25 hottest movies to see in fall 2026: Dune, Focker-in-Law, Wild Horse Nine

This fall at the movies isn’t about making up for a rough summer — it’s about maintaining pace.The last three months have enjoyed Hollywood hit after hit, both critically and financially.With giants like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey,” it could even top 2019.

So, soup season has big shoes to fill.And while it’s somewhat slimmer in the blockbuster department, what the rest of the year has plenty of are talkers and smart movies for adults.Award season begins in earnest with flicks like “Wild Horse Nine,” “Digger” and “La Bola Negra.” There are indie gems, messed-up horror films and huge stars: Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Timothée Chalamet and the biggest of all — Steve Buscemi.Here are 25 of the hottest movies coming to theaters from now up till Christmas.Director Zach Cregger had a major, out-of-nowhere hit last year with the original horror movie “Weapons.” Now he’s bringing his warped mind to an established franchise.

The eighth film in the series — and the first in five years — will hopefully shake things up a bit.Cregger says the plot of his reboot exists parallel to the video game “Resident Evil 2,” though he’s telling a new story.

Well, how new can it be? There’s a viral outbreak in Raccoon City and a medical courier (Austin Abrams from “Weapons”) must survive it.Sounds like “Resident Evil” to me!January’s Sundance Film Festival has already had some breakouts — “The Invite” and horror-tinted “Barney” sendup “Buddy” among them.

Indie movie “Ha-Chan,” which I loved, could be the next one.This blissful charmer is about a Tokyo competitive ballroom dancer whose husband dies one day on the dance floor.

Shattered, she hangs up her colorful outfits and hides away at home.The story, which is filled with stylish musical numbers, kicks in when Ha-Chan’s friends help her get her groove back.Back in his “Twilight” days, I never would have predicted the phenomenally talented R...