, calling it a fitting and welcome debut for Novak.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
IMDb score: 6.7
Thriller
For audience members who want to be on the edge of their seats throughout.
Emily the Criminal
Aubrey Plaza has been absolutely killing it on the indie movie scene as of late. From underrated dramas like Ingrid Goes West to little-known comedies like Black Bear and The Little Hours, Plaza has been regularly hitting it out of the park with practically every movie she’s appeared in.
With Emily the Criminal, Plaza once again takes the world of independent film by storm, delivering a lead performance that’s grounded, nuanced, and possibly the best of her career to date.
With crushing debt bearing down on her and no other way to make ends meet, Emily (Plaza) begins using stolen credit cards to buy various goods for her enigmatic but alluring criminal employer (Theo Rossi).
Incredibly dark and never boring, Emily the Criminal has earned all-around rave reviews, repeated praise being directed for Plaza’s incredible performance and the movie’s ability to transcend dated genre-cliches and stereotypes.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
IMDb score: 7.0
Fall
A minimalist thriller like no other, you may just walk away from Fall with an avid fear of heights after your initial viewing experience.
Becky (Grace Caroline Currey) and Hunter (Virginia Gardner) are best friends always seeking the next adventure in life. Natural thrill addicts, they challenge themselves to climb to the top of a remote 2,000-foot radio tower in the middle of the desert, only to realize they may have bitten off more than they can chew upon reaching the top.
Early reviews for Fall have been mostly positive, with many critics being of the opinion that — while perhaps not an Oscar contender — the movie does a good job at consistently having you jump and hold your breath throughout its two-hour runtime.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%
IMDb score: 5.8
Resurrection
It seems cliche to say a decent thriller film is “Hitchcockian” upon its release. However, if there was one movie that accurately fit that description, it would have to be Resurrection.
Since breaking up with her abusive ex-boyfriend, David (Tim Roth), over two decades ago, Margaret (Rebecca Hall) has slowly pieced her life back together. She is now working in a stable job that she’s successful at and has a healthy, peaceful relationship with her daughter. When David returns after a 22-year absence, though, Margaret struggles to hold her new lifestyle together while confronting the ghosts of her past.
A sobering meditation on abusive relationships, PTSD, and the sometimes rocky attempts people have trying to move on from past traumas, Resurrection is a first-rate thriller that hits on a more poignant, emotional level than most.
The film has garnered a variety of positive reviews — many of which have praised the performance of Rebecca Hall, in particular — and for its unflinching look at the most unhealthy characteristics of toxic relationships and the long-term effects it can have on people.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
IMDb score: 6.6
Sports
For fans of every sport, from baseball to chess.
Hockeyland
Sports are a part of a nation’s identity, providing a feeling of cohesion and unity for millions of people worldwide. It doesn’t matter your individual politics or background, the sense of belonging you experience supporting a team or even playing a game of baseball in your backyard is an indescribably good feeling.
A sports documentary detailing on Minnesota’s most popular sport, Hockeyland focuses on one of the more often overlooked games in American culture (no offense to hockey fans out there — but let’s face it, probably a lot more people watch the Super Bowl or World Series than they do the Stanley Cup).
Earning glowing reviews from critics, Hockeyland is a well-made film that illustrates the inherent sense of community we feel partaking in and witnessing sporting events firsthand, no matter where we are in the world.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
IMDb score: 8.8
Romance
For viewers looking for a more romantic time at the movies.
A Love Song
Part romance, part contemporary Western, A Love Song is a unique modern love story that examines the lives of two individuals in the American West.
Waiting for the love of her life at a Colorado campground, Faye (Dale Dickey) spends her days idly enjoying the surrounding wonders of the countryside — fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.
As she anticipates the arrival of Lito (Wes Studi), Lito himself wanders through the rugged American landscape, each of them wondering what their relationship will be like when they’re finally reunited.
An outside-the-box romantic story about two aged lovers coming together after a prolonged period apart, A Love Song is an almost modern take on The Odyssey set in the wondrous desert expanses of rural America.
Critics have lauded the film for its performance, emotion, and the chemistry of the two onscreen leads, who also happen to be two of the most underrated performers working in film today.
Where to watch: In limited theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
IMDb score: 7.2
Our Current Favorites
Movies we highly recommend seeing in theaters while you still can.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) is a middle-aged Chinese-American laundromat owner struggling to find happiness in life and to connect with her estranged family — including her husband (Ke Huy Quan) and daughter (Stephanie Hsu). While being audited by the IRS, she soon finds herself swept up into an otherworldly adventure upon discovering she’s the only person able to save existence from a multiversal threat.
The fact that Everything Everywhere All At Once is still playing in theaters despite its March release date is a testament to how truly great a film it is. It’s a dazzling exploration of family and finding meaning in one’s life, as well as a hodgepodge of different genres, ranging from science fiction and martial arts to fantasy and dark comedy.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
IMDb score: 8.3
Popular Re-Releases
Iconic movies returning to the big screen for a limited time.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its release, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan will see a limited release in theaters, offering viewers an opportunity to see the crew of the Enterprise take on their deadliest foe yet.
Now a teacher instructing the newest batch of Starfleet recruits, Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) is confronted by an enemy from his past: the 20th-century warlord Khan (Ricardo Montalban), who plans on bringing the galaxy to its knees.
Not only is The Wrath of Khan the best Star Trek movie — it’s also one of the most important moments in the franchise’s history.
Redeeming the unremarkable quality of Star Trek’s original feature film, it opened the doors to a lengthy cinematic franchise centered around the Enterprise crew that was just as fun to watch as the initial series had been in the 1960s.
Where to watch: In theaters for limited time/On Paramount+
Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
IMDb score: 7.7
Poltergeist
Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg’s nightmarish haunted house film, Poltergeist, will similarly see a limited release in theaters to celebrate its upcoming 40th anniversary.
The Freelings are an average family living in the suburbs. When their young daughter, Carol Ann (Heather O’Rourke), begins to communicate with supernatural beings dwelling inside the house, the family is suddenly confronted by a hellish presence they never could’ve imagined.
One of the defining horror movies of the 1980s and best haunted house movies to date, Poltergeist is a must-see for every horror fan out there.
And for those who’ve never seen the movie, what better place to watch it than in the comfort of a plush movie theater?
Where to watch: In theaters for limited time/On HBO Max
Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%
IMDb score: 7.3
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Richard Chachowski is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. He loves reading, his dog Tootsie, and pretty much every movie to ever exist (especially Star Wars).