Best films released in the UK this month: September 2025

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As summer blockbusters wrap up, we’re transitioning into the period when high-profile contenders for awards begin to debut. Notably, several significant films have already been unveiled at prestigious film festivals such as Venice, Toronto, and Telluride.

It’s going to take some time for many movies to hit UK theaters, but that doesn’t lessen the excitement for what’s coming up in September. In fact, there are numerous exciting new films set to premiere over the next few weeks.

The month has kicked off featuring a fresh film by Spike Lee and the newest addition to the blockbuster Conjuring series, with even more exciting releases on the horizon. These include a follow-up to the 1984 classic mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap, as well as the long-anticipated conclusion of Downton Abbey, as the Crawleys make their grand return to the silver screen for a third and final big-screen spin-off.

Towards the end of this month, Cillian Murphy collaborates once more with director Tim Mielants on the film Steve, initially set for a limited theater release before streaming on Netflix. Meanwhile, the powerhouse pair of Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell take the lead in the new romantic fantasy titled A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey.

However, among all the exciting new films, the one that has film enthusiasts particularly eager is the latest production from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson, partnering with Leonardo DiCaprio for the thriller “One Battle After Another”. This movie appears to be a strong candidate when Oscar season arrives.

For your convenience, we’ve curated a list of top-notch films worth watching this month. You can catch a glimpse in the video above, or continue reading below to explore our recommendations.

Best films released in the UK this month: September 2025

Highest 2 Lowest

Release date: Friday 5th September in cinemas (and on Apple TV+)

In this updated version directed by Spike Lee, Denzel Washington stars as a music industry magnate entangled in a ransom scheme in New York City. The tragedy unfolds when the wrong child – a friend of his own son – is taken by kidnappers, who originally intended to abduct his son.

Here, you’ll spot several familiar traits of Lee’s, such as creative flourishes in style, abundant sports and music allusions, and a robust ensemble featuring Jeffrey Wright, Wendell Pierce, along with musicians ASAP Rocky and Ice Spice.

The Conjuring: Last Rites

Release date: Friday 5th September in cinemas

In the closing chapter of the primary Conjuring series, Ed and Lorraine Warren are summoned to examine a mysterious occurrence in Pennsylvania, known as the Smurl haunting. Interestingly, this case carries an unforeseen, intimate tie to their daughter, Judy.

In the upcoming sequel, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as the Warrens. Mia Tomlinson steps into the role previously played by Judy, while Ben Hardy portrays her boyfriend Tony. Expect the franchise’s signature jumpscare moments, along with another intriguing story loosely based on real events for fans to enjoy.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

Release date: Friday 12th September in cinemas

Over 40 years since they first graced our screens in the critically acclaimed mockumentary “This is Spinal Tap” – a comedy film still considered among the best ever made – the iconic heavy metal band is back for another round, with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer once again stepping into their roles.

In this instance, the fictitious director Marty DiBergi, portrayed once more by the movie’s own director Rob Reiner, aims to document the band’s comeback after a 15-year hiatus for their final performance. They aspire to end on a high note.

The Long Walk

Release date: Friday 12th September in cinemas

In this version of a novel penned by Stephen King under the pseudonym Richard Bachman (published in 1979), Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson and Mark Hamill are some of the notable actors involved. The narrative takes us to a future dystopian America where a band of teenagers find themselves engaged in an intense competition. This contest is so life-threatening that if they stop walking, one of their military escorts will shoot them. The goal? To survive until there’s only one left standing.

In the second part of 2025, King adaptations continue with a second major one, coming after ‘The Life of Chuck’ that was released last month. ‘The Running Man’, directed by Edgar Wright, is scheduled to release in November, following this adaptation.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

Release date: Friday 12th September in cinemas

In this third and last movie adaptation of the cherished period drama, there’s a heartfelt farewell. The production features an illustrious ensemble, both old and new faces – Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti among them. Notably, Giamatti makes his comeback since the 2013 Christmas special.

The movie will trace the lives of the Crawleys during the 1930s, where they encounter fiscal difficulties and a significant uproar due to rumors about Lady Mary planning a divorce – leading them to adapt to change while battling the prospect of social embarrassment.

Steve

Release date: Friday 19th September in cinemas

In this touching drama adaptation, actor Cillian Murphy joins forces once more with director Tim Mielants (of Small Things Like These fame), working off a screenplay penned by Max Porter, who also authored the original novella titled Shy.

In this retelling, the movie revolves around a principal at a correctional school for boys exhibiting challenging behaviors, navigating his personal mental health issues while ensuring he adequately looks after the students, with a specific focus on a difficult child called Shy, portrayed by Jay Lycurgo.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

Release date: Friday 19th September in cinemas

In the captivating romantic fantasy “From Yang’s Director, Kogonada,” stars Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell as two individuals unacquainted with one another, venturing together on an exceptionally peculiar expedition.

The trip allows them to revisit various instances from their past, offering unique insights into their personal journeys and development, and seemingly develop feelings for one another along the way.

One Battle After Another

Release date: Friday 26th September in cinemas

Paul Thomas Anderson brings back an exhilarating action-thriller featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as the main character, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland.” The story has been updated from the ’80s to the current era.

After being absent for 16 years, the villain reappears, prompting a band of former revolutionaries to reunite and save one of their comrades’ children from harm.

Brides

Release date: Friday 26th September in cinemas

The first film directed by Nadia Fall, as artistic director at Young Vic, narrates the story of two teenage girls, portrayed by Ebada Hassan and Safiyya Ingar, who embark on a risky voyage, leaving the United Kingdom, to travel to Syria.

The film, often described as a journey through the power of female camaraderie and the blunders of youth, garnered favorable critic reviews upon its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Dead of Winter

Release date: Friday 26th September in cinemas

In this gripping survival drama set in Minnesota, Emma Thompson takes the lead role. Interestingly, her real-life daughter, Gaia Wise, portrays a younger version of Thompson’s character as well.

The narrative unfolds around Barb, a mourning widow, who stumbles upon a chilling hostage situation while being lost in the brutal Minnesota winter. Eventually, she risks everything to orchestrate a daring rescue operation.

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2025-09-08 19:17