The August 2026 movie calendar gives theaters a diverse group of releases rather than another month dominated by a single franchise. Romantic comedy, R-rated humor, dinosaur adventure, supernatural horror, action and post-apocalyptic science fiction are all represented across four consecutive weekends.
Cinema United’s current calendar identifies eight movies expected to open in at least 2,000 North American locations during August. Release dates can still change, but the schedule provides a clear guide for moviegoers deciding which titles deserve a theatrical ticket.
August 7: One Night Only
One Night Only stars Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner as two New Yorkers attempting to find a meaningful relationship during the only night of the year when unmarried people can legally have sex. The romantic comedy was written and directed by Will Gluck, whose earlier work includes Easy A and Anyone but You.
The supporting cast includes Maya Hawke, Julia Fox, King Princess, Ziwe, Ben Marshall, Molly Ringwald and LeVar Burton. The movie carries an R rating and appears designed for adults who want a high-concept romance rather than another superhero or horror release.
August 7: Super Troopers 3
The Broken Lizard comedy group returns in Super Troopers 3, with Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske again playing the irresponsible Vermont troopers. Brian Cox also returns as their exasperated commander.
The official premise involves Farva’s elaborate engagement to Thorny’s sister, Thorny’s attempt to stop the marriage and a new drug investigation. Searchlight Pictures has scheduled the R-rated comedy for a wide release on August 7.
August 14: The End of Oak Street
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor lead The End of Oak Street, a science-fiction survival movie written and directed by David Robert Mitchell. A mysterious cosmic event removes a suburban neighborhood from its familiar surroundings, forcing one family to survive in a landscape that includes enormous prehistoric threats.
Maisy Stella and Christian Convery play the couple’s children, while J.J. Abrams is among the producers. The PG-13 rating suggests a large-scale thriller intended for older children and adults rather than a graphic horror audience.
August 14: PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie sends the rescue pups to an uncharted tropical island after their ship is caught in a mysterious storm. They meet Rex, a dinosaur specialist, and must respond when Mayor Humdinger’s reckless mining contributes to a volcanic emergency.
The PG-rated animated movie is the clearest August selection for families with younger children. Paramount has scheduled the wide theatrical release for August 14, placing it directly against The End of Oak Street but targeting a substantially younger audience.
August 21: Insidious: Out of the Further
The sixth Insidious movie follows Gemma, a young mother who discovers she can enter The Further, the franchise’s realm of lost souls. Her ability is more dangerous than expected because she can also bring supernatural entities back into the physical world.
Amelia Eve stars alongside Brandon Perea, Maisie Richardson-Sellers and returning franchise performer Lin Shaye. Sony has given the film a PG-13 rating and scheduled it for August 21, making it the month’s most prominent supernatural-horror release.
August 21: Mutiny
Jason Statham plays Cole Reed in Mutiny, an action thriller about a man who witnesses the murder of his billionaire employer and is framed for the crime. Reed boards a cargo ship while pursuing revenge and discovers that the killing is connected to a wider international conspiracy.
The R-rated Lionsgate release arrives on August 21. Statham’s presence gives the movie a clear audience among viewers who prefer direct physical action, conspiracies and practical stunt work to fantasy-heavy spectacle.
August 28: Coyote vs. Acme
Coyote vs. Acme combines live action and animation in a courtroom comedy built around Wile E. Coyote’s long history of defective products. The character hires an attorney played by Will Forte to sue ACME, while John Cena plays the company’s polished legal representative.
The PG-rated movie has attracted unusual attention because it survived an earlier decision not to release it. It now reaches theaters on August 28, giving audiences the opportunity to decide whether the long-delayed production deserved to be rescued.
August 28: The Dog Stars
Ridley Scott directs The Dog Stars, a post-apocalyptic film starring Jacob Elordi as Hig and Josh Brolin as Bangley. The two men have created an isolated home after civilization’s collapse, but a mysterious radio signal pushes Hig to search for other survivors and the possibility of a more hopeful life.
Margaret Qualley and Allison Janney also appear in the R-rated movie. Its August 28 release offers a more serious alternative to the family comedy of Coyote vs. Acme.
Which August Movie Is Best for Families?
Families with younger children have the clearest match in PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. Older children and teenagers may be more interested in The End of Oak Street or Coyote vs. Acme, although parents should consider individual sensitivities and official ratings.
The remaining releases are aimed primarily at adults. One Night Only, Super Troopers 3, Mutiny and The Dog Stars are rated R, while Insidious: Out of the Further carries a PG-13 rating but is built around frightening supernatural material.
