Here Are the Top 15 Most-Popular Movies on IMDb This Week, Including ‘One Battle After Another’

Okay, movie fans, get ready! This week is packed with everything – big superhero reboots, highly anticipated anime, inspiring true stories about sports, and even a few unexpected gems. I’ve broken down all the new releases for you, giving you the lowdown on what they’re about, who stars in them, and the creative teams behind the camera. My goal? To help you cut through all the noise and figure out what’s *actually* worth your time this weekend.

We’ve gathered brief summaries of each movie’s story, along with details about who made it – the cast, crew, production companies, and release dates. You’ll find specific information about studios, distributors, how long each film is, and where and when it was released, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how these projects were created.

‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ (2025)

When two strangers meet by chance, they embark on a journey filled with magical realism, unlocking memories and revisiting key moments from their lives. The film follows them as they travel, exploring their pasts before returning to the present day.

I just saw this new film directed by Kogonada, written by Seth Reiss, and let me tell you, the cast is fantastic! Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell lead the way, and they’re supported by the always-great Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It had a limited release in the Philippines before coming to U.S. theaters courtesy of Sony last September. Visually, it’s stunning – Benjamin Loeb did a beautiful job with the cinematography, and the score, composed by the legendary Joe Hisaishi, is just gorgeous.

‘Primitive War’ (2025)

In 1968 Vietnam, a military reconnaissance team known as Vulture Squad is dispatched to find a group of missing Green Berets. Instead, they stumble upon a hidden valley populated by dinosaurs brought back from extinction. Their mission becomes even more complicated by the presence of Soviet forces and a secret, unauthorized scientific experiment, forcing them to fight both prehistoric creatures and enemy soldiers in a desperate attempt to prevent further chaos.

Luke Sparke directed and co-wrote the film, which is based on a novel by Ethan Pettus. The movie stars Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Nick Wechsler, and Jeremy Piven. Sparke Films produced it, and Rialto and Fathom distributed it in certain areas. Before its release, the film was previewed at festivals and accompanied by trailers, and the music was composed by Frederik Wiedmann.

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ (2025)

Inspired by Richard Osman’s popular novel, this movie centers around four friends living in a retirement community. They regularly get together to review unsolved crimes, but their hobby takes a surprising turn when they find themselves involved in a current investigation. As they try to solve the case, expect plenty of playful antics and detective work set against the backdrop of beautiful country houses and charming villages.

Chris Columbus directed this film, which was written by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote. The movie stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. Amblin produced it, and Netflix released it. It lasts 118 minutes, with music by Thomas Newman and cinematography by Don Burgess.

‘Mantis’ (2025)

This Korean thriller centers on a secret society of professional killers thrown into chaos when their strict rules break down, leading to infighting and backstabbing. The film follows a seasoned assassin who unexpectedly teams up with both a former apprentice and a retired legend.

Directed and co-written by Lee Tae-sung, with additional writing by Byun Sung-hyun, this Netflix film features Im Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Woo-jin. Produced by See At Film, it will be available worldwide starting September 26th and is connected to the world of ‘Kill Boksoon’ as a spin-off.

‘Him’ (2025)

A promising young football player begins training with a legendary, older quarterback at his private estate. What starts as a mentorship quickly turns sinister, involving strange rituals and control, as the athlete finds himself increasingly trapped and his career threatened.

Justin Tipping directed the film, which was produced by Monkeypaw Productions. Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans lead the cast, alongside Julia Fox and Tim Heidecker. Universal Pictures released the movie in September, with Kira Kelly handling the cinematography and Bobby Krlic composing the music.

‘All of You’ (2024)

In a technologically advanced near future, where hidden emotions become visible, two close friends grapple with unspoken feelings for each other. Their potential romance threatens their careers and current relationships, and the story explores this personal connection through a futuristic lens.

William Bridges wrote and directed this 98-minute film, with Brett Goldstein co-writing the script. Goldstein and Imogen Poots lead the cast, supported by Zawe Ashton and Jenna Coleman. The film was produced by Republic Pictures, MRC, and Ryder Picture Company, and is available to stream on Apple TV+ after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

The new case takes Ed and Lorraine Warren to investigate a famous haunting, inspired by the experiences of the Smurl family. As they dig deeper, the investigation leads to intense demonic encounters linked to the family’s past. The story weaves together spiritual sessions, attempts to perform exorcisms, and frustrating leads, all building to a final, terrifying showdown within the haunted house.

Michael Chaves directed the latest installment in the series, with James Wan and Peter Safran producing. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return, joined by Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy. Released by New Line/Warner Bros. in early September, the film features a score by Benjamin Wallfisch, cinematography by Eli Born, and editing by Gregory Plotkin and Elliot Greenberg. It’s already become one of the highest-grossing films in the franchise worldwide.

‘The Smashing Machine’ (2025)

This film tells the story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, charting his rise to fame in the late 1990s and his difficult battles with pain and addiction. It explores the physical and emotional consequences of early, unregulated fighting, and is based on a 2002 documentary with the same title, bringing key fights and relationships to life.

Benny Safdie wrote and directed the film, which stars Dwayne Johnson as Kerr. It was released in theaters in October by A24 and will soon be available to rent or buy online. Early reviews have praised Johnson’s impressive physical change for the role and the film’s realistic portrayal of the world of wrestling.

‘28 Years Later’ (2025)

Years after the initial outbreak, this new installment follows both returning survivors and fresh faces as they deal with the ongoing effects of the Rage virus. The story ventures beyond small safe zones, exploring a wider world and raising complex ethical questions. Like previous films, it combines intense survival horror with the breakdown of society.

Danny Boyle directs this new film, written by Alex Garland, and starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, and Ralph Fiennes. Released by Sony in June, the film is a collaboration between Columbia, DNA, and Decibel, and reunites Boyle with his longtime collaborators cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle and editor Jon Harris. The music is by Young Fathers.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle’ (2025)

The ‘Infinity Castle’ arc traps Tanjiro and the Demon Slayers inside Muzan’s fortress, turning their ongoing battles into massive fights within a constantly changing and multi-level environment. The movie covers events from later in the manga, featuring longer action sequences and team-ups between various members of the Demon Slayer Corps.

The movie is directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable, with voice actors Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Hiro Shimono, Takahiro Sakurai, and Akira Ishida. Released in Japan by Aniplex/Toho and globally through Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures Releasing, it was a major box office success.

‘The Long Walk’ (2025)

This suspenseful thriller, based on a novel by Richard Bachman (Stephen King), centers on fifty boys compelled to participate in a televised walking competition. The rules are simple and brutal: stop walking, and you’re out. The last boy still walking wins a valuable prize. Set in the 1970s, the film emphasizes the disturbing nature of this reality TV-style event and how society accepts it.

Francis Lawrence directed and also produced the 108-minute film, which stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, and Joshua Odjick. Lionsgate distributed the movie, with Jo Willems handling the cinematography, Mark Yoshikawa editing, and Jeremiah Fraites composing the music.

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)

This story takes place on an alternate Earth in a 1960s inspired by retro-futurism. It follows the Fantastic Four – Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm – as they battle the cosmic being Galactus. The world is built on a hopeful, science-focused vision of the future, and the story jumps right into the action, assuming you already know how the team came to be.

The movie is directed by Matt Shakman and written by Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer. It features a cast including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, and Ralph Ineson. Marvel Studios produced the film, and Disney distributed it. It was released in July, with Jess Hall as the cinematographer and Michael Giacchino composing the music.

‘Weapons’ (2025)

Zach Cregger’s film is a spooky mystery about a town where an entire class of children suddenly vanishes. The story unfolds slowly, connecting the disappearances with the people who saw something and the local police. It builds suspense and focuses on unraveling a puzzle, rather than relying on jump scares or monsters.

Cregger wrote and directed the film, which stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, and a talented supporting cast. New Line/Warner Bros. distributed the movie, with Larkin Seiple as the cinematographer and Joe Murphy handling the editing. Cregger composed the music alongside Ryan and Hays Holladay.

‘Superman’ (2025)

James Gunn’s new Superman movie puts Clark Kent in a situation where trying to help with a global crisis actually creates political problems, masterminded by Lex Luthor. The story follows Superman as he tries to regain the public’s trust, all while juggling his job at the Daily Planet and teaming up with other heroes. The film takes ideas from the ‘All-Star Superman’ comic books and includes characters like Krypto, expanding the DC Universe.

David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, joined by Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. The film, produced by DC Studios and distributed by Warner Bros., was released in July and has a runtime of 129 minutes. Filming took place in locations including Svalbard and Trilith Studios in Georgia, with Henry Braham handling the cinematography and John Murphy and David Fleming composing the music.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s thrilling new film centers on a man, once a radical, who races to save his daughter from a powerful and corrupt leader. Inspired by the style of Thomas Pynchon, the story is a fast-paced pursuit through both vast deserts and bustling cities. It explores themes of control, being watched, and facing one’s past, all while following characters whose paths cross as they investigate separate but connected cases.

Anderson wrote and directed the film, which features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Warner Bros. released the movie in late September following a premiere in Los Angeles. It was shown in a variety of formats, from large-scale IMAX 70mm to VistaVision, and features a score by Jonny Greenwood with editing by Andy Jurgensen.

Share which of these you’re planning to watch—and why—in the comments!

2025-10-05 22:17