Tis the season for Stephen King adaptations, biopics, mysteries, Oscar bait and oddities. These are my picks for 10 films from Fall 2025 worth checking out. All are theatrical releases unless otherwise noted.
“The Long Walk” (Sept. 12) and “The Running Man” (Nov. 14)
Stephen King fans can step into the shoes of two adaptations this fall, both Richard Bachman books about contests where if you stop, you die. In the latter, directed by Edgar Wright, Glen Powell takes over the role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 version.
“The Strangers: Chapter 2” (Sept. 26)
Director Renny Harlin’s trilogy-length remake of the 2008 horror movie is already so loathed that I’m now rooting for it as an underdog. “Riverdale” redhead Madelaine Petsch returns from 2024’s first chapter as the woman being stalked by a masked trio whose motivations will start to be revealed.
“John Candy: I Like Me” (Oct. 10, Amazon Prime)
Even if was just a collection of Candy clips and talking heads saying how great he was, this documentary would be a delight. Armed with home-video and behind-the-scenes footage, it’s likely director Colin Hanks’ film will be even better than that.
“Roofman” (Oct. 10)
More proof that truth is stranger than original Hollywood ideas: This is a biopic of a criminal who hid out on the roof of a Toys R Us. Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst and Juno Temple star.
“Vicious” (Oct. 10, Paramount Plus)
Bryan Bertino, the man behind the first two “Strangers” films, has nothing to do with the new trilogy. He was busy making this horror film starring Dakota Fanning, who receives a mysterious gift late at night.
“Predator: Badlands” (Nov. 7)
The “Aliens/Predator” Universe has enjoyed a fine run this year. After TV’s “Alien: Earth” and an animated “Predator” movie, next up is this team-up between a Predator and Elle Fanning, sister of the “Vicious” star. Director Dan Trachtenberg and co-writer Patrick Aison return from 2022’s “Prey.”
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” (Dec. 12, Netflix)
Writer-director Rian Johnson and star Daniel Craig deliver the third entry in their rompish Agatha Christie homage series. Among the loaded cast is “Alien: Romulus” breakout Cailee Spaeny.
“The Housemaid” (Dec. 19)
Director Paul Feig engages his “Simple Favor” mode for this tale of the titular character’s likely awkward and mysterious new job. Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried star.
“Is This Thing On?” (Dec. 19)
There’s a fine line between tragedy and comedy, and this Bradley Cooper-directed film might be the perfect way to explore it. Will Arnett stars as a man whose marriage is breaking up, which ironically gives him great material to boost his standup career.