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 fans have an exciting lineup of new and returning titles hitting streaming platforms and theaters this week. From animated adaptations and cyberpunk classics to gripping apocalyptic thrillers, these offerings cover a wide array of speculative storytelling subgenres. Whether viewers are on the lookout for video game adaptations or intense dystopian mysteries, this selection promises a rich variety of imaginative narratives.

‘City of Blood’ (2026)

Launching on Hulu on September 16, 2026, ‘City of Blood’ is set in a future Berlin ravaged by climate change, divided into two distinct societal classes. The plot delves into the conflict between those living in a climate-controlled dome and the marginalized groups struggling outside in harsh conditions. A supernatural twist unfolds as vampires infiltrate the city’s organized crime to gain political power. Created by Elena Lyubarskaya and Philipp Kadelbach, the series features Lea Drinda, Soma Pysall, Franz Hartwig, David Schütter, and Lars Eidinger. This speculative thriller artfully combines dystopian world-building with dark supernatural horror elements.

‘Golden Axe’ (2026–)

Debuting on September 16, 2026, on Paramount+, ‘Golden Axe’ is an animated fantasy action-comedy inspired by SEGA’s classic 1989 arcade game. The story follows legendary warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead as they team up with novice Hampton Squib to protect the land of Yuria. Together, they must traverse a magical realm filled with supernatural foes 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, this production brings retro video game fantasy to life in an episodic format.

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

Season 2 of the animated spin-off ‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 17, 2026. Developed by Eric Robles in collaboration with Matt and Ross Duffer, the series follows the youth of Hawkins as they explore strange paranormal events and alternate dimensions throughout 1985. The episodic narratives blend classic 1980s supernatural horror with science fiction monster mythology and secretive laboratory experiments. The voice cast includes 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 series features direction from Sarah Partington, Phil Allora, and Ben Choi.

‘April X’ (2025)

Set to release in limited theaters on September 18, 2026, following its festival premiere in 2025, ‘April X’ is a near-future science fiction thriller. The story revolves around Bax, who searches for his missing twin sister, April, in a surreal, futuristic post-Soviet city. His desperate quest leads him deeper into a hostile environment that threatens his mental stability. Directed and co-written by Michel K. Parandi, alongside co-writer Jack Coulton and producer Lavinia Postolache, this film offers an atmospheric mystery. The cast features Lilly Krug, Connor Storrie, Tudor Chirilă, Șerban Pavlu, and Tourialay Akbari.

‘Resident Evil’ (2026)

Hitting theaters from Sony Pictures and Columbia on September 18, 2026, ‘Resident Evil’ revives biological science fiction horror on the big screen. The narrative follows a viral outbreak in Raccoon City, where a medical courier named Bryan finds himself trapped in a battle against mutated creatures and corporate conspiracies. Directed and co-written by Zach Cregger with co-writer Shay Hatten, this film combines creature feature thrills with intense survival action. The cast includes Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Johnno Wilson. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski captures the visual horror alongside a production team that includes Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Carter Swan, and Asad Qizilbash.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

Lionsgate is bringing Mamoru Oshii’s iconic 1995 anime film ‘Ghost in the Shell’ back to select theaters for a limited re-release on September 18, 2026. Adapted from Masamune Shirow’s manga by screenwriter Kazunori Itō, this cyberpunk classic follows cybernetic operative Major Motoko Kusanagi as she pursues the enigmatic hacker known as the Puppet Master. The story raises philosophical questions about artificial intelligence, human identity, and the blurred lines between organic life and machines. The original Japanese voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ōtsuka, Iemasa Kayumi, and Kōichi Yamadera. Enhanced by Kenji Kawai’s haunting score and Hisao Shirai’s cinematography, this film remains a foundational masterpiece in modern science fiction.

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