September’s Must-See Films: From Spinal Tap II to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Latest Thriller

Published: 03 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

September promises an eclectic mix of cinematic offerings, spanning high-octane thrillers, heartwarming family adventures, thought-provoking dramas, and nostalgic sequels. Among the month’s most anticipated releases is Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. DiCaprio stars as a former revolutionary activist forced to go on the run with his teenage daughter, blending action, political intrigue, and familial drama in a story described as both thrilling and deeply human.

Cillian Murphy follows his Oscar-winning role in Oppenheimer with Steve, adapted from Max Porter’s bestselling novel Shy. Set in a 1990s reform school, the film explores the struggles of alienated teenage boys under the care of their headteacher, offering a cinematic experience that is both socially insightful and engaging. Meanwhile, family audiences can look forward to Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, a magical live-action and animated hybrid featuring Laila Lockhart Kraner and Gloria Estefan, which celebrates creativity, positivity, and the joy of learning from mistakes.

Romantic and dramatic narratives include A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell as strangers on a mystical road trip guided by a sentient GPS, allowing them to revisit memories and confront pivotal moments from their past. Paul Mescal headlines The History of Sound, a period drama about two musicologists in 1920s Maine, exploring themes of love, identity, and the timeless power of music.

Female-driven stories take center stage in Swiped, recounting Whitney Wolfe Herd’s pioneering creation of Bumble, with Lily James both starring and producing, highlighting resilience and entrepreneurial determination. Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, offers a poignant tale of memory, friendship, and family, featuring Oscar-nominated June Squibb.

The month also delivers high-profile fare for fans of established franchises. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale brings the beloved Crawley family saga to a close, while Spinal Tap II reunites the iconic band in a comedic sequel decades after the original classic. Horror enthusiasts can anticipate The Conjuring: Last Rites, a chilling new chapter in the Warrens’ paranormal investigations, and Him, a sports-horror hybrid produced by Jordan Peele. Sundance favorite Twinless presents an inventive exploration of grief and identity, while Riefenstahl, a revealing documentary on the controversial filmmaker, offers a deep dive into art, politics, and history.

Other notable releases include The Lost Bus, directed by Paul Greengrass and portraying the heroism of rescuing children during California’s Camp Fire, blending suspenseful action with a deeply human story. Collectively, these films showcase the breadth of contemporary cinema, offering audiences an array of stories that range from intimate character studies to grand historical spectacles.

With releases spanning streaming platforms and international cinemas, September is shaping up to be a month of both entertainment and reflection, appealing to cinephiles, families, and mainstream audiences alike.