New movies: the most exciting films coming to theaters in August 2026
We're fast approaching the end of mid-2026's new movies run. Indeed, as the end of summer (or winter, if you live south of the equator) looms over the horizon, this year's blockbuster season will soon be a thing of the past.
But, that's a problem for another day. Right now, you can enjoy three new movies — Insidious: Out of the Further, Spa Weekend, and Teenage Sex and Death at cam Miasma — at your local theater. Each one caters to a different audience, too, so read on to not only learn more about this trio, but also what other new films are coming before the year ends (NB: entries for October, November, and December will be added in due course).
New movies: August
Insidious: Out of the Further
Release date: out now (worldwide)
The sixth installment in the supernatural horror film franchise, Insidious: Out of the Further stars Amelia Eve as Gemma, a young mother raising her daughter in the house that the former grew up in.
When Gemma learns she can travel to The Further — a realm haunted by lost souls — it isn't long before she decides to try and traverse it, with typically terrifying consequences. Expect numerous ties to other entries in the movie series in a flick that, per Rotten Tomatoes (RT), has drawn mixed reactions from critics.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Release date: out now (worldwide)
The latest feature from visionary director Jane Schoenbrun, Teenage Sex... tells the tale of queer filmmaker Alis (Hannah Einbinder), who's handed the reins to dormant in-universe slasher film franchise Camp Miasma.
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Convinced that the movie series needs its original star back, Alis visits the now-reclusive Billy (Gillian Anderson) to try and get involved — a meeting that soon leads to the pair falling into a, per Mubi's press blast, "blood-soaked world of fear, desire, and delirium". Based on its RT critical and audience scores, Schoenburn's latest feature is must-see, too.
Spa Weekend
Release date: out now (worldwide)
A movie in the vein of The Hangover and Bridesmaids, this Black Bear Pictures flick will scratch that adult comedy itch you've probably had for a while.
Starring Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, Anna Faris, and Michelle Buteau, Spa Weekend follows for burned-out women as they embark on a luxury retreat. Little do they know, though, that it'll feature more than a few debaucherous moments that they'll remember for the rest of their lives. Judging by its just-about good RT critical rating, though, this one won't live long in the memory of everyone who sees it.
The Dog Stars
Release date: August 28 (worldwide)
The final major release of the summer (or winter, if you live south of the equator), this Ridley Scott-helmed dystopian action-thriller, which adapts its book namesake, tells the story of young pilot Hig (Jacob Elordi).
Despite his harrowing past and the present-day scepticism of his fellow survivors, Hig still believes that some form of humanity exists somewhere in the world. Surprise surprise, it isn't long before he encounters Bangley (Margaret Qualley) and, separately, a mysterious radio signal that might offer hope for a better world and future. Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Alison Janney are among The Dog Stars' starry ensemble.
One Night Only
Release date: August 28 (worldwide)
Looking for a steamy rom-com before the last vestiges of summer arrive? One Night Only will be the film for you.
Featuring rising stars Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, this Universal venture sees the pair play Owen and Allie, love-starved strangers whose worlds collide on the — get this — one night of the year that single people are allowed to have sex. Not a world I want to live in but, hey, you do you (no pun intended).
Anyway, following their chance encounter, as the night wears on and keeps these New York singles apart, you can expect a classic "will they, won't they" tale to emerge as the movie unfolds. Maya Hawke, Molly Ringwald, and Ben Marshall are among its supporting roster.
I Want Your Sex
Release date: out now (US); August 28 (internationally)
The second Black Bear production to arrive in as many weeks (outside of the US, anyway), I Want Your Sex stars Cooper Hoffman as Elliot, a lackadaisical 20-something hired by provocative artist Erika (Olivia Wilde) to be her assistant. It isn't long, though, before Elliot realizes he's been brought on board to do more than just bring his sexually-charged boss her morning coffee.
An incredible erotic comedy-thriller, the Greg Arraki-directed movie has been hailed by critics, but has drawn more middling reactions from US viewers over on RT. The rest of the world will give its verdict later this month.
Coyote Vs Acme
Release date: August 28 (worldwide)
A ready-to-be-released film inexplicably discarded by Warner Bros before it was saved by an ardent fan campaign, Coyote Vs Acme will aim to deliver the best live-action-animated hybrid movie since Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (don't argue with me, reader).
The flick's premise is simple: Wile E. Coyote, who's fed up of being severely injured by the Acme products that fail to capture or kill his archnemesis Roadrunner, Coyote hires down-on-his-luck lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to represent him as he sues the corporation for damages. John Cena is among the movie's real and fictional supporting ensemble, which also includes the likes of Bugs Bunny, Tweety Pie, Daffy Duck, and Foghorn Leghorn.
For what it's worth, industry veterans who've seen Coyote Vs Acme claim it's not only a great watch, but a film that'll steal our collective hearts. Here's hoping it's one of August's many new movies that's an unexpected hit with audiences, especially after it earned a 95% fresh critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.
An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.
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