What’s lighting up US theaters right now: Los Frikis to Werewolves — heart-pounding dramas to thrilling adventures

US theaters currently feature a mix of gripping dramas, thrilling adventures, and chilling horrors. Standouts include Los Frikis, a true story of Cuban teens seeking freedom; Kraven the Hunter, a Marvel superhero revenge tale; and The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an epic animated battle.

Moviegoers can also explore diverse genres with films like the heartfelt Nickel Boys, chronicling reform school struggles, the action-packed Dirty Angels, about soldiers on a daring rescue, and Werewolves, a supernatural thriller set under a chaotic supermoon.

Los Frikis

Genre: Drama, Based on a True Story, AIDS, Teen/Coming-of-Age

Director: Tyler Nilson, Mike Schwartz

Synopsis: This drama tells the powerful true story of teenagers in Cuba during the "Special Period" who deliberately inject themselves with HIV to escape the oppressive regime, offering a poignant look at their struggles for freedom.

Kraven the Hunter

Genre: Fantasy, Action, Revenge, Superheroes

Director: J.C. Chandor

Synopsis: Based on Marvel Comics, this action-packed film explores Kraven's complex relationship with his ruthless father and his quest for vengeance. His journey to become the greatest hunter turns him into one of the world's most feared figures.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure, Action

Director: Kenji Kamiyama

Synopsis: This animated fantasy film delves into the legendary battle for Rohan, as King Helm Hammerhand and his people make a daring last stand against a ruthless Dunlending lord seeking revenge.

Nickel Boys

Genre: Drama, Based on a True Story, Racism, Friendship

Director: RaMell Ross

Synopsis: Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this drama explores the deep friendship between two young African American boys as they navigate the brutal realities of a reform school in Florida.

Dirty Angels

Genre: Thriller, Action, Afghan War

Director: Martin Campbell

Synopsis: Set in Afghanistan, this thrilling action film follows a group of female soldiers who disguise themselves as medics to rescue teenagers trapped between ISIS and Taliban forces.

The Man in the White Van

Genre: Thriller, 1970s, Halloween

Director: Warren Skeels

Synopsis: This Hitchcockian thriller, set in 1974 Florida, centers around a young girl stalked by a mysterious white van, leading to a terrifying Halloween nightmare.

Filthy Animals

Genre: Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Crime, Christmas, Drugs

Director: James T. North

Synopsis: Two outlaws, Lars and Freddy, embark on a twisted Christmas Eve adventure as they hunt down sexual predators, blending dark comedy with crime and thriller elements.

The Activated Man

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Psychological Thriller

Director: Nicholas Gyeney

Synopsis: After the traumatic loss of his dog, Ors Gabriel begins experiencing strange visions, forcing him to confront the possibility that his mind may be fracturing—or that something sinister is real.

Y2K

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi

Director: Kyle Mooney

Synopsis: Set on New Year’s Eve 1999, two high schoolers crash a major celebration only to find themselves caught in a bizarre and chaotic series of events as the clock strikes midnight.

Werewolves

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Werewolves, Zombies

Director: Steven C. Miller

Synopsis: The return of a supermoon triggers a terrifying event where anyone touched by its light turns into a werewolf, sparking chaos and fear.

These films showcase a wide array of stories and genres, offering compelling narratives for all types of movie lovers—from action-packed blockbusters to deeply emotional dramas and eerie thrillers.