Big names, big visuals, and big surprises
By Billy Jiang
While the start of the month was dominated by patriotic films during China's National Day holiday, it's now time for international releases to take center stage.
From epic re-releases to futuristic journeys, emotional dramas to indie surprises, here's what's coming to theaters near you.
Avatar: The Way of Water
October 3
Yes, you're reading that right—this is a re-release of Avatar 2, not the long-awaited Avatar 3.
Originally released during a sluggish year-end box office in 2022, The Way of Water started strong but quickly lost steam, both in China and internationally.
This return to theaters could be a warm-up for the next chapter, letting fans relive the spectacle on the big screen.
So, will you dive in again?
Note: A Chinese dubbed version is also available. So check your ticket options carefully when booking!
TRON: Ares
October 17
It's shiny, it's stylish… but will it finally have substance?
Since TRON first hit screens in 1982, it's been a cult sci-fi darling.
But 2010's sequel divided fans—visually stunning, musically iconic (hello, Daft Punk), but narratively flimsy.
Now comes TRON: Ares, set in a hyper-advanced cyber future where a mysterious AI program named Ares begins to question its own purpose.
It's a philosophical leap for the franchise, exploring freedom versus obedience in a digital ecosystem.
But, unless the story upgrades as much as the CGI, box office hopes—especially in China—may struggle to even match the last film's RMB110 million (USD15.4 million) take.
One Battle After Another
October 17
Big names. Bigger stakes.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro face off in Paul Thomas Anderson's most visually ambitious film to date.
When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.
Set across continents and conflicts, One Battle After Another isn't just a war film—it's an emotional epic wrapped in high-octane action.
It also marks DiCaprio's long-awaited return to Chinese mainland cinemas after a decade—his first post-Oscar film to hit the big screen here.
Already tipped by international critics as a frontrunner for next year's Oscars, this is the awards-season juggernaut to watch.
A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey
October 18
Step through a mysterious time door into a gorgeously surreal world.
Margot Robbie trades in Barbie pink for cerebral charm as Sarah, a love-averse woman.
Colin Farrell gives a career-defining performance as David, a man obsessed with order.
Together, they embark on a metaphysical trip through their own pasts and possible futures, rewriting love, regret, and fate itself.
To top it all off, the score is composed by none other than Joe Hisaishi—yes, the legend behind Studio Ghibli's most iconic music.
This marks Hisaishi's first-ever Hollywood score, and it turns every emotional beat into a sweeping, time-bending symphony.
Not Friends
October 18
Forget the sappy nostalgia and teenage angst—this is a youth film with bite.
Kicking off with death and deception, Not Friends peels back the shiny surface of high school life and dives into the awkward, raw, and sometimes hilarious realities underneath.
It's a campus comedy that actually feels fresh—the jokes aren't forced punchlines, but witty snapshots of real life.
Students will laugh in recognition; adults might cry from nostalgia.
Winner of multiple awards at the Shanghai, Hainan Island, and Silk Road international film festivals, every screening so far has sold out with standing ovations.
Just a heads-up: This Thai-language gem will screen in original audio with Chinese subtitles.
Caught Stealing
October 24
Hank Thompson (played by Elvis star Austin Butler) just wanted to do a neighbor a favor.
Instead, he's now on the run, dodging bullets from gangsters who really, really want that cat back.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), Caught Stealing is the auteur's first-ever film to hit China's big screens.
Equal parts noir thriller and absurdist action flick, it's already being hailed in North America as 'one of the most stylistically audacious films of the year.'
Strap in—and maybe leave your pet at home.
Reflet dans un Diamant Mort
Sometime in October
Reflet dans un Diamant Mort ('Reflection in a Dead Diamond') is a haunting, stylish drama from director Bruno Forzani.
Set in a luxurious hotel on the French Riviera, it follows aging former spy John D. as he becomes obsessed with his mysterious roommate—a man who reminds him of his wilder, younger days in the 1960s.
When the roommate disappears, John must confront old enemies, forgotten sins, and the question of whether his peace was ever real.
It's classic European cinema: moody, mysterious, and rich in atmosphere.
Note: This French-language film will screen in original audio with Chinese subtitles.
Important Reminder
Non-English films will be screened in their original languages (some dubbed) with Chinese subtitles only—be sure to check the language version before booking your tickets.
Planning to catch a movie? Don't miss our tips on booking, payment, and more...
Ultimate Guide to Booking Cinema Tickets in China
[Cover image by That's]
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