This weekend belongs to Wicked: For Good, which is projected to outearn the first film and has inspired more marketing tie-ins than you can shake a stick at. However, there are a few brave studios attempting to counterprogram the Universal behemoth, including Searchlight’s Rental Family and Sony’s Sisu 2. But if you don’t feel up to fighting the crowds, Netflix has released the gorgeous Train Dreams for streaming at home.
The films listed are from studios other than the “Big Five” – Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures. Note that some of the movies listed are in their first week or two of limited release in the USA, so it may take them a few more weeks (or months) to show up in your local arthouse theater or on VOD. Check out the posts from the past few weeks for more movies that may have just opened near you: November 14th, November 7th, and October 31st.
Stars: Brendan Fraser, Mari Yamamoto, Helen Sadler, Takehiro Hira
Writer: Hikari, Stephen Blahut
Director: Hikari
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Plot: An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection.
What you should know: Filmed in Japan.
Where to watch: In theaters
The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo
Director: Bao Nguyen
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: A photo editor’s 52-year-old secret sparks a two-year investigation into one of the Vietnam War’s most famous images.
What you should know: Bao Nguyen’s last feature was 2024’s The Greatest Night in Pop.
Where to watch: In theaters; on Netflix November 28th
Stars: Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, Jayshri Jagtap, Nitin Bansode
Writer/Director: Rohan Kanawade
Genre: Drama
Plot: Anand, a 30-something city dweller compelled to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in the rugged countryside of western India, tenderly bonds with a local farmer struggling to stay unmarried.
What you should know: It’s in Marathi.
Where to watch: In theaters
Director: Isabel Castro
Genre: Documentary, Music
Storyline: Selena Quintanilla’s journey from performing at local events to becoming the “Queen of Tejano Music” with her family band Selena y Los Dinos, culminating in sold-out stadium tours, is chronicled through personal archive footage.
What you should know: Won a Special Jury Award at Sundance 2025 for Archival Storytelling in the U.S. Documentary section.
Where to watch: Netflix
Director: Mohammadreza Eyni, Sara Khaki
Genre: Documentary
Storyline: First female councilor in her Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi challenges tradition by teaching girls to ride motorcycles and fighting child marriage, while facing doubts about her motives.
What you should know: Won the Grand Jury Prize in World Cinema – Documentary at Sundance 2025.
Where to watch: In theaters
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Kit Harington, Zoe Colletti
Writer: David Coggeshall
Director: Simon Cellan Jones
Genre: Action, Comedy
Plot: A former government operative is attacked, forcing him and his family to go on the run. Pursued across the country, he protects his loved ones while confronting his dark past and deadly enemies, culminating in a showdown in Las Vegas.
What you should know: Filmed in Los Angeles and London.
Where to watch: Apple TV
Director: Charlie Shackleton
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Storyline: Against the backdrop of deserted spaces, a filmmaker explores his abandoned Zodiac Killer documentary, delving into the true crime genre’s inner workings at a saturation point.
What you should know: Won the NEXT Innovator Award at Sundance 2025.
Where to watch: In theaters
Stars: Tom Felton, Aggy K. Adams, Richard Brake, Daniyar Alshinov
Writer/Director: Timo Vuorensola
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Plot: In an alternate present, genetically enhanced humans dominate society. Outcasts Leon and Chloe fight for justice against corrupt politicians exploiting genetic disparity, risking everything to challenge the oppressive system.
What you should know: Filmed partially in Kazakhstan.
Where to watch: In theaters, and available VOD
Angel’s Egg (Re-release)
Stars: Mako Hyôdô, Jinpachi Nezu, Keiichi Noda
Writer: Mamoru Oshii, Yoshitaka Amano
Director: Mamoru Oshii, Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas
Genre: Anime, Drama
Plot: In a desolate and mysterious world, a young girl devoutly guards an egg of unknown origin. On her journey, she encounters a boy carrying a cross, who begins to question the nature of his faith and his mission.
What you should know: Originally released in 1986, this is the film’s first theatrical release.
Where to watch: In theaters
Stars: Fabio Testi, Yannick Renier, Koen De Bouw, Kezia Quintal
Writer/Director: Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani
Genre: Action, Thriller
Plot: A retired spy suspects his former adversaries have resurfaced when his intriguing neighbor vanishes.
What you should know: Filmed in Brussels, Belgium
Where to watch: In theaters; on Shudder December 5th
More New Releases
Wicked: For Good (Trailer) from Universal
Sisu 2: Road to Revenge (Trailer) from Sony
Blue-Eyed Girl (Trailer)
The Age of Disclosure (Trailer)
Time Travel is Dangerous (Trailer)
A Magnificent Life (Trailer)
New to Streaming
Train Dreams (Trailer) on Netflix
Thoughts & Prayers (Trailer) on HBO Max
Source 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
What have you been watching lately, ONTD? Seeing anything this weekend?