It has been a big year for cinema, with the release of the likes of Sinners, Celine Song’s Materialists, and the final instalment of Mission Impossible. Yet, as of this month, film releases are levelling up ahead of Oscar season. This month has offered the most variety of the entire year, and now, BBC Culture has revealed the nine best films to watch this September.
It said: “Here are the films to see this month, including Leonardo DiCaprio’s comedy-action-thriller, a sequel to music mockumentary Spinal Tap and the last Downton Abbey.”
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration, here is a little bit about the best nine films to watch this month.
One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another is a 2025 American epic action thriller film written, produced, and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, inspired by the 1990 novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti in her film debut. The film’s synopsis reads: “Bob is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. When his evil nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her as both father and daughter battle the consequences of their pasts.”
The History of Sound
The History of Sound is a 2025 historical romantic drama film directed by Oliver Hermanus, written by Ben Shattuck, and based on a pair of his short stories, the first and last in his collection The History of Sound: “The History of Sound” and “Origin Stories”. It follows the relationship between Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O’Connor), who meet in 1917 while attending the New England Conservatory, and after World War I travel together recording folk songs of their countrymen in rural Maine in the winter of 1920. The film debuted at Cannes Fil Festival and it is showing at the London Film Festival later this month. The film’s synopsis reads: “Two young men during World War I set out to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen.”
Swiped
Swiped is a 2025 American biographical drama film written and directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg. It is based on Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble, and stars Lily James as Herd, alongside Dan Stevens, Myha’la and Jackson White. The film’s synopsis reads: “Whitney Wolfe Herd breaks into the male-dominated tech industry by launching two innovative dating apps, making her the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.”
Steve
Steve is a 2025 drama film directed by Tim Mielants and written by Max Porter, based on his 2023 novella Shy. The film stars Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson. The film’s synopsis reads: “A headteacher at a reform school struggles to keep his students in line while dealing with his mental health.”
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is a 2025 historical drama film directed by Simon Curtis from a screenplay by Julian Fellowes. It is the sequel to Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) and the third and final film in the Downton Abbey franchise. The film’s synopsis reads: “In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble.”
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is a 2025 American romantic fantasy film directed by Kogonada and written by Seth Reiss. The film stars Margot Robbie, Colin Farrell, Kevin Kline, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The film’s synopsis reads: “Through a surprising twist of fate, single strangers Sarah and David get to relive important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present.”
Him
Him is a 2025 American thriller film directed by Justin Tipping, and co-written by Skip Bronkie, Zack Akers, and Tipping. The film stars Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, and Tim Heidecker. The film’s synopsis states: “Cameron Cade is a rising quarterback who suffers a potentially career-ending injury after being attacked by an unhinged fan. Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White, offers to train him at an isolated compound. However, as the training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma turns into something darker, sending Cam down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.”
The Lost Bus
The Lost Bus is a 2025 American survival drama film directed by Paul Greengrass, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brad Ingelsby. It is based on the non-fiction 2021 book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire by Lizzie Johnson about the 2018 Camp Fire, and it stars Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez, and Ashlie Atkinson. The film’s synopsis reads: “A white-knuckle ride through one of America’s wildfires as a wayward school bus driver and a dedicated school teacher battle to save 22 children from the inferno.”
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is a 2025 American mockumentary comedy film directed by Rob Reiner. A sequel to This Is Spinal Tap (1984), the film features Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer reprising their roles as members of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap who are reuniting after 15 years for one final show. The film’s synopsis reads: “Documentarian Marty DiBergi follows estranged Spinal Tap bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls as they search for a drummer and prepare for a reunion concert in New Orleans. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a show that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.”