1. Anora

Anora is a wildly enjoyable comedy-drama starring Mikey Madison as the titular Brooklynite, a sex worker whose life takes an unexpected turn after meeting Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. Ivan's solicitation of "Ani" as an exotic dancer, and eventually as an escort, leaves him increasingly captivated by the fiery and quick-witted young woman who provides the companionship missing from his otherwise abundant life. Swept up in a whirlwind of decadence and lust, Ani and Ivan impulsively fly to Las Vegas to wed—only for news of their nuptials to reach Ivan's parents in Russia. Ani's fairytale is soon jeopardized when Ivan's handlers intervene in a desperate attempt to annul the marriage, setting the stage for a madcap race against time through New York City and beyond. Written and directed by Sean Baker (Red Rocket), Anora is a wonderfully compelling escapade, elevated by a world-class performance from Madison. Breathing enormous life into her role, she cements the film as one of the finest entries in Baker's impressive body of work—one that continues to focus on marginalized communities and explore social issues with genuine empathy.

Watch the trailer: Anora

2. Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two is the exhilarating second installment in the planned three-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's novels "Dune" and "Dune Messiah". Picking up directly where the first film concluded, it follows Paul Atreides and his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), as they journey across the Arrakis landscape alongside Fremen warriors, seeking refuge in Sietch Tabr, a Fremen stronghold. Paul adopts the name "Muad'Dib", reflecting his deepening connection to Fremen culture and his destiny as their leader. As he learns to harness the power of desert sandworms and forges a strong bond with Fremen woman Chani (Zendaya), his strategic brilliance and burgeoning prescience transform him into a formidable figure. The story crescendos in a spectacle-rich final battle against the combined forces of the Harkonnen regime and Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) for control of the invaluable spice melange. Directed by visionary Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), Dune: Part Two is a bold, uncompromising and meticulously-constructed science-fiction exhibition. Crafted with remarkable scope and artistry, Villeneuve continues to realize his childhood visions of Herbert's work in the form of impeccable, world-class entertainment.

Watch the trailer: Dune: Part Two

3. The Brutalist

The Brutalist is an epic period drama set in post-war America, following Hungarian Holocaust survivor László Tóth (Adrien Brody) as he emigrates to the United States in search of a new beginning. A renowned architect in Hungary, Tóth arrives in Philadelphia in 1947 to visit his cousin, Attila (Alessandro Nivola), and subsequently joins his furniture design business. The pair is soon commissioned by Harry Van Buren (Joe Alwyn), the son of wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), to renovate the family library—a project that earns the elder Van Buren's admiration. Tóth is subsequently tasked with building a community center in honor of Van Buren's late mother, along with the promise of expedited immigration for Tóth's wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), and niece, Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy). As the story unfolds, Tóth is reunited with his family while dedicating himself to realizing Van Buren's vision—a grand, minimalist design reflecting the Brutalist style of architecture gaining popularity at the time. Co-written and directed by Brady Corbet (The Childhood of a Leader), The Brutalist is a eye-opening cinematic achievement, offering an ambitious depiction of history, identity and the full extent of human potential.

Watch the trailer: The Brutalist

4. Red Rooms

Red Rooms is a deeply absorbing psychological thriller starring Juliette Gariépy as Kelly-Anne, a Montreal-based fashion model with a burgeoning fascination with the darker side of technology. The story follows her as she becomes fixated on the trial of Ludovic Chevalier (Maxwell McCabe-Lokos), who stands accused of murdering three girls in a deep web "red room". The case has garnered widespread media attention and attracted a devoted following of Chevalier's supporters, many convinced of his innocence. Kelly-Anne befriends one such devotee, Clementine (Laurie Babin), inviting her into her home and sharing daily trips to the courthouse, though the nature of their connection remains enigmatic. As the trial unfolds, Kelly-Anne descends into the dark web herself, determined to locate a missing snuff film that may hold the key to Chevalier's guilt or innocence. Written and directed by Canadian filmmaker Pascal Plante (Nadia, Butterfly), Red Rooms is a pensive and unsettling work, imbued with a palpable sense of trepidation. Plante masterfully balances Kelly-Anne's moral ambiguity with a sustained sense of breathless anticipation, culminating in a thought-provoking and discussion-worthy final reckoning.

Watch the trailer: Red Rooms

5. A Quiet Place: Day One

A Quiet Place: Day One is a superb spinoff of the "A Quiet Place" film series, serving as a prequel to the alien invasion storyline first introduced in 2018. The film stars Lupita Nyong’o as Sam, a terminally ill cancer patient living in suburban New York City, who reluctantly joins a group outing to Manhattan at the urging of a kindly nurse, Reuben (Alex Wolff). While attending a theater show in Chinatown, Sam and countless strangers find themselves trapped when the alien invasion begins—prompting the military to destroy all bridges leading out of Manhattan. Stranded in the city with little hope of rescue, Sam embarks on foot to fulfill her dying wish of revisiting the Harlem jazz club where her late father once performed. Along the way, she encounters Eric (Joseph Quinn), an English law student, and the two navigate the crumbling city while desperately evading the sound-sensitive creatures. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig), A Quiet Place: Day One is an invigorating addition to the "A Quiet Place" franchise, highlighted by Sarnoski’s masterful direction and the captivating performances of its two leads. With a major assist from cinematographer Pat Scola, it delivers an immersive viewing experience filled with genuine scares and surprising emotional depth.

Watch the trailer: A Quiet Place: Day One

6. Rebel Ridge

Rebel Ridge is a vigorous and forthright action thriller that begins with Marine veteran Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) cycling into Shelby Springs, Louisiana, to post bail for his cousin, Mike Simmons (C.J. LeBlanc). Unceremoniously Intercepted by police officers Evan Marston (David Denman) and Steve Lann (Emory Cohen) on dubious grounds, Richmond watches as the $36,000 intended for bail is confiscated under civil asset forfeiture laws. When Richmond seeks legal recourse, he is met with resistance from Chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), who warns him to cut his losses and leave town. Undeterred, Richmond enlists the help of courthouse employee Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb) and pushes forward in a desperate bid to save his cousin. His military training in close-quarters combat soon proves indispensable as he clashes with a police department reliant on asset forfeiture to sustain their near-bankrupt town—Richmond’s fight evolving into a battle against systemic abuse of power and the erosion of fundamental rights. Written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier (Green Room), Rebel Ridge is a fierce and whip-smart thriller, delivered with masterful craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Pierre’s no-nonsense performance hails a star-in-the-making while anchoring a timely exploration of corruption and justice.

Watch the trailer: Rebel Ridge

7. A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown is an evocative historical biopic chronicling the arrival of young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) to New York City in 1961. Aspiring to meet his idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Dylan finds Guthrie hospitalized, with close friend Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) by his side. Impressing both musicians with his distinctive style and lyricism, Dylan is welcomed into Seeger’s home and introduced to Greenwich Village's music scene. It is here that Dylan's celebrated career begins in earnest, nightly performances fostering both confidence and attention while he woos young Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning). A performance by Joan Baez draws his attention just as his own performance inspires manager Albert Grossman (Dan Fogler) to sign him to Columbia Records. Dylan proceeds to harness political and social unrest to grow a devoted audience while falling into a passionate affair with Baez, in Russo's absence. As the storyline progresses, we follow Dylan's rise to fame, his struggles with artistic freedom and his experimentation with the electric guitar—leading to his famous performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line), A Complete Unknown is an exuberant showcase for both Dylan's musical legacy and for young Chalamet as the sheer embodiment of the celebrated pioneer—capturing the electrifying energy of a pivotal moment in music history.

Watch the trailer: A Complete Unknown

8. The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot is a sublime animated adventure film featuring Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of ROZZUM Unit 7134, a futuristic robot stranded on a deserted island. After a cargo ship carrying a fleet of robots is struck by a storm, all other units lost at sea, "Roz" is accidentally activated by a group of curious otters. Struggling to communicate with the island's diverse animal inhabitants, Roz utilizes her internal learning systems to decode their language—soon conversing freely with various creatures. The animals remain wary of her, however, and when confronted by a bear she accidentally destroys a goose's nest, leaving only a single egg intact. Determined to make amends, she protects the egg from a cunning fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal), though the egg soon hatches and a tiny gosling emerges—immediately imprinting on Roz as its guardian. This sets the stage for a affecting tale of unexpected parenthood, as Roz and Fink name the gosling "Brightbill" and set about raising him by teaching him to swim and, eventually, to fly. Based on the children's book by Peter Brown and directed by Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon), The Wild Robot is a wonderfully engaging tale of discovery. Harnessing familiar tropes while adding myriad touches of originality and humor, it's a masterful rendering of the interplay between technology and nature.

Watch the trailer: The Wild Robot

9. September 5

September 5 is a harrowing historical drama-thriller that recreates the events of the 1972 Olympics hostage crisis, told from the perspective of the ABC Sports broadcasting team situated nearby. Set in Munich during a time meant for celebration and unity, eight members of the Palestinian militant organization Black September took members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage, demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The ABC Sports team is quickly forced to shift from covering the Games to reporting on the standoff, with Geoffrey Mason (John Magaro) scrambling to manage the control room and provide real-time updates to a global audience. Working under the supervision of Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard), president of ABC Sports, and Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin), the head of operations, Mason enlists translator Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch) as a crucial intermediary throughout the ordeal. Together, they work tirelessly alongside myriad staff members to capture footage, commentary and interviews in support of lead anchor Jim McKay and field correspondent Peter Jennings. The film meticulously recreates the 1970s news studio environment, blending archival footage with dramatization to immerse viewers in the moment. Co-written and directed by Swiss filmmaker Tim Fehlbaum, September 5 is an exceedingly tense and high-caliber tale of historical tragedy, and a dramatic flashpoint in the history of broadcast media.

Watch the trailer: September 5

10. Challengers

Challengers is a spirited sports drama starring Josh O'Connor as Patrick Zweig and Mike Faist as Art Donaldson, fierce rivals in the world of professional tennis. The storyline begins in 2006, when the two are teenage friends winning the boys' junior doubles title together at the US Open. After their match, they stay to watch rising star Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) compete—both young men entranced by the lithesome beauty. Invited to join them for evening festivities, Duncan flirts with each of them before promising her phone number to the winner of the next day's final match. When Donaldson emerges victorious, it sets the stage for a provocative love triangle that unfolds through college and into the world of professional tennis. While Zweig and Duncan attend Stanford University on athletic scholarships, Patrick turns professional and begins a long-distance relationship with Tashi. The manipulative Zweig does his best to maintain control over both Duncan and the narrative of their intertwined lives, leading up to a turning point in Duncan's career that has far-reaching ramifications for all three of them. Directed by Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), Challengers is a zestful and dynamic illustration of rivalry and the innate human desire for success.

Watch the trailer: Challengers

HONORABLE MENTION

A Different Man

A Different Man is a darkly comedic psychological drama starring Sebastian Stan as Edward Lemuel, a struggling actor born with neurofibromatosis. Isolated by his disfigurement, Edward is drawn to his kindly new neighbor, Ingrid Vold (Renate Reinsve), but his insecurity stops him from pursuing her. Instead, he undergoes radical medical treatment, faking his death and reinventing himself as "Guy Moratz," a successful real estate agent. Guy’s new life is upended when he learns that Ingrid is producing an off-Broadway play, "Edward", based on his former life. Determined to star in the role, Edward/Guy uses a cast of his old face to secure the part, sparking a passionate relationship with Ingrid. However, the arrival of Oswald (Adam Pearson), another actor with neurofibromatosis also vying for the role, dramatically disrupts their lives. Oswald’s presence propels Edward/Guy and Ingrid into a surreal unraveling of identity and ambition, with Adam Pearson shining in Aaron Schimberg’s bold exploration of duplicity and self-actualization.

Watch the trailer: A Different Man

Kneecap

Kneecap is a rousing comedy-drama chronicling the rise of the titular Belfast-based Irish-language hip-hop trio. The film stars Kneecap members Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí as themselves, detailing their formation and their use of the Irish language as a tool for cultural expression and political defiance. As youths, Bap and Chara are first taught Irish by Bap's father, Arlo (Michael Fassbender), a former republican paramilitary who faked his death to evade British authorities. Coming of age in the late 2010s, Bap and Chara recruit older music teacher Próvaí to join them as their DJ, determined to bring the language to a new generation of of young music fans. As their popularity grows, the group sparks controversy for promoting anti-social behavior and outspoken republicanism in their lyrics, yet they remain ever-committed to their socio-political agenda. Written and directed by English filmmaker Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is both a vibrant musical showcase and a powerful endorsement for resistance and cultural preservation.

Watch the trailer: Kneecap

Janet Planet

Janet Planet is a deeply moving coming-of-age drama set in 1991, following 11-year-old Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) as she spends the summer with her mother Janet (Julianne Nicholson) in rural western Massachusetts. Janet, a free-spirited acupuncturist fascinated by the natural world, is adored by her often taciturn daughter. As the summer unfolds, three enigmatic adults enter their lives: Wayne (Will Patton), an unusual older man whom Janet dates; Regina (Sophie Okonedo), an actress living on a commune who stays with them for a period of time; and Avi (Elias Koteas), a theater group leader who may or may not court Janet as well. Each of them disrupts the close bond Janet and Lacy share, while challenging Lacy's understanding of her mother. Written and directed by playwright Annie Baker, Janet Planet is a tender and insightful exploration of mother-daughter relationships, the complexities of love and loss, and the emotional challenges of adolescence.

Watch the trailer: Janet Planet

Sing Sing

Sing Sing is a roundly compelling human drama that tells the true story of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The film stars Colman Domingo as Divine G, a wrongfully convicted inmate who discovers purpose by participating in a theater group with his fellow prisoners. Under the guidance of theater director Brent Buell (Paul Raci), the group recruits Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin) to perform in an original production titled "Breakin' the Mummy's Code", despite his initial misgivings. The narrative explores the transformative power of art for each group member in unique ways, while fostering resilience and humanity within the prison walls. Co-written and directed by Greg Kwedar (Transpecos), Sing Sing features formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in the RTA program, adding authenticity and depth to the film. It offers a genuine viewing experience, setting aside sentimentality to deliver a straightforward and honest depiction of rehabilitation and reconciliation.

Watch the trailer: Sing Sing

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Dāne-ye Anjîr-e Ma'ābed) is an engrossing political thriller from Iran, starring Missagh Zareh as Iman, a newly appointed judge in Tehran's Revolutionary Court. Tasked with approving all judgments handed down by his superiors without question, Iman must also protect his identity at all costs. He is further instructed to withhold all relevant information from his family and friends, who could be targeted by coercion to pressure him. As political protests erupt following the death of a young woman, Iman becomes increasingly paranoid when his court-issued gun mysteriously disappears. Distrustful of his wife, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), and daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki), Iman embarks on a frantic search for answers, resorting to every means of coercion and interrogation at his disposal. Written and directed in secret by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, The Seed of the Sacred Fig is a riveting exploration of moral compromise and oppression in contemporary Iran.

Watch the trailer: The Seed of the Sacred Fig

ALSO RECOMMENDED The Girl with the Needle, Nosferatu, Flow, Hit Man, Nickel Boys, All We Imagine as Light, Civil War, A Real Pain, Babygirl, Ghostlight, Blitz, The Apprentice, The Order, The Bikeriders, Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat, The Substance, Juror #2, Emilia Pérez, The Room Next Door, Didi, Gladiator II, Sasquatch Sunset, In the Summers, Lee, The Outrun, Sujo, Conclave, Small Things like These, Santosh, Furiosa, Exhibiting Forgiveness, Good One, Cuckoo, Sebastian, Eno, Kinds of Kindness, Dahomey, Love Lies Bleeding, Saturday Night, Here, Thelma, Strange Darling, His Three Daughters, In A Violent Nature