Many films like “Sinners,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines” and “F1” have been critical and box office hits. Here are 10 films coming out students should anticipate for the remainder of the year.
1. “One Battle After Another”
A group of ex revolutionaries must rescue the daughter of one of their own when a corrupt nemesis, played by Sean Penn, resurfaces after a period of time. “One Battle After Another” is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Anderson has directed many acclaimed films including “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood” and “Licorice Pizza." "One Battle After Another" will be released in theaters on Sept. 26.
Anderson remains today as one of the most celebrated filmmakers, and “Magnolia” stands as his personal favorite. Of all the films on this list, this is the one I anticipate most. I plan on seeing it in 70MM IMAX at the Indiana State Museum, one of just 10 theaters in the world showing it in that format. This film will feature Anderson working with Leonardo DiCaprio, who was originally in talks to play the role of Dirk Diggler in “Boogie Nights,” but regretfully passed the decision because of “Titanic” commitments. Adding onto the excitement, Indianapolis native, Chase Infiniti, will be making her film debut after starring in the 2024 show “Presumed Innocent” with Jake Gyllenhaal.
Steven Spielberg, an American director credited as a pioneer of the New Hollywood era, has seen the film three times.
“What an insane movie, oh my God,” said Spielberg in an interview with The Film Stage. “There is more action in the first hour of this than any film you’ve put together. Everything, it is really incredible.”
So, it’s safe to say that my expectations for this film aren’t high, they’re extremely sky-high.
2. “After the Hunt”
A college professor, played by Julia Roberts, is at a moral crossroads when one of her students, played by Ayo Edebiri, makes an accusation of sexual assault against her colleague and friend, who is also played by Andrew Garfield. “After the Hunt” is directed by Luca Guadagnino and will have a limited release on Oct. 10 followed by a wide release the following week. Other notable films directed by Guidagnino are “Call Me By Your Name” and “Challengers.”
I’m curious about this film in particular because I liked Guadagnino’s film “Challengers,” but have yet to see his 2024 film “Queer.” But, this is the first Guadagnino film to receive mixed reviews after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Critics praised the acting, especially Julia Roberts' performance, with some saying it’s one of her best roles. However, the film was criticized for its confusing themes, muddled script and an unresolved ending. Notably, it will also be the opening film for the 63rd New York Film Festival, which prompts me to be somewhat excited yet also cautious.
3. “A House of Dynamite”
When a nuclear missile is launched and threatens the United States, government officials scramble against time to stop annihilation with little information about where the missile came from. “A House of Dynamite” directed by Kathryn Bigelow—who also directed “Zero Dark Thirty” and “The Hurt Locker” and became the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director for the latter—will have a limited release on Oct. 10, followed by its release on Netflix on Oct. 24.
Bigelow returns to directing eight years after “Detroit” with a highly suspenseful and nail biting thriller that could be on par with her previous films like “The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty” especially after the glowing response it got at the Venice Film Festival. The trailer doesn’t give much away but elicits much interest.
4. “Tron: Ares”
The third installment in the “Tron” series, the film follows a highly sophisticated program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world to the real world on a dangerous mission. “Tron: Ares” is directed by Joachim Ronning, most known for directing “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” and will be released in theaters on Oct. 10.
Released 28 years after “Tron” and 15 years after “Tron: Legacy,” the trailers and visuals showcase impressive visuals, and with Nine Inch Nails handling the score, expectations are high.
5. “Frankenstein”
Based on the 1818 novel by Mary Shelley, a brilliant and egotistical scientist, played by Oscar Isaac, brings a creature to life that leads to tragic consequences for everyone. “Frankenstein” is written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro, who directed “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water,” and will be released in select theaters on Oct. 17, followed by a release for Netflix on Nov. 7.
Del Toro has had a track record of acclaimed films in the dark fantasy and horror genre, even winning Best Director and Picture for “The Shape of Water” and his animated feature with Mark Gustafson for his take on “Pinocchio.” Given his extraordinary and lifelong passion for monsters, this is the perfect project for Del Toro to tackle. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received a positive reception.
6. “The Running Man”
A man played by Glen Powell, participates in a deadly televised event to save his family: survive 30 days on the run and win a fortune beyond belief. “The Running Man” is directed by Edgar Wright, who directed popular films like “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Baby Driver.”
This is the 4th film based on a Stephen King novel coming out this year after “The Monkey,” “The Life of Chuck” and “The Long Walk,” so I’m personally hoping it will meet or exceed expectations and be on par with “Chuck” and “Walk” after “The Monkey” was a disappointing film. There was a previous adaptation released in 1987 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, however the film received mixed reviews from critics due to its deviations from the source material. Wright has stated this will be a far more faithful adaptation.
“Arnold gave us his full blessing,” said Powell in an interview with People Magazine. “And we get to give Arnold a very specific fun gift from the movie in a couple of weeks here.”
7. “Wicked: For Good”
Picking up after the events of the first part of “Wicked,” the plot covers the remainder of the musical as the friendship between Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, is put to the test regarding their differing identities and how Oz will be forever changed. “Wicked: For Good” is directed by Jon M. Chu, director of “Wicked” and “In the Heights,” which will be released in theaters on Nov. 21.
Back when I was at Western Kentucky University, I had “Wicked” in my 10 most anticipated for the fall. I got to see it in Franklin, Tennessee five days before the release and I really enjoyed it. Erivo and Grande have been very passionate about “Wicked” long before a film adaptation was even announced so it’s really cool to see them play their dream roles not once but twice.
“I care so deeply about “Wicked” that I didn’t want this if I meant I weren’t right for it” said Grande in an interview with Entertainment Tonight for the first film.
“I was fiercely protective of this character because I really wanted for people to see her as more than just the green girl.” said Erivo in an interview behind the scenes.
8. “Wake Up, Dead Man”
Another third installment on this list, but not the last. Benoit Blanc, played byDaniel Craig, returns for another dangerous case. “Wake Up, Dead Man” is written and directed by Rian Johnson, director of “Knives Out” and “Glass Onion,” and will have a limited theatrical release on Nov. 26, followed by a release on Netflix Dec. 12.
“Knives Out” was one of the most acclaimed films of the 2010s and “Glass Onion” received similar albeit lesser acclaim with both films getting an Academy Award nomination for Screenplay. The response from Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has been nothing but stellar so expectations for the third film are very high.
9. “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
The third installment in the “Avatar” series as well as the third and final threequel on this list, Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) are struggling with the death of their eldest son and come into conflict with a violent Na’vi tribe called the Ash people which pushes them to their limits. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is directed by James Cameron, who directed the previous Avatar films like "Avatar: The Way of Water” and will be released on Dec. 19.
I had “Avatar: The Way of Water” on my most anticipated in my very first published article “Linden’s Cut: 10 Films students should watch out for” for the College Heights Herald. Both “Avatar” movies were awesome, and the long wait for “The Way of Water” was worth it. “Fire and Ash” looks incredibly promising, and Cameron has stated it will be longer than “The Way of Water,” which ran a bladder bursting 192 minutes.
10. “No Other Choice”
After being laid off from his job he has held for over two decades, a man played by Lee Byung-Hun, resorts to violent measures in an attempt to simply secure a job. “No Other Choice” is directed by Park Chan-Wook, director of another Korean film called “Oldboy,” and will be released in select theaters on Dec. 25.
This might be the perfect origin story for the Front Man. Jokes aside, the film’s reception following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival and TIFF has been nothing short of exceptional. Byung-Hun, best known for his portrayal as the Front Man in all three seasons of “Squid Game,” as well as many other Korean films, has also starred in Hollywood productions such as “The Magnificent Seven” and “Terminator: Genisys.” With the director of “Oldboy” behind the camera, it’s going to be an intense—and likely disturbing—experience.
Linden Lansberry is a student at IU Indianapolis studying communication.
Late 2025 Newfields art exhibition: A watercolor juried show
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