Fall 2021 Film Preview: 20 sci-fi, fantasy, and horror movies releasing this year
Despite lots of delayed productions, we’ve already seen some great films this year. From here on out, 2021 is heating up, with tons of exciting sci-fi, fantasy, and horror movies on the way.
August 27
Nia DaCosta and Jordan Peele’s Candyman looks like a smart, slick reinvention of the classic ‘90s slasher series, following a visual artist in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, the now-gentrified neighborhood where the original took place.
September 3
Shang-Chi takes Marvel fans to a whole new part of the MCU, so it could be a hit for comic fans with Avengers fatigue. Early reviews, including Inverse’s, say it’s worth seeing when it arrives in theaters.
October 6
If you’re looking for Scream for the next generation, look no further than There’s Someone Inside Your House. Based on Stephanie Perkins’ bestselling novel, the Netflix horror movie follows a high school senior who is being targeted by a masked serial killer.
October 8
The next James Bond film continues Daniel Craig’s run as a more grounded 007. Even without the invisible cars, sci-fi fans should still have plenty of fantastical gadgets and action to enjoy.
October 15
After yet another fake-out death in 2018’s Halloween, Michael Myers returns in Halloween Kills. This time, Laurie Strode rounds up a mob to take him down, but a planned 2022 sequel makes success seem unlikely.
October 22
It takes a brave director to attempt Dune after previous adaptations became legendary cinematic disasters. This version of the sci-fi epic will at least offer a stacked cast and stunning visuals.
October 29
A fashion designer makes a time-bending connection with a ‘60s singer in this psychological thriller but finds the past isn’t so easy to leave behind.
November 5
Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao directs what could be Marvel’s most surprising movie yet. It follows a group of immortal superhumans who have finally decided it’s time to step up and fight for Earth.
November 11
Directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a nostalgia bomb waiting to go off, with familiar ghosts, ghouls, and gadgets from the original film.
17. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
November 24
Welcome to Raccoon City has nothing to do with the existing Resident Evil movies. Director Johannes Roberts says he’s going for a darker tone, similar to the first two games.
December 17
Spider-Man deals with the fallout from his fight with Mysterio in No Way Home, and as the film’s first trailer shows, Doctor Strange and his reality-warping magic are front and center this time.
December 22
The Matrix was a one-of-a-kind success — too bad about those sequels. Details are still being kept quiet, but The Matrix 4 could bring the series back to its original heights this year.