All the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Titles Releasing This Week Including a Controversial Adaptation
Genre fans have an exciting array of new titles hitting theaters and major streaming platforms this week. From animated cyberpunk dystopias to high-concept AI dramas and folklore-inspired stop-motion fairy tales, the upcoming releases present a rich variety of speculative storytelling. Viewers can also look forward to intriguing genre-adjacent mysteries that delve into psychological delusions, supernatural phenomena, and alternate holiday realities. Here’s a rundown of the notable science-fiction and fantasy titles set to premiere in the coming days.
‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)
‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ returns for its second season on Netflix on October 20, 2026. Produced through a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger, the new episodes dive back into the neon-lit dystopia of Night City. The story follows a new crew of mercenaries as they navigate dangerous underground operations, corporate espionage, and the heavy toll of cybernetic enhancements. This season expands the futuristic universe of the franchise, exploring how technological obsession and economic disparity push outlaws to their limits.
‘Klara and the Sun’ (2026)
Directed by Taika Waititi, ‘Klara and the Sun’ hits theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026, courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing. Adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel, the film is set in a future shaped by genetic engineering and advanced AI. Jenna Ortega stars as Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to provide companionship to sick adolescents, who is bought to assist a chronically ill teenager named Josie. As Klara witnesses human relationships, she seeks to understand the complexities of love, grief, and self-sacrifice in a divided society. The film also features Amy Adams, Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy, Natasha Lyonne, and Steve Buscemi.
‘Terrestrial’ (2026)
The psychological sci-fi thriller ‘Terrestrial’ opens in limited theaters via Aero Films on October 23, 2026. Directed by Steve Pink, the film follows aspiring genre author Allen Perkins, who invites three estranged college friends to his lavish Hollywood Hills home to celebrate a major manuscript deal. However, the reunion turns tense as his guests notice unsettling clues and increasingly erratic behavior from Allen. As the weekend unfolds, they must confront whether Allen’s creative breakthrough is genuine or part of a dangerous delusion. The cast includes Jermaine Fowler, James Morosini, Pauline Chalamet, and Edy Modica.
‘Wildwood’ (2026)
LAIKA’s stop-motion dark fantasy feature ‘Wildwood’ arrives in theaters nationwide on October 23, 2026. Directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, the film adapts the illustrated fantasy novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis. The story follows Prue McKeel, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, as she ventures into a forbidden forest outside Portland after a flock of crows kidnaps her baby brother. Inside this hidden realm, she faces magical creatures, talking animals, and warring woodland factions in her quest to rescue her sibling. The voice cast includes Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Jacob Tremblay, and Angela Bassett.
‘Wicker’ (2026)
The fantasy romance ‘Wicker’ opens in select theaters on October 23, 2026, distributed by Black Bear. Directed and written by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, the film is based on the short story ‘The Wicker Husband’ by Ursula Wills-Jones. Olivia Colman stars as a shunned fisherwoman in a small coastal town who commissions a local basket maker, played by Peter Dinklage, to create an artificial husband. The situation takes a turn when the wicker partner, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, magically comes to life, challenging the community’s prejudices. The supporting cast includes Elizabeth Debicki and Richard E. Grant.
‘What If Christmas’ (2026)
The romantic holiday fantasy ‘What If Christmas’ premieres on Hallmark Channel on October 25, 2026, with streaming access available the following day on Hallmark+. Lori Loughlin stars as Erin, a talented fashion designer who has put her ambitions on hold to support her husband’s career. After reevaluating her life, she wakes up on Christmas morning in an alternate timeline where she is a successful fashion executive but never married her husband. As she navigates this new reality with Tom Cavanagh’s character, Erin must determine which aspects of her life truly matter.
‘Swipe Right on the Devil’ (2026)
The true-crime documentary series ‘Swipe Right on the Devil’ premieres on Hulu on October 22, 2026. Produced by Imagine Documentaries, the series investigates the 2017 disappearance and murder of Sydney Loofe following a Tinder encounter. The investigation uncovers a disturbing underground group focused on psychological coercion, witchcraft, and claims of mind control. Featuring interviews with real investigators and key witnesses, the series examines how supernatural beliefs and manipulation influenced this high-profile case.
‘Phony’ (2026)
The coming-of-age mystery comedy series ‘Phony’ premieres on Hulu on October 20, 2026. Created by Nick Paley, the story follows Sonny Cooke, a teenager played by Sam Nivola, who wakes up after a car accident convinced that his mother has been replaced by an imposter. Connie Britton co-stars as the high school principal whose identical double Sonny suspects has infiltrated his home. Drawing on classic themes of identity and psychological suspense, the series chronicles Sonny’s frantic search for proof amid escalating family tensions.
Share your thoughts in the comments about which of these upcoming sci-fi and fantasy titles you are most eager to watch this week.