After a summer that gave us “Superman,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and even a live-action “How to Train Your Dragon,” you’d think Hollywood would take a breather. Instead, the industry is doubling down. Fall 2025 looks just as stacked with musicals, sequels and finales that are bound to keep audiences buzzing for the rest of the year.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites”
Some of the most successful franchises are found within the horror genre. Iconic films such as “Scream” and “Halloween” are prime examples of just how long-lasting scary stories can be. “The Conjuring” universe is no exception. Since its debut in 2013, it has grown into one of the most successful modern horror series, spanning three main films and several spinoffs. The film series follows two real-life paranormal investigators, Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga).
The series has built its reputation on the claim that its stories are real. This claim has sparked both curiosity and controversy in recent years. However, despite mixed reviews, the consensus is that most audiences enjoy “The Conjuring” universe, whether real or not.
Now, the saga is coming to an end with the release of the fourth main installment, “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” Set in 1986, five years after the events of “The Devil Made Me Do It,” the Warrens have stepped back from active demon hunting and are living a quieter life, until one last case pulls them back in. The film follows the investigation of the Smurl family haunting in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, where Jack and Janet Smurl reported terrifying paranormal phenomena ranging from foul odors and disembodied voices to violent supernatural attacks.
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is set to release in theaters Sept. 5.
“Wicked: For Good”
“Wicked,” one of Broadway’s most successful musicals, finally got the live-action film debut that fans had been waiting for. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked: Part One” opened in theaters in 2024 after years of preparation and filming. In the opening week, the film grossed $756 million worldwide. Clearly, the wait did not disappoint. After seeing the first installment, fans could not wait for more. And, finally, “Wicked: For Good,” is set to be open in theaters this fall.
The original musical, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked,” has captivated audiences worldwide. This new release will not just conclude the beloved Ozian story — it will expand on the world and characters in ways fans have never seen on stage. “Wicked: For Good” will feature two new songs, both composed by the original writer of the musical, Stephen Schwartz.
The first film was a massive commercial success, but the second installment faces scrutiny from some fans and critics who say the musical’s second act is weaker than the first. However, Chu and Schwartz are expanding the narrative with new songs and material from the original novel to give the story more depth, aiming to deliver a finale worthy of its legendary status.
“Wicked: For Good” will be in theaters Nov. 21.
“Stranger Things Season 5”
Nearly a decade after its debut, and three years since Season 4, “Stranger Things” is returning for its fifth and final season. The show will wrap up the story arcs of Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Will, bringing closure to the adventures fans have followed for years.
Expect high stakes this season as Hawkins deals with the lingering threat of the Upside Down. The creators of the hit Netflix series promise action, emotion and the signature blend of 1980s nostalgia, horror and heart. But with nearly a decade of buildup, the final season faces pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion. Some worry it may not live up to expectations, while others believe the Duffer Brothers will succeed in crafting a worthy finale.
This season, consisting of eight episodes, will be released on Netflix in three parts. Volume 1, featuring the first four episodes, premieres Nov. 26. Volume 2, with episodes five through seven, arrives Dec. 25, and the final episode concludes the saga Dec. 31.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash”
Nearly two decades after the first “Avatar” redefined blockbuster cinema, James Cameron is raising the stakes again. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” takes audiences into Pandora’s most dangerous territory yet: the domain of the Ash People. Here, rage and grief spark a conflict unlike any before.
In this new installment, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) are grieving the death of their son, Neteyam. Although few details have been released, the trailer teases the Sully family venturing into a darker, more volatile corner of Pandora, home to a fiery, rebellious clan known as the Ash People.
Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is whether “Fire and Ash” will live up to its predecessors. “Avatar,” released in 2009, changed cinema forever and remains the highest-grossing film of all time. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” released in 2022, was just as successful, grossing $2.3 billion at the global box office. Can Cameron really pull it off again? Some critics worry interest might fade, while others argue the franchise is only now finding its emotional core and that “Fire and Ash” could be the biggest installment yet.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” is scheduled to open in theaters Dec. 19.
