As we dive into Hulu’s lineup for October 2025, it’s clear that the streaming service is leaning into the season: expect plenty of horror movies, a few classics, and even some early Christmas flicks to get a head start on the festive cheer.
Hulu’s library is always shifting, and this month is no exception, with new arrivals that cater both to those seeking spine-tingling scares and those craving cozy seasonal vibes.
But while Rotten Tomatoes scores can be a helpful guide, a high rating — 90% or above, in the case of the movies on this list — doesn’t guarantee that every movie will be your personal favorite. Think of it more as a measure of critical consensus, as it signals that a movie has been well-crafted and well-received even if it’s not to everyone’s taste.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five standout new-to-Hulu movies that have earned critical acclaim on the review aggregation site.
‘Barbarian’ (2022)
Darkly funny, relentlessly scary, and full of twists, “Barbarian” delivers a pulse-pounding horror ride perfect for Halloween. Fans of this year’s “Weapons,” also directed by Zach Cregger, will find plenty to enjoy in his first solo directorial debut, which showcases his proven capability in the horror world.
Tess (Georgina Campbell) travels to Detroit for a last-minute rental and is shocked to find her Airbnb has been double-booked by a stranger named Keith (Bill Skarsgård). Despite her initial unease, she decides to stay, but the night quickly turns unnerving.
Odd noises echo through the house, doors open to empty rooms, and hidden passages reveal secrets no one expected. Tess and Keith’s uneasy alliance is tested as each discovery leads to increasingly dangerous and unpredictable situations.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Watch it now on Hulu
‘Die Hard’ (1988)
Debated endlessly as either the ultimate Christmas movie or just a very festive action flick, “Die Hard” still manages to provide non-stop thrills, memorable one-liners, and an adrenaline fix to keep you on edge.
On Christmas Eve, NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) arrives in Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), at her company's holiday party in Nakatomi Plaza. The celebration is abruptly interrupted when a group of terrorists, led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), seize control of the building and take everyone inside hostage.
As the criminals execute their plan, McClane finds himself alone and cut off from the outside world. Using his resourcefulness and sheer determination, he begins a one-man battle against the invaders, navigating the skyscraper’s floors and evading deadly traps.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
Watch it now on Hulu
‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990)
Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” is a true classic and one of Johnny Depp’s most memorable roles to date. With Burton’s quirky visuals, Danny Elfman’s haunting score, and a perfect mix of dark humor and heart, it’s a story that still charms and surprises decades later.
“Edward Scissorhands” follows the story of an unfinished creation named Edward (Depp), a gentle and artistic man with scissors for hands. Living alone in a dark, gothic mansion, he is discovered by Peg (Dianne Wiest), a kind-hearted Avon saleswoman, who brings him into her suburban neighborhood.
Initially curious and fascinated, the townspeople quickly warm to Edward’s unusual talents, particularly his ability to sculpt intricate topiaries and create elaborate hairstyles. Despite his kind nature, Edward struggles to navigate social norms and everyday life, often causing unintentional trouble. His growing bond with Peg’s daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder), becomes central to his experience.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
Watch it now on Hulu
‘Ip Man 2’ (2010)
Hulu has brought the full “Ip Man” quadrilogy to its lineup this month, so if you’re looking to binge the whole saga, set aside some serious screen time. But for those just dipping in, it’s actually 2011’s “Ip Man 2” that shines brightest, boasting the highest Rotten Tomatoes score of the bunch. It’s pretty unusual to see a sequel outshine the original, which makes this franchise a standout in that regard.
“Ip Man 2” continues the story of legendary martial artist Ip Man (Donnie Yen) as he settles into life in Hong Kong after leaving Foshan. Struggling to establish himself and support his family, Ip opens a Wing Chun school, determined to share his skills and preserve his martial arts heritage.
However, his efforts quickly draw the attention of rival schools and fighters, culminating in a series of intense challenges that test both his skill and his honor. Ip soon has to face a powerful British boxer in a high-stakes public match, forcing him to defend not only his own reputation but also the integrity of Chinese martial arts.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
Watch it now on Hulu
‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2012)
If you think you know this story, think again. “The Cabin in the Woods” might look like your typical horror flick at first, but it quickly flips expectations on their head, twisting and deconstructing very familiar tropes. It’s one of my favorite horror movies because it’s so refreshingly unique.
“The Cabin in the Woods” starts with five college friends — Dana (Kristen Connolly), Curt (Chris Hemsworth), Jules (Anna Hutchison), Marty (Fran Kranz), and Holden (Jesse Williams) — heading to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway. A seemingly normal horror scenario soon morphs into something far more sinister, as mysterious and dangerous forces emerge in the isolated forest.
Unbeknownst to them, their actions are being monitored and manipulated by technicians in a high-tech underground facility, orchestrating every twist and terror they face. As the friends try to survive, they discover that the cabin and its surroundings are part of a larger, sinister experiment.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Watch it on Hulu starting October 16
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