As with every year, the last few months on the calendar tend to provide some of the best theatrical offerings and November is no exception. Our top spy agent returns and with him comes a few of the most-anticipated adult dramas and even a few promising family offerings thrown in. In terms of cinematic events, keep your eyes out for AFI Fest recently kicking off in Los Angeles, which holds the premieres of two films showcasing iconic figures. Check out matinees to see below and top recommendations to follow.

Matinees: The Details (11/2), A Late Quartet (11/2), This Must Be the Place (11/2), In Another Country (11/9), Starlet (11/9), A Royal Affair (11/9), 28 Hotel Rooms (11/16), Rise of the Guardians (11/21), Hitchcock (11/23), Rust & Bone (11/23)

To See:

10. Wreck-It Ralph (Rich Moore; Nov. 2nd)

Synopsis: A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.

Trailer

Why You Should See It: Directed by Futurama‘s Rich Moore, this story of a Donkey Kong-esque bad guy is aiming to be one of the most enjoyable experiences this fall, tailor-made for any videogame fanatic. With a voice cast of John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch and Sarah Silverman, check out our positive review here, where we proclaim there is much more in store than just a reference-filled extravaganza.

9. Lincoln (Steven Spielberg; Nov. 9th)

Synopsis: As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

Trailer

Why You Should See It: While it’s one of the more disappointing offerings this year, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is a commendable effort in capturing a brief, but vital moment in history. After a dull, oddly-paced initial hour due to lack of forward momentum, this biopic finally finds a groove when Spielberg dives into the political inner workings of what it takes to get the 13th amendment passed.

8. Anna Karenina (Joe Wright; Nov. 16th)

Synopsis: Set in late-19th-century Russia high-society, the aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky.

Trailer

Why You Should See It: Few can do period dramas better than Atonement‘s Joe Wright and after a brief action stint with Hanna, he has returned to adapting literary classics with Anna Karenina. Judging from our TIFF review, Wright has delivered quite a spectacle with this “audacious” take, so those expecting a dry turn are bound to be surprised.

7. Flight (Robert Zemeckis; Nov. 2nd)

Synopsis: An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling.

Trailer

Why You Should See It: Although we offered up a negative take out of NYFF, I found a lot to admire in Robert Zemeckis‘ return to live-action filmmaking. Although heavy-handed at times, this unconventionally-structured character study takes a compelling, often dark look the complexity of addiction. Anchored by a stellar performance from Denzel Washington, this drama is well worth your time.

6. The Central Park Five (Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon; Nov. 23rd)

Synopsis: A documentary that examines the 1989 case of five black and Latino teenagers who were convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. After having spent between 6 and 13 years each in prison, a serial rapist confessed to the crime.

Trailer

Why You Should See It: The fall consistently brings a eclectic slate of documentaries and this month is perhaps the best, as Ken Burns‘ controversial exploration on the 1989 Central Park Jogger Case will be unveiled in theatrical release. Directed with his daughter, Sarah, and David McMahon, the film has caught fire with lawyers in New York, as they even attempt to subpoena notes and outtakes from the film. As the filmmakers fight back, expect this to be one of the most vital documentaries of the year.

Check out the top five on the next page >>

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