Netflix is adding 23 new shows and movies to the streaming service this week. But two titles are a definite must-add to your watchlist this week. Top of that list? Guillermo del Toro's latest cinematic masterpiece, "Frankenstein." This is easily my most anticipated film of the week, as I missed it in theaters, and while Halloween has come and gone, I'll be sure to watch this monster movie as soon as it arrives this Friday.
The other title definitely getting added to my watchlist this week is "Death by Lightning," a new limited series from "Game of Thrones" co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. I'm already a sucker for a historical drama, but give me a cast that includes Nick Offerman in an iconic beard, and I'm immediately sold.
Malcolm has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. Every week, he hunts down the top shows and movies to watch on Netflix.
New on Netflix this week: Top picks
'Frankenstein'
As I mentioned already, "Frankenstein" is probably my most-anticipated movie of the week. Honestly, it might be my most anticipated movie of the fall. Starring Oscar Isaac as the mad scientist Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his monstrous creation known as "The Creature," this movie feels like the perfect material for Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro to adapt.
If you've never read Mary Shelley's 19th-century novel, "Frankenstein" is the tale of a well-to-do scientist obsessed with the secrets of life whose obsession ultimately leads him to create a Creature by reanimating parts of various corpses. The Creature is mistreated by Frankenstein, and ultimately, he pursues a rage-fueled campaign of vengeance against his creator. The trailer for this dark gothic tale has me ready to grab my popcorn, so make sure to add this to your watchlist this week.
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 7
'Death by Lightning'
If the name James Garfield sounds familiar, that means you paid attention in U.S. History class. He unexpectedly became the Republican presidential nominee in 1880 and subsequently defeated Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock in that year's general election. But then, just as unexpectedly, he was shot and ultimately killed by Charles J. Guiteau, who felt he was responsible for Garfield's sudden rise to power.
"Death by Lightning" brings that story to Netflix, and it looks electric, no pun intended. This is a four-part miniseries from "Game of Thrones" creators Benioff and Weiss, and it feels like an instant binge-watch. Starring the incredible Michael Shannon as U.S. President James A. Garfield, the show also stars "Succession" star Matthew Macfadyen as the unhinged Guiteau and Nick Offerman as U.S. Vice President Chester A. Arthur, as well as Betty Gilpin ("GLOW"), Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing"), Shea Whigham ("Boardwalk Empire") and Kyle Soller ("Andor").
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 6
'Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things'
Leanne Morgan's brand of comedy has been a hit for Netflix. The Southern stand-up has already had a successful hour-long special, "I'm Every Woman," and a hit eponymous sitcom for the streaming service. Now, she's back for another round with her second special for Netflix: "Unspeakable Things."
In this hour-long comedy special, Morgan runs the gamut on a host of topics. She covers everything from trying CBD, to keeping her marriage going all these years and the joys of taking your young kids on vacation. If you need a laugh, make sure to add this to your watchlist.
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 4
'Squid Game: The Challenge' season 2
Even if you haven't heard of "Squid Game: The Challenge," you've almost certainly heard of "Squid Game." The Korean-language dystopian drama about playing deadly childhood games for cash was the most popular show in Netflix history. So perhaps, we shouldn't be surprised someone turned it into a game show, even if the whole point of "Squid Game" is that the games are bad.
Don't worry, though, there are no deadly consequences in "Squid Game: The Challenge." Instead, 456 players from across the globe compete in a three-week event to try and win $4.56 million in a winner-takes-all game show.
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 4
"The Vince Staples Show" season 2 (Netflix series)
Vince Staples is an acclaimed rapper turned actor, and in "The Vince Staples Show," he plays a fictional version of himself in a satirized version of Long Beach, California. The episodes are done as a slice-of-life, rather than telling a single overarching narrative.
The comedy series has been praised for its dark humor, and after watching the trailer for season 2, it sure seems like Staples is leaning into that aspect of the show. If you want something different to binge-watch this week, "The Vince Staples Show" season 2 will definitely spice things up from your traditional comedy fare.
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 6
'Countdown: Jake vs. Tank'
The Jake Paul business must be good for Netflix, because later this month, the streaming service is once again showing the YouTuber-turned-boxer's latest fight live on the streaming service. This fight, while still an exhibition, is going to be different than any of Paul's previous fights, though, because this time Paul is fighting Gervonta "Tank" Davis, the current WBA lightweight champion.
If you want to get in behind the scenes before the fight on Nov. 14, you'll want to make sure to watch "Countdown: Jake vs. Tank." This behind-the-scenes documentary gives you a look at these two fighters as they prep for the biggest fight of Paul's career, all narrated by legendary rapper Ice-T.
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 8
'Election'
If you've never seen this 1999 black comedy before, you need to check it out now that it's on Netflix. "Election" stars Matthew Broderick as Jim McAllister, a social studies teacher at Carver High School in Omaha, Nebraska. One of his students is the overachieving Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), and when she gets his friend and colleague Dave (Mark Harelik) fired for having an affair with her, Jim decides Tracy needs to suffer some consequences for her actions.
His plan? To ruin her chances of running unopposed for school president. To do this, Jim enlists the help of a popular football player, Paul (Chris Klein), who is sidelined due to a leg injury. Their plan gets complicated, though, when Paul's adopted sister Tammy (Jessica Campbell) runs to spite Paul after he stole her girlfriend Lisa (Frankie Ingrassia). Writer/director Alexander Payne ("The Holdovers") is a genius, and "Election" is among his best works. Don't miss it now that it's on Netflix.
Watch on Netflix starting Nov. 5
Everything new on Netflix: Nov. 3-Nov. 9
NOVEMBER 3
"Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches" (Netflix family)
An unexpected friendship forms between two young Sneetches on an island surrounded by beaches in this sweet musical special set in the world of Seuss.
"In Waves and War" (Netflix documentary)
In this documentary, three former Navy SEALs with post-combat trauma turn to an unexpected treatment for healing and hope — psychedelic-assisted therapy.
NOVEMBER 4
"Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things" (Netflix comedy special)
In this new hour, Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things, the comedic powerhouse returns to the stage with her classic southern drawl and unique points of view, opening up about everything—from newfound stardom and family life, to trying CBD for the first and last time, serving up the kind of real, relatable, and sometimes cheeky stories you can’t get enough of.
"Squid Game: The Challenge" season 2 (Netflix series)
The Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning global sensation Squid Game: The Challenge returns for a gripping second season. This time, 456 brand-new contestants will enter the ultimate test of strategy, alliances, and endurance as they compete for a life-changing $4.56 million prize. Inspired by the iconic original series – with shocking new twists and never-before-seen games – season two raises the stakes higher than ever. As players face elimination at every turn, only one can emerge victorious. New players. New games. New rules.
- "Minx" seasons 1-2
NOVEMBER 5
"Heweliusz" (PL)(Netflix series)
After a catastrophic ferry disaster, the off-duty captain seeks answers and justice for those who lost their lives — and those they left behind.
"Just Alice" (CO) (Netflix series)
Torn between two loves, Alicia secretly marries both a famous writer and a former priest. How long can she juggle love, lies and her double life?
- "Election"
NOVEMBER 6
"The Bad Guys: Breaking In" (Netflix family)
How did the Bad Guys break into the bad guy business in the first place? Find out in this hilarious prequel series set before the hit films.
"Death by Lightning" (Netflix series)
Death by Lightning is a drama series that brings to life the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story of James Garfield, reluctant 20th president of the United States, and his greatest admirer Charles Guiteau — the man who would come to kill him.
"The Vince Staples Show" season 2 (Netflix series)
When his football-star uncle dies, Vince embarks on a bizarre, funny and occasionally sinister odyssey into his complicated life history.
- "Bride Wars"
NOVEMBER 7
"As You Stood By" (KR) (Netflix series)
When two women plot to end an abusive marriage through murder, an unexpected visitor arrives — threatening to shatter everything they've carefully planned.
"Baramulla" (IN) (Netflix film)
A cop’s inquiry into child kidnappings unravels chilling secrets as supernatural events endanger his family and the peaceful town of Baramulla.
"Frankenstein" (Netflix film)
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
"Groom & Two Brides" (KW) (Netflix film)
Adam is allergic to love, but somehow ends up engaged to both his boss's daughter and his first love. Now he must try to keep his double life a secret.
"Mango" (DK) (Netflix film)
An ambitious hotelier and her reluctant daughter take a trip to Málaga, where they find what they've been craving in a farmer's idyllic mango orchard.
- "A Holiday Engagement"
- "Christmas in the Heartland"
- "Labyrinth"
- "My Dad's Christmas Date"
NOVEMBER 8
"Countdown: Jake vs. Tank" (Netflix series)
Go inside training camp with Jake "El Gallo" Paul and Gervonta "Tank" Davis as they prepare to face off ahead of their must-see boxing match. Narrated by Ice-T, this all-access documentary captures the intensity, ambition, and personal drive fueling both fighters as they get ready to step into the ring at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, live only on Netflix on November 14.
- "The Emoji Movie"
Leaving Netflix This Week
Leaving 11/6/25
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
"Reba" seasons 1-6
Leaving 11/8/25
"A Star Is Born"
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