The 2026 slate of releases has been so strong that leaving the theater feeling a little spoiled has become the norm.
Right when one film sets a high watermark for visual artistry or creative ambition, another arrives to push the bar even higher. This fall’s lineup keeps that momentum going with everything from a sprawling stop-motion fantasy epic sixteen years in the making to the twistiest, most talked-about documentary in recent memory. Add in special Halloween re-releases and promising films coming very soon to local screens, and there is no shortage of reasons for moviegoers of all ages to head to the theater. Here are ten of them.
(Dates reflect the latest screenings confirmed in an October 29 check on Fandango. Additional showtimes may be announced.)
1. “Wildwood”
If you choose to see only one film in theaters this season, make it “Wildwood.” Sixteen years in the making, LAIKA’s latest stop-motion project is a fantastical epic as heavy as it is whimsical and as meticulous as it is expansive. The world is built with such care, and the animation is filled with such life, that I often forgot I was watching puppets painstakingly animated by hand, frame by frame.
I left the theater with tears welling in my eyes, partly because I knew I wouldn’t have another theatrical experience that jaw-dropping for a long time. This is definitely one worth finding the time to see.
Last listed screening: November 5.
For the family? PG-13; less nightmare-inducing than “Coraline” to me, but the bloody battles may be too much for younger kids.
2. “Resident Evil”
To me, “Resident Evil” understands the appeal of a video game adaptation better than most. The whole experience plays out like a well-crafted campaign, trading a traditional film narrative for something more direct, funny and relentlessly exhilarating.
Zach Cregger’s commitment to keeping things moving makes for an incredibly thrilling and bloody ride. If you’re looking to turn your brain off for a little bit of fun, this is a very good use of 94 minutes.
Last listed screening: November 4.
For the family? R; best for teens and adults comfortable with bloody zombie and monster horror.
3. “You Can See Everything”
Half the fun of “You Can See Everything” is hearing everyone around you react. Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s documentary about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes produces so many moments of disbelief, made all the more satisfying when a room full of people is, often audibly, struggling to process the same thing.
Across nearly three mind-boggling, unmistakably Fielder hours, the subjects’ relationship with truth becomes increasingly blurry. If you enjoy debating true crime cases with friends, this film should give you plenty to argue about afterwards.
Last listed screening: November 12.
For the family? R; graphic full-frontal nudity and the lengthy runtime make this one for adults.
4. “Forgotten Island”
Although the once-innovative, expressive animation popularized by the “Spider-Verse” franchise has become increasingly familiar, “Forgotten Island” finds a fresh story to tell with the style. Its colorful adventure draws on Filipino culture to explore friendship, growing up, and the emotional cost of migration.
Along with constantly pulling at your heartstrings, the film is funny and truly action-packed. The voice performances are especially strong, with Lea Salonga delivering a frightening performance as the film’s main villain, the Manananggal.
Last listed screening: November 4.
For the family? PG; a strong family pick, though the villain and busy visuals may overwhelm younger children.
5. “Wicker”
A romance involving a husband made of wicker could easily run out of charm once the novelty wears off, but Alexander Skarsgård guarantees that doesn’t happen, giving a surprisingly dynamic and emotional performance alongside Olivia Colman.
The film’s fairy-tale premise gives it room to ask genuine questions about the expectations surrounding love and marriage today, and its quiet seaside setting creates an inviting backdrop for a touching and sardonically subversive romance to emerge. Rom-com and period film fans should find plenty to enjoy.
Last listed screening: November 5.
For the family? R; the sexual content makes this better suited to adults.
6. “Whalefall”
Getting swallowed by a whale is certainly a premise that’s difficult to swallow, but “Whalefall” manages to squeeze 106 minutes of suspense from it, partly thanks to Austin Abrams’ (“Resident Evil”) visceral performance and the frightening practical creature effects.
While not the strongest release of the season, it holds its own among undersea thrillers. The film’s overall message about family feels one-dimensional, though that hardly takes away from the stressful experience of watching a man try to escape from a whale’s stomach. If your ideal Halloween movie night involves appreciating the fact that you’re on land, this one is worth a watch.
Last listed screening: November 4.
For the family? PG-13; intense, but a possibility for less squeamish preteens and teens.
7. “The Devils”
Seeing Ken Russell’s controversial 1971 film back on the big screen is a grim reminder that its themes haven’t aged a bit. Its uniquely grotesque approach to exposing how political and religious institutions weaponize mass hysteria feels way ahead of its time. Its disturbing, surreal imagery and graphic social critique should appeal to fans of Ari Aster and Ruggero Deodato.
Although it can occasionally get bogged down in theatrical dialogue, its message remains unsettlingly relevant today, making it an especially worthwhile, albeit challenging, Halloween watch.
Last listed screening: November 13.
For the family? NC-17; adults only, with explicit sexual material and disturbing violence.
8. “Scream 30th Anniversary”
“Scream” is an undeniably perfect Halloween watch. Its ability to make fun of classic slasher tropes while still being a genuinely great horror film is just one of the many reasons it holds up so well thirty years later.
Even knowing what happens, I still find the 1996 classic much funnier and more engaging than recent comedy-horror attempts like “Scary Movie 6.” This anniversary return is a great excuse to experience the bloody fun all over again (or for the first time) on the big screen.
Last listed screening: November 4.
For the family? R; a great introduction to slashers for teens comfortable with bloody violence and mature content.
9. “The Cat in the Hat”
After all the blood, monsters and religious hysteria on this list, parents of younger kids deserve an option, too. The upcoming adaptation of “The Cat in the Hat” looks ready to provide one, with Bill Hader voicing the familiar troublemaker in a new animated adventure.
Hader’s casting alone has me excited. Based on the trailers, I’m confident his comic timing will give adults as much to laugh at as the kids they bring along. This looks like a promising post-Halloween outing for the whole family.
Coming to theaters: November 6 (Early screenings begin November 5).
For the family? PG; aimed primarily at children and families.
10. “Godzilla Minus Zero”
The 2023 blockbuster “Godzilla Minus One” sets a high standard for its follow-up, and I’m eager to see what Takashi Yamazaki does next with “Godzilla Minus Zero.” Between its franchise-first R rating and its Oscar-winning predecessor, this is shaping up to be a monster clash worth seeking out in IMAX.
Coming to theaters: November 6 (Early screenings begin November 5).
For the family? R; violent, bloody content better suited to older teens and adults.
