Gather around, thriller movie fans; I've combed through the recent additions to Netflix's movie library to find you three great picks packed with action, suspense, tension, and even a shocking twist or two.

Netflix's October 2026 slate has been a little light on thrillers in general, but a strong handful were added to the library at the start of the month. Those include a psychological trip from M. Night Shyamalan, a culture chiller with Anya Taylor-Joy, and an action movie where Denzel Washington once again proves he's the coolest actor in Hollywood.

So, these are the new to Netflix thriller movies to watch this week, and if you want even more recommendations, I've also got a guide to the latest thriller movies added to Prime Video this week.

3 new to Netflix thrillers to watch this week

‘Split’ (2016)

To my surprise, “Split” has been back in the headlines this week after James McAvoy revealed it’s one of the few movies from which he receives consistent residuals. But I reckon an actor's pay probably isn’t your first concern when picking a Netflix movie to watch. Fortunately, that topical tidbit aside, “Split” is a chilling psychological thriller from director M. Night Shyamalan, one in which McAvoy really earned his money with a memorable performance.

Also featuring a young Anya Taylor-Joy, who will next be seen on the big screen in the hotly anticipated “Dune: Part 3,” the thriller opens with a trio of teenage girls being kidnapped and trapped in an underground lair belonging to Kevin Wendell Crumb (McAvoy), or is that Dennis? Or Patricia? Or Barry? See, Kevin suffers from a personality disorder in which 23 identities exist in his head, and the 24th, and most dangerous, is about to be unleashed...

Watch "Split" on Netflix now

‘The Menu’ (2022)

Speaking of Anya Taylor-Joy, she also leads “The Menu,” a dark thriller set in the world of ultra-fine dining. Joy is great as the reluctant date of a food snob (played by Nicholas Hoult) who brings her to one of the world’s most exclusive restaurants, operated by exacting head chef Julian Slowik (a wonderful Ralph Fiennes). Weird in all the right ways, and with several excellent twists, “The Menu” is a multi-course meal of a movie you won’t soon forget.

Margot (Taylor-Joy) finds herself in a swanky restaurant located on a secluded island, but there’s more to fear here than just pretentious micro-courses or an overpriced wine list. Over the course of the evening, sinister truths are revealed, and Julian’s grand plan comes to light before dessert is served. “The Menu” hooks you quickly, wasting no time getting into the first course, and keeps you guessing throughout. Just be aware that the out-of-left-field ending has proved divisive.

Watch "The Menu" on Netflix now

‘The Equalizer’ (2014)

Denzel Washington’s “The Equalizer” is more proof that the acclaimed actor is one of Hollywood’s very best. With a lesser lead, this action-thriller series could have been rather shlocky, but with Denzel playing protagonist Robert McCall, a former Marine turned protector of the innocent, it’s a total blast. Netflix has only added the first “Equalizer” movie this month, but if you enjoy it, then I encourage you to seek out the two equally action-packed sequels.

Retired from active service, “The Equalizer” begins with McCall working at a home big-box improvement store. But when he befriends a teenage girl who is being forced into sex work by the Russian mafia, it’s an injustice he cannot sit by and watch. So, McCall takes matters into his own hands and wages war against the mob.

If you want more Washington, check out my colleague Malcolm McMillan’s “Denzel Watchaton” series, where he’s been watching Denzel Washington’s entire filmography throughout 2026.

Watch "The Equalizer" on Netflix now

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After spending much of season 2 making us wonder whether Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) would ever get their act together, Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” season 3 is finally letting its central couple enjoy being a couple. They’re moving in together! They’re planning a future! Joanne is taking steps toward converting to Judaism! It’s all very exciting, and honestly, about time.

But having watched all 10 episodes of season 3, I have a new complaint: Now, the show seems to be in quite a hurry to advance Joanne and Noah's relationship, so much that it barely has time to breathe.

The romantic comedy series returns with plenty of the charm that made its first season such a hit. Bell and Brody remain an effortlessly likable pairing, and there are still laughs to be found in the awkward family dynamics and the business of dating someone whose background is different from your own.

But while season 2 felt like it was spinning its wheels, season 3 has apparently decided to floor it. There are plenty of lovely romantic moments, but the writers seem to want to skip over the messy part of, you know, building a solid relationship.

Warning: Major spoilers for "Nobody Wants This" season 3 ahead!

Joanne and Noah are moving at warp speed

Season 3 picks up with Joanne and Noah moving in together and figuring out what their future looks like. For Joanne, that means getting serious about converting to Judaism, a decision with enormous implications for her life with Noah.

Sarah Silverman joins the cast as Rabbi Eden, Joanne's warm, quirky teacher in her Intro to Judaism class, while Andrew Rannells plays Sebastien, a fellow student who quickly establishes himself as Joanne's nemesis. Both are welcome additions who bring fresh energy to this world.

The trouble is that the big milestones come thick and fast. Joanne and Noah get engaged, she completes her conversion and a surprise wedding follows. Fans who've spent two seasons rooting for these two will finally get some of the romantic payoffs they've been waiting for. But there's barely time to savor one milestone before the next arrives.

My biggest gripe with season 2 was that it kept revisiting the same relationship obstacles, as though Joanne and Noah hadn't already spent an entire season proving they wanted to be together. Season 3 corrects that problem, but swings the pendulum so far in the opposite direction that it creates a new one. There's a difference between moving a romance forward and rushing through it. Sometimes, I felt like the writers had gotten word that they wouldn't be renewed for season 4.

Sasha and Morgan deserve more room to flirt

While Joanne and Noah are busy checking off life's biggest milestones, the people closest to them have romantic complications of their own. Sasha (Timothy Simons) and Esther (Jackie Tohn) are navigating life after their separation, while the long-simmering attraction between Sasha and Morgan (Justine Lupe) finally comes to a head.

I've been happy to watch them banter, support and flirt with each other for two seasons. When they finally sleep together toward the end of season 3, though, it feels like it happens too fast and too soon (much like their siblings' relationship, as I detailed above).

It's drama overload. Their hookup and the aftermath compete for attention with Joanne's conversion, the wedding and Sasha and Esther's own rekindling moment. Hey, you know you can let a plot go unresolved for more than three episodes, right?

Verdict: ‘Nobody Wants This’ season 3 needs to pump the brakes

The finale wraps things up with Joanne and Noah essentially eloping, so it could double as a series finale. If the show does return, where exactly does it go from here? Are we about to watch Joanne and Noah try for a baby — and then have one a few episodes later? By season 5, will they be grandparents, with Joanne now in the role of a busybody mother-in-law?

For all my complaints about the pacing, “Nobody Wants This” season 3 is still an enjoyable, charming rom-com. I'm glad it finally dropped the will-they-won't-they nonsense — at least for Joanne and Noah (they should've kept it for Morgan and Sasha). The first few episodes are good stuff, with a focus on the quirks of new cohabitation and Joanne's conversion journey. And the cast remains appealing enough to make me want to spend more time with these characters.

But in rushing its central couple through so many life-changing moments, the show loses some of the emotional texture that made their romance compelling in the first place. Nobody wants a rom-com to rush the rom or lose the com.

Love a good whodunnit? Time is running out for one of the best Netflix has to offer: "Broadchurch," the critically lauded 24-episode British thriller that set the gold standard for modern TV whodunits. Before Olivia Colman was starring in "Wicker" (which hits theaters this week), winning Oscars or reigning in "The Crown," her powerhouse role as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller put her on the map. And if you haven’t binged "Broadchurch" yet, you only have a few days left to see why it deserves all the hype.

Netflix is losing all three seasons of "Broadchurch" on November 1. I can't stress enough that this crime drama needs to be on everyone's watchlist. Colman and co-star David Tennant, of "Doctor Who" and "Jessica Jones" fame, have one of those on-screen chemistries that you wish you could watch play out for the first time again. The writing is incredible, the cast is stellar, and the story is fully realized with a satisfying conclusion (a feat that's becoming more and more rare with everything on the chopping block these days). If you found "Adolescence" to be incredible, you'll definitely find something to connect to in "Broadchurch."

Still not convinced? Here's everything you need to know about "Broadchurch" and where to stream it (for free!) once it's left Netflix.

What is 'Broadchurch' about?

If you haven't watched this hit three-season British crime drama, "Broadchurch" follows Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) as they try to solve the murder of a young boy in the fictional coastal town of Broadchurch, Dorset.

Adding to the tension is the fact that Alec landed the promotion Ellie had hoped for, while their vastly different investigative styles put them at odds. Their constant push and pull keeps the drama compelling, but it's equally rewarding to watch a deeper respect and appreciation for each other grow through their natural chemistry. Their investigation sends shockwaves through the close-knit community, exposing its darkest secrets suspect by suspect.

I won't spoil much more of the story, especially since the mystery surrounding Danny's death isn't resolved until the first season finale. That's by design: Although series creator and writer Chris Chibnall initially conceived of "Broadchurch" as a trilogy, he wrote the first season to work as a self-contained drama in case the show wasn't picked up for more. The result is some of the best TV has to offer, a tightly constructed mystery with a fully realized and satisfying arc.

Stream 'Broadchurch' on Netflix while you can

As the victim's family struggles to cope with their loss and suspicion spreads throughout the community, each episode introduces a new suspect, gradually peeling back the layers of Broadchurch's darkest secrets. And while I adore Tennant in a dramatic role a la "Jessica Jones," it's Olivia Colman who truly steals the show. That's no small feat in a cast that also features Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Jonathan Bailey, among others.

Colman's performance in the first season made me a lifelong fan, and she's only cemented that status in the years since. Across from Tennant's gruff, closed-off detective, her emotional depth and signature sense of humor form the beating heart of the show. If nothing else, Colman is reason enough to binge "Broadchurch." But with its excellent writing and a supporting cast to match, don't be surprised if you find yourself binging all three seasons.

"Broadchurch" holds an impressive 92% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes (and similarly glowing 91% from audiences), with the third season sitting at a "Certified Fresh" 98% score. The aggregator's consensus for the show's final season reads, "In its final season, 'Broadchurch' establishes a high standard for police procedurals to come, combining socially conscious themes with suspenseful mystery and a pair of compelling leads."

As I said, all three seasons are leaving Netflix on November 1, so you better grab that popcorn sooner rather than later. If you miss that window though, don't worry: You can also catch "Broadchurch" for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, or The Roku Channel.

Watch all 3 seasons of "Broadchurch" on Netflix until November 1

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If there's one TV genre that I subconsciously avoid, it's the "lawyer show" — those case-of-the-week procedurals and pulpy courtroom dramas have simply never done it for me. But I did recently find a successful (and surprising) entry point that might just have changed my mind on the law-show genre: "Fisk."

Unlike "The Good Wife" and "Good Fight" and such, "Fisk" eschews gavel-banging dramatics for deliciously dry Aussie humor and everyday office absurdities, following a no-nonsense corporate lawyer working at a low-budget probate law firm in Melbourne. It's more on par with "The Office" than "Matlock."

If you missed the snarky sitcom — which has aired for three seasons on ABC in its native Australia since 2021 and reportedly will return for season four next year — here's why you should catch up now on Netflix.

What is 'Fisk' about?

Comedian and series co-creator Kitty Flanagan ("Full Frontal," "Utopia") leads the sitcom as our titular Fisk — Helen Tudor-Fisk, that is — a middle-aged, high-end contracts lawyer who leaves Sydney for her hometown of Melbourne to escape the fallout after her marriage breaks down and her career implodes.

Helen soon finds work at Gruber & Gruber, a small law firm in the Melbourne suburbs that specializes in wills and probate law and is populated by a lovable team of weirdos, played by Marty Sheargold, Julia Zemiro and Aaron Chen. (John Gaden also stars as Helen's father, a retired Supreme Court judge who comes out as gay later in life.)

Across three seasons (thus far), Helen has to navigate not only her new co-workers but also her absurd and difficult clients, whose family wills, inheritance clauses, and the like seem designed to test her patience.

Why I recommend you stream 'Fisk' on Netflix

If you're into the cheeky Aussie humor of sitcoms like "Kath & Kim," "Summer Heights High" and "Utopia," you'll appreciate the deadpan laughs of "Fisk," but the series smartly balances out the title character's causticity by pulling in the cozy, lighthearted sweetness of fellow workplace comedies like "The Office," "Parks and Recreation" and "Abbott Elementary."

Anchored by Flanagan's hilariously understated lead performance and boosted by a supporting cast full of Australian comedy veterans, "Fisk" makes Gruber & Gruber a place where you'd definitely want to hang out, even just to witness the kinds of legal hijinks Helen, Ray, Roz, George and the rest get up to each week.

It's not a surprise, then, that the sitcom has resonated with viewers and became a sleeper hit when it arrived on Netflix globally, cracking the streaming service's weekly top 10 charts across multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada. It charmed critics, too: "Fisk" previously took home the AACTA Award (basically the Aussie Emmy) for Best Television Comedy Series and Best Comedy Performer for Flanagan. We're looking forward to even more Gruber & Gruber shenanigans when the show returns for season 4!

Stream "Fisk" on Netflix now

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Netflix’s top 10 is a handy place to start when you’re looking for your next binge, but with so many shows competing for your attention, it can be tricky to know which ones deserve a spot on your watchlist. That’s where I come in. I’ve picked out three series currently trending on Netflix that are worth setting aside some time for this week, whether you’re in the mood for a chilling mystery, intense political drama or a fascinating real-life story.

First up, a fisherman must protect his family and community when a mysterious sea creature begins terrorizing the area. Elsewhere, a U.S. ambassador is caught in a diplomatic crisis where every decision could have far-reaching consequences, while a four-part documentary explores the extraordinary highs and lows of a boxing champion. There’s plenty to get stuck into, so here are the three Netflix top 10 shows I’d recommend adding to your watchlist first.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘Below’

One of the most bingeable shows I’ve watched this year has to be “Below,” a sea creature thriller that packs plenty of mystery and suspense into just six episodes. It takes familiar creature feature ideas and gives them a more grounded feel, with family drama and small-town problems playing just as big a role as the monster itself. The isolated maritime setting also adds to the creepy atmosphere, with local folklore and strange events making it difficult to know what’s really lurking beneath the surface. If you’re after a short thriller that keeps you guessing, this is well worth a watch.

Fisherman Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett) lives in the small coastal town of Snooks Arm, Newfoundland, where he struggles to keep his family’s livelihood afloat. When his children return home for a long-awaited reunion, an unidentified sea creature begins threatening the community. Calvin joins forces with visiting marine researcher Dr. Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) to investigate the strange occurrences and stop the creature before more lives are put at risk.

Stream "Below" on Netflix

‘The Diplomat’

“The Diplomat” is back with a new season, and if you haven’t caught up with this acclaimed political thriller yet, now’s a great time to start. Created by Debora Cahn, whose previous credits include “The West Wing” and “Homeland,” the series delivers plenty of political conflict without losing its sharp humor. Season 4 also brings some exciting new additions to the cast, including Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford and Jodie Whittaker, making the latest chapter even more appealing. Our managing editor, Kelly Woo, even said “Netflix’s best drama delivers its best season yet.”

Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) is an experienced American diplomat who unexpectedly becomes the US ambassador to the United Kingdom. As she settles into her new role in London, Kate must navigate an international crisis involving a British vessel while managing complicated relationships with British officials and her own government. Her husband, Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), is a former ambassador with his own political ambitions, making their professional and personal lives increasingly difficult to separate.

Stream "The Diplomat" seasons 1-4 on Netflix

‘Tyson’

If you’re interested in boxing or enjoy a compelling doc, Netflix’s “Tyson” is well worth checking out. This four-part documentary series follows Mike Tyson’s life and career, from his rise to heavyweight champion to the personal struggles and public scandals that shaped his story. Rather than simply celebrating his achievements in the ring, it takes a more honest look at the man behind the headlines, exploring his regrets, challenges and attempts at self-reflection. Netflix has also paired the series with Tyson’s upcoming stand-up special, “Mike Tyson: Return of the Mike.”

Beginning with his difficult childhood in Brooklyn, New York, the series centers around his discovery of boxing and his relationship with trainer Cus D’Amato, who helped him become the youngest heavyweight champion in history at just 20. Through interviews with Tyson and people from his inner circle, it explores his rise to international fame, turbulent relationships, legal troubles and time in prison. The documentary also covers his later career, including his infamous 1997 fight with Evander Holyfield and his eventual return to boxing.

Stream "Tyson" on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "Below" (2026)
2. "The Diplomat" (2023)
3. "Love is Blind" (2020)
4. "Instadocs: AI Gone Wild" (2026)
5. "East of Eden" (2026)
6. "Tyson" (2026)
7. "Is It Cake? Halloween" (2025)
8. "Hollywood Arts" (2026)
9. "The Great British Baking Show" (2026)
10. "Michael Che: Shot in Minnesota" (2026)

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Netflix's new thriller "Sacrifice" knows a thing or two about celebrity culture: Its cast is packed with A-listers like Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek, John Malkovich, Vincent Cassel and Charli XCX. The satirical comedy is about a down-on-his-luck film star (Evans) who, along with fellow attendees at a ritzy environmental gala, gets held hostage on a remote Greek island by an eco-zealot (Taylor-Joy) and her devoted followers.

"Sacrifice" arrived on the streaming service on Oct. 16 and quickly rose to the top three of Netflix's weekly movie charts. The Romain Gavras-directed flick was clearly a hit with fans, thanks to its mix of high-stakes action, pitch-black humor and pointed takedowns of everything from celebrity vanity to performative activism. (It was, admittedly, far less successful with critics; as of press time, "Sacrifice" only has a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.)

But if you're looking for movies that have a similar satirical edge and wild premise, here are three fun ones (including yet another Anya Taylor-Joy favorite) that you should add to your next watchlist.

'Triangle of Sadness'

Written and directed by Ruben Östlund in his English-language feature debut, this Palme d’Or winner follows a pair of celebrity models (played by Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean) who are invited on a luxury super-yacht in exchange for social-media promo. Their pleasure cruise, however, quickly descends into chaos thanks to a raging storm, a drunk boat captain (Woody Harrelson), and a gnarly case of food poisoning; soon the passengers find themselves stranded on a deserted island.

As the group fights to survive, the social hierarchy and class system that initially powered the trip have collapsed, with the privileged folks lacking basic survival skills and the less-fortunate boat staff now in charge. Breakout Dolly de Leon is particularly excellent as toilet manager Abigail, navigating the character's sinister about-face from timid crew member to terrifying leader.

Stream "Triangle of Sadness" on Netflix now

'No Other Choice'

Filmmaking legend Park Chan-wook ("The Handmaiden," "Decision to Leave") deliciously taps into sharp satire with this 2025 black comedy, adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel "The Ax." Led by a brilliant Lee Byung Hun, the Korean thriller revolves around devoted family man Yoo Man-su, whose cushy middle-class life is upended when he's abruptly laid off from the paper-making company he worked at for 25 years. Unable to find another job and growing desperate to maintain his family's standard of living, Man-su resorts to hunting down and murdering fellow job applicants, literally wiping out his top competition.

Though it was wrongly snubbed by the Academy, "No Other Choice" masterfully mixes slapstick silliness with genuine scares, at once sending up the absurdity of the corporate rat race while offering enough moral murkiness that you're never quite sure exactly who you're supposed to be rooting for.

Stream "No Other Choice" on Hulu now

'The Menu'

If you liked Anya Taylor-Joy in "Sacrifice," then you're surely going to like her in "The Menu," a "full-course psychological feast" directed by "Succession" great Mark Mylod. Taylor-Joy stars with Nicholas Hoult as a young couple who travel to a secluded coastal island for a singular meal at the exclusive restaurant of Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). As they're seated among their fellow privileged diners, however, the duo soon realizes that this is no ordinary meal, and that the chef has a full menu of disturbing — even deadly — surprises in store.

The horror-comedy, which also stars Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, and John Leguizamo, tastily mocks haute-foodie culture, blind consumerism, class elitism and, via Fiennes's chilling performance, the creative ego.

Stream "The Menu" on Hulu now

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Netflix has confirmed its slate of new movies and shows for the week ahead, and if you want a full rundown, you’ve come to the right place. The streaming service is adding 16 movies and shows this week; it’s not the biggest weekly slate of the year by any means, but it’s still plenty of new content to sort through. So, I’m picking out some highlights for your watchlist.

“Cyberpunk: Edgerunner 2” debuts this week, a standalone follow-up to the anime series based on the best-selling video game, Cyberpunk 2077. Plus, there’s “The New Stanford Prison Experiment,” a reality series that replicates the infamous psychological study, only this time with guardrails in place to avoid repeating the (in)famous experiment's mistakes.

Movie fans will be pleased to hear that Netflix is adding both “Gladiator” movies this week; the Russell Crowe-starring original will grab the headlines, but make sure to check out “Gladiator II” if you skipped it in theaters.

There are also returning shows: “Nobody Wants This” season 3 reunites viewers with Netflix’s unconventional but very compelling couple. Or if you want twists that will keep you clicking “play next episode” after each chapter, “Lupin” part 4 is made for bingeing.

These are just some of the movies and shows heading to Netflix this week. Alongside my top picks, you’ll find a full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days. And for a complete overview, here’s a guide to everything new on Netflix in October 2026.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2’

What it's about: Set in the universe of Cyberpunk 2077, the sci-fi video game from CD Projekt Red, developers of The Witcher 3, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2” tells an original 10-part story in Night City, a futuristic metropolis where extreme body modification and corporate warfare run riot. Animation comes from the award-winning Japanese studio Trigger.

Why you should watch it: The first season of “Cyberpunk Edgerunner” remains one of the best video game adaptations of all time. This standalone follow-up will hopefully match its quality. It’ll tell a new story, with new characters, and plot details are being kept under wraps. However, based on the trailer, the visuals look stunning, and the dark cyberpunk tone appears spot on.

Watch "Cyberpunk: Edgerunner 2" on Netflix starting October 20

‘The New Stanford Prison Experiment’

What it's about: In this reimagining of the infamous (but also widely discredited) psychological experiment, 30 strangers enter a simulation of a prison; some are assigned the role of inmates, others guards. Over the next two weeks, the cameras watch as these ordinary people slip into their roles, with the power dynamics exposing darker sides of human nature.

Why you should watch it: The Stanford Prison Experiment has fascinated people for decades, even if its results have certainly not held up to scrutiny. Netflix’s reimagining of the experiment could make for an interesting reality TV series, and at least this time there will be guardrails in place to ensure that all participants aren’t subjected to cruel treatment and inhumane conditions.

Watch "The New Stanford Prison Experiment" on Netflix starting October 21

‘Gladiator II’

What it's about: Set 16 years after “Gladiator,” this long-awaited sequel sees Hanno (Paul Mescal) taken prisoner by the Roman army after his home is raided and his wife killed. Forced to compete in the Colosseum, he fights for revenge. With the empire’s future at stake, and to find the strength to win the tough battles ahead, Hanno looks to his past.

Why you should watch it: Netflix is adding both “Gladiator” movies this week, and while the original is comfortably superior, I’m picking the sequel because it’s less widely watched. It’s a flawed follow-up but has some epic action sequences, and also a phenomenal performance from Denzel Washington as a scheming arms dealer with big plans to seize control of Rome.

Watch "Gladiator II" on Netflix starting October 21

‘Nobody Wants This’ season 3

What it's about: The unexpected romance between a free-spirited podcaster, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and a Jewish rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody), gets serious in “Nobody Wants This” season 3. Their friends and family still have their doubts, but the unlikely couple is fully in, with the loved-up pair moving in together and Joanne preparing to convert to Judaism.

Why you should watch it: “Nobody Wants This” is easily one of Netflix’s best comfort shows. It’s funny and charming, and Bell and Brody have great chemistry. However, the real relationship that fans want to see develop is between Morgan (Justine Lupe) and Sasha (Timothy Simons). Could this be the season where their playful friendship becomes more intimate?

Watch "Nobody Wants This" season 3 on Netflix starting October 22

‘Lupin’ Part 4

What it's about: Assane Diop (Omar Sy), aka the gentleman thief, is back. Four years after Part 3, Assane is in prison, believing his thieving days are done. However, that all changes when he receives a mysterious message and is framed for a series of museum heists. To prove his innocence and find the copycat, Assane escapes incarceration and dons the Lupin costume once more.

Why you should watch it: “Lupin” is a certified foreign-language hit for Netflix. The French series has been acclaimed throughout its run, with nominations at the Emmys and Globes. Part 4 promises an intriguing new web of secrets to uncover, and the copycat thief shake-up should be ripe for plenty of shocking twists and turns, alongside delivering the show’s reliable espionage thrills.

Watch "Lupin" Part 4 on Netflix starting October 23

Everything new on Netflix: October 19-25

OCTOBER 20

"Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2" (JP) (Netflix series)

New crew. Same hell. A fresh group of hired guns hits the streets of Night City in this standalone 10-episode story from the world of Cyberpunk 2077.

• "Blindspotting" seasons 1-2

OCTOBER 21

"The Mothers of Penguins" season 2 (PL) (Netflix series)

Determined to run their own school, Kama, Ula, Tatiana and Jerzy face brand new challenges in caring for their children — and one another.

"The New Stanford Prison Experiment" (Netflix series)

In this modern reimagining of the infamous study, 30 people enter a real prison for two weeks and shifting power dynamics expose what they're capable of.

"Six Kings Slam" season 2 (Netflix live event)

Six Kings. One crown. The world's top-ranked men's players take the court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a star-studded, live tennis showcase.

• "Emily"
• "Gladiator"
• "Gladiator II"

OCTOBER 22

"Couldn't Agree Less with Allison & Isaac" (Netflix podcast)

From money and parenting to jealousy and in-laws, Allison Kuch and Isaac Rochell air out their messiest disagreements in this funny, honest podcast.

"Did Someone Happen to Mention Me?" (JP) (Netflix series)

Once Japan's most renowned stage actor, Gen is suddenly forgotten. Fueled by a need for recognition, he claws his way back from zero in this comedy.

"Nobody Wants This" season 3 (Netflix series)

Joanne and Noah take their relationship to the next level amid sibling drama, maternal meddling and one giant leap of faith.

• "Bottle Shock"

OCTOBER 23

"Fading Grandeur" (ES) (Netflix series)

Desperate to sell his crumbling mansion, a fallen marquis tries to make a quick deal with a charming yet mysterious millionaire who has her own agenda.

"Lupin" part 4 (FR) (Netflix series)

After four years in prison, Assane is ready to start a new life with his family, until a copycat appears and Lupin returns to his most brilliant schemes.

"Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story" (Netflix documentary)

Beloved for blurring performance and personal crisis, Maria Bamford unpacks the mental health journey behind her fearless comedy in this documentary.

"Surviving Hurricane Otis" (MX) (Netflix film)

Wirpul and his half-brother fight to survive Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, where their brotherhood and courage turn adversity into hope.

• "Dangerous Liaisons" season 1

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Happy Sunday! As the weekend wind-down sets in, nothing beats back the looming threat of the "Sunday Scaries" quite like a cozy night in with a great movie. Whether you need an uplifting dose of romance, a kaleidoscope of dazzling visuals and music, or a heartwarming story of unexpected human connection, Netflix has plenty of comfort food cinema in its library.

You'll want to grab that popcorn sooner rather than later though. Headlining this Sunday's lineup is Brett Morgen’s hypnotic David Bowie documentary "Moonage Daydream"— a truly breathtaking movie that is set to leave Netflix very soon. It's not the only movie on this list that brings the good vibes though. Read on for everything you need to know about the best feel-good films streaming right now on Netflix to bring your weekend to a peaceful end.

Get the rest you need, y'all. Save up your energy to fight the good fight. It's awful cold out here these days.

'Moonage Daydream' (2022)

I'm guilty of sleeping on "Moonage Daydream," but now that it's set to leave Netflix at the end of the month, today my excuses officially ran out. Unlike most music documentaries, it ditches the conventional narrative structure for an impressionistic, free-form approach that's nothing short of mesmerizing. It's a bold move that might feel chaotic and disjointed for any other artist, but it proves to be the perfect way to capture the singular spirit and creative genius of David Bowie.

Filmmaker Brett Morgen delivers a trippy and intense film that offers a hypnotic look into Bowie's life through all sorts of material, from unseen footage to Bowie's own poetry and art. And while critics tend to eat up musical biopic in general, "Moonage Daydream's" impressive 92% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes is worth noting nonetheless.

Watch "Moonage Daydream" on Netflix until Halloween

'Preach, Pray, Love' (2026)

Listen, sometimes a cheesy Lifetime movie is exactly the medicine you need to fill a lazy Sunday afternoon. And you could do far worse than "Preach, Pray, Love," a new original from "How Stella Got Her Groove Back's" Terry McMillan. After a stint in prison, platinum-selling rapper Charlie Jones (Karrcheue Tran) is rudderless and utterly lost on how to move forward just as her world's opening up.

She's ordered to complete community service, which sends her careening into the orbit of head pastor Kyrus Owens (Mark Hood), and the chemistry is undeniable. While Owens fights his own demons struggling to stay head pastor and Jones stumbles trying to leave her old ways in the past, the two, despite all that, build a relationship that raises them both to heights they never thought possible.

Watch "Preach, Pray, Love" on Netflix now

'Remarkably Bright Creatures' (2026)

If Netflix's documentary "My Octopus Teacher" tugged at your heartstrings, just wait until you watch "Remarkably Bright Creatures," a moving drama that stayed in the Netflix top 10 for weeks when it came out back in May. Which feels like just yesterday, and that's fine. Everything's fine. Based on Shelby Van Pelt’s best-selling novel, "Remarkably Bright Creatures" is a straightforward but charming tale buoyed by some strong lead performances from Sally Fielding and Alfred Molina as a more literal Doc Ock.

When Tova Sullivan (Fielding), a widow starts working late-night shifts at an aquarium, she makes an unlikely new friend: a giant Pacific octopus. Her life takes another surprising turn when a drifter (Lewis Pullman) shows up in town searching for answers about the father he barely knew. As sparks fly between them, the pair discover a long-buried mystery with the help of their eight-legged friend, proving that new chances for happiness are never quite out of reach.

Watch "Remarkably Bright Creatures" on Netflix now

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In the weeks leading up to Halloween, the streamers have been pumping out all things scary and spooky. Still, one title has managed to stand out from the freaky bunch: Netflix's "Below."

The atmospheric, highly bingeable sea-creature thriller series stars Josh Hartnett as Calvin Penney, a fisherman living in a small, nautical Newfoundland town dealing with an unidentified sea creature that starts terrorizing the community.

Since the Jesse McKeown-created miniseries debuted on the streaming service on Oct. 8, it quickly surged to the top spot on Netflix's global and U.S. TV charts. But if you already finished all eight eerie episodes of "Below" and are looking for something similarly packed with small-town quirkiness, supernatural dread, and things that go bump in the night, we've got a trio of top-rated shows for you to watch next.

'Widow's Bay'

Let's get the obvious one out of the way, shall we? Before "Below," the main "creepy things happening on an isolated island" series of note was "Widow's Bay," the Apple TV hit that won over awards bodies — it took home a cool 14 Emmy Awards for its first season, including for Outstanding Comedy Series — and TV fans alike with its blend of offbeat humor and genuine scares

Like "Below," the horror-comedy takes place in a quaint island town: Here, it's a fictional New England hamlet 40 miles off the North Shore coast whose tourism bona fides are complicated by the fact that everyone on the island (as played by Kate O'Flynn, Stephen Root, Jeff Hiller and Dale Dickey, among others) believes it to be afflicted with a centuries-old curse.

Brushing off that supernatural brouhaha is the town mayor, Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), who is desperate to revive his struggling community and bring press attention to the isolated destination. That is, until the dark folklore of Widow's Bay starts to come true.

Stream "Widow's Bay" on Apple TV now

'The Terror'

Based on Dan Simmons's historical novel, the first season of this survival-horror anthology, like “Below,” focuses on the deep-sea frights that lurk beneath the water’s surface.

The story follows Royal Navy sailors on a doomed 1840s Arctic naval expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Trapped in the frozen Arctic ice, the crew of HMS Terror and HMS Erebus must not only endure the incredible harsh climate and rapidly approaching starvation but also a mysterious, polar bear-like supernatural predator inspired by the Inuit Tuurngait myth. (Do note, though, like any good anthology, the second season follows an entirely different story and cast.)

Stream "The Terror" on AMC+ now

'Stranger Things'

Netflix's sci-fi juggernaut "Stranger Things" and new maritime mystery "Below" share a main actor in Charlie Heaton, who plays the elder Byers bro Jonathan on the former and Calvin's oldest son Wade Penney in the latter. But the streaming shows share more DNA than just a casting overlap: Both center on a tight-knit community having to come together to face a mysterious monster threat, all wrapped up in a suspenseful sci-fi package that pays homage to throwback creature features like “The Fog,” “The Thing,” and “Jaws.”

Across five seasons, “Stranger Things” follows the residents of Hawkins as they deal with the horrific fallout after a young local boy (Noah Schnapp) seemingly vanishes into thin air in 1980s Indiana. Both his family (portrayed by the aforementioned Heaton as well as horror icon Winona Ryder) and friends—a lovable gang played by Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin—desperately search for the missing Will Byers, aided by a strange telekinetic girl (Millie Bobby Brown) who escaped from a lab.

Stream "Stranger Things" on Netflix now

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I'm scouring the Netflix top 10 every weekend, so I can say more confidently than most that a lot of crap movies make the ranking. When you’re hunting for something to watch, sometimes the most buzzworthy movies are the ones that disappoint most.

Some of the best movies hiding in the streamer’s library are the ones flying under the radar, and I’ve got three thrillers worth your time that deserve a lot more attention than they’re getting right now. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling game of cat and mouse with a serial killer a la "Red Dragon," Jake Gyllenhaal acting his ass off and spiraling out of control in "Nightcrawler," or an unhinged creature feature that's better than it has any right to be (more on that hear-me-out below), these movies deliver.

These three very different kinds of thrillers are well worth your time, and none of them needs a spot in Netflix’s top 10 to earn a place on your watchlist tonight.

'Red Dragon' (2002)

Anytime I get a chance to plug the Hannibal series for work, you can bet your ass I'm taking it. Sure, it's no "The Silence of the Lambs," but "Red Dragon" doesn't get enough flowers for Anthony Hopkins and Edward Norton's killer chemistry and performances. Based on Harris’ novel of the same name, this prequel steps back to the infamous cannibal's first years in jail after FBI profiler Will Graham (Edward Norton) brought him to justice.

Putting Hannibal behind bars nearly cost him his life, and his peaceful retirement is broken when a new serial killer called the Tooth Fairy starts running amok. When the trail goes cold, Will turns to the good ol' doctor for help, which naturally comes at a price. Quid pro quo and whatnot. If you liked this one, please know that the phenomenal "Hannibal" TV show with Mads Mikkelsen is also on Netflix, and it treads a lot of the same territory with some gorgeously gorey shots I still talk about now, a decade after it wrapped.

Watch "Red Dragon" on Netflix now

'Nightcrawler' (2014)

One of Jake Gyllenhaal's most criminally underrated films, "Nightcrawler" is a neo-noir thriller that's surprisingly thought-provoking and positively oozing with style. Gyllenhaal stars as Lou, a down-on-his-luck amateur cameraman who rises to the top filming violent accidents before anyone else can. The more grisly the footage, the more news stations will pay for it.

Lou quickly finds his footing, prowling the streets of Los Angeles after dark to suss out increasingly violent and disturbing stories. Simply put, this is Gyllenhaal’s finest performance, and the fact that the Academy overlooked him for an Oscar nomination remains a crime in itself. At least writer-director Dan Gilroy earned a nod for his razor-sharp screenplay. Lou is a deeply flawed character, and his spiral out of control will stick with you long after the credits roll. Netflix says the last day to watch it is Halloween, so hit play before "Nightcrawler" hops to another streamer!

Watch "Nightcrawler" on Netflix now

'Cocaine Bear' (2023)

What is Cocaine Bear about? Dude, it's exactly what it says on the tin. A bear tweaked out of its gourd tears through anything and everything after getting into a drug dealer's stash in the woods. It's inspired by a stranger-than-fiction news story from the '80s, and honestly is better than it has any right to be.

An entertaining hodgepodge of over-the-top violence and dark humor, it doesn't ever taking itself too seriously, and I think that's why it works. In our review, we said: "The best compliment I can give Cocaine Bear is that it feels imbued with some of the Wet Hot American Summer energy, which makes sense when Elizabeth Banks directed it." For a solid B-movie that's great to laugh at, you can't do much better than Cocaine Bear.

Watch "Cocaine Bear" on Netflix now

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Halloween is almost upon us (I know, I can hardly believe it either), and the best streaming services already have plenty of treats in the form of great new movies to curl up on the couch with. But when you're spoiled for choice, narrowing down what to watch next can become a headache.

The Netflix Top 10 can help you cut through the noise quickly, but not everything that makes the cut is worth you're time. Case in point, "Twilight" and "Ice Age" are in the ranking this Saturday. To help you skip the scrolling and get to streaming, I'm here every weekend highlighting which movies in the Netflix top 10 actually live up to the hype.

This weekend, that includes Tyler Perry's latest drama that'll leave you reaching for the tissues, a new crime thriller from Ben Affleck, and a dark comedy thriller starring Chris Evans as a washed-up actor and Anya Taylor-Joy as a Doomsday cult leader.

None of these picks fit the vibe? No worries: Our guide to everything new on Netflix this month has plenty more recommendations on what to watch. So without further ado, here are the three must-watch movies in Netflix’s top 10 this weekend. Enjoy!

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

'Tyler Perry's Doing Life' (2026)

Netflix subscribers have a well-established appetite for anything Tyler Perry put out, so it’s hardly surprising that his latest, "Doing Life," is sticking around in the top 10 for a third weekend. Naomi Baker stars as Anika, a single mom and correctional officer trying to get her life back on track when she reconnects with Carousel (Jay Reeves), a reformed ex-con who once saved her during a prison riot.

Of course, sparks fly, things get messy, and the trademark Tyler Perry melodrama kicks into high gear. "Doing Life" might not be winning over critics, but Perry's track record on Netflix speaks for itself. If you're in the mood for an emotional crowd-pleaser to curl up with on the couch this weekend, this tearjerker should fit the bill.

Watch "Tyler Perry's Doing Life" on Netflix now

'Animals' (2026)

Crime thrillers are another one of Netflix's bread and butter, though it's rare to see one hold the #1 spot for two weeks straight. Ben Affleck directs and stars in "Animals," a riveting kidnapping thriller about a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose polls numbers and marriage are flagging hard. When their son is abducted, he and his wife (Kerry Washington) race to find a way to pay the ransom to get him home safely.

With time running out, the couple run headfirst into one impossible situation after another as things spirals out of control. Steven Yeun co-stars as a campaign manager, while Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files," "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma") plays Dayle, a mysterious fixer enlisted to help the family get their son back. Washington and Anderson add some serious star power to the mix, making this a solid choice when you’re in the mood for an easy, popcorn-fueled watch on a lazy afternoon.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

‘Sacrifice' (2026)

With a stacked cast that includes Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich and Salma Hayek, "Sacrifice" is a dark comedy thriller that takes aim at celebrity culture. Evans stars as movie star Mike Tyler, who's trying to rebuild his reputation after a very public meltdown the previous year. Hoping to score some positive press, he attends a climate charity event, only to find himself in way over his head when a group of Doomsday cult wackos led by Joan (Taylor-Joy) takes the attendees hostage.

Things get even messier when Mike realizes Joan is just his type, even after she orders him to throw himself into an active volcano to save the world. The film's eat the rich commentary can feel a little half-baked, but there are enough genuinely funny moments to keep things interesting. Malkovich is another highlight as Joan's father, though he goes underutilized in my opinion.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "Animals" (2026)
2. "Preach, Pray, Love" (2025)
3. "Sacrifice" (2026)
4. "Ice Age" (2002)
5. "Tyler Perry's Doing Life" (2026)
6. "Twilight" (2008)
7. "The Breadwinner" (2026)
8. "Ice Age" (2002)
9. "Norm: The Tale of Norm MacDonald" (2026)
10. "Cocaine Bear" (2023)

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Netflix has no shortage of hit shows, from buzzy dramas and twisty thrillers to binge-worthy comedies that take over the group chat. Chances are, you’ve watched at least a few of these streaming sensations. But would you recognize them from just a tiny slice of the screen? For this quiz, I’ve cropped screenshots from 10 of Netflix’s biggest hits and left out most of the clues.

Your mission: Figure out which show each image comes from. A distinctive outfit or a detail lurking in the background could be all you need. Some answers may jump out immediately, while others will put your TV knowledge to the test. Ready to prove you’re a Netflix expert? Let’s see how many you can name!

If you’re still in the mood for a movie challenge, there’s plenty more to test your knowledge on. Try matching 10 stars to their classic '80s movies.

If you enjoyed this quiz, then please bookmark our Quiz section and visit our Polls page to have your say on all manner of topics, from the best Hollywood movies to the latest Apple releases.

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Spooky season is in full swing, and the best streaming services are adding some solid choices for your next horror movie fix. I took a look at Netflix's October line-up, and three stood out to me as cult classics that everyone should watch. One came out in 2016, so I started to ditch it from the list — until I realized that was 10 years ago, and died a little inside.

Anywho, Netflix just got one of Mike Flanagan's first big hits, "Hush," a fun slasher movie with a stellar turn from Kate Siegel as a deaf final girl. For some campier fun, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Jessica Chastain star in "Crimson Peak," a gothic romance that's easy to get swept away in. Or for something faster paced, Edward Norton and Anthony Hopkins play off each other really well in "Red Dragon," the second-best Hannibal movie by a country mile.

Want to know more before dedicating your precious streaming time? I don't blame you. Here's everything to know about why these new horror movies on Netflix deserve your time.

'Hush' (2016)

"Hush" is the movie that made me a Mike Flanagan fan, so you can imagine how insufferably smug I've been since he's blown up with Netflix originals like "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass" and Prime Video's new "Carrie" show. It's a prime example of a simple premise done right: a slasher movie where the main victim (longtime collaborator and Flanagan's IRL wife, Kate Siegel) is deaf and mute, leaving her unable to hear her attacker approaching or call for help.

I worried it might trend toward hokey, but this slick horror thriller wrings a surprising amount of tension out of its lean 81-minute run time. Even while Siegel's character is relentlessly stalked and tormented by a masked killer, she's far from a helpless victim. The setting — a home in the middle of the woods — is also a perfect backdrop for a cozy weekend watch to throw on in the background.

Watch "Hush" on Netflix now

'Crimson Peak' (2015)

"Crimson Peak" is one of several movies on my "peak Tumblr era" rotation. This gothic romance movie starring Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Jessica Chastain — who's providing some absolute nightmare fuel in "Other Mommy" — comes courtesy of the Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Part ghost story and part tragic romance, it takes us back in time to the Victorian era where American heiress Edith (Wasikowska) is visited by her mother's spirit and warned to stay away from "Crimson Peak."

She falls for a seductive British baronet named Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston), but when she moves to his family's rundown manor in Cumberland, England, she uncovers sinister secrets about her new husband and his weirdly possessive sister, Lady Lucille (Jessica Chastain). The ghostly visions that begin to haunt her new home make more sense the further she digs for the truth.

Watch "Crimson Peak" on Netflix now

'Red Dragon' (2002)

We can all agree that "The Silence of the Lambs" was Anthony Hopkins' best Hannibal appearance, sure. But "Red Dragon" doesn't get enough flowers for coming closest to recapturing the original’s cat-and-mouse tension and twisted brilliance. Based on Harris’ novel of the same name, this prequel steps back to the infamous cannibal's first years in jail after FBI profiler Will Graham (Edward Norton) brought him to justice.

A fresh serial killer on the loose pulls Will out of retirement, and he turns to the good ol' doctor for help, which naturally comes at a price. Quid pro quo and whatnot. If you liked this one, just so you know: The phenomenal "Hannibal" TV show with Mads Mikkelsen is on Netflix too, and it treads a lot of the same territory with some gorey shots that truly have to be seen to be believed.

Watch "Red Dragon" on Netflix now

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The leaves have changed, the air has turned crisp, and the quality of stream-ready TV shows has drastically improved: Fall is here, baby! Speaking of which, if you're looking for a great new show to cozy up to this weekend, Netflix has plenty to choose from; the streaming service added 60 new titles to its already massive library on October 1 alone.

But all of that choice can be daunting, so we here at Tom's Guide have helpfully narrowed things down to three new-to-Netflix shows that you should add to your watchlist this weekend. First up is "Tyson," a four-part sports docuseries following one of America's most iconic athletes. If you want your drama more politically focused, the fourth installment of "The Diplomat" also drops this week, with Keri Russell back as Kate Wyler dealing with new White House fallout. For something considerably lighter, try the teen sitcom "Hollywood Arts," a spinoff of the Nickelodeon favorite "Victorious."

Whether you're looking for inspiring athletics or political subterfuge, these three fresh Netflix releases are worth adding to your watchlist this weekend.

'Tyson'

Outside of Muhammad Ali and Rocky Balboa, few names are as synonymous with the sport of boxing as Mike Tyson. The legendary prizefighter is the subject of a raw four-part Netflix documentary that chronicles both the soaring highs and crushing lows of his personal life and professional career.

The Floyd Russ-directed doc tracks Tyson's chaotic upbringing in Brooklyn and his rise as boxing's biggest name. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history at age 20 and reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. It also gets into his convictions and the controversies (hello ear bite!) that almost derailed everything.

Tyson himself was heavily involved in the project, not just as its primary subject but as the series' co-narrator, offering unfiltered personal insights into the man's own fascinating journey.

Watch "TYSON" on Netflix now

'The Diplomat' season 4

One of Netflix's most acclaimed ongoing originals, "The Diplomat" returns for season 4 on October 15, with two marriages split along a political divide. President Grace Penn (the recently Emmy-minted Allison Janney) and Vice President Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) continue their plan to steal Russia’s powerful Poseidon weapon, leaving Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) to navigate the fallout with a surprising ally: First Gentleman Todd Penn (Bradley Whitford).

The new episodes also see the return of fellow core cast members David Gyasi (as Austin Dennison), Ali Ahn (as Eidra Park), Rory Kinnear (as Nicol Trowbridge), Ato Essandoh (as Stuart Hayford), and Nana Mensah (as Billie Appiah), the latter of whom has been bumped up from recurring guest to series regular.

Watch "The Diplomat" season 4 on Netflix now

'Hollywood Arts'

More than a decade after the Nickelodeon sitcom ended, the "Victorious" universe expands with this new spinoff: "Hollywood Arts" sees Trina Vega (played by Daniella Monet) return to her alma mater, the elite Hollywood Arts High School, as a substitute teacher, guiding a new generation of eccentric youngsters as they follow their performing-arts dreams.

Speaking of, the series is a mix of new talents and familiar faces: Along with returning legacy cast members like Matt Bennett, Jake Farrow, Eric Lange and Yvette Nicole Brown, the cast includes newcomers Alyssa Miles, Erika Swayze, Emmy Liu-Wang, Peyton Jackson, and Martin Kamm. And behind the scenes, the aforementioned Farrow (who was a longtime writer and producer on "Victorious") and Samantha Martin serve as co-showrunners; original "Victorious" creator Dan Schneider is not involved.

Watch "Hollywood Arts" on Netflix now

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Looking for something new to watch on Netflix this weekend? You're in luck, because there are a few fresh additions worth making room for on your watchlist. Whether you’re in the mood for a star-studded thriller film, a horror comedy to get into the Halloween spirit or an absolute classic, this week’s new arrivals offer plenty of options for your next movie night.

Of course, Netflix’s ever-growing library can make finding something worth watching feel like a challenge in itself. I’ve picked out three of the best new movies to stream this weekend, focusing on films that deserve a spot on your watchlist. Plus, some of these picks are already in the streamer’s top 10.

‘Sacrifice’ (2026)

“Sacrifice” has just landed on Netflix, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it climbs to No. 1 over the weekend given its star power. Directed by Romain Gavras, this dark-comedy thriller pairs explosive action with sharp satire, taking aim at celebrity culture against a backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and bizarre religious mythology. The movie also has a pretty intriguing lineup of appearances, including Charli xcx as Mother Nature and Swedish musician Yung Lean, also known as Jonatan Leandoer. With its wild premise, striking visuals and high energy, this one could be one of the month’s most pleasant surprises.

Mike Tyler (Chris Evans) is a struggling action movie star hoping to revive his career at a glamorous environmental charity gala on a Greek island. Hosted by billionaire Ben Bracken (Vincent Cassel) and his wife, Gloria (Salma Hayek), the star-studded event takes a terrifying turn when Joan (Anya Taylor-Joy) and her radical followers storm the venue and take several guests hostage. Convinced that a catastrophic volcanic eruption will destroy the world within three days, Joan believes three people must be sacrificed to prevent the disaster.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix

‘Cocaine Bear’ (2023)

If you’re in the mood for something completely bonkers, “Cocaine Bear” is a horror-comedy that really goes all in on its ridiculous premise. The movie takes inspiration from a bizarre real-life incident in 1985, when a black bear in Georgia ingested cocaine from a discarded duffel bag. From there, it imagines what might happen if the animal went on a violent rampage, with plenty of bloody kills, outrageous set pieces and dark comedy along the way. It’s a pretty wild ride that takes inspiration from classic creature features, so don’t expect it to hold back on the gore or the ridiculousness.

“Cocaine Bear” follows a group of strangers who meet in a Georgia forest after a black bear consumes a massive quantity of cocaine. Among them are nurse Sari (Keri Russell), who ventures into the woods to search for her missing daughter, Dee Dee (Brooklynn Prince), and her daughter’s friend, Henry (Christian Convery). Meanwhile, drug dealers Daveed (O'Shea Jackson Jr.) and Eddie (Alden Ehrenreich) arrive to recover the missing stash, while local police and unsuspecting visitors find themselves caught in the chaos.

Watch "Cocaine Bear" on Netflix

‘Heat’ (1995)

Classic movie fans have a real treat waiting for them on Netflix, as Michael Mann’s “Heat” is now available to stream. This iconic crime thriller is essential viewing if you love a gripping story packed with tension, slick action and unforgettable performances. It also brought Al Pacino and Robert De Niro together on screen for the first time in the same scene, with their legendary diner conversation becoming one of the movie’s most memorable moments. Honestly, “Heat” is one of those classics you really need to watch if you (somehow) haven’t already.

Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is a highly skilled professional thief planning one final major robbery before leaving his criminal life behind. However, after a heist goes wrong, the Los Angeles Police Department begins closing in on his crew. Leading the investigation is Lieutenant Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), a relentless detective determined to bring Neil to justice. As Hanna tracks the gang’s movements, Neil prepares for an ambitious bank robbery that could secure his future. With both men remaining dedicated to their respective jobs, their paths eventually collide in an increasingly dangerous pursuit.

Watch "Heat" on Netflix

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Every week, I comb through the latest movies added to Netflix to pick out the best thrillers. The genre is hugely popular with subscribers, and I understand why. I also love a great thriller flick.

My picks this week include a new dark comedy with a star-studded cast, including Steve Rogers himself, Chris Evans. Or how about one of the most acclaimed crime thrillers of the 1990s, with its own hugely impressive cast list? Or, if you haven't seen Ben Affleck's new Netflix movie yet, then you might want to check out "Animals."

These are the new to Netflix thriller movies I recommend this week. And if you really can't get enough of the genre, check out my guide to the latest thriller movies added to Prime Video.

‘Sacrifice’ (2025)

Netflix has picked up U.S. distribution rights for “Sacrifice,” a dark comedy thriller that stars Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich and Salma Hayek. That’s quite the cast list, and its kooky doomsday cult premise certainly catches the attention. Less encouraging is its very weak 35% score on Rotten Tomatoes after debuting at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. But maybe the star power will be enough to sway you.

Directed by Romain Gavras, “Sacrifice” focuses on a radical group, led by Joan (Taylor-Joy), convinced they must cleanse the Earth to prevent an impending volcanic apocalypse. To save humanity, they abduct three people, among them a movie star making a comeback (Evans), with plans to sacrifice them as part of a ritual. As a chaotic night unfolds, the lines between sacrifice and savior blur, and the already farcical events spiral out of control.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix starting October 16

‘Heat’ (1995)

Speaking of stacked casts, how about this for a headline trio: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Val Kilmer. “Heat” is not just one of the 1990s' most epic crime thrillers, but ranks among the genre greats, inspiring countless imitators. However, matching the bar Michael Mann set is certainly no easy feat. Here’s hoping the in-production sequel, which will star Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, can live up to the impressive legacy of the original “Heat."

Neil McCauley (De Niro) is a master career thief planning one last major score before retirement. At the same time, Lieutenant Hanna (Pacino) is on his tail, willing to go to extreme lengths to catch McCauley and his crew (which includes Kilmer). As this cat-and-mouse game unfolds and heads towards a fateful final confrontation, these two men on opposite sides of the law develop a surprisingly mutual respect.

Watch "Heat" on Netflix starting October 16

‘Animals’ (2026)

Netflix’s latest original thriller continues to sit pretty at the top of the most-watched list. Almost a week after its debut, it hasn’t moved from the No. 1 spot. I’m not surprised; with Ben Affleck in the lead role (and also directing), and a compelling core premise, this movie was always going to be popular. Even though I think it’s merely a serviceable thriller that never rises to become truly special, it’s still got enough momentum to keep you watching.

Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is an L.A. mayoral candidate who has secretly invested the family’s entire savings in his campaign. This decision comes back to bite him hard when his son is kidnapped, and the criminals demand an eye-watering ransom. Needing money fast, Mark and his wife (Kerry Washington) turn to a criminal fixer (Gillian Anderson), and reveal sides of their characters that were never supposed to come to light.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

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Netflix's “The Diplomat” has somehow gotten better with every season, which itself is a plot twist when you consider how more Netflix shows fare as they age. It could've just maintained the momentum after three seasons of political intrigue, marital warfare and Keri Russell looking increasingly disheveled. Instead, season 4 doubles down on what has always made the show so much fun: putting brilliant, deeply complicated people in rooms together and watching them try to outmaneuver one another while barely holding their personal lives together.

I've now watched all eight episodes of season 4, and I can say that "The Diplomat" remains one of Netflix's best dramas — if not the very best. The plotting is intricate without becoming incomprehensible, the stakes continue to escalate and the show has added two major weapons to its already formidable arsenal: Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford. Their arrival as President Grace Penn and First Gentleman Todd Penn was already a highlight of season 3, but season 4 brings them much further into the action, and the results are fantastic. Janney, Whitford, Russell and Rufus Sewell have the kind of chemistry where they could just read an encyclopedia together and it'd be high theater.

So what makes "The Diplomat" season 4 work so well? It's not just the increasingly high-stakes geopolitical maneuvering, but the complicated personal relationships that make every backroom deal feel like a potential marriage-ending argument. And this season has plenty of both.

‘The Diplomat’ keeps the political thrills coming

Season 4 picks up the complicated threads left dangling at the end of season 3, particularly the fallout from Grace and Hal's secret operation involving Russia's Poseidon weapon. From there, things get considerably more dangerous, with Kate caught between competing political agendas and her own increasingly complicated relationship with Hal.

What I've always appreciated about “The Diplomat” is that the plot is complex without feeling like you need to do homework. Even with all of the covert operations, shifting alliances, international brinkmanship and diplomatic schemes, there's a clear and comprehensible throughline connecting this season to everything that came before it.

This time around, a new threat puts President Grace Penn on an increasingly hawkish footing, increasing the pressure on everyone caught in her orbit. Meanwhile, First Gentleman Todd Penn becomes more involved in the geopolitical game, complicating an already precarious balance of power. His influence on Grace adds another unpredictable element to the mix, especially as he and Kate find themselves navigating an uneasy alliance.

The one slight weakness is that Russia continues to function more as a looming boogeyman than an actual presence. The threat is certainly there, and the geopolitical stakes are enormous, but the show is more interested in what its American and British characters think Russia might do than in showing us much of Russia itself. That's not necessarily a big problem, but it does make some of the consequences feel a bit abstract.

Fortunately, “The Diplomat” has never really depended on its geopolitical machinations alone. The political crises are the engine, but the relationships are the reason you keep watching

The relationships are what make ‘The Diplomat’ so addictive

The real heart of season 4 is Kate and Hal's marriage, which remains an absolute disaster in the most compelling possible way. Their relationship is so tangled, competitive and electric that it's almost impossible to look away. Kate is still not sure if their marriage is worth saving, while Hal has a remarkable ability to make every situation approximately 487 times more infuriating.

I do miss Kate's flirtation with Austin Denison, though. With David Gyasi's British foreign secretary spending much of this season offscreen, that particular spark is largely absent. And I'm not nearly as invested in Kate's fling with Callum Ellis (Aidan Turner). Still, the show has always been at its best when Kate and Hal are orbiting one another, whether they're fighting, flirting or trying to save the free world.

Whitford gets considerably more to do this season, and his scenes with Russell add very interesting layers to the mix. Janney continues to give an Emmy-worthy performance as Grace, and I love the interplay between her and Whitford, as well as Russell and Sewell (and all permutations of the quartet).

Then there's Stuart (Ato Essandoh) and Eidra (Ali Ahn), whose relationship continues to be one of my favorites on the show. Things escalate between them in season 4, and somehow their already unusual dynamic becomes even more delightfully weird and banter-iffic.

And then Jodie Whittaker arrives as a high-ranking British politician, and she is terrific. Her rapport with Russell is immediate, giving Kate another formidable personality to spar with.

Verdict: 'The Diplomat' remains one of the best shows on TV

Four seasons in, “The Diplomat” is somehow getting better, with intricate political plotting and messy relationships that keep you hooked. Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford are firing on all cylinders, making this another must-watch season despite a few minor missteps.

What really sets the show apart, though, is how effortlessly it balances international intrigue with the messy business of being married to someone who might just be your biggest rival. The plot will keep you hitting “Next Episode,” but it's the characters who make you glad you did.

"The Diplomat" season 4 is streaming now on Netflix

Ben Affleck’s new crime thriller “Animals” is now streaming and showing no signs of relinquishing the global No. 1 spot any time soon. As I said in my “Animals” review, it’s a serviceable crime thriller, but lacks the memorable moments and bite of the genre's best.

If you’ve already streamed “Animals” and are looking for your next thrilling watch, then I can help. Below I’ve collected five similar movies (similarities include the talent, plot or setting) that should be on your watchlist. More importantly, each of these movies does many of the same things as “Animals,” but in far superior ways.

So whether you enjoyed “Animals” or found it to be yet another Netflix original disappointment, these are the five movies you need to watch next, and I’ve also included where you can stream them right now to save you time having to scroll through libraries.

‘Gone Baby Gone’ (2007)

“Animals” marks Ben Affleck’s sixth movie as a director, but flash back to 2007, and he was making his directorial debut with “Gone Baby Gone.” A twisting crime thriller that is arguably still his strongest effort to date. Affleck opted not to star in this movie so he could focus on his work behind the camera. However, the movie’s a family affair with Ben’s brother, Casey Affleck, an Oscar winner, playing the lead role of a private detective on the streets of Boston.

When a 4-year-old child is abducted, private investigator Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his partner, Angie (Michelle Monaghan), are on the case. The police believe the case has gone cold after the young girl has been missing for 72 hours. However, Patrick knows the city streets and its seedy underbelly better than anybody. He’s determined to reunite mother and daughter, but as he gets close to the truth, he uncovers something shocking.

Watch "Gone Baby Gone" on Paramount+ now

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

“Animals” is a movie about a desperate father navigating a kidnapping situation, exposing darker sides of his character in the process. It’s by no means the first thriller to tackle this subject matter. 2013’s “Prisoners” covers very similar ground. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, it’s one of the best crime thriller movies of the 21st century, with incredible performances, writing, pacing and Oscar-nominated cinematography from the one and only Roger Deakins.

When Keller Dover’s (Hugh Jackman) young daughter and her friend are kidnapped in broad daylight, he becomes increasingly frustrated at the authorities’ inability to locate the missing girls. Against the warnings of police detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal), he takes the matter into his own hands, willing to lose his humanity in an effort to find his daughter. Also starring Viola Davis, Paul Dano and Terrence Howard, “Prisoners” is an intense, brooding watch.

Watch "Prisoners" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

‘The Disappearance of Alice Creed’ (2009)

In “Animals,” viewers are never shown the kidnapping occurring, nor do we follow the events from the victim's perspective. That’s not the case in “The Disappearance of Alice Creed,” a small-scale British crime thriller in which the kidnappee (is that a word?) takes center stage. It’s an exercise in doing a great deal with few resources; there are just three actors in this movie, and the thriller wrings every ounce of drama and suspense from its modest setup.

The eponymous Alice Creed (Gemma Arterton) is the only child of a wealthy family, which unfortunately makes her a target. Taken by two men, Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston), the criminals plan to ransom Alice for a significant sum of money. However, their plan certainly doesn’t go off without a hitch. In this twist-fueled movie, it quickly becomes difficult to know where each character’s loyalties lie, as it’s revealed that not all is what it seems.

Watch "The Disappearance of Alice Creed" on Starz now

‘The Rip’ (2026)

“Animals” marked Ben Affleck’s second Netflix original movie of 2026; the first came in January, and even all these many months later, I still rank “The Rip” as the streamer’s best new movie of the year. Granted, it’s not flawless, and its lofty position perhaps speaks more to weak competition, but “The Rip” is still an enjoyable popcorn movie, even if the subtler first half is a lot more engaging than the final portion, which veers into generic action.

Set in Miami, it follows a squad of narcotics officers who find a stash of cartel money, totalling several million dollars, in a derelict house. The team’s captain (Matt Damon) breaks protocol by not calling in the find. This leads to increasing suspicions as each member of the squad starts to wonder if their colleagues are eyeing up the cash for themselves. The movie is Damon and Affleck’s first on-screen collaboration in three years, and is a rip-roaring ride.

Watch "The Rip" on Netflix now

‘Heat’ (1995)

The city of Los Angeles plays a major role in “Animals.” Ben Affleck’s Mark Kimbell is running for mayor, and the grand finale takes place on L.A.’s iconic waterway. “Heat” is another crime thriller in which the City of Angels plays a very prominent role. It’s also considered one of the most influential crime flicks ever made, and with a sequel in development (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale), now is a great time to stream it. So, it’s very fortunate timing that “Heat” was added to Netflix’s library earlier this week.

Directed by Michael Mann and with an almost three-hour runtime, “Heat” centers on master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), who’s in the twilight of his career. He’s planning one last major heist before walking off into the sunset to spend his ill-gotten gains. But between his unpredictable crew, including Van Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis, and a driven police detective (Al Pacino) closely on his tail, getting away scot-free might not be so simple.

Watch "Heat" on Prime Video now

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• Netflix confirms its new holiday movies for 2026
• 'Animals' review: It's no 'Gone Girl'

Netflix has just confirmed its new Christmas-themed movies ahead of the holiday season. The streamer’s latest festive flicks probably won’t threaten “Die Hard” or “It's a Wonderful Life” in the pantheon of great Christmas films, but a couple of them do look pretty fun.

“A Dog’s Perfect Christmas”, “Guarding Stars”, “The Gospel of Christmas" and “The Holidaze” are all launching on the streaming platform between early November and the start of December. The trailer below gives you a quick peek at each upcoming movie.

There’s nothing quite like a talking basset hound and a time loop to get you in the festive spirit. And even if you normally go about your day with a humbug spirit, I doubt you can resist these new Netflix holiday offerings. Below is a rundown of each new Christmas flick.

New Netflix holiday movie for 2026

'A Dog's Perfect Christmas' (Nov 4)

Christmas + doggos. Could there be a better festive equation? A follow-up to 2017’s “A Dog’s Purpose”, this comedy-drama brings back Dennis Quaid as a loving grandfather/dog owner who is trying to keep his family’s Christmas from falling apart. Quaid is joined by Mary Steenburgen and Milo Ventimiglia, while Thomas Haden Church voices the family’s pooch, Winstead. I still get the odd night terror thinking about 1993’s “Look Who’s Talking Now”, so here’s hoping this is one talking dog movie that will prove to be a very good boy.

'The Gospel of Christmas' (Nov 11)

Tyler Perry continues his multi-movie Netflix deal with the appropriately titled “Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas”. The filmmaker brings together an ensemble of gospel legends, spanning Fantasia, Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond in a drama that focuses on a disillusioned pastor who inherits his family’s NYC-based church. Can the holy man rediscover his faith in time for Christmas? I’m going to go out on a limb and say yes.

'Guarding Stars' (Nov 18)

A take on 2022’s novel “The Bodyguard” (no, not that one), “Guarding Stars” sounds like a mix of the Whitney Houston classic and “The Love Hypothesis”. After protection agent Hannah (Leighton Meester) is assigned to guard Hollywood heartthrob Jack (Jared Padalecki) from a dangerous stalker, the pair end up staging a fake romance so that the action star’s seriously ill mother won’t worry over the holidays. If that premise sounds slightly eye-rolling, at least the ensemble cast is fun. Andie MacDowell is joined by country pop singer Walker Hayes and former WWE champion CM Punk.

'In a Holidaze' (Dec 2)

Move over, Marvel Cinematic Universe. Who needs Dr Doom vs. Thor when we’ve got the sort of follow-up to 2020’s “Holidate”? Once again written by Tiffany Paulsen, this Christmas-centric rom-com is embracing its inner “Groundhog Day” with a time loop plot. Centering around Maddie Ziegler’s unlucky-in-love protagonist, “The Holidaze” sees the young woman repeatedly reliving the same December 25 as she finds herself trapped in a cabin with her family. Patton Oswalt and Rob Lowe round out this festive romp’s cast.

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Looking for your next watch? Netflix’s top 10 is a good place to start, but with so many shows competing for your attention, figuring out what’s actually worth watching can be tricky. Each week, I take a look at Netflix’s most popular shows and pick out three that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping thriller, a dark psychological drama or something completely different, there’s plenty to choose from if you know where to look. This week, there are three shows that I think are well worth your time. So, before you spend half the evening scrolling through Netflix without settling on anything, here are three top 10 shows I think you should add to your watchlist.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘Below’

Netflix’s latest No. 1 show is “Below,” a creepy sea creature thriller that pairs monster horror with small-town drama. The series makes great use of the ocean’s vast, unpredictable expanse to build suspense, with strange natural phenomena and menacing icebergs adding to the mystery. I found it seriously bingeable, and the steady stream of reveals kept me hooked even when some of the weaker side stories pulled focus from the central mystery. It’s not perfect, but the creepy premise and atmospheric setting make it an easy pick for your next binge.

Set in the remote fishing village of Snook’s Arm, Newfoundland, “Below” follows Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett), a fisherman struggling to keep his family together while his hometown faces an uncertain future. When a mysterious sea creature begins attacking the surrounding waters, strange incidents soon spread throughout the community. With his son Wade (Charlie Heaton) experiencing unsettling symptoms, Calvin joins forces with visiting marine researcher Dr. Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) to investigate the increasingly dangerous situation. Calvin must uncover what lies beneath the ocean and confront secrets connected to his own past.

Stream "Below" on Netflix

‘East of Eden’

Still attracting plenty of attention on Netflix is “East of Eden,” Zoe Kazan’s new take on John Steinbeck’s classic 1952 novel. This historical drama puts Cathy Ames front and center, giving us a closer look at one of the story’s most complicated characters rather than treating her as a straightforward villain. It’s a fresh approach to a familiar tale, with plenty of family drama and emotional conflict along the way. There’s also a lovely family connection behind the adaptation: Zoe Kazan is the granddaughter of legendary filmmaker Elia Kazan, who directed the 1955 movie version starring James Dean.

Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh) is a fiercely independent woman whose arrival upends the lives of brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles Trask (Mike Faist). As Adam attempts to build a new life and raise a family, Cathy has plans of her own, eventually adopting a new identity and pursuing financial independence. Years later, the next generation of the Trask family, including Adam’s sons Cal and Aron, becomes caught up in the consequences of their parents’ decisions. Spanning decades, this seven-part limited series follows the family’s changing fortunes, complicated relationships and growing conflicts as their lives unfold.

Stream "East of Eden" on Netflix

‘Haunted Hotel’

If you’re in the mood for an adult animated series with a spooky twist, “Haunted Hotel” is well worth checking out. This supernatural horror-comedy comes from the team behind “Rick and Morty,” with Dan Harmon among its executive producers, and pairs weird supernatural situations with plenty of sharp, sitcom-style humor. Think “Beetlejuice” meets “What We Do in the Shadows,” with a cast of quirky characters and plenty of spooky chaos along the way. It’s earned positive reviews, too, making it a fun choice if you want something horror-inspired that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“Haunted Hotel” follows Katherine (Eliza Coupe), a single mother of two who inherits the Undervale Hotel following the death of her brother, Nathan (Will Forte). Hoping to get the struggling business back on its feet, she moves in with her children, Ben (Skyler Gisondo) and Esther (Natalie Palamides), only to discover that the building is packed with restless ghosts. Fortunately, Nathan remains at the hotel as a friendly spirit and offers to help his sister manage its unusual residents. The family also encounters an ancient demon trapped in a young boy's body, who becomes part of their increasingly bizarre household.

Stream "Haunted Hotel" seasons 1-2 on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "Below" (2026)
2. "East of Eden" (2026)
3. "Mojo Brookzz: I Know You Lying" (2026)
4. "The Great British Baking Show" (2026)
5. "Haunted Hotel"
6. "Is It Cake? Halloween" (2025)
7. "Doctor X" (2026)
8. "A Different World" (2026)
9. "Wonka's the Golden Ticket" (2026)
10. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" (2023)

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Before he was a master of horror as the creator of acclaimed limited series like “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass” and the director of multiple Stephen King adaptations, Mike Flanagan was just another hard-working indie filmmaker getting a shot at a slightly bigger budget for his second film. After drawing attention for his scrappy 2011 debut feature “Absentia,” Flanagan leveled up with 2013’s “Oculus,” an ingenious horror movie with a standout performance from Karen Gillan.

“Oculus” is a lot more streamlined than Flanagan’s later horror epics, but it indicates the level of talent and creativity he’d bring to those higher-profile projects, along with his ability to add a fresh perspective to familiar horror elements. I remember being unenthused at the prospect of another movie about a haunted mirror when I went to see “Oculus” in theaters, not being aware of Flanagan’s previous film.

There may not be anything new about the story of Russell siblings Kaylie (Gillan) and Tim (Brenton Thwaites) trying to destroy the cursed mirror that was responsible for the deaths of their parents, but Flanagan makes it feel exciting and immersive. With his TV-series version of King’s “Carrie” set to premiere in October on Prime Video, viewers can now look back to Flanagan’s filmmaking origins by streaming “Oculus” on Netflix.

‘Oculus’ builds effective terror from its simple premise

One of the best sequences in “Oculus” features Kaylie manically laying out the centuries-long history of deaths associated with the mirror known as the Lasser Glass. But that presentation begins with her noting that the mirror’s origins are a mystery, and Flanagan and co-writer Jeff Howard aren’t interested in creating mythology for this cursed object, as so many horror movies feel obligated to do. Bad things happen to anyone who takes this mirror into their home, and that’s all the Russells and the audience need to know.

“Oculus” shifts back and forth between two time periods, and despite the onscreen text first indicating “Eleven years earlier,” the distinction between them becomes increasingly fluid as the movie goes on. That’s one of the film’s greatest strengths, as it disorients the audience in the same way that Kaylie and Tim are disoriented by the mirror’s influence. It’s natural for viewers to attempt to keep track of the two different narrative threads, but eventually it becomes impossible to tell what’s real, what’s a memory, and what’s a hallucination.

The majority of the movie takes place inside the Russell family home, where they’ve just moved in 2002 and where Kaylie has meticulously set up a supposed trap for the mirror in 2013. At first, the mirror is just another new piece of furniture that Kaylie and Tim’s father, Alan (Rory Cochrane), has purchased to celebrate their move. It doesn’t enter the house in any sinister way, but it soon takes hold of Alan, who starts behaving strangely and possibly talking to the apparition of a dark-haired woman (Flanagan’s future wife and frequent collaborator Kate Siegel).

The mirror also affects Kaylie and Tim’s mother Marie (Katee Sackhoff), and the children (played at younger ages by Annalise Basso and Garrett Ryan Ewald) end up living in fear inside their own house. The mirror drives Alan and Marie to murder, leaving the children as orphans and Tim locked up in a mental institution. When he’s released 11 years later, he’s now convinced that there was nothing supernatural involved in their parents’ death, while Kaylie has spent the intervening time becoming more and more obsessed with the mirror.

‘Oculus’ takes pleasure in its horrors

Although Kaylie is determined to destroy the mirror, she’s almost perversely excited by its malevolence, especially since Tim initially scoffs at her assertions of its supernatural properties. She’s set up multiple alarms, cameras and other fail-safes (including a giant kill switch) to keep the mirror from harming them, even going so far as to bring a sacrificial dog to feed its hunger for life and place it on the offensive. She seems more eager about being vindicated than about defeating evil, and of course that hubris provides her downfall.

Gillan gives a gloriously unhinged performance, sharply whipping her ponytail around as Kaylie glides through the house, making sure everything goes exactly as planned. Her smug confidence almost never wavers, even as her carefully laid plans start falling apart, and in a movie with no tangible villain, she provides the requisite deranged energy. Cochrane and Sackhoff are suitably creepy as the parents who start to lose their own grips on reality, and the cumulative effect leads the audience to question the every character’s sanity.

Flanagan himself edited “Oculus,” which is a master-class in cross-cutting as it barrels toward its finale, the past and present completely dissolving into each other. There are none of the lengthy, florid monologues that would define Flanagan’s later work, although there is plenty of the family dysfunction that he explores in his subsequent series.

It’s all condensed into an elegant, eerie story about one of the genre’s most overused plot devices, proving that Flanagan has always had the ability to make timeless horror feel new again.

Stream “Oculus” on Netflix now

There are plenty of new movies across the biggest streaming services this week, including fresh flicks on Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max and Apple TV. Not to mention, new arrivals on premium streaming fresh from movie theaters.

Netflix is dropping a star-studded comedy called "Sacrifice" that sees Anya Taylor-Joy play a cult leader who kidnaps a movie star, played by Chris Evans. Meanwhile, Prime Video offers two original picks: a new romantic drama with a trailer that promises tears, and a hilarious heist caper that brings a family dynamic to an audacious plan to steal the Mona Lisa. Or how about a new biographical movie on Apple TV, based on the first successful climb of Mount Everest?

That's just the start. You're spoilt for choice over the coming days, which is why I’ve picked out the most noteworthy new arrivals across streaming platforms to help you spend more time watching and less time scrolling. Plus, check out this article’s companion guide covering all the top new TV shows this week and 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to watch this week.

‘Practical Magic 2’ (PVOD)

The long-in-development follow-up to cult ‘90s fantasy comedy “Practical Magic” certainly cast a spell on fans; this sequel holds a mighty impressive 91% viewer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics weren’t exactly wowed (its critical rating is much lower at a weak 36%), but “Practical Magic 2” was clearly made for the fans, and with original stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman returning, it delivers the witchy hijinks that made the original a cult favorite.

Set 28 years after the first “Practical Magic 2,” the Owens sisters (Bullock and Kidman) return, and their ancestral curse, which means that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will die, is still plaguing the family. With the next generation of Owens now facing the curse’s cruel effects, the sisters must confront their past and break the spell once and for all. Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing also reprise their original roles, with new cast members added to the magical mix, including Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, and Xolo Maridueña.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting October 13

‘Runner’ (PVOD)

Fans of buddy movies will want to run to their preferred premium streaming platform to stream “Runner” this week. Pairing Alan Ritchson, star of Prime Video’s “Reacher,” with 2000s comedy icon Owen Wilson, it’s an action comedy that succeeds thanks to strong chemistry between its unlikely leads and a commitment to over-the-top stunt sequences. It might not shake up the genre template, but it’s an enjoyable slice of blockbuster escapism.

Former special forces operative Hank Malone (Ritchson) now works as a “runner,” transporting high-value items for anybody who will pay him enough. Tasked with delivering an organ for transplant to a very sick child in hospital, he’s accompanied by an unlikely partner (Wilson), who is determined to ensure the job is done correctly. Things get hairy when they become the targets of a ruthless cartel, who want the precious organ for themselves.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting October 13

‘Love of Your Life’ (Prime Video)

Prime Video has been all about romance lately, dropping originals like “The Last Sunrise” and “The Love Hypothesis” in recent weeks. That streak continues with “Love of Your Life,” another original movie that is sure to tug at your heartstrings. This one boasts quite the cast as well. It’s led by Margaret Qualley, Aaron Pierre and Patrick Schwarzenegger. And while he (sadly) doesn’t feature on screen, Ryan Gosling, a genre veteran, serves as a producer.

Like so many romantic dramas before it, “Love of Your Life” begins with an unexpected encounter between Maya (Qualley) and Charlie (Gabriel Basso). This sparks an intense romance and the possibilities of a blissful future. However, when this future is cruelly ripped away, Maya is forced to face that life doesn’t always play out as expected, and that finding the strength to love again can be the greatest challenge of all. You might want to bring tissues for this!

Watch on Prime Video starting October 14

‘The Death of Robin Hood’ (HBO Max)

Not to be confused with “The Uprising,” an Andrew Garfield-led historical drama that briefly claimed to be a Robin Hood movie in its pre-release marketing campaign, only to walk the claim back (the situation was messy), “The Death of Robin Hood” sees Hugh Jackman play the notorious outlaw. As the title implies, this story is set during his final days. It explores the man behind the myth and is adapted from a 17th-century ballad, “Robin Hood’s Death.”

Gravely injured after assisting his old friend, Little John (Bill Skarsgård), in retaking his land, legendary outlaw Robin Hood (Jackman) grapples with his violent past. A hero to some, a criminal to others, he’s left in the care of Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer) at a remote nunnery. As Robin faces the possibility of his impending death, he is offered an unexpected chance to repent.

Watch on HBO Max starting October 16

‘Sacrifice’ (Netflix)

It’s a good news and bad news situation with “Sacrifice,” Netflix’s new comedy-thriller. Let’s start with the positives. The cast list here is stacked. You’ve got Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, Sam Richardson, John Malkovich and Salma Hayek. The downside? The movie’s reception at the Toronto International Film Festival last September was less than stellar, and has translated to a very disappointing 36% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie centers on a doomsday cult led by Joan (Taylor-Joy) and her siblings, who are convinced they must cleanse the Earth to prevent a volcanic apocalypse. To save humanity, they abduct three people, including a movie star making a comeback (Evans), with plans to sacrifice them as part of a ritual. As the night descends into chaos, the situation becomes increasingly messy, and the lines between savior and sacrifice start to blur.

Watch on Netflix starting October 16

‘Masterplan’ (Prime Video)

Prime Video isn’t content with just the one original movie this week, as it’s also set to debut “Masterplan,” a heist caper that looks like a real blast. If a high-stakes theft wasn’t enough, this movie from director Thomas Vincent adds an extra wrinkle by mixing in some chaotic family drama. It looks like a hoot, and with Stanley Tucci playing the lead, consider me (cautiously) optimistic.

Tucci plays a legendary thief who sets his sights on the Mona Lisa, planning a daring heist of the Louvre museum in the French capital. To assist, he recruits two young helpers, a talented hacker (Simona Tabasco) and an explosives expert (Victor Belmondo), before revealing he is actually their estranged father. Turns out stealing the world’s most valuable painting might be the easy part; getting this fractured family working together is the real test.

Watch on Prime Video starting October 16

‘Tenzing’ (Apple TV)

At the start of the month, Apple TV added “The Last First: Winter K2” to its library, an acclaimed documentary offering a fascinating insight into the world of high-stakes mountaineering. The streamer is following that doc up with “Tenzing,” a biographical drama that chronicles one of the most famous climbs in human history: Edmund Hillary’s summit of Mount Everest.

However, as the name suggests, while Hillary features (and is played by Tom Hiddleston), the focus of this biopic is on Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), the gifted Himalayan climber who accompanied the New Zealand mountaineer to the top of the world’s tallest mountain. It’s a story of conflicting backgrounds, competing ambitions and a truly remarkable achievement in human history. Also starring Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, who led the 1953 expedition up Everest, “Tenzing” is an inspirational story about one of mankind’s greatest feats.

Watch on Apple TV starting October 16

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• New on Netflix in October 2026
• 3 feel-good movies new on Prime Video
• HBO Max added 21 new horror movies this October 

Tyler Perry's vast catalogue of Netflix movies — the multihyphenate has put out 10 original movies with the streaming service as part of his multi-year first-look deal, including "A Fall From Grace," "Mea Culpa," "Why Did I Get Married Again?" and several Madea titles —got a recent addition with "Doing Life," which premiered on October 2.

The gritty romantic drama centers on the surprising emotional connection between a former prison officer (Naomi Baker) and a reformed ex-convict (Jay Reeves) that develops through letters, bringing together themes of resilience and rehabilitation, trauma and survival, and burgeoning love against the backdrop of the criminal justice system.

If you enjoyed "Doing Life" — and many of you clearly did, with the Perry-directed drama sitting comfortably in the top three of Netflix's weekly movie charts — here are three romantic dramas to stream next.

'Monster's Ball' (2001)

Halle Berry memorably made history when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in this 2001 Marc Forster-directed drama.

She plays Leticia Musgrove, a grieving Black widow who develops an intense relationship with Georgia corrections officer Hank Grotowski (Billy Bob Thornton), not knowing that he was part of the execution team that put her husband, a convicted murderer, to death. Each experiencing personal tragedy, they find unexpected emotional solace in each other, all while Hank navigates his deep racial prejudice against his obvious attraction to Leticia.

The star-studded ensemble also includes Peter Boyle as Hank’s father, Heath Ledger as Hank’s son and, ironically, Sean “Diddy” Combs as Leticia’s criminal husband.

Watch "Monster's Ball" on The Roku Channel now

'Out of Sight' (1998)

Steven Soderbergh’s sexiest thriller (sorry, “Black Bag”), 1998’s “Out of Sight” is a sultry, slow-burn crime romance starring George Clooney as career bank robber Jack Foley and Jennifer Lopez as U.S. Marshall Karen Sisco, who has been hunting him across state lines.

That cat-and-mouse hunt is basically foreplay for a dangerous mutual attraction between the two, which complicates the diamond heist Jack has planned with his buddies (Ving Rhames and Steve Zahn) as well as Karen’s plans to send Foley back to prison.

The crime caper is one of Soderbergh’s best, with a stellar 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes: "Steven Soderbergh's intelligently crafted adaptation of the Elmore Leonard novel is witty, sexy, surprisingly entertaining, and a star-making turn for George Clooney,” reads the site’s critical consensus.

Rent/buy "Out of Sight" on Prime Video now

'Queen & Slim' (2019)

From Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe and director Melina Matsoukas, this romantic thriller centers on criminal defense attorney Angela “Queen” Johnson (Jodie Turner-Smith) and her retail-worker date Earnest “Slim” Hines (Daniel Kaluuya), who are forced to go on the run after a self-defense encounter results in a dead police officer. When a video of the incident goes viral, the near-strangers become not only accidental fugitives but also national symbols of trauma and terror.

Also starring Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny, Flea, Sturgill Simpson and Indya Moore, the drama was widely praised by critics: "Stylish, provocative, and powerful, Queen & Slim tells a gripping fugitive story steeped in timely, thoughtful subtext,” says Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus.

Rent/buy "Queen & Slim" on Prime Video now

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There’s plenty of new arrivals heading to Netflix this week, and if you want a full rundown, you’re in the right place. The streaming service is adding 20 new movies and shows this week. That’s a lot of content to sift through, so I’m picking out some highlights for you.

For starters, sports fans won’t want to skip “Tyson,” a new four-part documentary series that centers on Mike Tyson. The world-famous boxer is intimately involved, and the doc promises to provide a deeply personal look at his life and career, from the soaring highs to the crushing lows. Or if reality TV is your guilty pleasure, “Love is Blind” season 11 moves the dating experiment to Boston, as more hopeful romantics date without seeing each other in the flesh.

Also, “The Diplomat” season 4 arrives this week, and the fallout from a reckless decision will be explosive. This political thriller is one of Netflix’s most acclaimed ongoing original series, so make sure you’re all caught up before Thursday (Oct. 15). Meanwhile, movie fans can enjoy a guilty pleasure watch of their own in “Cocaine Bear,” or a very influential crime epic, “Heat.”

These are just some of the movies and shows heading to Netflix this week. Alongside my top picks, you’ll find a full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days. And for a complete overview, here’s a guide to everything new on Netflix in October 2026.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

‘Tyson'

What it's about: This four-part docuseries traces the life and career of Mike Tyson, one of the world’s most skilled and notorious boxers. From his chaotic upbringing in Brooklyn, through to his rapid rise to superstardom, Tyson quickly became a household name. But his story isn’t without its controversies, and this doc aims to cover all sides of Tyson.

Why you should watch it: Tyson is one of sport’s most fascinating figures, crowned heavyweight champion at just 20; his career was one of great success, but also scandal, with in-ring incidents and personal drama never far away. “Tyson” was made in full collaboration with the man himself, so it should offer deeper, personal insights into Mike's fascinating journey.

Watch "Tyson" on Netflix starting October 13

‘Love Is Blind Season 11: Boston’

What it's about: It’s time to reopen the pods, as “Love is Blind” returns for its 11th season, and this time the sight-unseen dating show is heading to Boston, where romantic hopefuls will have to meet, date and propose all without seeing each other. After popping the question, they’ll finally meet in person, and then the real compatibility test begins.

Why you should watch it: Like it or loathe it, you can’t deny that “Love is Blind” is one of Netflix’s biggest success stories. This reality show has become its own franchise, with double-digit seasons and a slew of international spin-offs. “Love is Blind” fans will no doubt binge this one as soon as possible, while those already burned out on the well-worn premise probably won’t be brought back into the fold. This Boston-set season doesn’t reinvent the formula.

Watch "Love is Blind Season 11: Boston" on Netflix starting October 15

‘Cocaine Bear’

What it's about: Inspired by a stranger-than-fiction true story, in a Georgia forest in the 1980s, a 500-pound black bear consumes a large quantity of cocaine after the drugs fall from a smuggler's plane. The illicit substance turns the bear feral, and it goes on a bloody rampage that puts the lives of everybody in the vicinity in danger.

Why you should watch it: “Cocaine Bear” is a movie of simple pleasures. If you find the idea of a drug-fueled bear going on a violent rampage appealing, then it’ll deliver exactly what you’re looking for, but nothing more. There’s no substance here beyond the ridiculous premise, but “Cocaine Bear” has no delusions of grandeur, and wisely leans into the ludicrousness of it all.

Watch "Cocaine Bear" on Netflix starting October 15

‘The Diplomat’ season 4

What it's about: With President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) and Vice President Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) enacting their plan to steal Russia’s powerful Poseidon weapon, Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) is caught in the fallout and may have to strike an alliance with First Gentleman Todd Penn (Bradley Whitford) to prevent the world from spiralling into all-out war.

Why you should watch it: With 10 Emmy nominations and a win for Janney, “The Diplomat” is one of Netflix’s most prestigious original series, and the fourth season of this political thriller show promises to raise the stakes even higher. But while you’ll come for the international political drama, it’s the human relationships at the show’s core that will get you invested. If you’re not all caught up, now is a great time to binge-watch “The Diplomat.”

Watch "The Diplomat" season 4 on Netflix starting October 15

‘Heat’

What it's about: Master criminal Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is in the twilight of his career, planning one last major heist, and then plans to walk off into the sunset to spend his ill-gotten gains. But between his unpredictable crew, including Van Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis, and a committed police detective (Al Pacino) on his tail, getting away scot-free might not be so simple.

Why you should watch it: Michael Mann’s “Heat” is one of the most influential crime dramas of all time, so it’s an easy recommendation. However, now feels like an especially great time to watch as the long-in-development “Heat 2,” which will see Mann return to direct and star Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, is reportedly entering production next month. It has quite the legacy to live up to.

Watch "Heat" on Netflix starting October 16

Everything new on Netflix: October 12-18

OCTOBER 12

"Free Leonard Peltier" (Netflix documentary)

A new generation of activists fights to free American Indian Movement leader Leonard Peltier, who spent decades in prison for a disputed conviction.

• "Fire Spike" season 1
• "Señora Acero" seasons 1-5
• "Wayne" season 1

OCTOBER 13

"The Trap" (DE) (Netflix series)

Author Lisa Konrad hasn't left her house for 10 years since her sister's murder. When she believes she sees the killer on TV, she devises a risky plan.

"TYSON" (Netflix documentary)

This gripping four-part documentary series explores the explosive life of Mike Tyson — one of the most feared and fascinating figures in sports history.

• "Solar Opposites" season 6

OCTOBER 14

"Love Is Blind Season 11: Boston" (Netflix series)

Boston singles enter the pods to find their soulmates and get engaged sight unseen. Will they walk down the aisle or will looks get in the way of love?

OCTOBER 15

"Hollywood Arts" (Netflix series)

Class is in session at Hollywood Arts! Self-proclaimed icon Trina Vega returns to steer gifted teens toward stardom, status and hilarious havoc.

"The Diplomat" season 4 (Netflix series)

One catastrophic moment shatters the fragile peace Kate Wyler has brokered between the US and UK, as well as the crumbling marriage she’s trying to save.

"The Storm" (SE) (Netflix film)

When a storm traps old university pals at a luxury lodge, their civilized birthday bash spirals into a cyclone of betrayals, grudges and unfiltered chaos.

• "Cocaine Bear"

OCTOBER 16

"The Disciple" (Netflix documentary)

Academy Award-winning producer Joanna Natasegara makes her feature directorial debut in this true story of an outsider whose relentless determination catapults him into the Wu-Tang Clan's inner circle, where ambition and creativity converge to record an album poised to ignite global controversy.

"Money Trap: The Karun Treasure" (TR) (Netflix series)

When a mythical map falls into the hands of a legendary scam artist, he decides to pull one last con before leaving it all behind for good.

"Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald" (Netflix documentary)

Go down a wormhole in this documentary on master of deadpan humor Norm Macdonald, whose life and career were uncompromising yet full of contradictions.

"Sacrifice" (FR) (Netflix film)

At a glitzy charity gala, a movie star (Chris Evans) facing an existential crisis is taken hostage by a radical warrior (Anya Taylor-Joy) and her followers.

"SERIOUSLY SINGLE TOO" (ZA) (Netflix film)

Dineo and Noni — besties meant to take on the party scene together — suddenly face their biggest fear when Noni's boyfriend spontaneously proposes.

"Therapy Done Right" (AR) (Netflix film)

A psychoanalyst who's lost faith in traditional therapy crosses every boundary to help a blocked novelist in this cutting Argentine dark comedy.

• "Heat"
• "The Fate of the Furious"

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Before leaving my dorm room when I graduated from college in 2002, I opened the top drawer of my desk, where past students had inscribed their names for posterity, and added my own mark. I wrote “Felicity Porter ’02.”

That’s the effect that the college graduation of a fictional character, just a few weeks before my own, had on my life. Felicity and I had spent the past four years going through many of the same college milestones — although I never ended up at the center of a love triangle — and I had just seen her write her own name on the wall of her closet at the University of New York.

Watching “Felicity” now elicits a different sort of nostalgia, nearly 25 years after my college graduation and the end of the series, but it’s still a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story, with excellent performances and well-drawn characters. As played by Keri Russell, Felicity herself is one of the best TV characters of the past 30 years, a charming, awkward, open-hearted and driven young woman who is also a fiercely loyal friend. I may not have actually gone to college with Felicity, but after four seasons of her show, I felt like I had.

Thanks to a recent deal with Disney, all four seasons of “Felicity” are now streaming on Netflix. While some of Felicity’s college experiences may seem quaint to modern viewers, the show’s story of growing up and figuring out who you are and what you want in life is universal, ready to be discovered by a new generation.

‘Felicity’ is a warm, empathetic character study

“Felicity” begins with the kind of ridiculous high concept that has fueled numerous romantic comedies: At her high school graduation, Felicity finally works up the nerve to approach Ben Covington (Scott Speedman), the popular guy she’s spent four years crushing on from afar. She asks him to sign her yearbook, just hoping for something like “Have a great summer!,” and he writes a heartfelt note saying that he always wished he’d gotten to know her better.

Based on that single flicker of interest, Felicity changes her entire college plans, ditching Stanford and the career trajectory planned by her parents to follow Ben to New York City.

That set-up could be the source for lots of cringe comedy, but creators J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves keep the show grounded and honest, and Felicity and Ben develop a sweet if often complicated relationship.

Throughout the show’s four seasons, Felicity bounces back and forth romantically between Ben and the geeky Noel Crane (Scott Foley), forming genuine bonds with both. Plenty of viewers were Team Ben or Team Noel, but I was always Team Felicity, hoping for her to make her own way in life regardless of which guy she was with, and that’s how the show was, too.

Ben and Noel aren’t just objects of Felicity’s affection, but well-rounded characters in their own rights, with their own ambitions and flaws. The same goes for Felicity’s friends, including musician Julie Emrick (Amy Jo Johnson), premed classmate Elena Tyler (Tangi Miller) and Wiccan roommate Meghan Rotundi (Amanda Foreman). Felicity’s love life may be the focus of the show, but as a person, she’s always there for her friends, and she feels as deeply for them as she does for any guy she’s dating.

‘Felicity’ is network TV at its best

Although Abrams and Reeves went on to bigger success in genre fare, “Felicity” finds its greatest strengths in the mundane, allowing viewers to get to know these characters over the course of lengthy seasons that don’t really exist in the streaming era. Felicity and her friends have time to make mistakes, meet new people, fall in love, break up and get back together again. There are moments when the show tips into melodrama, especially in a third-season storyline about a shooting at a Christmas party, but for the most part it sticks to simple, relatable emotions.

Some of the highlights include a first-season two-parter about a figure from Felicity’s past who does the same thing to her that she does to Ben, a second-season one-off episode shot in the black-and-white style of “The Twilight Zone,” and a strange final five-episode arc that sees Felicity going back in time to make a different choice between Ben and Noel. Even when exploring an alternate timeline, Felicity remains caring and conscientious, with an infectious smile and a generous spirit.

She’s the type of person you want to spend time with, and that’s just what the show offers. She was by my side throughout my college years, and she’s there now on Netflix, just as kind, funny and occasionally exasperating as ever.

Stream “Felicity” on Netflix now

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As it does at the start of every month, Netflix has just added a plethora of new movies and shows. The new on Netflix October 2026 slate contains some real gems, including two of my favorite ever films in the form of “Heat” and "Gladiator”. Seeing as I own both of those cinematic greats on 4K Blu-ray though, they’re not really making my streaming sense tingle. The flick that is getting me positively pumped? That would be “22 Jump Street”.

Look, I’m not going to try and claim that this 2014 sequel is on a par with “The Godfather Part 2” or "Aliens”. But honestly, it genuinely is one of my favorite ever follow-ups. Once again directed by “The Lego Movie” duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this brilliant buddy cop comedy reunites undercover officers Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) after they successfully brought down a high school drug ring in “21 Jump Street”. This time out, their assignment is, you guessed it, to infiltrate a college.

Relentlessly ribbing itself for doing the same shtick all over again, “22 Jump Street” isn’t just self-aware; it’s also riotously funny. If you’re looking for some rib-tickling action on Netflix this week, I promise you won’t regret going undercover with these two bumbling cops turned unlikely best buds.

What is ‘22 Jump Street’ about?

After they just about aced their high school assignment, Schmidt and Jenko’s superior officers give the undercover duo the green light to infiltrate a college. Their mission? To find and stop the supplier of a dangerous new narcotic, called WHYPHY (Work Hard? Yes. Play Hard? Yes.).

Now playing brothers Brad and Doug McQuaid, our cops end up drifting apart as both fully embrace college life. Doug/Schmidt gets into impromptu poetry, while Brad/Jenko quickly becomes the best player on the football team. Can the squabbling pals put aside their differences, mend their friendship and bring down the dealers?

Well, yes… obviously. Still, that doesn’t make the journey towards a fantastic finale set on Miami Beach any less funny or engaging.

Why you should stream ‘22 Jump Street’ on Netflix

Like the original, “22 Jump Street” has no problem going meta. Whereas the first film had fun mining comedy gold out of sending up the fact it was a reboot of an ‘80s Johnny Depp show no one remembers, the follow-up loves reminding you that sequels normally suck every opportunity.

“No one gave a s**t about the Jump Street reboot when you came on,” Nick Offerman’s Chief Hardy drolly tells Schmidt and Jenko at the beginning of the movie. “Anyone with half a brain, myself included, thought it was destined to fail spectacularly. But you got lucky. And now this department has invested a lot of money to make sure Jump Street keeps going.” Cue a reel of gags that focus on just how much cash the producers threw at “22 Jump Street”.

Now that the undercover program has become a success following the high school caper, Schmidt and Jenko are no longer being given their orders in a Korean church. Instead, Jump Street now operates out of a high-tech office, with their boss Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) working out of a glass structure that just so happens to resemble a block of Ice. See what they did there?

There are so many standout scenes in “22 Jump Street”. The opening drug bust where Schmidt gets attacked by an octopus. “It’s inking into my mouth!” The duo undergoing decidedly different trips after accidentally eating WHYPHY-infused brownies. Jonah Hill and Jillian Bell getting into one of the most awkward fight scenes in movie history. There’s barely time to catch your breath over the breezy 112-minute runtime.

It’s no wonder “22 Jump Street” was such a success. Despite being made on a relatively small budget, it took home well over $300m at the box office. And it’s easy to see why. Hill and Tatum’s chemistry is as electric as ever, the setpieces all land, and Ice Cube steals every scene he’s in. The moment he discovers a secret about Schmidt, then proceeds to blow a gasket while getting served string beans at a buffet, is legit side-splitting. Do yourself a favor this weekend. Enroll in this college comedy and prepare to laugh your rear end off.

Stream "22 Jump Street" on Netflix now

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Spooky season is in full swing, and if you're looking for movies to help set the Halloween vibes, Netflix just added some slow-burn horror thrillers I really think are worth your time. The streaming giant has plenty of horror movies to choose from, but I've picked out three that I've seen and think are the best of the bunch, from a brutal home invasion to a chilling manhunt with one of Hollywood's most infamous serial killers.

Whether you're in the mood for the nerve-shredding suspense of “Hush,” the twisted cat-and-mouse thrills of “Red Dragon,” or the entirely too close to home invasion nightmare of “The Strangers,” these three movies are the perfect nightmare fuel that also fit the season aesthetically. So curl up with the fluffiest of blankets, turn off the lights and settle in for a Halloween weekend streaming marathon — just don't be surprised if you gotta check the locks afterward.

'Hush' (2016)

If you liked Prime Video's new "Carrie" show, check out the horror film that first put director Mike Flanagan on the map before "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass" blew up. "Hush" is a prime example of a simple premise done right: a slasher movie where the main victim (Kate Siegel) is deaf and mute, leaving her unable to hear her attacker approaching or call for help. It wrings a surprising amount of tension out of its lean 81-minute run time and tightly wound plot.

While Siegel's character is relentlessly stalked and tormented by a masked killer, she's never reduced to a helpless victim, which makes this one of the more empowering genre entries. The setting — a home in the middle of the woods — also perfectly captures the fall vibes we're only just now starting to see outside our windows.

Watch "Hush" on Netflix now

'Red Dragon' (2002)

Sure, “Red Dragon” never quite reaches the heights of “The Silence of the Lambs,” but it comes closer than any other entry in the franchise to recapturing the original’s cat-and-mouse tension and twisted brilliance. Based on Harris’ novel of the same name, this prequel rewinds the clock to explore Hannibal Lecter’s capture and his early dealings with the FBI, where his help comes at a price.

Anthony Hopkins is back and terrifying as ever as Hannibal while Edward Norton does a solid job keeping pace with him as FBI profiler Will Graham, who's pulled back into hunt for serial killers by one last crazy case. If you liked this one, just so you know: You can find all three seasons of the phenomenal "Hannibal" TV show with Mads Mikkelsen on Netflix too. Hugh Dancy pulls off a hard swing "House"-style spin on Graham's character that really deserves to be watched, it's a treat.

Watch "Red Dragon" on Netflix now

'The Strangers' (2008)

"The Strangers" is one of those movies I wish I could go back and watch for the first time again. Years before "It Follows," its lingering scenes of quiet horror had audiences scanning the backgrounds for threats standing just out of sight of our doomed protagonists.

A young couple, James (Scott Speedman) and Kristen (Liv Tyler), are just settling in for a weekend getaway at a remote vacation home when there's a knock at the door. It's the first of many weird and sinister happenings as three masked intruders begin taunting and tormenting the couple throughout the night. With no working phone and their car sabotaged, James and Kristen find themselves trapped as these demented strangers methodically hunt them down.

Watch "The Strangers" on Netflix now

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Another weekend is here, which means the question of what to watch next might have you stumped. With the best streaming services loading up with so many great new movies, it can be a pain narrowing down which ones are actually worth your time.

The Netflix Top 10 is a great tool for cutting through the noise quickly, but not every movie that makes the cut is a guaranteed hit. Just look at the whopping four "Ice Age" movies in the ranking this Saturday. With that in mind, I'm here every weekend to highlight which movies in the Netflix top 10 actually live up to the hype.

This week, that includes Tyler Perry's latest drama (fair warning: have some tissues handy), a new crime thriller from Ben Affleck, and a true-crime chiller about the Unabomber starring Jacob Tremblay and Russell Crowe.

None of these picks fit the vibe? No worries: Our guide to everything new on Netflix this month has plenty more recommendations on what to watch. So without further ado, here are the three must-watch movies in Netflix’s top 10 this weekend. Enjoy!

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of 11:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

'Tyler Perry's Doing Life' (2026)

Netflix subscribers tend to eat up whatever Tyler Perry puts out, so it's no wonder his latest drama, "Doing Life," is still hanging out in the top 10 for the second weekend in a row. Naomi Baker stars as Anika, a single mother and correctional officer who's struggling to keep her life together when she reconnects with Carousel (Jay Reeves), a reformed ex-con who once saved her during a prison riot and has some untapped talents of his own.

Naturally, sparks fly, complications pile up, and all the classic Tyler Perry melodrama follows: an unlikely romance, family drama, redemption and a shot at love the second time around. "Doing Life" might not exactly win over the critics, but if Perry's Netflix track record is anything to go by, it's tailor-made for a cozy afternoon on the couch when you're in the mood for a tearjerker.

Watch "Tyler Perry's Doing Life" on Netflix now

'Animals' (2026)

Netflix subscribers and crime thrillers go together like peanut butter and jelly, so I wasn't surprised to see "Animals" shoot to the #1 spot after landing on the streamer this week. When the son of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is kidnapped, he and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), race to find a way to pay the ransom to get him home safely. With time running out, the couple run headfirst into one impossible situation after another as things spirals out of control.

Ben Affleck returns to the director’s chair for this gripping crime thriller, which serves up a high-stakes kidnapping, plenty of family drama and plenty of twists along the way. Washington and Anderson bring some serious star power to the mix, making this a decent pick if you’re looking for a popcorn flick to fill a lazy afternoon.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

'Unabomber' (2026)

Netflix capped off a busy week of streaming premieres with “Unabomber,” a new film based on the real-life case of Ted Kaczynski (Jacob Tremblay), the teenage math prodigy turned domestic terrorist known as the “Unabomber." It follows the 17-year mail-bombing campaign and the massive manhunt that ultimately brought him to justice.

Starring Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis and Shailene Woodley alongside Tremblay, “Unabomber” jumps between Kaczynski’s time at Harvard and the investigation that stretched across the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. For true-crime fans on the hunt for a case with plenty of twists and turns to dig into this weekend, “Unabomber” is an obvious addition to the watchlist.

Watch "Unabomber" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "Animals" (2026)
2. "Tyler Perry's Doing Life" (2026)
3. "The Widower 'Til Death Do Us Part' (2026)
4. "Ice Age" (2002)
5. "Ice Age 5: Collision Course" (2016)
6. "The Breadwinner" (2026)
7. "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" (2009)
8. "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown" (2006)
9. "Unabomber" (2026)
10. "Twilight" (2008)

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If you’re looking to Netflix and chill this weekend and need a few recommendations, you’ve come to the right place. The streaming service normally gives its library an extensive refresh every 30 days, and this month is no different. Here’s the full Netflix release list for October.

Let’s focus on what you can watch this weekend, though. My three picks for your streaming consideration include a riotous reboot of a thoroughly stupid TV show, a brand new Netflix Original thriller helmed by Ben Affleck, and what some folks would consider Christopher Nolan’s finest film.

Belly laughs, intrigue and shredded nerves are all on the menu: Here are three new-to-Netflix movies you should definitely seek out this weekend.

'Animals' (2026)

Ben Affleck’s latest directorial turn is a tense political thriller that centers around a politician who has to rescue his kidnapped son during the middle of a heated mayoral race. Affleck stars as Mark Kimball, while his wife is ably played by Kerry Washington. The strong supporting cast also contains Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun, in what is yet another predictably well acted ensemble from an Affleck flick.

Sure, the premise is admittedly a little played out (oh look, another kidnap movie!). But both Affleck and Washington convince as thoroughly stressed out parents whose worlds have just been turned upside down. Anderson also excels as the shady fixer as the couple’s long-kept secrets threaten to come to light. “Animals” is no “Argo” or “The Town”, yet despite its slightly silly final act, the action is tense enough and Affleck directs proceedings with enough assurance that you definitely won’t be bored by this latest Netflix Original.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

'21 Jump Street' (2012)

From the minds behind “Project Hail Mary” and “The Lego Movie” comes a reboot of a daft '80s Johnny Depp show no one remembers. Thank the Lord (Phil Lord in this case) and his fellow filmmaker Christopher Miller for deciding to reimagine said show about a pair of young-looking cops who go undercover at a high school to bust a drug ring. And you better believe this cracking comedy mines gold out of the fact that Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) are old enough to be teachers.

The unlikely duo has genuinely electric chemistry right from the off, with Hill playing the dork who becomes popular against all the odds, while Tatum’s dreaminess somehow lands him in chess club. Outrageous, sometimes a little offensive, but always thoroughly good fun, “21 Jump Street” is a straight-up joyous comedy. Oh, and Ice Cube has never been better as the pair’s stern boss, Captain Dickson. If you want to double dip, the equally awesome sequel “22 Jump Street” also just hit Netflix.

Watch "21 Jump Street" on Netflix now

'The Prestige' (2006)

As much as I enjoyed “The Odyssey”, I wouldn’t have the Greek epic in my Nolan top five. This marvelous magician thriller, though? I very much would. A gripping tale of rivalry and obsession set in Victorian-era London, for me “The Prestige” is only behind “The Dark Knight” in the great director’s incredible filmography. With arguably a career-best turn from Hugh Jackman as illusionist Robert Angier, and a typically stellar Christian Bale performance as his rival Alfred Borden, this movie is so much more than its riveting final act twist.

Charting the escalating, years-long feud between two magicians who are utterly dedicated to their craft, “The Prestige” is beautifully shot and contains the sort of banger Hans Zimmer score the legendary composer probably conducts in his sleep. There are so many highlights. The trick gone bad with the gun! Angier’s drunken doppelganger! David Bowie playing Nikola Tesla! Alright, enough of my effusive rambling. Go and watch it already.

Watch "The Prestige" on Netflix now

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It speaks to the overall quality of Netflix’s original movie slate in 2026 that I would rank new crime thriller “Animals” in my top five best of the year so far. On the surface, that seems like a big compliment. However, it’s more a result of subpar competition than owing to the strength of this new Ben Affleck movie about a mayoral candidate in a desperate situation.

Affleck stars in and directed “Animals,” and considering his pedigree in the thriller space, having helmed the likes of “Gone Baby Gone” and “Argo,” not to mention playing the lead in genre titan “Gone Girl" and Netflix's popular "The Rip," I hoped this new Netflix original could capture that magic. It doesn’t.

However, don’t take all this as the introduction to a review where I eviscerate the movie and advise you to give it a wide berth. “Animals” does offer some solid thriller fundamentals. In the streaming space, where the barrier to entry is lower than catching a new release on the big screen, “Animals” is a perfectly serviceable way to spend two hours. It just never amounts to more than that.

What is ‘Animals’ about?

Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is a Los Angeles mayoral candidate who is risking everything, from his rapidly crumbling marriage to his life savings, in the hopes of being elected. Under the advice of his campaign manager, Sam (Steven Yeun), he even puts the family home up as collateral to cover the cost of his election campaign — local TV airtime in L.A. certainly ain’t cheap!

This financial gamble almost instantly backfires when his young son is kidnapped, and the criminals responsible demand an extortionate multi-million dollar ransom. With no access to that sort of money, Mark and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), are in a desperate bind.

In steps a criminal fixer (Gillian Anderson), well-versed in navigating all manner of dangerous situations. As the night progresses and their son’s life hangs in the balance, Mark and Abigail must consider their options carefully, in turn revealing sides of their personalities, motivations, and marriage that were supposed to remain hidden.

‘Animals’ spins a compelling story until its silly final stand-off

After a perfunctory opening, which introduces Affleck’s Mark and the movie’s other main players and sets up a bunch of narrative dominoes you just know will come tumbling down at some point, “Animals” gets down to business. The politician learns from a mysterious caller that his son has been taken. The criminals want a lot of money that Mark doesn’t have.

Cue intense scenes of worried parents lamenting how they’re going to get their son back, while Yeun’s Sam mills around in the background, trying to offer support, with one eye kept on the campaign optics of Mark’s decision. It’s all standard thriller stuff. But things do heat up once Anderson’s cold and calculating criminal fixer is called in to help the family find a resolution.

Tense conversations in the Kimball family’s plush living room make up the lion’s share of the movie's first half; the movie’s talented cast keeps things interesting, even selling some clunky dialogue. Washington and Anderson stand out. The former has a secret of her own, and the latter is a magnetic on-screen presence playing a character who commands the room and always ensures she has leverage to fall back on should things go south.

Supporting players Cecilia (Adriana Paz), who works as a child carer for the Kimballs, and her boyfriend, Ramon (Luis Gerardo Méndez), a handyman/gardner, are also caught up in the hostage situation, but aren’t fleshed out enough to feel like vital players. Their most meaningful contribution is giving Affleck a chance to showcase his fluency in Spanish.

Ramon exemplifies one of “Animals” core problems, touching on too many subjects without fully exploring them. He’s an undocumented immigrant, frustrated at the selfish, me-first attitude he’s experienced in the U.S. But this topic isn’t expanded on beyond some throwaway dialogue. The same is true when Mark comments on the struggles of the working class in poorer areas of L.A.; it’s mentioned, but not fully developed. There's no substance to these inclusions that could force a watcher to reflect on their own attitudes.

“Animals'” other problem is a whiplash-inducing ending that moves the events away from the Kimbell home and into city streets. Here every character, both hero and villain, seems to lose any intelligence previously displayed, and events are driven by the requirements of the plot rather than any consistent logic. A scene with some of the worst CGI effects I’ve witnessed in 2026 only adds to the vibe that the big final stand-off was a real rush job.

Verdict: ‘Animals’ doesn’t quite have enough bite

“Animals” is the type of Netflix movie you’ll watch on a Saturday night and find generally enjoyable enough to warrant staying at home on a weekend evening. But come Monday morning, you'll likely have completely forgotten you even streamed it. It certainly doesn’t live long in the memory.

Affleck’s direction is workmanlike; there’s no interesting filmmaking flourish, but everything is approached with a steady hand. The same is true of his leading performance. Washington and Anderson deliver the most interesting and compelling characters, while Yeun, Paz and Gerardo Méndez offer up serviceable support, even if their roles are a little undercooked.

If you discard the ending, which hard-swerves into silliness, “Animals” is a generally competent thriller; there’s just enough intensity and high-stakes confrontations, not to mention a predictable but effective mid-movie switch-up, to keep you invested. But I wish the movie had something extra that would have seen it rise from serviceable to really special.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

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Sweater weather is officially here, which means prime binge-watching season has arrived. As the air turns crisp and cool, there’s nothing better than cozying up indoors with a great new Netflix show that’ll keep you glued to your seat. Thankfully, Netflix’s massive library just got a spooky-season boost perfect for Halloween, featuring the return of a cult animated comedy, a mind-bending baking competition, and a unique K-drama romance.

Leading the weekend lineup is the second season of "Haunted Hotel," the adult animated horror-comedy from "Rick and Morty" alum Matt Roller. If you prefer your tricks with a side of treats, host Mikey Day and a batch of wickedly talented bakers are back in "Is It Cake? Halloween" for a spookier spin on the hit competition series.

Rounding out the picks is "Take Charge of My Heart," a Korean fantasy rom-com following a wealthy heir whose artificial heart needs literal recharging. Whether you're looking for laughs, illusions, or romance, these three fresh Netflix releases are absolutely worth adding to your watchlist this weekend

'Haunted Hotel' season 2

From "Rick and Morty" writer Matt Roller and executive producer Dan Harmon, this adult animated horror comedy returns for a second season of supernatural family chaos. "Haunted Hotel" follows single mom Katherine (Eliza Coupe) as she tries to run the world's most haunted hotel alongside her ghost brother Nathan (Will Forte), her two kids Ben (Skyler Gisondo) and Esther (Natalie Palamides), and Abaddon (Jimmi Simpson), a demon trapped in the body of a little boy.

Season 2 finds the Freeling family finally settling into a comfortable living situation, as much as they can anyway, even as new ghosts, monsters and paranormal disasters come looking for vacancies. If you love irreverence and a spooky attitude, this should be your jam and then some.

Watch "Haunted Hotel" season 2 on Netflix starting October 9

'Is It Cake? Halloween Season 2'

"Saturday Night Live" alum Mikey Day returns to host a spookier batch of the hit baking competition where the question is always the same: Is it cake? For this Halloween edition, six cake artists push their skills to the limit to build the largest, creepiest, most convincing cakes imaginable to fool a panel of celebrity judges, who have to figure out which object in front of them is real and which is, well, you know the drill.

Guest judges this season include "Wednesday" stars Hunter Doohan, Joy Sunday, and Isaac Ordonez, plus Kristen Schaal and Paul Scheer, with a cash prize and the title of Is It Cake? Halloween Champion on the line.

Watch "Is It Cake? Halloween: season 2" on Netflix starting October 9

'Take Charge of My Heart'

This Korean romantic comedy has a killer hook: a rich (and good-looking, of course) heir has an artificial heart that keeps running out of power. There's one woman who can literally recharge him, but will the pair ever come together?

Adapted from the popular webtoon, "Take Charge of My Heart" stars Kim Young-kwang ("Somebody") as Baek Ho-rang and Chae Soo-bin ("Hello Me") as Na Bo-bae, whose strange connection slowly blossoms into romance across the 12-episode series. If you want a swoony romance that'll have you wishing you had your own electrical heir man, this is the fall series you need to dive into this weekend.

Watch "Take Charge of My Heart" on Netflix starting October 9

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Netflix subscribers looking for worthwhile thriller movies are in luck this week. The streaming service dropped dozens of movies to kick off October 2026, and the sizeable list of new library additions contains some excellent thrillers.

For starters, there’s Christopher Nolan’s 2006 mystery thriller that focuses on two magicians, once a double act, and now sworn enemies after an on-stage accident results in tragedy. Or how about an M. Night Shyamalan horror-thriller with a stunning turn from James McAvoy. And if neither of these grab your attention, and you’re craving something completely new, Netflix’s latest original movie is a Ben Affleck-directed crime thriller that looks intense.

These are the latest thriller movies added to Netflix for your watchlist. And if you can’t get enough of the genre, I’ve also got a roundup of the best thrillers on Prime Video this week.

3 new to Netflix thrillers to watch this week

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Just a year after Christopher Nolan broke into the mainstream with “Batman Begins,” he delivered “The Prestige.” And 20 years later, it remains one of the acclaimed director's most enjoyable, not to mention twist-driven works. It hooks you from the moment the curtain rises and tells the tale of two stage magicians competing to become the world’s greatest illusionist. Starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, it’s as magical as its cast of characters.

Nolan showcases his masterful handling of non-linear storytelling here, as the movie frequently skips forwards and backwards, but “The Prestige” is never jarring or difficult to follow. Instead, with each new revelation, the mystery thickens, and when answers do arrive in the grand finale, they’re supremely satisfying. If you haven't seen this one and don’t know the secrets behind its bag of tricks, then I encourage you to make streaming it a priority.

Watch "The Prestige" on Netflix now

‘Split’ (2016)

M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split” is worth watching for one reason alone: James McAvoy. The Scottish actor has a knack for playing unhinged characters, none more so than in “Split.” You might notice I didn’t name McAvoy’s character there; that’s because he plays a man with dissociative identity disorder with 23 individual identities in his head. It’s essentially 23 roles in one, and McAvoy fully commits to each. It’s an impressive acting feat.

The narrative around McAvoy’s performance is a little more pedestrian. The movie focuses on a trio of teenage girls kidnapped and trapped in an underground lair, one of whom is played by a young Anya Taylor-Joy. While I have my issues with “Split’s” narrative, and to this day I think the twist ending (it’s a Shyamalan movie, of course there’s a twist ending) doesn’t quite work, McAvoy’s memorable turn is reason enough to give “Split” a watch this week.

Watch "Split" on Netflix now

‘Animals’ (2026)

This week sees the arrival of “Animals,” one of Netflix’s tentpole original movies for the fall season. The jury is still out on its quality (reviews haven’t dropped as of writing), but I can confidently say that it’s a near certainty to leap to the top of the platform’s most-watched list over the weekend. So, if you want to stay in the streaming loop, then give it a watch. And there’s reason to be confident it could break Netflix’s original movie cold streak.

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, who already featured in Netflix’s biggest original movie of 2026 to date, “The Rip,” this crime thriller focuses on an L.A. mayoral candidate faced with an unthinkable dilemma when his son is kidnapped. With the family’s savings spent on the campaign trail, Mark Kimball (Affleck) and his wife (Kerry Washington) must get their hands dirty and expose a side of themselves never supposed to see the light of day to come up with a ransom payment in just a matter of hours.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix starting October 9

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Netflix has become remarkably good at knowing exactly what its subscribers want to watch, and the streamer’s regular output of thrillers is a pretty good example of that. “Below” is the latest addition to that ever-growing lineup. Created by Jesse McKeown, the six-part limited series caught my attention immediately thanks to its unusual Newfoundland setting, its mysterious sea creature, and, perhaps most importantly, Josh Hartnett leading the cast. It’s a distinctly different flavor of Netflix thriller, trading the usual glossy locations for a remote coastal community where something very strange is lurking beneath the surface.

“Below” follows Calvin Penney (Hartnett), a stubborn but big-hearted fisherman living in a small Newfoundland town. Calvin is already dealing with the fallout from his father’s mysterious death years earlier when an unidentified sea creature begins terrorizing the community. With his family and livelihood under threat, Calvin teams up with visiting marine researcher Fonda (Mackenzie Davis) to figure out exactly what is happening beneath the water. His son Wade (Charlie Heaton) is also caught up in the increasingly strange events, while the investigation begins to uncover secrets buried deep within the island and its community.

I’ve already binged “Below,” and without spoiling what’s lurking below the surface, here are my honest thoughts on Netflix’s latest thriller series.

‘Below’ offers a compelling underwater mystery

“Below” is immediately bingeable because it doesn’t waste much time getting to the central mystery. The series opens with a flashback showing a young Calvin witnessing the loss of his home and father, with something clearly lurking beneath the water, before jumping forward to the present day, where that mystery has grown into a much bigger ordeal.

I liked that the show gives us this hook upfront rather than making us wait several episodes to understand what we’re watching. That doesn’t mean “Below” gives everything away, though. Instead, it drip-feeds clues and small pieces of information about the mysterious creature, giving you just enough to keep you invested without answering all of your questions at once.

There’s more to “Below” than its central creature mystery. The series explores Calvin’s fractured family while Fonda’s investigation begins uncovering secrets tied to the island’s history and local mythology. Not every storyline worked equally well, though. I found myself much less invested in some of the supporting characters, particularly Calvin’s children and the personal problems they’re dealing with, which occasionally pulled me away from the part of the story I actually wanted to follow. For me, the strongest thread is Calvin’s journey to uncover exactly what the creature is and what happened to his father.

One of the things I enjoyed most about “Below” is the sense of atmosphere. It’s refreshing to watch a sea monster story rooted in Newfoundland, particularly when the series makes such a point of embracing its setting and local voices. It gives the show a sense of place that you don’t always get from this kind of horror, and for the most part, it feels authentically connected to its environment.

That said, some of the visual effects aren’t quite as convincing. There are moments when characters are looking out over the water, and it looks strangely animated, which is particularly noticeable given that the series was shot on location. It occasionally takes me out of the experience, but thankfully these moments are relatively few and far between.

My bigger issue is that “Below” starts stronger than it finishes. As the series progresses, it introduces more plotlines and conflicts outside of the central creature mystery, and I found some of these increasingly distracting. The more the story moved away from Calvin trying to understand what’s lurking beneath the water, the less invested I became. I can understand why the show wants to flesh out its characters and give the mystery more context, but some of these additional threads simply didn’t hold my attention in the same way. Even so, the constant promise of another reveal is a huge part of what makes “Below” so easy to binge. Every episode gives you another small piece of the puzzle.

Verdict: ‘Below’ is a gripping thriller that works best when it keeps you guessing

“Below” worked for me because it gave me just enough to keep watching. I was always curious about where the story was heading and whether the next episode would finally give me the answer I was looking for. It isn’t a perfect thriller, and there were definitely parts I found myself caring about more than others, but I never reached the point where I wanted to stop watching. In fact, this is a series I could easily stream again in full now that I understand its central mystery.

If you’re looking for something you can sink your teeth into over a weekend, “Below” is an easy recommendation on Netflix. It has a creepy premise, a great setting and enough unanswered questions to keep the momentum going. I’m glad I stuck with it, even if I wish some of the story had been a little more focused. Plus, Josh Hartnett is a big part of what makes the series so watchable (but that's not much of a surprise).

"Below" is streaming on Netflix

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The Netflix library is full of shows that never fulfilled their potential. Or should I say, that never got the chance to fulfill their potential. The streaming service has a reputation for ruthless cancellations, and it’s far from uncommon for even well-promoted original series to be axed after just a single season.

Even Netflix shows that do get picked up for multiple seasons often face cancellation before resolving all their plot threads. A television show wrapping up on its own terms is a luxury in the streaming era. Cliffhanger endings with no conclusion in sight, or being robbed of the chance to spend more time with a lovable cast of characters, is frustrating, and Netflix has most definitely inflicted a few cruel cancellations on subscribers over the years.

So, here are five great Netflix shows that ended too soon. Consider this roundup my pleading request for the streamer to consider a renewal.

‘Mindhunter’

I’m starting my list with the almost de facto pick. Whenever the topic of Netflix shows that need to return is broached, “Mindhunter” is usually at the top of the list. In our recent poll of cancelled Netflix shows that deserve a renewal, “Mindhunter” topped the field with 28% of the more than 2,500 votes. This David Fincher-produced series might have ended more than seven years ago, but the desire for more “Mindhunter” still burns very bright.

Starring Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany and Ann Torv, the crime thriller series chronicles the founding of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s, as the team profiles some of the most notorious serial killers of the time. It was reportedly an expensive show to produce, and with Fincher’s long-standing exclusive deal with Netflix expiring next year, it would seem that “Mindhunter” will continue to top lists like this well into the future.

Watch "Mindhunter" on Netflix now

‘Archive 81’

Released in January 2022, “Archive 81” was actually adapted from a podcast series. Some listeners of this audio horror drama weren’t thrilled with the TV show spin. However, it scored well with critics (including in a glowing write-up from us here at Tom’s Guide). Initially, "Archive 81" appeared to have the makings of a hit Netflix original, climbing into the platform’s top 10 most-watched list, and amassing nearly 130 million viewing hours in its first two weeks.

Sadly, it wasn’t enough. Despite the encouraging critical reception and the shocking cliffhanger ending of the first season’s final episode, “Archive 81” became another Netflix original that was axed after just one season. Set across two time periods, it follows an archivist (Mamoudou Athie) restoring a series of damaged videotapes, a project that spirals into a haunting mystery centered on a sinister cult. We might never get proper answers to the lingering questions, but “Archive 81” is still worth watching, particularly with Halloween season upon us.

Watch "Archive 81" on Netflix now

‘Glow’

“Glow” is another mainstay of “Netflix shows canceled too soon” lists, and I’m not bucking that trend with my own picks. What makes the curtailing of this comedy-drama set in the world of women’s professional wrestling extra cruel is that it wasn’t supposed to be this way. “Glow” debuted its third season in 2019 and was quickly renewed for a fourth. However, a certain global pandemic the following year caused production delays, and Netflix reversed its decision.

The show starred Alison Brie, Britney Young, Betty Gilpin and Sydelle Noel, and was a real treat, mixing hilarious comedy with human drama, all wrapped up with a charming underdog spirit. While “Glow” did leave story threads hanging, because it wasn’t a twisting thriller, these unresolved questions don’t sting as much as some entries on this list, but viewers were robbed of getting to spend more time with the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) gang, and that really sucks.

Watch "Glow" on Netflix now

‘1899’

Talking of Netflix cancellations that really sting, let’s head to the year 1899. This mystery sci-fi show could have been a modern-day “Lost” if it hadn’t been axed after its maiden eight-episode run. Okay, I’m probably overselling it there; recapturing the “appointment television” nature of 2000s shows like “Lost” is basically impossible in the 2020s, but still, “1899” was a show with real potential, never given the chance to live up to its promise.

I’ll drop a quick spoiler warning here, in case you plan to binge the single season we did get, but the final episode of “1899” completely flipped the script. We learnt that the show’s 19th-century ocean liner setting was actually a computer simulation, and the core cast was in fact on board a massive spaceship plugged into machines. I had no idea where the show would go from here, and sadly, I guess we’ll never find out unless Netflix has a sudden change of heart.

Watch "1899" on Netflix now

‘I Am Not Okay with This’

With Prime Video debuting its new “Carrie” series this week, I’ve got “I Am Not Okay with This” on the mind. That’s because this coming-of-age dark comedy was quite clearly heavily inspired by Stephen King’s legendary story of an isolated teen who discovers she possesses psychic powers. The show follows Sydney Novak (Sophia Lillis), whose already turbulent teenage life is upended when she discovers she has psychokinetic powers of her own. The similarities were no secret.

The seven-episode season ended with things really going south, and a mysterious man approaching a traumatized Sydney with unknown intentions. Unfortunately, “I Am Not Okay with This” being canceled appeared to be the result of very unfortunate release timing. It hit Netflix in February 2020, just weeks before global quarantines were put in place. It was renewed for a second season but, like “Glow,” was later canceled with Netflix citing “pandemic-related issues.”

Watch "I Am Not Okay with This" on Netflix now

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If you want to get your blood pumping, the best Netflix action movies will get your heart racing.

However, scrolling through the top-rated streaming service can be a chore, so I thought I’d speed up the process by pointing you in the direction of a trio of thrilling adventures on the platform that I absolutely love.

These action classics range from a rollicking joyride through downtown L.A. with Keanu Reeves, to an iconic car caper that pits Vin Diesel against The Rock while the former tries to fleece a Brazilian police vault of $100m. Looking for fast thrills, brutal showdowns and a scene where Odysseus and Logan Roy have an extremely heated exchange in a beloved spy hit? Then these three Netflix action movies are definitely going to amp up your adrenaline.

'Speed' (1994)

Or, to pilfer a quote from Homer Simpson, “The Bus That Couldn’t Slow Down”. SWAT officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) endures the commute from Hell as he finds himself trying to stop a runaway L.A. city bus that’s been armed with a bomb. The twist? If said coach’s speed drops below 50mph, everyone onboard goes kaboom.

Along with Jack for the ride is poor Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock), the unwitting passenger forced to keep the bus zooming across intersections at breakneck pace. Well, breakneck pace for a bus. The film’s premise naturally keeps the action rattling along with gusto.

It’s to “Speed’s” credit that even when the third act moves past the bus, the tension doesn’t let up thanks to a nerves-shredding subway sequence. Winning supporting turns from Jeff Daniels as Jack’s partner and Dennis Hopper as a demented bomber also elevate this ‘90s classic.

Watch "Speed" on Netflix now

'The Bourne Supremacy' (2004)

The first film is iconic, but “The Bourne Supremacy’ is the most emotionally layered entry in Matt Damon’s iconic spy series in my book. In this sequel to the 2002 breakout hit, the former amnesiac Treadstone agent starts to piece back his memory as he tries to make a normal life for himself with returning love interest Marie (Franka Potente).

Of course, this being a high-octane spy adventure and not a dewey-eyed rom-com, Jason’s peaceful existence doesn’t last long. Cue a globe-hopping thrill ride that sees the resourceful and remorseful former assassin trying to stay one step ahead of the CIA after he’s framed by his former employers.

What really marks “The Bourne Supremacy” as an action classic is the introduction of director Paul Greengrass to the franchise. The British filmmaker injects a wonderful chaotic energy into scenes — be it a hard-hitting car chase through Moscow or a fight scene in Berlin where Bourne lays a bookish smackdown with a magazine. A final act one-on-one sitdown also gives the film a surprisingly mournful, tender quality.

Watch "The Bourne Supremacy" on Netflix now

'Fast Five' (2011)

The best entry in the Fast saga (though “Furious 7” may want a word). The main reason “Fast Five” screeches to the franchise’s top podium place? That would be the presence of Dwayne Johnson dropping into the saga like a heavily tattooed nuke. Playing U.S. DSS Agent Luke Hobbs, The Rock proves an exhilaratingly muscular match for Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel).

There’s a whole lot of fun to be had with “Fast Five”. Switching the action to Rio de Janeiro proves a wise choice, as Dom and his gang of loyal carjackers plan a daring $100m heist in sweltering conditions.

This is probably the last time you could argue the series had any intentions of trying to keep its action semi-grounded. Sure, the action is silly, but we’re not dealing with folks driving cars in space. I’m looking at you, “F9: The Fast Saga”. A bruising, brilliant action movie.

Watch "Fast Five" on Netflix now

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Netflix’s top 10 is packed with shows right now, but not everything making the list deserves a spot on your watchlist. If you’re staring at the rankings wondering what’s actually worth your time this week, I’ve picked out three shows that I think are particularly binge-worthy.

There’s a sweeping family drama spanning generations, a murder mystery set in a seemingly quiet Canadian town, and the fantasy adventure “Percy Jackson” that follows a teenager who discovers that the strange things happening around him may be connected to something far bigger. Whether you’re in the mood for an emotional drama, a twisty crime mystery or a fun fantasy adventure, these are the three Netflix top 10 shows I’d put at the top of your list this week.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘East of Eden’

Netflix’s latest No. 1 show is “East of Eden,” a seven-part period drama created and written by Zoe Kazan. The series is based on John Steinbeck’s classic 1952 novel, and there’s a fascinating family connection behind this adaptation. Kazan’s grandfather, legendary director Elia Kazan, directed the famous 1955 movie starring James Dean. That film only covered the final part of Steinbeck’s story, while the new series has much more room to explore the novel in full and give its characters more time to develop. And, of course, Florence Pugh is a huge standout.

Set in California in the early 1900s, “East of Eden” follows Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh), a fiercely independent woman whose life becomes intertwined with the Trask family. After crossing paths with brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles Trask (Mike Faist), Cathy becomes caught up in their complicated relationship and eventually builds a life with Adam. As the years pass, the story follows the Trask family across two generations, from Adam and Charles to Adam’s sons, Cal and Aron. Along the way, Cathy’s decisions have lasting consequences for the family.

Stream "East of Eden" on Netflix

‘Murder in a Small Town’

If you enjoy a good mystery and prefer shows that slowly reveal more with each episode, “Murder in a Small Town” is worth adding to your watchlist this week. This cozy crime drama is based on L.R. Wright’s Edgar Award-winning Karl Alberg mystery novels and has a much more relaxed feel than some of the darker crime shows out there. It’s not particularly graphic or violent, so you can easily settle in with a warm drink and enjoy the mystery without having to sit through anything too gruesome. Even better, Netflix has both seasons available, giving you 18 episodes to binge right now.

Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) is a former big-city detective who moves to the coastal town of Gibsons, British Columbia, to become its new police chief. His plans for a quieter life quickly change when a series of murders begins taking place around the community. Karl must investigate each case alongside his small team, while getting to know Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk), a local librarian he meets soon after arriving. As more bodies turn up, Karl draws on his detective experience to identify suspects and uncover the circumstances behind each killing.

Stream "Murder in a Small Town" seasons 1-2 on Netflix

‘Percy Jackson’

Disney and Netflix recently struck a major licensing deal that has brought a selection of popular Disney+ titles to Netflix for a limited time, including “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” The timing couldn’t be better, with season 3 set to arrive in November. Based on Rick Riordan’s hugely popular book series, the fantasy adventure follows a teenager who discovers that the Greek gods and monsters from mythology are very real. It’s also a much more faithful adaptation of the books than the earlier movies, making the series a great choice for fans who were disappointed by those films.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” centers around 12-year-old Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), a boy who discovers that he is a demigod after being accused of stealing Zeus’ powerful master bolt. With his friends Annabeth Chase (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover Underwood (Aryan Simhadri) by his side, Percy leaves Camp Half-Blood and sets out across the United States to find the missing weapon before the gods go to war. Along the way, the trio encounters monsters, gods and dangerous obstacles as they race against time to complete their quest.

Stream "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" seasons 1-2 on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "East of Eden" (2026)
2. "A Different World" (2026)
3. "The Great British Baking Show" (2026)
4. "Wonka's the Golden Ticket" (2026)
5. "Murder in a Small Town" (2024)
6. "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" (2026)
7. "The Way Home" (2023)
8. "Lego One Piece" (2026)
9. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" (2023)
10. "Doc" (2025)

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Netflix in October 2026
• Netflix strikes unexpected deal with Disney+
• 5 new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week

Fans of John Steinbeck and Florence Pugh had a good weekend: Netflix's new miniseries adaptation of "East of Eden" dropped on Oct. 1 and rapidly climbed the charts to become the streaming service's top TV show worldwide.

Created and written by Zoe Kazan — whose grandfather Elia directed the famed 1955 film version starring James Dean — the sweeping seven-part drama tells the story of brothers Adam and Charles Trask (played by Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist, respectively) and Cathy Ames (Pugh), the woman who gets between them, across multiple generations from the post-Civil War era to World War I.

It's a hit with fans and press alike; the series has an 86% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 82% audience score. And if it's more period dramas, family sagas and literary adaptations you're after now that you've finished Netflix's "East of Eden," here are three great series to start up next.

'House of Guinness'

Created by "Peaky Blinders" progenitor Steven Knight, this historical drama centers on the Guinness family (yes, that Guinness) in 19th-century Dublin and New York. Following the death of brewery mogul Sir Benjamin Guinness, his four adult children — Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn) and Ben (Fionn O'Shea) — are forced to work together to maintain their family's legacy as one of the country’s most successful business dynasties.

If you want "Succession"-level power struggles but with grittily immersive and high-level production design, period costuming and lavish real-world settings across eight episodes, "House of Guinness" is the family drama for you. And with a second season in the works at Netflix, there's no better time to catch up with the Guinnesses.

Stream "House of Guinness" on Netflix now

'War and Peace'

Adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s eponymous 1869 novel, this British epic from director Tim Harper and screenwriter Andrew Davies packs in 1,200 pages' worth of aristocratic Russian drama into six tidy, fast-paced episodes. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, the BBC adaptation centers on three young aristocrats—Pierre Bezukhov (Paul Dano), Natasha Rostova (Lily James), and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (James Norton)—as their emotional lives and high-society romances collide with the brutal chaos of war.

The 2016 series was widely praised by critics, with The Telegraph ranking it fifth in its list of the greatest television adaptations of all time: "[I]t is safe to say that this is the greatest TV costume drama of the past decade and has raised the bar in a genre for which we are already renowned all over the world."

Stream "War and Peace" on the Roku Channel now

'The Buccaneers'

The calculated and ambitious Cathy Ames of Steinbeck's "East of Eden" might just fit in well with the enterprising ladies that make up "The Buccaneers," which wrapped up filming for its upcoming third season. Adapted by creator Katherine Jakeways from the unfinished novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, the Apple TV show revolves around a group of young American women (played by Kristine Frøseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag and Imogen Waterhouse) who descend upon London high society to secure suitable husbands and English titles, all while shaking up old, tired traditions.

Speaking of, unlike more faithful historical dramas, "The Buccaneers" leans into the youthful pluck of its subjects with contemporary pop music, creative costuming and campy humor.

Stream "The Buccaneers" on Apple TV now

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• Netflix is adding 70 movies in October 2026 — here are the top 5 with the highest scores on Rotten Tomatoes (all of them are 92% or higher)
• Netflix just added Brad Pitt's breathtaking $100 million sci-fi epic 'Ad Astra' — why this visually stunning space drama is the perfect weekend stream
• 5 best movies to stream on Netflix for Halloween 2026 — including an '80s classic (who ya gonna call?)

It’s that time again when Netflix adds a bunch of movies and shows at the beginning of the month. Even though the streaming service added 70 movies as soon as October arrived, there were a few hidden films that weren’t included in the original lineup, and one of them is “Crawl.” This survival thriller movie, which came out in 2019, doesn’t just deal with a dangerous hurricane, but what the floods bring with them: some pretty terrifying alligators. Safe to say, it’s one of the most intense thrillers I’ve watched in recent years.

2026 has seen plenty of survival thrillers, including two shark movies that pit people against the ocean’s predators, Netflix’s “Thrash” and Prime Video’s “The Devil’s Mouth.” There’s also “Hungry,” where tourists on a swamp tour encounter a territorial hippopotamus. Clearly, there’s an appetite for films where people have to fight for survival against deadly animals, but despite this year being packed with them, I think they’re pretty poor films. Which is what makes “Crawl” such a standout in this crowded field.

So, if you’re looking for a tense survival movie that’s also a disaster thriller, with plenty of alligator attacks and a sequel on the way, here’s why you should stream “Crawl” on Netflix this week.

What is ‘Crawl’ about?

“Crawl” follows Haley Keller (Kaya Scodelario), a university swimmer who ignores evacuation orders during a Category 5 hurricane to search for her missing father, Dave (Barry Pepper). She eventually finds him badly injured in the crawl space beneath their old family home, but their situation quickly becomes more dangerous when large alligators enter the property.

As floodwaters rise around the house, Haley and Dave are forced to navigate the cramped crawl space while looking for a way out. Their attempts to escape lead them through the flooded streets and back into the increasingly damaged house, where they also try to protect their dog, Sugar. The pair must reach higher ground before the flooding completely overwhelms the house and the alligators close in.

‘Crawl’ is lean, mean and brutally entertaining

One of the best things about “Crawl” is how simple and straightforward it is. There’s no complicated plot or unnecessary subplots getting in the way. You’re here to watch Haley try to survive a flooded house full of alligators, and the movie gets straight to the point.

Kaya Scodelario is also excellent in the lead role, playing Haley as someone who can actually fight back rather than simply waiting to be rescued. She uses her swimming skills, strength and determination to survive while trying to save her injured dad. Every escape brings an even bigger problem, which ensures there’s always enough tension.

I found the scenes underneath the house particularly effective at keeping the movie intense. Haley has to deal with the alligators lurking in the darkness, but she also has to figure out how to get herself and her dad out safely as the water continues to rise. It creates this constant feeling that there’s a clock ticking in the background, even when the alligators aren’t immediately on screen. Plus, the film very much plays into claustrophobia and uses the cramped spaces underneath the house to its advantage.

The movie also gives Haley and her dad some much-needed backstory, which adds a little more emotion to what is otherwise a pretty adrenaline-fueled watch. Their relationship gives Haley another reason to keep fighting, so her goal isn’t simply to escape the alligators.

I’ll admit the CGI isn’t always the best, but it’s convincing enough that it rarely pulled me out of the movie. Alexandre Aja also clearly did his research into how alligators behave and hunt, which makes them feel much more threatening than your typical oversized movie monsters.

That’s ultimately why “Crawl” works so well for me and is one I find myself going back to over any other creature feature I’ve seen in 2026 so far. It doesn’t waste time on unnecessary exposition or side stories that slow things down. One problem leads naturally into the next, with each obstacle feeling like another level that Haley has to somehow get through. The movie is tight, relentless and never loses sight of what it wants to be. And honestly, sometimes that’s all I want from a survival thriller.

Stream "Crawl" on Netflix

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• 5 best new to Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• Netflix is adding 70 movies in October 2026
• 5 best movies to stream on Netflix for Halloween 2026

This week’s lineup of new movies across the best streaming services has been set, and there’s plenty to watch with arrivals on Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Peacock and new releases straight from your nearest movie theater heading to premium streaming platforms (PVOD).

There’s no doubt about the headliner this week; it’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The webslinger is winding down his latest extraordinary theatrical run, and on Oct. 6, Tom Holland’s fourth solo outing as Spidey will be available on digital. Meanwhile, Netflix has a new crime thriller, "Animals," starring and directed by Ben Affleck, Apple TV has an action-comedy based on a nostalgic Mattel toy line, and Hulu is getting one of the spookiest horror movies I’ve seen in 2026.

You don’t need to waste precious movie-watching time figuring out what’s new on each service, as I’ve collected the most noteworthy picks down below. Plus, don’t forget to check out our companion guide covering all the top new TV shows to stream this week.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (PVOD)

Tom Holland’s latest solo outing as Spider-Man scaled new heights over the summer, becoming not just the highest-grossing Spidey flick ever, but the highest-grossing movie of all time in North America. If there was any question about the world’s favorite superhero, the web-crawler just put the debate to bed. And remarkably, “Brand New Day” isn’t all hype. It’s an excellent summer blockbuster filled with action, comedy and heart.

Set in the wake of the world forgetting Peter Parker’s identity post “No Way Home,” Peter (Holland) is now dedicated full-time to protecting New York City. Operating as a hero without the support of his former girlfriend, MJ (Zendaya), and best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon), Peter's powers evolve in strange ways. Plus, he also faces a new threat to the city: a mysterious villain with powerful telekinetic abilities.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting October 6

‘Insidious: Out of the Further’ (PVOD)

2023’s “Insidious: The Red Door” felt like a capper on the supernatural horror series, but Hollywood is never one to stop milking a series where there is still money on the table. And so, we have “Out of the Further,” the sixth installment in the spooky series that promised to breathe new life into the Insidious franchise but is ultimately a run-of-the-mill sequel. That’s fine if you merely want some jump scares in the lead-up to Halloween, but don’t expect more than cheap thrills.

With the story of the Lambert family concluded (for now, at least), “Out of the Further” centers on newcomer Gemma (Amelia Eve), a young mother who can travel the franchise’s trademark ghostly dimensions, the Further. But even more importantly, she can also bring objects and sinister entities from the Further back into our real world. Once a powerful demon learns of her unique power, they attempt to use Gemma for their own evil means.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting October 6

‘Fall 2: Deadpoint’ (PVOD)

“Fall 2: Deadpoint” lands squarely in the unnecessary sequel bucket. The original was a palm-sweating watch and centered on two friends trapped thousands of feet in the air on a rickety radio tower. The sequel attempts to offer the same vertigo-inducing thrills, but a weak third act and an ill-judged attempt to link the proceedings to its predecessor sink this sequel. Still, there are at least some hair-raising moments that convey a terrifying sense of height.

New protagonist, Jax (Harriet Slater), sister of “Fall’s” Shiloh, is convinced by friends of her deceased sibling, Luce (Arsema Thomas), to accompany her on a dangerous plank walk on Mount Kawn in Thailand. 3,000 feet in the air, with only creaking wooden boards for support, a sudden rock slide leaves them stranded on the mountain with no hope of rescue. The two women have to summon their strength to find a way off the mountain and back to safety.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting October 6

‘Animals’ (Netflix)

Netflix’s “Animals” sees Ben Affleck take charge in front of and behind the camera, playing the lead role and serving as director. While Netflix’s original slate has been a real mixed bag so far in 2026, there’s good reason to be confident about this one. Affleck has a strong track record as a thriller filmmaker, having helmed “Gone Baby Gone,” “The Town” and “Argo,” the latter even winning Best Picture at the Oscars. Here’s hoping “Animals” is another winner.

Mark Kimball (Affleck) is a Los Angeles mayoral candidate who has poured all of his and his wife’s (Kerry Washington) money into campaigning. So, when their son is kidnapped and the criminals demand a hefty ransom for his return, Mark becomes desperate. To get money quickly, he turns to the city’s underbelly, unleashing a side of his character that was never supposed to see the light of day.

Watch on Netflix starting October 9

‘Disclosure Day’ (Peacock)

Steven Spielberg is one of the titans of the sci-fi genre. “Jurassic Park,” “E.T. the Extraterrestrial,” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” are just some of the iconic genre efforts to his name. So, anytime Spielberg plays in the sci-fi sandbox, the movie world takes notice. “Disclosure Day” is another excellent sci-fi effort from Spielberg that combines thriller suspense with an appealing curiosity about our universe and humanity's place within it.

Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) is a TV weather reporter who, while on air, starts speaking in a strange, alien language. This brings her to the attention of a shadowy organization, led by Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). Soon enough, she teams up with a cybersecurity expert (Josh O’Connor), and the two go on the run as the org hunts them down. Their mission is to expose government secrets covering up humanity’s history of extraterrestrial contact.

Watch on Peacock starting October 9

‘Matchbox: The Movie’ (Apple TV)

It would seem the lesson Hollywood learned from the juggernaut success of “Barbie” was to make more movies based on beloved children’s toys. And so, we’ve now got a new action-comedy blockbuster based on Matchbox, Mattel’s line of miniature die-cast vehicles. Now, I have to break some bad news: in this cinematic spin on Matchbox, the cars are normal-sized, which, in my eyes, makes this look like little more than a generic “Fast and Furious” clone.

Starring John Cena, who is no stranger to the Fast franchise, having played Jakob Toretto (brother of Vin Diesel’s Dom), “Matchbox: The Movie” centers on Sean Walker, a former soldier, who reunites with his childhood friends, only to get mixed up in a plot to steal nuclear warheads. Unwittingly caught up in an international conspiracy, they need to clear their names, save the world, and drive a series of suped-up motor vehicles very, very fast.

Watch on Apple TV starting October 9

‘Hokum’ (Hulu)

Anybody on the hunt for great new horror movies for Halloween 2026 should check out my recent roundup. One of my inclusions was “Hokum,” so I’m pleased to see it head to Hulu this week. Released in the spring, this Damian McCarthy horror got overlooked as “Backrooms” and “Obsession” dominated multiplexes. But this chiller is spookier than both, and even as a dedicated horror watcher, I found myself getting very creeped out.

Cynical American novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) suffers from crippling writer’s block as he attempts to wrap up his popular book series. He takes a trip to rural Ireland, to the hotel his parents once honeymooned, to scatter their ashes and clear his head. But once in the Irish countryside, he learns of a local legend about a witch that haunts the hotel’s plush suite. Plagued by disturbing visions, he investigates the haunting, with chilling results.

Watch on Hulu starting October 10

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• New on Netflix October 2026
• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• I’ve seen 23 new horror movies in 2026 — here's my top 5

In a surprising move that feels a bit like the "KPop Demon Hunters" joining the cast of “Avengers: Doomsday,” Netflix and Disney+ have announced they’re crossing the streaming divide and have inked a deal to bring a selection of Disney movies and shows to Netflix.

Variety reports that Disney Entertainment and Netflix have “entered into an expansive new content licensing agreement, which will bring an eclectic mix of library titles and current-season TV shows to Netflix for varying periods of time.” In simple terms, with the buzzwords removed, that means Disney+ content is being added to Netflix.

Now don’t go dreaming about getting access to Disney+’s entire library on Netflix. You won’t be streaming every season of “The Mandalorian” or the upcoming Marvel show “VisionQuest” on Netflix (or at least, not yet). Disney is bringing a curated selection of its movies and shows to Netflix between now (October 2026) and a vague “early 2027" window.

The rollout has already started, with the first two seasons of Disney+ original “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” added to Netflix over the weekend (Sunday, Oct. 4). On the same day, Netflix also got all five “Ice Age” movies, which Disney’s 20th Century Studios distributes.

These are just the tip of the iceberg (yes, that was my attempt at an “Ice Age” pun). According to Variety, over the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, the following Disney shows/movies will be added to Netflix.

Disney+ movies coming to Netflix

• “Ice Age” (2002) - streaming now
• “Ice Age: The Meltdown” (2006) - streaming now
• “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” (2009) - streaming now
• “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012) - streaming now
• “Ice Age: Collision Course” (2016) - streaming now
• “Soul” (2020) - streaming in 2027
• “Elio” (2025) - streaming in 2027
• “Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021) - streaming in 2027

Disney+ shows coming to Netflix

• “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” seasons 1-2 - streaming now
• “Felicity” seasons 1-4 - streaming Oct. 7
• “Will Trent” seasons 1-4 - streaming Nov. 3
• “Shifting Gears” seasons 1-2 - streaming Dec. 1
• “Tracker” seasons 1-3 - streaming Feb. 26

Additionally, Netflix will receive a selection of Disney-owned shows that have wrapped up and are considered complete. This rollout starts with all four seasons of “Felicity” on October 7, and the ‘90s college drama will be followed by “Revenge,” “Army Wives,” “Fresh Off the Boat” and “This Is Us” (which was previously available on Netflix) at an unspecified date.

Analysis: Why Disney is playing nice with Netflix

In the current streaming landscape, the best streaming services are all competing for your monthly subscription. While many households subscribe to multiple services (as our recent streaming survey displayed), a monthly entertainment budget can only stretch so far.

Viewed through this lens, it might seem baffling that Disney would “help out” a rival, particularly one as dominant as Netflix. Disney has roughly 130 million subscribers compared to Netflix’s 325 million paying accounts. The world’s biggest streamer doesn’t need any extra help.

However, look a little closer, and this agreement starts to make more sense from Disney’s perspective. It’s no coincidence that Disney is offering Netflix a selection of ongoing shows with new seasons in the pipeline, or movies belonging to currently active franchises.

Take “Percy Jason” as an example. The show’s third season debuts on Disney+ on Nov. 20. The first two seasons on Netflix will function almost as a teaser. Disney will be hoping that viewers get hooked on the fantastical adventures of the young demigod, and then subscribe to Disney+ next month to see what happens next.

Or in the case of the “Ice Age” movies, the sixth installment, “Ice Age: Boiling Point,” arrives in theaters in February 2027. So, now's a good time to get young viewers hooked on the franchise before next year.

“Will Trent” season 5 and “Shifting Gear” season 3 are scheduled to premiere on ABC in early 2027, and “Tracker” kicked off its second season on CBS over the weekend (on Oct. 4). Disney appears to be using Netflix as a way to advertise its content to more viewers.

That leaves library titles like “Felicity” and “Revenge,” as well as the Pixar movies like “Soul” and “Elio.” These are either complete or unlikely to become larger franchises (don’t hold your breath for “Elio 2”). In this case, Disney is likely trying to maximize the return on these older/less popular shows and movies, with Netflix paying a licensing fee.

At the same time, Disney is also keeping its real crown jewels to itself. There's no hint that anything from Star Wars or Marvel will be crossing over from Disney+ to Netflix. Plus, Disney+’s library is unaffected; all these shows/movies will still be available on Disney’s service.

This agreement looks like a win-win. Netflix gets new content for its subscribers, and Disney gets to promote its ongoing series and franchises, while squeezing out a little more revenue from its back catalog.

I certainly wouldn’t have predicted this unlikely streaming partnership, but now that it’s been announced, I can see how both sides are benefiting. Plus, as viewers, it's certainly not a bad deal for us, either.

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix October 2026
• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• 'Percy Jason' season 2 review

Want to know what new movies and shows are arriving on Netflix this week? Look no further. The streaming service is adding 24 new movies and TV shows this week. If that sounds like too much content to sort through, I’m picking out the highlights to help you.

There’s an obvious first choice this week: “Animals.” This new Netflix original crime thriller comes from Ben Affleck (he stars and directs), and looks like a gripping watch. Or if you’re feeling the Halloween vibes already, “The Boogeyman” is a solid Stephen King adaptation that uses its supernatural story to explore family trauma and grief. In need of a laugh? Netflix has a star-studded documentary that chronicles the career of comedian Martin Mull; it’s called “Who is Martin Mull?” A question you’ll no doubt be able to answer after watching.

On the TV show side of the fence, Netflix is adding the latest seasonal batch of episodes for its enduringly popular game show “Is It Cake?” No prizes for guessing the theme is Halloween. And sticking with the spooky theme is “Haunted Hotel” season 2, an adult animated series set in a hotel haunted by ghosts — it’s a very literal name for a show.

These are just some of the movies and shows heading to Netflix this week. Alongside my top picks, you’ll find a full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days. And for a complete overview, here’s a guide to everything new on Netflix in October 2026.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

‘The Boogeyman’

What it's about: Based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name, “The Boogeyman” is a classic ghost story in which a family is tormented by a supernatural entity that feeds on its victims’ suffering. The sinister specter is also a clear allegory for grief, as the family, comprised of two sisters and their father, is still reeling from the recent death of their mom.

Why you should watch it: October is the spookiest month of the year, so there’s no doubt many Netflix viewers will be looking for horror movies right now. As far as Stephen King adaptations go, “The Boogeyman” is a solid enough pick. It’s a little generic, but the author himself was a huge fan of director Rob Savage’s take on his work. Then again, King also praised the awful 2022 version of “Firestarter,” so he might not be the most reliable film critic!

Watch "The Boogeyman" on Netflix starting October 5

‘Who Is Martin Mull?’

What it's about: A documentary celebrating the life of musician, comedian and actor Martin Mull, “Who Is Martin Mull?” traces the legacy of a man who left an imprint on every scene he touched, from music to even painting. Described as “Witty, honest and life-affirming,” it’s a documentary full of humor and heart in equal measure.

Why you should watch it: Mull certainly left his mark on the comedy scene, from his raucous stand-up sets to appearances in popular shows like “Roseanna,” Arrested Development,” and “Two and a Half Men. This documentary looks beyond the jokes at the man himself, with input from Steve Martin, Tom Waits, David Alan Grier and plenty more

Watch "Who Is Martin Mull?" on Netflix starting October 7

‘Animals’

What it's about: Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is an L.A. mayoral candidate with just a few hours to come up with a ransom payment after his son is kidnapped. Having spent their savings on the campaign trail, Mark and his wife (Kerry Washington) are forced to turn to less savory means to get the cash necessary to save their child.

Why you should watch it: “Animals” is one of Netflix’s tentpole original fall movies, and its setup appears ripe for a gripping thriller. Alongside playing the lead role, Ben Affleck also directs, which is good news because he has a strong track record in this genre, having also helmed “Gone Baby Gone,” “The Town” and the Best Picture-winning “Argo.”

Watch "Animals" on Netflix starting October 9

‘Haunted Hotel’ season 2

What it's about: “Haunted Hotel” is a zany adult animated series that centers on a recent divorcée, Katherine (Eliza Coupe), who moves her two children into an Upstate New York hotel previously owned by her deceased brother, Nathan (Will Forte). However, the hotel is actually haunted (hence the name!) with Nathan among the spirits roaming the halls.

Why you should watch it: The first season of “Haunted Hotel" holds a strong 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and while it doesn’t reinvent the adult animation genre, it makes for great background noise while folding laundry (I swear that’s a compliment). “Haunted Hotel” season 2 will offer more paranormal hijinks with the show’s eccentric cast.

Watch "Haunted Hotel" season 2 on Netflix starting October 9

‘Is It Cake? Halloween’ season 2

What it's about: You likely know the gist of “Is It Cake?” at this point, but for the unfamiliar, it’s a glossy game show in which contestants have to bake a cake that resembles an everyday item before a panel of judges tries to guess which item is actually cake. In this season of seasonal episodes, the cake-hiding objects are all Halloween-themed.

Why you should watch it: “Is It Cake?” is TV junk food, and I’m okay with that. It’s never evolved beyond its simple setup, and while the overly bright presentation often goes overboard, it’s fun to play along at home, trying to guess what is and isn’t cake from the comfort of your sofa. Another Netflix show that is perfect for when you’re doing chores.

Watch "Is It Cake? Halloween" season 2 on Netflix starting October 9

Everything new on Netflix: October 5-11

OCTOBER 5

• "The Boogeyman"
• "Lorne"
• "Mayor of Kingstown" seasons 1-4
• "Super BOOMi" season 1

OCTOBER 6

"Love Village" season 3 (JP) (Netflix series)

At the foot of Mount Fuji, a new group of lovably awkward adults comes together, baring it all as they laugh, cry, clash and search for their last romance.

"Mojo Brookzz: I Know You Lying" (Netflix comedy special)

Scene-stealer Mojo Brookzz unloads on freaky partners, wild BBL culture and his niece's big coming-out present in his debut Netflix special.

• "All American" season 8
• "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"

OCTOBER 7

"Inside The Circle" (MX) (Netflix series)

The murder of a popular actress unleashes a Pandora's box of secrets and espionage that threatens to destroy four childhood friends at its center.

"Less of a Stranger" (PL) (Netflix film)

As the leader of Polish rock band Lady Pank, Jan Borysewicz shapes a generation with his music — while a string of family tragedies shapes him.

"Real Men" season 2 (IT) (Netflix series)

Mattia, Luigi, Riccardo and Massimo continue their journey to fit the ever-changing mold of manhood as new jobs and old flings keep them on their toes.

"Who Is Martin Mull?" (Netflix documentary)

He was a world-class comedian — and that's not even what he did best. Discover Martin Mull's lifelong artistic passion in this star-studded documentary.

OCTOBER 8

"Below" (CA) (Netflix series)

When a mysterious sea creature starts terrorizing a coastal town, a fisherman must fight to protect his family and his community's vanishing way of life.

"Unicorn Academy: Secrets Revealed: Chapter 2" (CA) (Netflix family)

When strange events threaten Unicorn Academy, the Sapphires must join forces with unlikely allies to uncover buried truths about an enchanting legend.

OCTOBER 9

"Animals" (Netflix film)

When their son is kidnapped, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife find themselves drawn into a web of deception. As they scramble to raise the ransom payment, they’re forced to make choices – and reveal secrets – that could tear their world apart.

"Haunted Hotel" season 2 (Netflix series)

Katherine and her family find their groove as more paranormal problems come looking for vacancies. But can a haunted hotel ever really feel like home?

"Is It Cake? Halloween" season 2 (Netflix series)

Six talented cake artists put their skills to the test as they whip up Halloween-themed treats to trick the judges and claim the grand prize.

"Take Charge of My Heart" (KR) (Netflix series)

A corporate heir with an artificial heart meets a woman who's literally electric. They strike a deal that makes his heart beat — in more ways than one.

OCTOBER 10

"100 Days of Deception" (KR) (Netflix series)

A pickpocket dreaming of freedom picks up her most dangerous job yet — going undercover to steal secrets from the Japanese colonial government.

• "The First Monday in May"

OCTOBER 12

"Free Leonard Peltier" (Netflix documentary)

A new generation of activists fights to free American Indian Movement leader Leonard Peltier, who spent decades in prison for a disputed conviction.

• "Fire Spike" season 1
• "Señora Acero" seasons 1-5
• "Wayne" season 1

More from Tom's Guide

• New to Netflix in October 2026
• 5 best movies to stream on Netflix for Halloween 2026
• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now

I’ve been on a bit of a Brad Pitt binge recently. I greatly enjoyed “Heart of the Beast” in theaters (I recommended watching it in cinemas in my video review), and last week I compiled a roundup of the best Brad Pitt movies on each of the top streaming services. So, it feels like a case of auspicious timing that 2019’s “Ad Astra” was part of Netflix’s October 1 movie drop, which saw almost 60 films added to the platform at once. Here’s a bold statement: “Ad Astra” might be Pitt’s most underrated movie to date.

From director James Gray, it’s an ambitious sci-fi that goes toe-to-toe with genre greats like “Interstellar” in the visual department. While its narrative is a little alienating (some have labeled it boring, I will admit), it’s anchored by an excellent performance from Pitt. This thoughtful drama asks some big questions about humanity's place in the universe.

It’s not a sci-fi movie centered on high-stakes battles against space creatures, but instead a flick that uses its intergalactic setting to explore some very human ideas. If that sounds appealing to you, here’s the scoop on “Ad Astra” now that it’s available to stream on Netflix.

What is ‘Ad Astra’ about?

Thirty years ago, experienced astronaut Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) led a daring voyage into deep space to search for signs of intelligent life in our galaxy. 16 years into the mission, contact was lost with Clifford and his team, and nobody knows what happened.

Back on Earth, his estranged son Roy (Brad Pitt), who followed in his father’s footsteps and became an accomplished astronaut, experiences a series of power surges that threaten life on our planet. The vital answers that humanity needs may be linked to Clifford’s mission.

When readings from Neptune suggest that Clifford could still be alive, Roy heads into outer space in the hopes of uncovering the truth about his father. And, of course, save our threatened planet in the process.

Here’s why you should stream ‘Ad Astra’ on Netflix

If for no other reason, “Ad Astra” is worth watching for its stunning presentation. The movie takes viewers from Earth to the Moon, over to Mars and beyond, and each intergalactic sight is quite something to behold. It’s a truly marvellous visual trip through our solar system.

If the visuals are bold, bright and beautiful, the narrative framework is a little colder. Pitt’s Roy is an interesting character, driven by a sense of duty and resentment towards his long-absent father, but he’s not the warmest figure. The movie attempts to make him more sympathetic by including a love interest, his estranged wife, played by Liv Tyler.

While the trailer(s) aimed to sell “Ad Astra” as a grand sci-fi epic, and to some degree it most certainly is, beyond one moon-surface buggy chase sequence (which includes a gang of space bandits!), the thrills in this movie are found in the quieter, character-driven moments.

A recurring motif in which Roy undergoes a series of psychological evaluations is particularly effective at bringing you into the character's headspace. Nevertheless, don’t expect an action-packed trip through space. “Ad Astra” is a subtler and more meditative watch.

It should also be noted that, while “Ad Astra” concerns itself with intergenerational trauma and Roy’s difficulties connecting with others, there’s still an optimism to the movie, especially in its conclusion. It’s a sci-fi flick that ultimately finds hope within our universe.

Maybe it was the (arguably) misleading marketing, which sold “Ad Astra” as something it’s not, or perhaps it was the slow-burn pacing, but not all viewers warmed to this one. I can still vividly recall heading to my local DVD store (those still existed in 2019) to pick up a Blu-ray copy after enjoying it so much in theaters, only for the clerk to tell me it was the worst movie they’d ever watched. So, this is a your mileage may vary situation.

On the other hand, the movie's critical reception was strong. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Ad Astra” has an 83% rating, enough for a “Certified Fresh” seal of approval. The site’s summary reads, “‘Ad Astra’ takes a visually thrilling journey through the vast reaches of space while charting an ambitious course for the heart of the bond between parent and child.”

In Pitt’s stacked filmography, “Ad Astra” stands out as a movie worthy of reevaluation (the 40% audience score on RT is far too low), and its recent arrival on Netflix may just give it that chance. But if you’re still not convinced, here’s a guide to everything new on Netflix in October 2026, with loads of alternative movies and TV shows for your watchlist.

Watch "Ad Astra" on Netflix now

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The Netflix top 10 movies are incredibly influential in helping viewers determine what to watch next. But just because a movie hits the top 10 doesn't necessarily mean it's actually worth watching.

That's why we're here every weekend to highlight which movies in the Netflix top 10 actually live up to the hype.

Ones like "The Breadwinner" pack enough comedy and awkward scenes to keep you watching. Another top pick, "Top Gun Maverick" has more sequences with mind-boggling special effects than you could ever want. Finally, "Knock at the Cabin" is perfect for those who like a little drama and horror as part of their weekend.

None of these picks fit the vibe? No worries: Our guide to everything new on Netflix this month has plenty more recommendations on what to watch. So without further ado, here are the three must-watch movies in Netflix’s top 10 this weekend. Enjoy!

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of 11:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)

"Top Gun: Maverick" deserves to be number 3 in Netflix's top 10 for a slew of reasons. The stunning aerial cinematography and intense flying sequences are chief among them, though. It features groundbreaking practical effects and real-life stunts that set it apart from other action-adventure movies.

But it's not just a visual spectacle; the film also delivers an impactful story that strikes a perfect balance between high-octane drama and emotional depth. We can connect with the characters on a personal level, which is part of what made the original "Top Gun" movies so beloved. And speaking of the original, this movie has some great throwbacks, so if you're a longtime fan of the franchise, you'll find something to love in "Maverick." And if you're not, don't worry, it's totally watchable as a standalone film.

Watch "Top Gun: Maverick" on Netflix now

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

'The Breadwinner' (2026)

This is one of those fun movies that makes you feel the awkwardness the characters go through while you laugh at the ridiculous situations they find themselves in. Written by and starring American stand-up comic Nate Bargatze, the film was not well received by critics. But I actually think it's pretty good if you can look past some of the flaws. If nothing else, it will make you laugh the whole time.

And the people agree with me, as the movie has an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes from viewers. I guess when you decide whether to watch "The Breadwinner," you'll need to figure out whether your tastes align more with critics or regular viewers. Anyone who's ever had to suddenly take over at home can relate to main character Nate as he finds out that being the head of the household is much tougher than he ever imagined.

Watch "The Breadwinner" on Netflix now

'Knock at the Cabin' (2023)

If you love darker thrillers and want something to add to your spooky season watchlist (it is the first week of October, after all), you should stream “Knock at the Cabin” now that it’s on Netflix and cracking the top 10 What starts as a nice trip for Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge), and their young daughter Wen (Kristen Cui) turns terrifying as a stranger named Leonard (Dave Bautista) arrives at the door, accompanied by three armed visitors.

From renowned M. Night Shyamalan, you know it's a movie that will keep you guessing about what's really going on. Shyamalan's films tend to have some serious plot twists, so I always go into one trying to spot clues and tells for what's to come. It's not as much of a horror movie as it seems, but it has enough creepy, unsettling elements to keep horror fans engaged.

Watch "Knock at the Cabin" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "Unabomber" (2026)
2. "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" (2023)
3. "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022)
4. "Best of the Best" (2026)
5. "The Breadwinner" (2026)
6. "Why Did I Get Married Again?" (2026)
7. "The Seemingly Perfect Family" (2026)
8. "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" (2022)
9. "Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers" (2025)
10. "The Matchmaker's Playbook" (2018)

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Netflix has confirmed its October 2026 slate, and the streaming service is set to add 70 movies to its library over the month. That’s a lot of new options for your watchlist.

To help you figure out where to start, every month I turn to the review site Rotten Tomatoes and find the recently added Netflix movies with the highest critical scores. While a high RT rating isn’t a guarantee a movie will appeal to your specific taste, it’s a useful indicator if you’re on the hunt for a film that is broadly considered high-quality.

Before diving into October’s top five, here are a few rules you should know: Netflix originals that haven’t been released yet are excluded (they don’t have an RT score yet), and in the event of a tie, I’ve used RT’s viewer rating to break the deadlock. Now that’s cleared up, here are the 5 movies added to Netflix in October 2026 with the highest scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

New to Netflix movies in October 2026, ranked by RT score

5. 'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013)

In the 2000s, Matthew McConaughey was known for starring in subpar rom-coms. After a two-year hiatus, he returned with a focus on more prestigious dramatic roles. This was dubbed the “McConaissance,” and it culminated in “Dallas Buyers Club,” an acclaimed biographical drama that saw McConaughey win an Oscar for his role as Ron Woodroof. On the same night, Jared Leto also took home an Oscar for his supporting performance.

Based on real events, Ron is a salt-of-the-earth type Texan whose life changes in an instant when he’s diagnosed with AIDS and given just 30 days to live. Ostracized by his friends and family due to the homophobic stigma surrounding AIDS at the time, he is left in a dire situation. Refusing to give up, he begins smuggling unapproved drugs into the U.S. to treat his condition. He also starts assisting his fellow AIDS patients who are in a similarly life-threatening condition.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Stream "Dallas Buyers Club" on Netflix now

4. 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2002)

Netflix has added the complete Jason Bourne franchise in October, and while the most recent Bourne movie, simply titled “Jason Bourne,” was a dud, the original trilogy, comprised of “The Bourne Identity,” “Supremacy” and “Ultimatum,” makes for perfect marathon material. 2002’s “Identity” should be your starting point if you’re new to the series, but to date, trilogy capper “The Bourne Ultimatum” scores the highest with critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Following the events of “The Bourne Supremacy,” Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) continues his quest to unravel his past. His hunt for answers takes him all over the globe, with Bourne traveling to Europe, Russia, Africa, and back to the United States. With shadowy government agencies on his tail, he has to stay one step ahead of his enemies. It’s a thrilling trilogy capper that delivers adrenaline-spiking action and answers some big questions.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Stream "The Bourne Ultimatum" on Netflix now

3. 'Call Me by Your Name' (2017)

“Call Me by Your Name” was the breakthrough role for one Timothée Chalamet. His role in this Luca Guadagnino romantic drama forced the movie world to take notice and earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination to boot. Almost a decade later, Chalamet has gone on to greater heights, but his performance here still ranks among his very best, and the rest of the film is also phenomenal, with strong direction from Guadagnino and a picturesque setting.

Set over a sun-soaked season in 1980s Italy, 17-year-old Elio (Chalmaet) experiences a transformational summer when his father’s 24-year-old assistant, Oliver (Armie Hammer), comes to stay. The pair's friendship quickly blossoms into a passionate affair, and while both know their romance can’t last beyond the summer, it has a profound impact on them. It’s a deeply intimate portrayal of first love that unfolds with a tender heart and youthful optimism.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Stream "Call Me By Your Name" on Netflix now

2. 'Psycho' (1960)

“Psycho” is one of those movies that really doesn’t need an introduction. Alongside “Rear Window,” it’s Alfred Hitchcock’s most recognizable movie, which is saying something because his body of work is overflowing with classics. Now that Spooky Season has arrived, there’s no better time of year to switch off all the lights and (re)watch this intense horror that continues to influence the genre to this day. Just don’t get the twist spoiled before you do.

Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals $40,000 from her employer and plans to run away with her lover Sam (John Gavin). On the road, she stops at the Bates Motel and encounters the shabby establishment's meek owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), whose domineering mother clearly runs the place. The next morning, Marion is reported missing, so her sister Lily Crane (Vera Miles) heads to the motel to investigate.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%
Stream "Psycho" on Netflix now

1. ‘Moonlight’ (2016)

It’s not a surprise to see “Moonlight” topping this list. Critics fawned over the film upon release, and in the decade since, its reputation hasn’t diminished. It’s regularly cited as one of the best movies of the past decade, including by your truly in my own roundup last fall. Winner of Best Picture at the 89th Oscars — yes, that was the year with the infamous “La La Land” snafu — it’s a powerful picture that neatly leaps between tragic and tender on a dime.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” follows the childhood, adolescence and early adulthood of Chiron, played by three actors across the movie’s three chapters: Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders and Alex Hibbert. The drama covers his youth, growing up in Miami, his relationship with a drug dealer/father figure, Juan (Mahershala Ali), and his attempts to understand his sexuality. It’s a poignant masterwork.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%
Stream "Moonlight" on Netflix now

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Looking for something new to watch on Netflix this weekend? Luckily for you, the streaming service regularly gives its extensive movie library a refresh and October 2026 has been no exception, with everything from crowd-pleasing comedies ("Bring It On," "The Devil Wears Prada") to Oscar-winning dramas ("Moonlight," "Heat").

But, unsurprisingly, the heftiest genre this month is horror, what with Halloween just a few short weeks away. And if you're wanting to kick off October with a spooky, spine-chilling start, we've got three great freaky flicks that will help you do just that, from a tried-and-true Hitchcock slasher classic to a Guillermo del Toro-directed gothic romance.

Chills and thrills await, so let's delay no longer: Here are three new-to-Netflix movies that are worth adding to your weekend watchlist.

'I Know What You Did Last Summer'

The 2025 Madelyn Cline-starring remake is also on the Netflix platform, but there's something almost wholesome — you know, in a murder-y way — about the late-90s original, starring era icons Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr and Ryan Phillippe as four high-school friends who accidentally hit a man with their car and dump his body off a cliff, only to be stalked and murdered by a hook-wielding fisherman exactly one year later.

Operating in a similarly cheeky (albeit less successful) meta-vein as "Scream" — not a surprise given both films share the same screenwriter, Kevin Williamson — "I Know What You Did Last Summer" began as a revival of the teen slasher genre of the 1970s but now is a throwback in and of itself, a genuinely scary relic where the only things needed to freak you out were a masked man and a big knife, before high-tech, social media, and artificial intelligence started to complicate the horror form.

Watch "I Know What You Did Last Summer" on Netflix now

'Crimson Peak'

Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is a master of all things gothic and ghoulish, from "Cronos" to "Pan's Labyrinth" to last year's "Frankenstein." And this visually stunning 2015 number is one of the director's best and most underrated.

Equal parts ghost story and tragic romance, "Crimson Peak" stars Mia Wasikowska as Edith Cushing, an American heiress in Victorian-era Buffalo, New York, who falls for a seductive British baronet named Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston). The couple moves into Allerdale Hall, his family's crumbling, creepily isolated home, where Edith discovers sinister secrets about her new husband and his cold, possessive sister, Lady Lucille (Jessica Chastain). Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver, Burn Gorman, Leslie Hope, Jonathan Hyde and Doug Jones also star.

Watch "Crimson Peak" on Netflix now

'Psycho'

Is it truly spooky season without some Alfred Hitchcock? As part of the big wave of horror titles arriving on Netflix this October, Hitchcock's suspenseful 1960 masterpiece "Psycho" is now available to stream, along with its sequels, 1983's "Psycho II" by Richard Franklin and 1986's "Psycho III" directed by O.G. franchise star Anthony Perkins.

If you haven't watched "Psycho" yet, the black-and-white horror classic centers on Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a Phoenix real estate secretary who embezzles $40,000 in stolen checks from her employer's client and then goes on the run. She checks into an isolated motel run by a shy young man named Norman Bates (the aforementioned Perkins), who lives in a large house nearby with his overbearing mother. Soon, that disturbed parental dynamic makes for a very dangerous stay for Marion.

Watch "Psycho" on Netflix now

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It's official, folks: We've entered sweater weather and, simultaneously, prime binge-watching season. Because when it starts getting crisp and cool outdoors, there's nothing better than to cozy up indoors with a great new show that'll have you clicking "Play" over and over again.

Thankfully, Netflix always has something fresh and buzzy to watch and this weekend poses new exceptions: The streaming service's already massive library got a big boost of new TV titles with the start of October 2026, including a highly anticipated literary adaptation, the final season of a beloved fantasy-drama, and more.

If you're a John Steinbeck fan, you've no doubt had Netflix's new "East of Eden" adaptation on your radar; the Zoe Kazan-penned miniseries features a starry cast including Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist. There's also a new Tamil rom-com series "#Love," about rival dating-app founders, as well as the fourth and final season of the Andie MacDowell-led time-travel drama "The Way Home."

If you’re on the hunt for something new to settle down with this weekend, these three Netflix shows are worth checking out.

'East of Eden'

Oscar-nominated Florence Pugh is the enigmatic and manipulative antihero Cathy Ames in this new adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel of the same name, given the TV miniseries treatment by screenwriter Zoe Kazan. (Her grandfather, Elia Kazan, directed the famed 1955 film version starring James Dean.)

As with Steinbeck's book, the ambitious seven-part drama explores the multigenerational saga of the Trask family, particularly the complicated dynamic between half-brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles (Mike Faist) upon Cathy's arrival into their lives.

The stacked cast also includes Hoon Lee as Lee, Martha Plimpton as Faye, Ciarán Hinds as Samuel Hamilton, Tracy Letts as Cyrus Trask, Joseph Zada as Cal and Joe Anders as Aron.

Watch "East of Eden" on Netflix starting October 1

'#Love'

We're suckers for a good enemies-to-lovers rom-com, and this new Tamil romance plays right into that delicious genre trope.

Aishwarya Lekshmi (as Tara) and Arjun Das (as Matthew) are the founders of rival dating apps—she believes in data-based compatibility, while he believes in good old-fashioned chemistry. The tech-y twosome decide to test their opposing matchmaking theories with a high-stakes 60-day challenge to prove exactly whose philosophy on modern love actually works

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Balaji Mohan, the series is "a fresh take on connection in a digital world, tackling friendship, family, ambition, and the eternal chaos of figuring yourself out," per Netflix.

Watch "#Love" on Netflix starting October 2

'The Way Home' season 4

After four seasons, Hallmark Original "The Way Home" has come to an end, and if you missed out on that big, bittersweet finale when it aired this past June, Netflix is getting the full final season on October 1 for you to catch up.

The gist of the show? It's a multi-generational family drama following three women of the Landry family—Andie MacDowell's Del, Chyler Leigh's Kat and Sadie Laflamme-Snow's Alice—who reunite at their farm in Port Haven and discover a mysterious pond that acts as a time-travel portal to the 1970s and 1990s, letting them learn important lessons about their family's past along the way.

The fourth season stretches back even further, pulling the gals back into the Roaring Twenties as they're navigating new beginnings in the present.

Watch "The Way Home" on Netflix starting October 1

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