The 5 Hottest New Movies With Lena Dunham You Need To See (2024-2025)

Lena Dunham, the prolific writer, director, and actress who became a cultural lightning rod with her groundbreaking HBO series Girls, is experiencing a significant career resurgence with a slate of major film and television projects. As of , her filmography is exploding with high-profile work, both in front of and behind the camera, solidifying her reputation as one of the most compelling and often controversial voices in modern cinema.

The latest wave of her work demonstrates a clear shift, moving from the intensely personal indie roots of her early career to commanding major studio and streaming productions. From starring alongside Hollywood legends in poignant dramas to directing A-list talent in sharp, contemporary romantic comedies, Dunham’s next few years are packed with must-watch content that promises to keep her at the center of the entertainment conversation.

Lena Dunham: Biography and Career Profile

Lena Dunham is an American writer, director, actress, and producer, best known for creating, writing, and starring in the critically acclaimed HBO series Girls (2012–2017). Her work is frequently characterized by its raw, often uncomfortable, and deeply honest exploration of female sexuality, body image, and the complexities of modern adulthood.

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• Full Name: Lena Dunham
• Born: May 13, 1986
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Oberlin College (2008) with a B.A. in Creative Writing.
• Major Breakthrough: Her 2010 independent film Tiny Furniture, which she wrote, directed, and starred in, earned her a major following and led directly to the creation of Girls.
• Key Awards: Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Girls. She was also the first woman to win a DGA Award for Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series.
• Recent Directorial Work: Sharp Stick (2022) and the medieval comedy Catherine Called Birdy (2022), starring Bella Ramsey.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming Films Directed by Lena Dunham

While her acting roles are garnering attention, Dunham's most significant and high-profile upcoming work is in the director's chair. She has demonstrated a knack for capturing the zeitgeist of female experiences, and her next directorial feature is poised to be one of the biggest romantic comedies of the next few years.

1. Good Sex (Upcoming)

The buzz surrounding Good Sex is immense, primarily due to its star-studded cast and its provocative title. Lena Dunham wrote, directed, and produced this romantic comedy, which was the subject of a major bidding war, ultimately won by Netflix. This project marks a significant step for Dunham, placing her at the helm of a mainstream, high-budget feature with A-list talent.

• The Plot: The story centers on Ally, a successful couples' therapist who, after a decade-long failed relationship, finds herself turning 40 and re-entering the chaotic New York dating scene. The film explores Ally's complicated romantic life, which includes falling into a messy love triangle.
• The Cast: Natalie Portman leads the film as Ally, with a supporting cast that includes Oscar-winner Mark Ruffalo, Meg Ryan, and Rashida Jones. The ensemble promises a sharp, witty, and emotionally complex exploration of mid-life dating and modern relationships.
• Topical Authority: The film is expected to explore themes of female sexuality, dating after divorce, and the search for authentic connection in a post-modern world, all staples of Dunham's unique storytelling voice.

Lena Dunham’s Major Acting Roles in 2024 and 2025

Beyond directing, Lena Dunham has taken on compelling acting roles in films that tackle heavy, relevant social and historical themes. These roles showcase her versatility, moving away from the comedic-dramas she is known for to more serious, ensemble-driven pictures.

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2. Treasure (2024)

Released in 2024, Treasure is a German-French tragicomedy that has garnered attention on the festival circuit. The film is a powerful, intimate story set in Poland in the 1990s, focusing on the complex relationship between a daughter and her Holocaust-survivor father.

• The Plot: The movie follows Ruth (played by Dunham), an American music journalist, as she travels with her charming but emotionally distant father, Edek (played by Stephen Fry), back to his native Poland. The road trip is ostensibly to explore Edek's past, but it quickly becomes a journey of uncovering hidden family history and confronting the trauma of the Holocaust.
• The Cast: Lena Dunham stars opposite Stephen Fry, a celebrated British actor and comedian, in a pairing that highlights the generational and cultural differences in processing historical grief.
• Critical Reception: The film, directed by Julia von Heinz, has been praised for its sensitive handling of post-Holocaust trauma and the nuanced performances of its two leads.

3. I Wish You All The Best (2025)

Scheduled for a major release in November 2025, I Wish You All The Best is a highly anticipated adaptation of Mason Deaver's best-selling novel. This project is significant for its focus on a non-binary protagonist, aligning with contemporary themes of identity and acceptance.

• The Plot: The coming-of-age story centers on Ben (Corey Fogelmanis), a non-binary 17-year-old who is rejected by their rigidly religious parents after coming out. Ben moves in with their estranged older sister, Hannah (Alexandra Daddario), and her husband, navigating a new high school and a journey toward self-discovery and love.
• Lena Dunham's Role: Dunham appears in a supporting role alongside a cast that includes Cole Sprouse and Amy Landecker. Her involvement lends significant weight to a film centered on a vital LGBTQ+ narrative.
• Director: The film marks the directorial debut of Tommy Dorfman, an actress and advocate known for her work on 13 Reasons Why.

The Expanding Dunham Cinematic Universe: TV and Streaming

While movies are a major focus, Dunham's influence continues to expand across streaming platforms, proving her ability to create unique, character-driven narratives that resonate with modern audiences. Her upcoming Netflix series is another example of her evolving creative landscape.

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4. Too Much (2025 Series)

Lena Dunham is the creator, writer, and director of the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy series Too Much, which is set to premiere in 2025. This project sees her return to the episodic format, where she first achieved global fame with Girls, but with a fresh, transatlantic twist.

• The Premise: The series follows Jessica, a New York-based workaholic who is recovering from a broken engagement. She moves to London to pursue a more solitary and focused life, only to meet a charming, eccentric, and much younger man.
• The Themes: Too Much is expected to explore the cultural differences between American and British dating, the complexities of age-gap relationships, and the challenge of finding love when you least expect it.
• Starring: The series stars Megan Stalter (known for Hacks) as Jessica and Will Sharpe (known for The White Lotus) as the male lead.

5. Judy Blume Forever (2023 Documentary)

Although a documentary, Judy Blume Forever is a crucial part of Dunham's recent filmography, as she appears as herself to discuss the profound cultural impact of the legendary author, Judy Blume. The documentary, which premiered in 2023, explores how Blume’s books tackled sensitive topics like puberty, sex, and family issues, influencing generations of young women, including Dunham herself. This project highlights the lineage of female artists who have pushed boundaries in discussing taboo subjects, a theme central to Dunham's own work.

From the poignant drama of Treasure to the steamy, star-studded comedy of Good Sex and the identity-focused narrative of I Wish You All The Best, Lena Dunham's current and upcoming film slate is a testament to her enduring and evolving creative power. She continues to be a vital voice, tackling complex, messy, and deeply human stories that resonate across film and television.