All the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Titles Coming This Week, Including a New LEGO Series
A fresh slate of science-fiction and fantasy titles arrives this week across movie theaters, streaming platforms, and broadcast networks. From celebrated theatrical re-releases and animated spin-offs to brand-new supernatural dramas and deep-space thrillers, audiences have an expansive range of speculative storytelling to explore. Both classic genre staples and original series offer everything from time travel and paranormal investigations to magical adventures and high-stakes culinary dystopias.
‘Lego One Piece’ (2026)
Netflix launches the brick-built animated adaptation ‘Lego One Piece’ on September 29, 2026. The production retells the early adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates from the humorous perspective of the character Usopp. The story takes viewers on a voyage across the East Blue toward the Grand Line, recreating signature battles in block animation form. The project incorporates the superhuman abilities, strange creatures, and expansive world-building of ‘One Piece’. This special combines the iconic pirate adventure narrative with family-friendly humor and animated action.
‘Archive X: Unexplained Phenomena’ (2026)
SundanceTV launches the investigative docuseries ‘Archive X: Unexplained Phenomena’ on October 1, 2026. The series explores anomalous occurrences, prophetic dreams, extrasensory perception, and documented near-death experiences. Several episodes examine reported extraterrestrial encounters and unusual communications through archival evidence and witness testimonies. Rather than using a scripted cast, the production features researchers, eyewitnesses, and commentators analyzing historical case files. The program provides speculative-fiction enthusiasts with an analytical look into paranormal and cosmic mysteries.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Studio Ghibli’s classic fantasy film ‘Spirited Away’ returns to theaters on October 1, 2026, as part of the Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 lineup. Directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki, the story follows young Chihiro as she becomes trapped in an alternate supernatural world populated by spirits and witches. In order to rescue her transformed parents, Chihiro takes a job at a bathhouse run by the formidable witch Yubaba. The Japanese voice cast includes Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, and Mari Natsuki, accompanied by an acclaimed score from Joe Hisaishi. This theatrical event allows viewers to experience the animated adventure on cinema screens.
‘Coven Academy’ (2026)
The supernatural fantasy series ‘Coven Academy’ premieres on October 1, 2026, airing on Freeform and streaming on Disney+. Created by Tim Federle, the story follows three teenage witches who enroll in an exclusive magical academy located in New Orleans. Alongside their peers, the young witches learn to harness their magical abilities while navigating dangerous secrets and ancient rivalries. The cast features Malina Pauli Weissman, Malachi Barton, Jordan Leftwich, Tiffani Thiessen, and Devon Sawa. The series combines coming-of-age storytelling with dark witchcraft lore and supernatural intrigue.
‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)
Richard Kelly’s cult classic science-fiction film ‘Donnie Darko’ returns to select theaters on October 2, 2026, through Fathom Events for a 25th anniversary 4K restoration re-release. The story centers on troubled teenager Donnie Darko, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who narrowly survives a bizarre accident when a jet engine falls onto his bedroom. Following the incident, he experiences visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit suit named Frank, who warns him of an impending apocalypse. The narrative explores themes of time travel, alternate timelines, and destiny with a supporting cast that includes Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze. This limited theatrical engagement allows audiences to revisit the psychological mystery on the big screen.
‘Orion’ (2026)
Directed by Jaco Bouwer, the science-fiction thriller ‘Orion’ arrives in limited theaters via Blue Harbor Entertainment on October 2, 2026. The narrative follows an astronaut who returns to Earth with fractured memories after a catastrophic mission claims the lives of his crew. A NASA interrogator attempts to help him reconstruct the mission’s events, only to uncover a terrifying possibility regarding his survival. The cast features Andrew McCarthy, Drew Van Acker, and Debby Ryan as they unravel the mystery of what may have returned to Earth with the survivor. Written by Anne Vithayathil, the film blends deep-space intrigue with intense psychological suspense.
‘The Sisters Grimm’ (2025–)
Apple TV releases the second season of the animated fantasy series ‘The Sisters Grimm’ on October 2, 2026. Based on the popular book series, the show centers on two orphaned sisters who live in a town inhabited by living fairy-tale figures. The new season follows their continued search for their missing parents as they confront newly emerging magical adversaries. Produced by Titmouse animation, the series incorporates classic folklore legends into a modern mystery framework. The overarching plot expands upon the enchanted community and the complex magical threats facing the sisters.
‘Adventure Time: Side Quests’ (2026–)
Disney+ debuts the second season of the animated adventure series ‘Adventure Time: Side Quests’ on October 2, 2026. Produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the series follows the youthful adventures of Finn and his shape-shifting canine companion, Jake. The duo travels across the fantastical Land of Ooo, encountering eccentric creatures and navigating strange magical landscapes. Each standalone quest highlights the early bond between the two adventurers while expanding the lore of the fantasy setting. The animated episodes provide imaginative world-building and lighthearted escapades within the broader franchise.
‘The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd’ (2023–)
The History channel premieres the fourth season of ‘The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd’ on October 2, 2026. Hosted by Dan Aykroyd, the non-fiction series investigates strange historical events, extraordinary inventions, and unexplained phenomena. Episodes utilize archival evidence, reenactments, and expert interviews to examine anomalies that challenge conventional science. The fourth season explores bizarre human feats and anomalous occurrences from around the globe. The production delivers an analytical look into historical mysteries and genre-adjacent curiosities.
‘Get Jiro’ (2026)
Adult Swim premieres the animated speculative-fiction series ‘Get Jiro’ on October 3, 2026. Set in a near-future Los Angeles, the premise envisions a society where elite master chefs command authority and gourmet cuisine acts as currency. The plot follows Jiro, a renegade sushi chef with a violent past who becomes entangled in a dangerous conflict between rival culinary factions. Created by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, the production features voice performances from Brian Tee, Titus Welliver, and Alison Pill. The show combines stylized action with satirical elements across an exaggerated dystopian urban landscape.
‘A Knight to Remember’ (2026)
Hallmark Channel premieres the magical romantic fantasy film ‘A Knight to Remember’ on October 3, 2026. The narrative follows Emily, a museum conservator preparing an ancient knight statue for an upcoming historical exhibition. An unexpected kiss breaks a mystical curse, bringing the medieval knight to life in modern society. Emily must guide the displaced warrior through the contemporary world while navigating an unexpected romance. The movie merges romantic comedy conventions with a lighthearted time-displacement fantasy premise.
‘Ninja Scroll’ (1993)
Iconic Events Releasing brings the acclaimed anime film ‘Ninja Scroll’ back to theaters for a 4K re-release on October 4, 2026. Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the dark supernatural fantasy follows the wandering swordsman Jubei Kibagami across feudal Japan. Jubei is pulled into a deadly conspiracy against the Eight Devils of Kimon, a faction of demonic warriors attempting to overthrow the government. The original voice cast includes Kōichi Yamadera, Emi Shinohara, and Takeshi Aono, set to a musical score by Kaoru Wada. This limited release offers fans an opportunity to view the remastered martial arts animation in theaters.
Share your thoughts in the comments about which sci-fi and fantasy titles you are planning to watch this week.
