September is always a slow month for movies, whilst this year’s isn’t much different, there are a few heavy hitters that stand out as worthy to see and add to your watchlist. Whether you’re eager to get to the cinema as often as possible or enjoy a motion picture on a rare occasion, we have compiled a list of the most unmissable movies this month so that your viewing decisions can be made easier.

In Theatres

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – In Cinemas Now

Dir. by Tim Burton
104min

Three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life soon gets turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife. When someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

Tim Burton directs his first movie in 5 years and returns to Beetlejuice after a 35 year hiatus to deliver a practical return to form. With an all-star cast that includes returning Michael Keaton Douglas as the titular Beetlejuice and Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz joined by newcomes Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid Deetz, among Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci. The movie brings the iconic aesthetics associated with Burton back to the big screen, many thanks in part to the work of production designer Bo Welch (who happens to be married to star Catherine O’Hara) as he recreates the sets from the first movie in explicit detail, including the Deetz’s house and the underworld in which Betelgeuse resides. It is this practical aspect and the world feeling ironically alive in a movie about the dead that makes the sequel just as iconic and enjoyable as the first. Even if the jokes don’t land, there is a gorgeous backdrop and a variety of locations for you to fully believe in. 

Feature First critics report that “while the narrative is a mess at times, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice feels like a true return to form for Tim Burton. With plenty of gnarly moments and gorgeously goopy practical effects (with some CG sprinkled in to resemble practical effects) wacky performances, a great score, and amazing production design, the film is a good time at the movies that will surely satisfy most fans of the classic and introduce a new generation of horror fans to the genre.”. You can read the rest of our review of the movie here. Clearly, it is not one to miss and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is likely to remain in cinemas for the whole of the month, so you have no excuse for missing this one.

The Killer’s Game – September 13th

Dir. by J.J Perry
104min

Diagnosed with a terminal illness, top hitman Joe Flood (Dave Bautista) decides to take matters into his own hands and take a hit out on himself. However, when the very men he hires also target his ex-girlfriend, he must fend off an army of assassins and win back the love of his life before it’s too late.

Speak No Evil – September 13th

Dir. by Christian Tafdrup
97min

A dream holiday turns into a living nightmare when an American couple and their daughter spend the weekend at a British family’s idyllic country estate.

Despite a trailer that has plagued cinema screens for months, Speak No Evil premiered to surpringly rave reactions. Collider’s own horror fanatic and star reviewer Perri Nemiroff claims: “Turns out, the things I was most worried about, this new #SpeakNoEvil does … but they work. Exceptionally well in fact.” which is reinforced by Slashfilm’s Ryan Scott who reaffirmed this sentiment with “‘Speak No Evil,’ like any remake worth a damn, doesn’t just rehash the same movie all over again. I was skeptical but really enjoyed it. James McAvoy is the MVP. I think it’s a best-case scenario in that it will truly work for people who enjoyed the original as well as newcomers.”. 

Whilst the review embargo is yet to drop, the early reactions are undoubtedly positive and enough to pique any horror fan’s interest, especially if you liked the 2022 original version of the movie. Whilst taking the cheap Hollywood route of rebooting a well received foreign film, this movie attempts to apply a fresh take. Pair that with a seemingly incredible performance from James McAvoy and we have something to be excited about. Topped off by its quaint runtime, this one is unmissable for horror fans and will be sure to deliver on expected horror tropes and suspense.

Lee – September 13th (UK), September 27th (US)

Dir. by Ellen Kuras
116min

The story of photographer Elizabeth `Lee’ Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.

An under the radar pick as Lee continues to pique intrigue with every trailer and piece of promo material that is released. A passion project for Kate Winslet, which she has been attached to for years. The movie took eight years to make and, at one point, due to precarious funding, Kate Winslet (who also produced the movie) paid the entire cast and crew’s salaries for two weeks. Winslet’s dedication inspires confidence in the movie and gives more life to the picture, not allowing it to be moved over or forgotten immediately. She is not the only dedicated member of this cast though, as Andy Samberg plays her right-hand man David, a role he too was very passionate about. This is Samberg’s first serious role and his first main movie role since Chip ‘n Dale. With a career that includes Hotel Transylvania and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Lee stands out and definitely creates an atmosphere of intrigue surrounding the project.

If it’s so personal to these actors and causes them to be dedicated for years then surely there must be something powerful within it, bringing lots of eyes closer. Not only that, the setting of the film further contributes to this. Although it isn’t the only movie in 2024 focusing on war photographers, this film takes it back to the second world war. This unqiue perspective, especially with it being from a woman, is enough to convince that this movie is going to feel fresh and with the actor’s dedication apparent, surely be effective in its storytelling.

Transformers One – September 20th

Dir. by Josh Cooley
104min

The untold origin story of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry), better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

Experience in real time how the War for Cybertron began. This prequel that takes place millions of years before the live action movies features a Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Key) who is yet to lose his voice and a strong friendship between Prime and Megatron, something not yet touched upon in the movies. This new dynamic for the pair is what will intrigue fans the most as it brings a new light to the franchise and shifts the way in which major moments are viewed. 

Never Let Go – September 20th

Dir. by Alexandre Aja
101min

When an unspeakable evil takes over the world, the only protection for a mother (Halle Berry) and her twin sons is their house and strong bond. Needing to stay connected at all times even tethering themselves with ropes — they must cling to one another and never let go. However, when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.

It wouldn’t be September without horror that can carry over into October. Whilst the premise may initally appear as generic or not as exciting as other movies coming out, the trailer absolutely sells this thrilling family tale that involves a mother and her two sons having to travel whilst being attached to a rope incase something goes wrong. What’s most intriguing about this movie is the mystery – there are creatures out in the woods that capture people or kill them if they are found. The plot is very similar to a film released earlier this year – The Watchers. However, this sounds like a better version of that movie and the anticipation is definitely growing as it gets closer. With the star power of Halle Berry, could this one get to the top of the horror rankings for this year?

The Wild Robot – September 27th

Dir. by Chris Sanders
101min

The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134 (Lupita Nyong’o), “Roz” for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling (Kit Connor). 

This animated movie is looking to be one of the best of the year. With an incredible cast lead by Lupita Nyong’o that includes Pedro Pascal, Bill Nighy and Kit Connor as well as many others, that immediately puts the film on the radar. The trailer showcases beautiful visuals with bright colours illuminating the screen, all surrounding a grey robot that learns to love and have a sense of community with the other animals that live in the area. In order for Roz to leave the island, it must work with the animals and the environment which lends itself to a variety of situations and escapades that could lead to hilarity, success or heartbreak. Where ever this narrative goes, it’s no doubt going to be a tear jerker and a fun ride not only for families and children, but for everyone.

Megalopolis – September 27th

Dir. by Francis Ford Coppola
138min

A conflict between Cesar (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.

This is going to be an all-timer. If the film isn’t memorable enough, the marketing campaign and the press leading up to it certainly will be. The film itself is stacked with a strong cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Espostio, Dustin Hoffman and more but the biggest sell is that it is directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who is best known for culturally resounding films such as The Godfather trilogy. This movie is his life project, he has been waiting over 40 years to create this movie and after selling stocks in his wine company and spending years directing movies and raising his status in Hollywood, he has finally been able to make it. 

Now it is approaching, it is impossible to not be excited by the mere scope of a $100 million self funded sci-fi movie that has stunning, convincing visuals and is entirely original. Despite the bad press surrounding the movie, which has ultimately brought more eyes to it, it should still be an engaging movie and one for the history books. This is no doubt going to be one that is looked back on and referenced at the end of the year when the ‘best of’ lists are being made. 

There isn’t a lot in store this month, but there are clearly a few strong hitters. Whilst the lows are low, the highs are high and there are definitely some unmissable films in cinemas this month. If you see any, let us know your thoughts! 

Feature First Recommends: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and The Wild Robot

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