September is shaping up to be a great month for film lovers, with major releases spanning Nollywood, Hollywood, anime, and international cinema. From high-profile festival premieres to the return of beloved franchises and brand-new original stories, the schedule is packed with variety. Fans of horror will find plenty to anticipate, as several chilling titles are arriving. For audiences who prefer drama, romance, or fantasy adventures, there are equally strong options that promise engaging performances and striking visuals. 

My Father’s Shadow (September 19)

Akinola Davies Jr. makes his feature debut with My Father’s Shadow, opening in Nigerian cinemas on September 19 after a celebrated run at Cannes. The story follows two brothers, Remi and Akin, played by Godwin Chiemerie and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, who spend a day with their estranged father, Folarin (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù). Set in Lagos, their encounters peel back the layers of a complicated man caught between personal choices and social pressures.

The film premiered on May 18 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it won a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or. It was also the first Nigerian film ever included in the festival’s Official Selection, a landmark for the country’s cinema.

Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (September 26)

Showmax will debut Iyanu: The Age of Wonders on September 26, an animated feature rooted in Yoruba mythology. The story unfolds in a mystical Yorubaland, where legends speak of an era known as the Age of Wonders. When Meje, a living embodiment of the seven deadly sins, emerges to threaten the world, young heroes Dara (voiced by Sisan Victor-Woko) and Ishe (Ike Ononye) must summon the power of the Divine Ones to protect their land.

The voice cast includes Shaffy Bello as Emi, “The One Mother,” Babajide Oyekunle as Joba, “The First Father,” Serah Johnson reprising her role as Iyanu, Okey Jude as Biyi, Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, and Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori. 

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle (September 12)

Anime fans worldwide have been anticipating Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, the first in a trilogy of feature films that will conclude the popular “Infinity Castle” story arc. The film arrives in cinemas on September 12 after extraordinary success in Japan.

Following the conclusion of the anime’s fourth season, the announcement that the saga would continue as a cinematic trilogy generated widespread excitement. Released earlier this year in Japan, the first instalment has already become the highest-grossing film of 2025 in the country and now ranks as the third-highest-grossing Japanese film in history. Its global release is expected to bring similar enthusiasm among international fans eager to continue the series.

A Weekend Fiasco (September 5)

Opening the month on September 5 is A Weekend Fiasco, a Nollywood romantic drama from director Samuel “Bigsam” Olatunji under Switch Visuals. The story follows a married woman whose attempt at a quiet getaway with a new partner spirals into chaos when she encounters familiar faces from her past. What begins as a potential fresh start becomes a tangle of surprises and family drama.

The cast includes Ini Edo, Alex Ekubo, Yvonne Jegede, Odunlade Adekola, Chimezie Imo, with a special appearance from singer Waje. Also featured are Liquorose, Ilebaye, and Lizzy Jay.

The Long Walk (September 12)

Stephen King’s works continue to attract filmmakers, and The Long Walk will be released on September 12 as the first of two adaptations this year from his Richard Bachman novels. The film has already drawn strong reviews, praised for being both thought-provoking and emotionally intense. The story revolves around a brutal competition in which a group of young men must keep walking until only one participant remains. Though the premise is stark, critics have described the adaptation as poignant and unsettling, bringing out the psychological depth of King’s story.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (September 5)

The Conjuring  franchise, one of the most enduring horror series of the past decade, reaches its conclusion on September 5. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, facing one last case that ties together threads from across the series. The previous entry, The Devil Made Me Do It, divided audiences, but anticipation remains strong for a final chapter. With its mix of gothic atmospheres and psychological tension, the film closes a universe that has included multiple spin-offs since its 2013 debut.

One Battle After Another (September 26)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest project, One Battle After Another, opens on September 26. It is the director’s first foray into the action-thriller genre, with Leonardo DiCaprio leading a cast that also features Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, and Teyana Taylor.

Anderson, known for acclaimed dramas such as There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, shifts towards high-stakes storytelling in a move that has intrigued both critics and audiences. With DiCaprio in the lead, One Battle After Another is expected to be among the month’s most talked-about releases.

Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story (September 5)

Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story opens on September 5, directed by Bobby Rak. The film follows a young TikToker who relocates to Port Harcourt for university. He finds romance but also becomes entangled in the dangers of cult activity. Dance becomes his refuge, though one decision threatens his love and his future.

The film stars Tomi Ojo, Bless Smile, Tina Mba, Raymond Umenze, and Riyo David. 

HIM (September 19)

Marlon Wayans stars in HIM, a psychological horror with a sports twist, opening on September 19. Wayans plays a retired American football star who takes a young protégé, portrayed by Tyriq Withers, under his wing at a secluded training compound. What begins as a mentorship soon turns unsettling, as visions of power, control, and danger start to blur the boundaries between coach and player.

The film is produced by Jordan Peele, who has built a reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s leading horror directors. With Get Out (2017), Us (2019), and Nope (2022), Peele established a distinctive style that combines social themes with suspense, and he has yet to release a project that has failed to spark discussion. His involvement in HIM has heightened anticipation, while Wayans’ move into a darker, dramatic role recalls his acclaimed performance in Requiem for a Dream.