All Sci-Fi and Fantasy Titles Releasing This Week on Streaming and in Theaters, Including a Hit Animated Spin-Off’s Second Season

Science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts have a packed slate of new and returning releases arriving this week across streaming platforms and theaters. From animated adaptations and cyberpunk classics to chilling apocalyptic thrillers, these selections span multiple subgenres of speculative storytelling. Whether viewers are seeking video game adaptations or intense dystopian mysteries, this lineup offers a diverse range of imaginative narratives.

‘City of Blood’ (2026)

Debuting on Hulu on September 16, 2026, ‘City of Blood’ takes place in a futuristic, climate-ravaged Berlin that has fractured into two distinct societal classes. The storyline explores the tension between citizens shielded within a climate-controlled dome and the marginalized populations surviving outside in harsh conditions. A supernatural conflict emerges when vampires infiltrate the city’s organized crime syndicates to seize political power. Created by Elena Lyubarskaya and Philipp Kadelbach, the series stars Lea Drinda, Soma Pysall, Franz Hartwig, David Schütter, and Lars Eidinger. This speculative thriller blends dystopian science-fiction world-building with dark supernatural horror elements.

‘Golden Axe’ (2026–)

Premiering September 16, 2026, on Paramount+, ‘Golden Axe’ is an animated fantasy action-comedy based on SEGA’s iconic 1989 arcade video game. The narrative follows legendary warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead as they reunite alongside inexperienced novice Hampton Squib to defend the land of Yuria. Together, the heroes must navigate a magical realm packed with supernatural adversaries to defeat the evil giant Death Adder. The voice cast includes Matthew Rhys, Danny Pudi, Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Carl Tart. Co-created by Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler with writing by Taylor Cox, the production translates retro video-game fantasy lore into an episodic adventure.

‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ (2026–)

Season 2 of the animated spin-off ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ arrives on Netflix on September 17, 2026. Developed by Eric Robles and created alongside Matt and Ross Duffer, the series follows the Hawkins youth as they investigate strange paranormal occurrences and alternate dimensions throughout 1985. The episodic storylines merge classic 1980s supernatural horror with science-fiction monster mythology and shadowy laboratory experiments. Voice talents for the season include Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, Luca Diaz, Braxton Quinney, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elisha Williams, Odessa A’zion, Jeremy Jordan, and Lou Diamond Phillips. Executive produced by Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen, the animated installment features direction from Sarah Partington, Phil Allora, and Ben Choi.

‘April X’ (2025)

Releasing in limited theaters on September 18, 2026, after an initial 2025 festival premiere, ‘April X’ is a near-future science-fiction thriller. The plot centers on a protagonist named Bax who searches for his missing twin sister, April, across a surreal, futuristic post-Soviet metropolis. His desperate pursuit leads him deeper into an increasingly hostile environment that threatens his psychological stability. Directed and co-written by Michel K. Parandi alongside co-writer Jack Coulton and producer Lavinia Postolache, the feature delivers an atmospheric mystery. The ensemble cast features performances by Lilly Krug, Connor Storrie, Tudor Chirilă, Șerban Pavlu, and Tourialay Akbari.

‘Resident Evil’ (2026)

Arriving in movie theaters from Sony Pictures and Columbia on September 18, 2026, ‘Resident Evil’ brings biological science-fiction horror back to the big screen. The story chronicles a viral catastrophe in Raccoon City as a medical courier named Bryan becomes trapped in a battle against mutated creatures and corporate conspiracies. Directed and co-written by Zach Cregger with co-writer Shay Hatten, the production blends creature feature thrills with intense survival action. The feature stars Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Johnno Wilson. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski frames the visual terror alongside a production team that includes Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Carter Swan, and Asad Qizilbash.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

Lionsgate brings Mamoru Oshii’s seminal 1995 anime feature ‘Ghost in the Shell’ back to select cinemas for a limited theatrical re-release on September 18, 2026. Adapted from Masamune Shirow’s manga by screenwriter Kazunori Itō, the cyberpunk classic follows cybernetic operative Major Motoko Kusanagi as she tracks the mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. The narrative examines philosophical questions surrounding artificial intelligence, human identity, and the blurring line between organic life and machines. The iconic Japanese voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ōtsuka, Iemasa Kayumi, and Kōichi Yamadera. Enhanced by Kenji Kawai’s haunting musical score and Hisao Shirai’s cinematography, the production remains a foundational masterpiece of modern science fiction.

Please share your thoughts on which of these upcoming sci-fi and fantasy releases you are most excited to watch in the comments.