September 2025 movie releases land in a curious limbo, caught between summer's roar and fall's Oscar chase—a time when bold risks slip through, horror stirs early, and festivals spark awards buzz. The 2025 theatrical release calendar sets the stage, and this month's lineup has me, Liam Sterling—horror devotee and festival fiend—ready to lose myself in theaters. It's a whirlwind of dread, nostalgia, and cinematic promise that feels… alive.
Picture this: TIFF's 50th anniversary kicking off September 4, running through the 14th. Toronto's streets hum with cinephiles, red carpets unroll, and whispers of Oscar contenders swirl over overpriced lattes. I've spent nights at TIFF arguing over whether horror's renaissance is genius or just recycled jump scares. This year, expect premieres that'll spark those same debates. Then, the New York Film Festival fires up September 26, stretching to October 13—another round of indies and auteurs vying for attention. Festivals like these anchor the 2025 movie schedule, setting the tone for what's next.
But let's talk movies.
September 5
slams us with The Conjuring: Last Rites—nationwide, IMAX included. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as the Warrens, closing their paranormal saga under Michael Chaves' direction. Word from set? Unexplained light flickers spooked the crew, adding fuel to the franchise's haunted rep. Variety says it's a fitting end, but nine films in, I'm torn—closure or cash grab? Also that day: Hamilton and Linda Linda Linda re-releases, Splitsville expands, Twinless goes wide, plus limited drops like The Baltimorons, The Cut, The Legend of Hei 2, Preparation for the Next Life, Riefenstahl, and The Threesome. Highest 2 Lowest hits Apple TV+ for streamers.
September 12
keeps the heat on. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale lands nationwide, the Crawleys navigating 1930s turmoil with Julian Fellowes' signature polish. Set gossip mentions last-minute script tweaks that had the cast cackling—humanity amid the elegance. Then there's The Long Walk, Stephen King's dystopian gut-punch, directed by Francis Lawrence. Teens forced to walk until they collapse or die, no mercy. Deadline notes King insisted on keeping the novel's brutal edge—expect raw, teenage despair. Also wide: Code 3, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, plus re-releases of The Sound of Music and Toy Story. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle hits IMAX-only, while limited releases like Clemente, Dreams [Sex, Love], Happyend, The History of Sound, The Man in My Basement, Rabbit Trap, Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake), Tin Soldier, Traumatika, and Looking Through Water crowd the slate.
September 19
delivers A Big Bold Beautiful Journey—Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell in Kogonada's whimsical, time-bending romance. It's tender… then overly precious. Still, I'm intrigued. Him goes wide with IMAX, Jordan Peele producing a sports-horror hybrid starring Marlon Wayans as a quarterback with sinister motives. Peele's not directing, but his Monkeypaw touch promises something twisted. Limited and VOD include Adulthood, American Sweatshop, Prisoner of War, plus limited-only Chain Reactions, London Calling, The Lost Bus, Megadoc, My Sunshine, Plainclothes, Predators [Doc], The Senior, Steve, Waltzing with Brando, and XENO. Apollo 13 gets an IMAX re-release, and Swiped streams on Hulu.
September 26
closes strong. The Strangers: Chapter 2 hits nationwide, Madelaine Petsch facing off against those masked psychos again—Renny Harlin amping up the brutality. BFFs and Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie go wide for lighter fare, while One Battle After Another storms theaters with IMAX. All of You drops on Apple TV+ and limited theaters, joined by limited releases Dead of Winter, Eleanor the Great, and The Ugly. NYFF's opening that day promises more indie sparks.
This September's a beast—horror's clawing at us, festivals are flexing, and the 2025 movie schedule is your roadmap. It's overwhelming, sure. Loved the ambition. Hated the clutter. Still can't look away.
Horror's Early Halloween Kickoff
The Conjuring: Last Rites and The Strangers: Chapter 2 set a grim tone, with haunted sets and relentless stalkers priming us for October's scares.
Festivals as Cinematic Crucibles
TIFF (September 4–14) and NYFF (September 26–October 13) aren't just events—they're where films like The History of Sound or My Sunshine find their voice, flaws and all.
King's Brutal Vision Lives On
The Long Walk brings Stephen King's dystopian nightmare to life, no punches pulled—teens facing death with every step, a highlight of the 2025 release calendar.
Nostalgia Meets New Stories
Re-releases like Toy Story and Apollo 13 share screens with fresh tales like Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie—something for every generation this September.
Romance and Risk in the Mix
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey blends whimsy with heart, while Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale wraps its legacy with emotional stakes and period charm.
So, what's your pick? Dive into the 2025 movie schedule for more, hit a theater, or stream from your couch. Maybe it's the festival vibe calling you. Or maybe it's the chills. I'm still deciding… but I'm watching.
