12 Binge-worthy Movies and Shows Dropping in October 2025
- Joao Nsita
- Sep 20
- 19 min read
It’s a Thursday evening in mid-September, and a new, more mysterious energy is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier each day, and the first true chill of autumn is in the air, a definitive signal that cozy season has arrived. As we trade golden-hour walks for evenings spent under a warm blanket, our attention turns to the thrilling, atmospheric, and often spooky stories that define the month of October. In the world of streaming, October is a powerhouse month, a time for big, bold releases that are perfectly calibrated for the season of long nights and festive frights.
The television and film landscape of 2025 is a vibrant and exciting place, and the trends for the autumn season are a clear reflection of our collective cravings. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the "#SpookySeason" and "#FallWatchlist" aesthetics are a dominant force. We see a celebration of all things horror, from true crime deep-dives to supernatural thrillers. The appetite for epic fantasy and sprawling sci-fi continues its reign, while the comfort of a good, old-fashioned mystery remains a timeless pleasure. October 2025 is a month that delivers on all of these trends, with a spectacular and diverse slate of new and returning titles that promise to captivate, thrill, and terrify us in equal measure.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the essential viewing of the month. We have curated a list of the twelve most exciting and binge-worthy movies and shows dropping in October, presented in descending order. We will take a deep dive into each of these hotly anticipated releases, exploring not just their plots, but the cultural conversation surrounding them, the trends they are tapping into, and the unique, brilliant qualities that make each one a must-watch.
From the terrifying origins of a legendary monster to the return of our favourite dating experiment, this is your comprehensive roadmap to a month of unforgettable entertainment. So, get your coziest blanket ready, prepare your watchlist, and let’s dive into the dark, thrilling, and magical world of October television.
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12. Love Is Blind (Season 9)
The Vibe: A deliciously addictive, wonderfully chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt social experiment that has become a global reality TV phenomenon.
The Premise: The smash-hit dating reality series returns for its ninth season on October 1st, and the formula is as brilliantly simple and as compelling as ever. A group of single men and women will get to know each other, and hopefully fall in love, without ever seeing each other. They will communicate from individual, isolated "pods," forming deep, emotional connections based purely on conversation. Some will get engaged, sight unseen. Only then will they meet face-to-face and be thrown into the real world, a whirlwind of romantic getaways and family introductions, all leading up to their wedding day, where they must answer the ultimate question: Is love truly blind?
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: Love Is Blind is pure, unadulterated, reality television gold. It is a show that is designed for binge-watching, with each episode ending on a dramatic cliffhanger that makes it almost impossible to stop. The show is a fascinating and often uncomfortable exploration of modern relationships, and it is a guaranteed source of drama, heartbreak, and a few genuinely heartwarming success stories. The show is a cultural phenomenon, and for a deep dive into the psychology of why we are so obsessed with reality dating shows, Vulture has some fantastic articles.
What to Expect in 2025: More drama, more romance, and more unforgettable "I do" (or "I don't") moments at the altar. The show continues to be one of Netflix's biggest hits, and Season 9 promises a new cast of hopeful singles and a whole new set of romantic entanglements. It’s the perfect, addictive, and endlessly debatable show to kick off your October viewing. The show’s complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.
Where to Watch: Stream new episodes of Love Is Blind Season 9 on Netflix starting October 1.
11. The Last Frontier (Season 1)
The Vibe: A gritty, character-driven, and visually stunning survival drama set against the breathtaking and unforgiving backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.
The Premise: This brand-new drama series from Apple TV Plus, premiering on October 10th, is a deep dive into the world of a group of individuals who have chosen to live off-the-grid in a remote and rugged landscape. The series is a character-driven story that explores the immense physical and psychological challenges of survival. It follows the interconnected lives of the community as they battle against the harsh natural elements, their own personal demons, and the interpersonal conflicts that arise in such a high-stakes, isolated environment.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Drama: The appetite for raw, authentic, and character-driven dramas is at an all-time high, and The Last Frontier promises to deliver on all fronts. The show is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and our complex relationship with the natural world. Apple TV+ has become a benchmark for high-quality, cinematic television, so expect stunning cinematography that captures both the breathtaking beauty and the terrifying danger of the Alaskan wilderness.
What to Expect in 2025: A gripping, tense, and emotionally resonant drama. Expect a slow-burn narrative that focuses on deep character development rather than constant, high-octane action. It will be a show that is both a thrilling survival story and a profound meditation on what it truly means to be human when stripped of all the comforts of modern life. For more on the real-life challenges of living in such an environment, the National Park Service website for Alaska is a great resource. The show’s post-apocalyptic vibe is brilliantly realized, and for more on the genre, check out our list of The Top 5 Best Post-Apocalyptic Movies of All Time.
Where to Watch: Stream The Last Frontier on Apple TV Plus starting October 10.
10. Smiling Friends (Season 3)
The Vibe: A surreal, chaotic, and brilliantly bizarre adult animated comedy that is one of the most unique and hilarious shows on television.
The Premise: The series, which returns for its third season on October 5th, follows the employees of a small company whose sole purpose is to bring happiness to their clients. The show's two main characters are the cynical, yellow creature, Charlie, and the cheerful, purple creature, Pim. Each episode follows them on a new mission to help a bizarre and often disturbing client find a reason to smile, a mission that almost always descends into surreal, and often nightmarish, chaos.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: Smiling Friends is a true cult classic. Its unique, often grotesque, animation style and its rapid-fire, absurdist humour have made it a massive hit. The show is a perfect example of the "weirdcore" aesthetic that is a huge trend on social media. It is a show that is completely unpredictable, blending slapstick comedy with moments of genuine, existential dread. For more on the show's unique creators, Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, the Adult Swim website has some great interviews.
What to Expect in 2025: More chaos, more surrealism, and more of the show's signature, uncomfortable humour. Season 3 promises to introduce a new cast of bizarre clients and to take Charlie and Pim on their most unhinged adventures yet. It’s a must-watch for any fan of weird, wonderful, and boundary-pushing adult animation. The show's take on dark comedy is brilliant, a genre you can explore further in our list of 6 Must-See Dark Comedy Movies.
Where to Watch: Stream Smiling Friends Season 3 on Adult Swim (via Channel 4 in the UK) and HBO Max.
9. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
The Vibe: A slick, stylish, and action-packed anime series that brings the world of a legendary video game to life with a fresh, new energy.
The Premise: This new animated series from Netflix, premiering on October 14th, is the long-awaited adaptation of the beloved Tom Clancy video game franchise, Splinter Cell. The series follows the legendary covert operative, Sam Fisher, as he embarks on a series of high-stakes, black-ops missions across the globe. The show promises to be a thrilling and faithful adaptation of the game's signature blend of stealth, espionage, and intense action.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: The Splinter Cell franchise has a massive, dedicated fanbase that has been clamouring for a screen adaptation for years. The choice to make it an anime series is a brilliant one, allowing for a level of stylized, fluid action that would be difficult to achieve in live-action. The series is being written by Derek Kolstad, the creator of the John Wick franchise, which is a fantastic sign that the action will be top-notch.
What to Expect in 2025: A fast-paced, visually stunning, and incredibly thrilling spy drama. Expect a complex, globe-trotting plot, brilliant, high-tech gadgets, and some of the most beautifully choreographed animated action sequences of the year. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the video game and a perfect entry point for newcomers. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story. For more on the history of the game, the official Ubisoft website is the ultimate resource.
Where to Watch: Stream Splinter Cell: Deathwatch on Netflix starting October 14.
8. The Woman in Cabin 10
The Vibe: A claustrophobic, paranoid, and incredibly suspenseful psychological thriller in the vein of a classic Agatha Christie mystery.
The Premise: This new Netflix movie, based on the bestselling novel by Ruth Ware and premiering on October 10th, follows Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist on assignment for a luxury cruise in the North Sea. Her trip takes a terrifying turn when, late one night, she is certain she has witnessed a body being thrown overboard from the cabin next to her own. The problem? All the passengers are accounted for, and no one believes her. As the ship sails on through the dark and stormy waters, Lo is forced to question her own sanity as she tries to uncover the truth.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Movie: The Woman in Cabin 10 is a perfect, classic "locked-room" mystery. The isolated and claustrophobic setting of a small luxury cruise ship is a brilliant backdrop for a thriller. The story is a masterclass in building suspense and paranoia, with a series of brilliant twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s the perfect, spooky, and sophisticated movie for a dark October night.
What to Expect in 2025: A stylish, tense, and incredibly gripping thriller with a powerful lead performance. Expect a film that is as much a psychological study of its protagonist as it is a compelling whodunit. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the modern psychological thriller. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing. For more on the author, the official Ruth Ware website is a great resource.
Where to Watch: Stream The Woman in Cabin 10 on Netflix starting October 10.
7. The Resurrected
The Vibe: A gripping, emotional, and powerful Taiwanese crime thriller that is a deep dive into the dark world of secrets and the unwavering power of a mother's love.
The Premise: This new Netflix series, premiering on October 9th, follows two mothers from different walks of life who are united by a shared tragedy: their children have gone missing. As they navigate a police investigation that seems to be going nowhere, they are forced to take matters into their own hands, embarking on a dangerous and unyielding quest for the truth that will force them to confront the dark secrets of their own community.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: The global appetite for high-quality, international crime dramas is at an all-time high, and The Resurrected is poised to be the next big hit. Taiwanese television has been producing some of the most critically acclaimed and innovative dramas of recent years, such as The World Between Us. This series promises to be a powerful and emotionally resonant thriller that combines a compelling, suspenseful mystery with a deep and nuanced exploration of grief, resilience, and the powerful bond between mothers.
What to Expect in 2025: An emotional, character-driven, and incredibly gripping thriller. Expect a slow-burn narrative that focuses on the psychological journey of its two powerful female leads. The show will be a fantastic showcase for some of Taiwan's best acting talent and a must-watch for any fan of sophisticated, international crime drama. The show’s focus on a powerful mother is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Mothers.
Where to Watch: Stream The Resurrected on Netflix starting October 9.
6. Talamasca: The Secret Order
The Vibe: A dark, gothic, and atmospheric supernatural thriller that is a deep dive into the rich, secret world of Anne Rice's witches.
The Premise: This new series from AMC+, premiering on October 26th, is the latest addition to their growing "Immortal Universe," based on the works of the legendary author Anne Rice. The series centers on the Talamasca, a secret and ancient order of psychic detectives who have been observing and chronicling the world of vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings for centuries. The story will follow a new recruit to the order as she is drawn into a dangerous investigation that will force her to confront the darkest corners of the occult world.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: For fans of Anne Rice's work, the Talamasca has always been one of the most fascinating and mysterious parts of her universe. This series is a dream come true, a chance to finally explore the inner workings of this secret society. The show promises to be a perfect blend of supernatural horror, historical mystery, and gothic romance, with a "dark academia" aesthetic that is a huge trend on social media. For more on the author's incredible world, the official Anne Rice website is the ultimate resource.
What to Expect in 2025: A stylish, atmospheric, and incredibly immersive supernatural thriller. Expect a rich and detailed world, a compelling, season-long mystery, and plenty of connections to the other shows in the Immortal Universe. It’s the perfect, spooky, and sophisticated watch for the Halloween season. The show's thrilling plot will keep you hooked, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.
Where to Watch: Stream Talamasca: The Secret Order on AMC+ starting October 26.
5. Star Wars: Visions (Season 3)
The Vibe: A breathtakingly creative, visually spectacular, and wildly imaginative journey through the Star Wars galaxy, as seen through the eyes of some of the world's greatest animation studios.
The Premise: The Emmy-winning animated anthology series returns for its third season on October 29th. The show's brilliant premise is simple: give a diverse range of animation studios from around the world the keys to the Star Wars galaxy and let them tell their own, unique, non-canon stories. The new season will feature nine new animated short films, each with its own distinct visual style and narrative.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: Star Wars: Visions is a pure, unadulterated celebration of creativity and artistry. It is a show that is not bound by the constraints of the main Star Wars timeline, which allows for an incredible amount of creative freedom. The result is a collection of films that are visually stunning, narratively inventive, and a fantastic showcase for the incredible diversity of global animation. It’s a must-watch for any fan of animation and a refreshing, exciting, and beautiful expansion of the Star Wars universe.
What to Expect in 2025: A visual and narrative feast. Expect a huge range of animation styles, from classic, hand-drawn 2D to cutting-edge CGI. The stories will be equally diverse, ranging from epic Jedi battles and emotional droid stories to quiet, character-driven tales from the forgotten corners of the galaxy. It is a true work of art. The show's focus on a powerful ensemble is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies With An Ensemble Cast.
Where to Watch: Stream Star Wars: Visions Season 3 on Disney+ starting October 29.
4. The Witcher (Season 4)
The Vibe: The epic, high-fantasy saga returns for its highly anticipated and much-debated fourth season, with a new actor taking on the iconic lead role.
The Premise: Based on the beloved book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher is a sprawling fantasy epic that follows the intertwined destinies of three characters: Geralt of Rivia, a mutated, monster-hunting "witcher"; Ciri, a young princess with a mysterious and powerful destiny; and Yennefer of Vengerberg, a formidable and ambitious sorceress. The fourth season will be the first to star Liam Hemsworth as Geralt, taking over the role from Henry Cavill. The season will continue to follow our heroes as they navigate the treacherous politics and brutal wars of the Continent.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: The Witcher is one of the biggest and most popular fantasy shows in the world. It is a show of incredible scale, with epic battles, complex political intrigue, and a rich, detailed world of magic and monsters. The central question on every fan's mind is: how will Liam Hemsworth be as Geralt? This recasting makes the fourth season one of the most anticipated and talked-about television events of the year. For more on the world of The Witcher, the official Netflix companion site is a great resource.
What to Expect in 2025: An epic, action-packed, and dramatic new season. Expect a deep dive into the rich lore of the Continent, a continuation of the show's complex, multi-character narrative, and a powerful and committed performance from Liam Hemsworth as he makes the iconic role his own. It will be a season that is dissected, debated, and devoured by its massive global fanbase. The show's epic scale is awe-inspiring, a quality it shares with the films on our list of The Top 5 Best Fantasy Movies of All Time.
Where to Watch: Stream The Witcher Season 4 on Netflix starting October 30.
3. Marvel Zombies
The Vibe: A dark, gruesome, and action-packed animated horror series that unleashes a zombie apocalypse upon the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Premise: This new animated series from Disney+, premiering on October 3rd, is a spin-off from the fan-favourite episode of What If...? and is based on the cult classic comic book series of the same name. The story is set in an alternate reality where a zombie plague has transformed Earth's mightiest heroes—including Captain America, Iron Man, and Captain Marvel—into flesh-eating monsters. The series follows a rag-tag group of surviving heroes and unlikely new allies as they battle to find a cure and save what's left of humanity.
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: This is Marvel like you've never seen it before. The series is the MCU's first-ever TV-MA rated animated project, which means it will be a no-holds-barred, incredibly gory, and R-rated horror experience. The "zombie apocalypse" genre is a perennial favourite, and the chance to see it play out with our favourite superheroes is an irresistible and thrilling prospect. The show promises to be a wild, bloody, and surprisingly emotional ride.
What to Expect in 2025: A brutal, action-packed, and visually stunning animated series that is strictly for adults. Expect a dark and bleak tone, but with the signature humour and heart that defines the best of Marvel's storytelling. The show will be a fantastic "what if" scenario, exploring which heroes have what it takes to survive in the darkest of timelines. For more on the original comic series, the Marvel Comics Wiki is the best resource. The show’s complex heroes are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Watch: Stream Marvel Zombies on Disney+ starting October 3.
2. Monster – The Ed Gein Story
The Vibe: A chilling, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling true crime drama that explores the life of one of America's most infamous and influential killers.
The Premise: This is the third season of Ryan Murphy’s massively popular and controversial true crime anthology series, Monster. This season, premiering on October 3rd, dives deep into the horrifying story of Ed Gein, a convicted murderer and grave robber from 1950s Wisconsin. The series, which stars Charlie Hunnam as Gein, will explore not just his horrific crimes, but also the troubled and abusive upbringing that shaped him. It will also examine his incredible and terrifying legacy, as his case became the real-life inspiration for some of the most iconic horror villains of all time, including Norman Bates (Psycho), Leatherface (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre), and Buffalo Bill (The Silence of the Lambs).
Why It's a Binge-worthy Show: The Monster series is a true crime phenomenon. It is a show that is guaranteed to be a massive cultural talking point. The casting of Charlie Hunnam is a fantastic choice, and the series promises to be a dark, atmospheric, and psychologically complex exploration of the making of a monster. The inclusion of storylines involving Alfred Hitchcock (played by Tom Hollander) adds a fascinating, meta-narrative layer to the series.
What to Expect in 2025: A dark, disturbing, and masterfully crafted piece of television. Expect a slow-burn narrative that focuses on psychological horror rather than jump scares. The show will be a powerful and unsettling exploration of the nature of evil and the societal factors that can create a killer. It will be a difficult, but utterly compelling, watch. The show's complex and terrifying villain is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Villains of All Time.
Where to Watch: Stream Monster – The Ed Gein Story on Netflix starting October 3.
1. IT: Welcome to Derry
The Vibe: The ultimate, terrifying, and must-watch horror event of the season. A deep, dark, and eagerly awaited prequel to one of the most beloved and iconic horror stories of all time.
The Premise: This new HBO series, premiering on October 26th, is the official prequel to Andy Muschietti's blockbuster IT films, based on the legendary novel by Stephen King. The series is set in the 1960s and will explore the origins of the terrifying, shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. It will also delve into the dark and sinister history of the town of Derry, Maine, a place that has been haunted by this ancient evil for centuries. The series is being overseen by the Muschiettis and will feature some of the creative team from the original films.
Why It's at the Top: The modern IT films were a massive cultural phenomenon, and the prospect of returning to the terrifying world of Derry is an incredibly exciting one for horror fans. A prequel series is a fantastic format to explore the deep, rich, and often-untold mythology of Stephen King's original novel. The show promises to be a slow-burn, atmospheric, and character-driven horror story, a deep dive into the dark heart of a haunted town. For fans of the master of horror, the official Stephen King website is the ultimate resource.
What Makes It a Classic: This is not just a TV show; it is a television event. It is the most anticipated horror series of the year, and it is perfectly timed for a Halloween binge-watch. Expect a series that is genuinely terrifying, with a powerful sense of place and a deep, creeping dread. It is a show that will not only expand the world of IT, but will also stand on its own as a masterpiece of modern horror. It is, without a doubt, the must-watch show of October 2025. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.
Where to Watch: Stream IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO (via Sky/NOW in the UK) starting October 26.
Conclusion
October 2025 is a month that is absolutely brimming with a diverse and thrilling array of new and returning shows and movies. It is a lineup that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, offering a rich tapestry of stories that are by turns spooky, magical, thrilling, and deeply emotional. From the terrifying, real-life horror of Ed Gein and the fictional nightmare of Pennywise, to the epic, magical worlds of Star Wars and The Witcher, there is a perfect binge-watch for every possible taste.
These twelve titles are more than just a way to pass the lengthening evenings; they are an invitation to immerse yourself in the power of great storytelling. They are the shows and movies that will be starting conversations, inspiring trends, and defining the cultural landscape of the autumn season. Your watchlist is officially set.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you curate your perfect autumn watchlist, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the biggest TV and movie trends for autumn 2025? The biggest trends are horror and supernatural thrillers (perfect for the spooky season), epic fantasy and sci-fi series with deep lore, and high-quality, international dramas.
2. I love horror. Which new shows should I prioritize? You are in for a treat! IT: Welcome to Derry is the biggest horror event of the year. Monster – The Ed Gein Story is a must-watch for true crime and psychological horror fans. And Marvel Zombies offers a fun, gory, and action-packed take on the genre.
3. Do I need to have seen the IT movies to watch IT: Welcome to Derry? No. As a prequel series, it will be set decades before the events of the recent films and is designed to be a great entry point for newcomers, while also providing rich backstory for fans of the movies.
4. Is Marvel Zombies suitable for kids? Absolutely not. The series is Marvel's first TV-MA rated animated project, which means it will be very gory and violent and is intended for a mature, adult audience only.
5. What is the "Immortal Universe"? The "Immortal Universe" is the name for AMC's interconnected television universe based on the works of the author Anne Rice, which includes Interview with the Vampire, Mayfair Witches, and the new series, Talamasca: The Secret Order.
6. Who is Ed Gein? Ed Gein was a notorious American murderer and grave robber who was active in the 1950s. The horrific and bizarre details of his crimes had a massive impact on popular culture and were the inspiration for fictional horror villains like Norman Bates from Psycho.
7. Where can I watch HBO and AMC+ shows in the UK? In the UK, HBO content, such as IT: Welcome to Derry, is available to stream through Sky Atlantic and its streaming service, NOW. AMC+ is a separate streaming service, but its original shows often find a UK home on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or through dedicated channels.
8. What is "anime"? Anime is a style of Japanese film and television animation. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is an anime series, which suggests it will have a distinct, stylized visual aesthetic.
9. How can I keep track of all these release dates? Using a dedicated app like TV Time is a fantastic way to track what you've watched, get notifications about new episodes, and see where your favourite shows are available to stream.
10. I've watched all of these! What should I watch next? The streaming platforms have powerful recommendation algorithms. After you finish a series you love, check its homepage for a "More Like This" section. You can also use third-party recommendation sites to find new shows based on your viewing history.
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