There’s never been a better time to be a movie fan, especially if you love checking out your local movie theaters. From re-releases of classic titles to exciting big-budget spectacles, it seems as if there’s always something new and exciting to stare at over a bucket of popcorn. However, with the popularity of streaming and the arrival of a huge influx of popular titles in the coming days, how are you supposed to know what the best movies in theaters are?
Thankfully, we’re here to address those concerns. We’ve taken the time to highlight a number of prominent releases, both old and new, that are currently playing in theaters. From terrific dramas to heart-pounding action films, there’s certainly no shortage of things to see whenever you head down to your local cinema. Don’t believe us? Here are just a handful of the best movies currently playing in theaters throughout 2025. We’ll be updating this list periodically to reflect the best of the best movies as they come and go; first up are the most recent films.
Updated September 12, 2025: This collection of the best movies currently in theaters has been updated with brand-new entries.
15
‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’
September 12
It’s been more than 40 years since the original pop culture phenomenon made its epic debut in theaters, and now Rob Reiner is finally giving passionate fans the sequel they’ve been waiting for with Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. The mockumentary comedy once again reunites audiences with the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap as the legendary rock stars Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls all come together after 15 years for one final concert, with film director Martin Di Bergi (Reiner) capturing all the excitement of the epic event.
Spinal Tap Unites To Rock One Last Time
The ’84 cult classic famously satirized the behavior and culture surrounding the rock star lifestyle, and it debuted to universal acclaim despite finding only modest success at the box office. Reiner quite literally got the band back together for the long-awaited follow-up, as original stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer all reprised their roles as the Spinal Tap band members, who come out of retirement to rock one last time. The End Continues includes dazzling appearances by iconic musicians like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Garth Brooks, and brilliantly pays tribute to the wonderfully chaotic energy of the ’80s staple.
14
‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’
September 12
The beloved historical drama franchise Downton Abbey has captivatedaudiences all around the world since its sensational debut in 2010, and now fans are preparing to say goodbye once again to the aristocratic Crawley clan and their colorful staff with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the third and final installment in the juggernaut series. In the engrossing film, Mary (Michelle Dockery) finds herself caught up in a public scandal that could lead to social disgrace while her family members face financial uncertainty that causes them all to ponder major changes in their lives.
The Cast of ‘Downton Abbey’ Bids Farewell to Fans
Most of the original cast members from the show reprised their respective roles for the bittersweet film, with familiar faces like Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, and Laura Carmichael all returning to wander the sprawling grounds of the iconic estate and to bid adieu to devoted viewers. Both fans and critics have been raving about The Grand Finale and feel it serves as a fitting send-off to the cherished characters and immersive world, with Time Out calling it “a touching but low-key ending that gathers all your faves together for a last supper. In true Downton style, it goes out not with a bang but with a duck.”
13
‘The Long Walk’
September 12
Hollywood just can’t help itself when it comes to adapting the “King of Horror” himself, Stephen King’s many electrifying bestsellers, and his white-knuckle thriller, The Long Walk, is his latest novel getting the silver screen treatment. In the survival flick, a group of teenage boys in dystopian America are forced to participate in the grueling titular contest that involves them maintaining a speed of at least three miles per hour or risk being executed. Participants are known as “Walkers,” and if they are the last one standing at the end of the contest, they will win whatever they desire.
‘The Long Walk’ Captures the Brutality & Terror of the Novel
The Long Walk features the talents of stars like Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, and Garrett Wareing, with cinema icon Mark Hamill taking on the role of the merciless dictator, The Mayor, who oversees the terrifying contest. An adaptation of the brutal King classic nearly came to fruition back in 1988 with George A. Romero attached to direct, but development of the project stalled over the next few decades until Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games franchise) signed on to bring the heart-racing novel to life. The wait seems to have paid off, as The Long Walk is already garnering massive praise from critics and fans and currently holds a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
12
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
September 5
After terrifying audiences all around the world for more than a decade, The Conjuring: Last Rites will mark the end of an era for the chilling universe as the film serves as the ninth and (supposedly) final installment in the horror franchise’s first phase. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they take on their most disturbing case yet, the haunting of Jack and Janet Smurl, who realize their dream Pennsylvania home has a demon infestation.
‘The Conjuring’ Goes Out With a Chilling Bang
The Conjuring universe has raked in $2.2 billion worldwide and is the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time, with fans flocking to see what new hair-raising evil the Warrens will face off against in each installment. The on-screen chemistry between Wilson and Farmiga, as well as series creator James Wan’s spine-tingling visual effects and nightmare-worthy demons, helped make the movies a knockout with audiences. It sure seems as though Last Rites is helping the franchise go out with a major bang, as fans have already awarded it a solid 78% Rotten Tomatoes score.
11
‘Twinless’
September 5
Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney in Sweeney’s ‘Twinless’
Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney portray two young grieving strangers who find solace in one another after meeting in a support group for twins who’ve lost a sibling in the psychological dramedy Twinless, which focuses on Roman and Dennis as they develop an intense bond and begin to fill the gaping void in each other’s lives. However, all is not what it seems as the men’s sordid pasts and secrets ultimately come to light, unraveling their profound bond and threatening the peace and balance they brought to one another.
O’Brien & Sweeney Dazzle as Grief-Stricken Twins
Gilmore Girls alum Lauren Graham appears as Roman’s compassionate mother, Lisa, while Aisling Franciosi’s receptionist character, Marcie, inadvertently causes conflict when she begins dating Roman, straining his relationship with Dennis. Sweeney also directed, wrote, and produced the engrossing film, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and garnered critical acclaim for its immersive storytelling and sensitive exploration of grief and trauma, winning the Audience Award at the prestigious event.
10
‘The Roses’
August 29
Touting an all-star cast of Hollywood’s finest, led by Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon, the satirical black comedy The Roses is an adaptation of Warren Adler’s novel The War of the Roses. It explores the marriage of the seemingly perfect couple Ivy (Colman) and Theo (Cumberbatch), who, after relocating to California to raise a family and pursue their careers, find their bond tested when Theo’s dreams come crashing down. The reimagining pulls back the curtain and delves into the simmering resentments and competition between the two.
Cumberbatch and Colman Bring Their A-Game in ‘The Roses’
Serving as both a loose adaptation of the novel and 1989 film, Tony McNamara (The Favourite, Poor Things) penned the screenplay for The Roses, using the source material as a jumping-off point. McNamara described the essence of the remake: “I thought, ‘Why don’t we make a movie that’s more focused on what we do to each other while we’re married, and still sort of pay homage to the original?'” The comedy is currently garnering praise for its dark and edgy humor, as well as the phenomenal chemistry between Colman and Cumberbatch, who thrive as the bitter and feuding Roses.
9
‘Caught Stealing’
August 29
Darren Aronofsky’s gripping crime thriller Caught Stealing features Golden Globe-winner Austin Butler as former high-school football wonder-turned-bartender Henry “Hank” Thompson. He finds his New York City life turned upside down when he becomes swept up in the criminal underworld after agreeing to watch his neighbor Russ’ (Matt Smith) cat. Hidden at the bottom of the animal’s cage is a mysterious key that is coveted by Russian mobsters, hitmen, corrupt cops, and sadistic brothers, all of whom force Hank to run for his life and fight to survive.
Butler Continues His Epic Hollywood Takeover
Based on the novel of the same name by Charlie Huston, Caught Stealing marks yet another commanding performance by Butler, who is swiftly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars after appearing in hits like Elvis, The Bikeriders, and Dune: Part Two. Butler is joined by Zoë Kravitz, Liev Schreiber, and Vincent D’Onofrio in the juicy thriller, which is packed with twists, intense violence, and suspenseful moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats long after the credits roll.
8
‘Nobody 2’
August 15
After the massive critical and commercial success of the 2021 hit, Emmy-winner Bob Odenkirk is back and ready for another brutal beatdown in Nobody 2, with the action comedy once again following the suburban dad and ex-hitman Hutch Mansell as he is forced to pay off his debt following the explosive events of the first film by taking on assassin assignments. Hoping to take a much-needed break from all the bloodshed and carnage, Hutch takes his family on a vacation to Plummerville, only to find himself caught up in yet another conflict involving a corrupt sheriff and a dangerous mobster.
‘Nobody 2’ Captures the Heart of the Original Hit
Connie Nielsen, RZA, and Christopher Lloyd reprise their respective roles from the original flick and are joined by stars like Colin Hanks and Sharon Stone, with the buzzed-about sequel capturing all the hilarity, action, and vivacious spirit of its predecessor. Odenkirk is just as endearing and fun to watch as ever as the solace-seeking Hutch, who is unsurprisingly forced to embrace his violent tendencies while on vacation with his family (much to their chagrin). Audiences are also loving Nielsen’s character arc in the follow-up, which further explores her mysterious background and dynamic with her on-screen husband.
7
‘Freakier Friday’
August 8
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are ready to conjure up a heaping dose of nostalgia in the fantasy comedy Freakier Friday, the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 hit which reunites audiences with the iconic mother/daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman, who, after magically switching bodies 22 years prior, realize that lightning can strike twice when it wondrously happens once again. Anna herself now has a daughter named Harper and a soon-to-be step-daughter, Lily, and among all the wedding chaos, Anna, Tess, Harper, and Lily swap bodies.
Curtis & Lohan Are Back For Another Magical Switch-Up
Disney first announced plans to produce a sequel to the original flick in May 2023, and fans went wild when it was confirmed that both Curtis and Lohan would be reprising their respective roles, along with original stars like Chad Michael Murray and Mark Harmon. The chemistry between the two leading ladies is what helped make Freaky Friday the beloved hit it became, and audiences are eager to see even more chaos and amusing hijinks ensue in the sequel. Freakier Friday is already faring well with critics, with The Wrap declaring, “It’s still sweet, it’s still funny, it’s still freaky, and it’s still Friday. Thank God.”
6
‘Weapons’
August 8
After the massive success of his horror thriller Barbarian, director Zach Cregger is looking to deliver even more thrills and chills with Weapons, which takes place in the town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania, where 17 children mysteriously vanish after waking up at 2:17 AM and disappearing into the night. Devastated by the distressing event, the community and outraged father Archer (Josh Brolin) make school teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) their prime suspect, despite her protests of innocence.
Cregger Crafts Another Horror Masterpiece
Cregger felt compelled to write the screenplay for Weapons after the death of a close friend, and he drew partial inspiration from Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic drama Magnolia. Pedro Pascal was initially slated to portray Archer, the father of one of the missing children, but was replaced by Brolin after he had to drop out to film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Weapons has been garnering praise for its ominous atmosphere, spine-tingling premise, and powerful performances, with critics all agreeing that Cregger is steadily emerging as one of horror’s most innovative storytellers.
