Every Movie Premiering in Theaters This Week, Including Ridley Scott’s New Post-Apocalyptic Drama

Moviegoers have an extensive slate of theatrical offerings arriving during the final week of August 2026. The upcoming lineup spans diverse genres, ranging from major studio tentpoles and international animations to biographical documentaries and cult classics returning to cinemas. Audiences can look forward to wide theatrical releases as well as specialized limited engagements across multiple distribution networks. Here is an overview of all the feature films premiering in theaters throughout the week.

‘American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story’ (2026)

Premiering on August 25, 2026, ‘American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story’ chronicles the life and sacrifice of Father Stanley Rother, an American Catholic priest who served in Guatemala. The biographical documentary features appearances by Martin Sheen, Michael Scaperlanda, Rebekah Scaperlanda, and archival footage of Stanley Rother. Distributed by Fathom Events, the film runs for 2 hours and 3 minutes during its limited theatrical engagement. The project explores Rother’s enduring legacy and the events that led to his beatification as a martyr.

‘Toxic’ (2026)

Scheduled for a limited theatrical debut on August 26, 2026, ‘Toxic’ is a high-octane action crime thriller distributed by Variance Films. The feature is headlined by an ensemble cast that includes Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and Huma Qureshi. Blending romance and drama into an intense narrative, the production boasts an extensive runtime of 3 hours and 15 minutes. The story follows a dangerous underworld conflict where loyalties and personal relationships are pushed to their absolute limits.

‘Wildcards’ (2026)

Releasing in limited theaters on August 27, 2026, ‘Wildcards’ delivers a tense drama thriller narrative. The film stars Leon alongside Courtney Grace, Elise Neal, and Aries Spears. The storyline focuses on high-stakes choices and unexpected alliances formed under extreme pressure. The project explores the psychological toll faced by individuals caught in unpredictable and perilous circumstances.

‘It Ends’ (2026)

Neon is set to release ‘It Ends’ in a wide theatrical distribution beginning on August 28, 2026. Blending drama, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and thriller elements, the film features performances by Mitchell Cole, Akira Jackson, Noah Toth, and Phinehas Yoon. The production maintains a compact runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. The plot examines survival dynamics when humanity faces an unexplained, reality-altering phenomenon.

‘The Marching Band’ (2026)

Distributed widely by Greenwich Entertainment, ‘The Marching Band’ opens in theaters on August 28, 2026. The comedy drama centers on musical collaboration and stars Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Lottin, Sarah Suco, and Jacques Bonnaffé. With a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes, the film explores brotherhood, social divides, and personal redemption through a local orchestra. The narrative follows two estranged brothers from contrasting backgrounds who reconnect through their shared passion for music.

‘Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins’ (2021)

Brainstorm Media brings ‘Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins’ to limited theaters on August 28, 2026. The action-packed crime drama stars Terry Stone, Roland Manookian, Josh Myers, and Vinnie Jones. Clocking in at 1 hour and 47 minutes, the film serves as a prequel detailing the violent rise of iconic figures in the British underworld. The storyline depicts the escalating criminal tensions and brutal street warfare that defined late-twentieth-century Essex.

‘How to Divorce During the War’ (2026)

Zeitgeist Films presents ‘How to Divorce During the War’, which arrives for a wide theatrical release on August 28, 2026. The dramatic feature stars Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė, Tomas Seckus, Marius Repšys, and Alla Bineeva. Spanning a total runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes, the film addresses the complexities of personal relationships during national upheaval. The narrative examines a couple navigating marital separation while surrounded by the emotional strain of wartime conflict.

‘Boorman and the Devil’ (2026)

Arriving in limited cinemas on August 28, 2026, ‘Boorman and the Devil’ is a cinematic documentary distributed by Yellow Veil Pictures. The retrospective project features insights from acclaimed filmmakers and actors, including John Boorman, Louise Fletcher, Karyn Kusama, and Mike Flanagan. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes, the documentary examines the troubled production and legacy of Boorman’s provocative cinematic works. The film offers extensive interviews, analytical commentary, and rare archival material detailing the challenges behind controversial genre filmmaking.

‘Beyond Belief’ (2026)

Iconic Events Releasing opens ‘Beyond Belief’ in limited theaters on August 28, 2026. The sports family drama stars Carson Lueders, James C. Burns, Debby Gerber, and Ryan Barnes. Running for 1 hour and 56 minutes, the narrative integrates themes of musical ambition, athletic discipline, and family perseverance. The plot centers on a young athlete balancing rigorous competitive expectations while pursuing artistic aspirations against significant odds.

‘Spider Island’ (2026)

Scheduled for a limited theatrical debut on August 28, 2026, ‘Spider Island’ delivers an offbeat blend of comedy and creature horror. The film features an ensemble cast led by Tim McInnerny, Rose Williams, Andy Nyman, and Anuschka van Lent. With a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, the story tracks a group trapped in an isolated location infested with deadly arachnids. Survival turns chaotic as the characters attempt to outsmart predators while coping with escalating internal panic.

‘The Dog Stars’ (2026)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures brings the post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure ‘The Dog Stars’ to wide theatrical release on August 28, 2026. Directed with an ensemble featuring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, and Guy Pearce, the film runs for 1 hour and 58 minutes. Set in the aftermath of a devastating global pandemic, the story follows a pilot living in an abandoned airport with his loyal dog and a hardened survivalist. When a mysterious radio transmission suggests signs of other survivors, the protagonist embarks on a perilous journey across desolate terrain.

‘The Cycle of Love’ (2026)

Variance Films will premiere ‘The Cycle of Love’ in limited theaters starting August 28, 2026. The biographical romance and adventure documentary features Mina Dale, Chirag Lobo, PK Mahanandia, and Lotta von Schedvin. Spanning 1 hour and 38 minutes, the film recounts the extraordinary true journey of an artist cycling across continents to reunite with his partner. The production incorporates dramatic elements and documentary footage to capture a unique story of cross-cultural devotion.

‘Legend of the White Dragon’ (2026)

Well Go USA Entertainment releases ‘Legend of the White Dragon’ in limited theaters on August 28, 2026. The sci-fi action fantasy stars Jason David Frank alongside Aaron Schoenke, Rachele Brooke Smith, and Jason Faunt. With a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, the film follows a disgraced hero who must reclaim his lost powers to protect his city. The story explores redemption and sacrifice as ancient abilities clash against technologically advanced criminal syndicates.

‘Buddy’ (2026)

Roadside Attractions delivers the horror feature ‘Buddy’ to wide audiences on August 28, 2026. The movie features a cast that includes Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key. With a concise runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, the story revolves around a sinister companion turning a domestic setting into a nightmare. As bizarre events escalate, the family must confront the terrifying truth behind the artificial entity in their household.

‘The Sun Never Sets’ (2026)

Opening on August 28, 2026, ‘The Sun Never Sets’ receives a limited theatrical release through IFC Films. The romantic drama features performances by Dakota Fanning, Debby Ryan, Brandon Daley, and Phil Phillips. Running for 1 hour and 42 minutes, the film chronicles an emotional journey between two individuals confronting life-altering decisions under endless daylight. The narrative delves into themes of healing, romance, and self-discovery set against striking landscapes.

‘Gandahar’ (1987)

Janus Films re-releases the animated sci-fi classic ‘Gandahar’ in limited theaters on August 28, 2026. Featuring the French voice talents of Pierre-Marie Escourrou, Catherine Chevallier, Georges Wilson, and Anny Duperey, the film has a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. The narrative follows Sylvain, a heroic warrior sent to investigate an enigmatic metal army threatening the peaceful utopian planet of Gandahar. This animation classic explores profound philosophical concepts concerning genetic experimentation, time travel, and environmental balance.

‘Finding Emily’ (2026)

Focus Features releases the romantic comedy ‘Finding Emily’ into wide theatrical circulation on August 28, 2026. The film features an ensemble cast starring Angourie Rice, Spike Fearn, Minnie Driver, and Sadie Soverall. Clocking in at 1 hour and 51 minutes, the story focuses on a miscommunication that sends an idealistic young protagonist across the country. The road trip forces the characters to reexamine their romantic expectations and forge unexpected personal connections along the way.

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ (2026)

Ketchup Entertainment brings the hybrid live-action animation ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ to wide theaters on August 28, 2026. Starring Will Forte, Lana Condor, John Cena, and Tone Bell, the family adventure fantasy runs for 1 hour and 41 minutes. The plot follows Wile E. Coyote as he hires a down-on-his-luck human lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation over defective products. The resulting courtroom showdown pits the determined legal team against Acme’s corporate attorney in a high-stakes legal battle.

‘Just Play Dead’ (2026)

Premiering in limited theaters on August 28, 2026, ‘Just Play Dead’ is a crime thriller from Vertical Entertainment. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green, Eoin Macken, and María Pedraza. The narrative plunges viewers into a dangerous web of deception where criminals must fake their own deaths to escape a syndicate. High-tension confrontations and shifting loyalties drive the suspenseful plot toward an explosive final resolution.

‘Colony’ (2026)

Well Go USA Entertainment releases the Korean thriller ‘Colony’ in limited cinemas on August 28, 2026. Starring Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, and Kim Shin-rock, the action sci-fi horror clocks in at 2 hours and 2 minutes. The narrative takes place in an isolated futuristic facility that falls prey to a lethal, mutated threat. A team of investigators and survivors must unravel the dark conspiracy behind the outbreak while fighting for their lives.

‘Idiots’ (2026)

Distributed by IFC Films, the crime comedy ‘Idiots’ arrives in limited theaters on August 28, 2026. The cast is headlined by Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, and Killer Mike. With a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes, the film follows an inept group of petty criminals attempting an overly complicated heist. Chaos quickly ensues as their miscalculated plans attract the attention of both local law enforcement and dangerous underground figures.

‘Filipiñana’ (2026)

Kino Lorber presents the drama ‘Filipiñana’, opening in limited theaters on August 28, 2026. The film features performances by Jorrybell Agoto, Joanna Marie Banua, Angeli Bayani, and Shamaine Buencamino. Running for 1 hour and 40 minutes, the story centers on the subtle social structures and economic disparities within a lavish country club. Through a measured and contemplative lens, the film explores labor, class divisions, and institutional power dynamics.

‘The Last Blossom’ (2026)

GKIDS is scheduled to distribute the animated drama ‘The Last Blossom’ in limited theatrical release on August 30, 2026. The vocal cast includes Abhinav Singh, Natsuki Hanae, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Hikari Mitsushima. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes, the production explores generational connections and emotional healing across shifting seasons. The storyline combines delicate visual artistry with an intimate narrative about grief, memory, and renewal.

Which of these new theatrical releases are you most excited to watch this week? Share your thoughts in the comments.