Ben Affleck’s New Thriller Is Still the Most-Watched Movie on Netflix This Week

Netflix’s audiences in the United States enjoyed a diverse assortment of cinema throughout mid-October 2026, propelling a mix of fresh thriller releases, family comedies, and enduring animated favorites up the streaming charts. Star-driven projects led the charge, while true-crime investigations and nostalgic catalog hits continued to demonstrate sustained appeal among viewers. From high-stakes political kidnappings and environmental satires to lighthearted domestic adventures, this selection highlights the broad range of genres dominating household screens.

‘UNABOMBER’ (2026)

Directed by Janus Metz Pedersen, ‘UNABOMBER’ chronicles the life and radicalization of domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski. The crime drama stars Jacob Tremblay as a young Kaczynski during his years as a prodigy at Harvard University, where he participates in controversial psychological experiments conducted by Professor Henry Murray, played by Russell Crowe. Decades later, an extensive manhunt spearheaded by FBI agent Joanne Miller, portrayed by Shailene Woodley, races to uncover the identity of the reclusive bomber. The narrative shifts between academic disillusionment and the federal investigation that captured national attention.

‘The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ (2026)

Directed by Chris Smith, ‘The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ is a true-crime documentary that examines the unsettling case of Thomas Randolph. Randolph earned the moniker “Black Widower” after multiple wives died under suspicious circumstances, resulting in substantial insurance payouts. The documentary chronicles a fifteen-year effort undertaken by Las Vegas homicide detective Dean O’Kelley alongside television producer Dan Slepian. Through archival evidence, firsthand interviews, and real-time investigative footage, the project reconstructs the intricate legal proceedings that ultimately pursued Randolph’s conviction.

‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ (2016)

Directed by Michael Thurmeier, ‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ continues the comedic journeys of prehistoric animals encountering global cataclysms. The narrative begins when Scrat accidentally activates an extraterrestrial spacecraft while chasing an acorn, sending an asteroid hurtling directly toward Earth. Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the herd are forced to abandon their valley to escape impending annihilation. Guided by the adventurous weasel Buck, the companions navigate hazardous terrain in an attempt to divert the celestial projectile before impact.

‘Ice Age’ (2002)

Directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, ‘Ice Age’ introduces an unlikely trio of prehistoric mammals navigating the onset of a glacial period. After a human infant is separated from his tribe following a pack ambush, a solitary woolly mammoth named Manny and an eccentric sloth named Sid take on the responsibility of returning the child. A conflicted saber-toothed cat named Diego joins their traveling party, initially planning an ambush before developing deep bonds with his newfound peers. Featuring the vocal talents of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary, the animated feature balances survival stakes with an emphasis on loyalty.

‘Twilight’ (2008)

Directed by Catherine Hardwicke and adapted from the novel by Stephenie Meyer, ‘Twilight’ follows high school newcomer Bella Swan as she settles into the rainy town of Forks, Washington. Bella becomes captivated by her mysterious classmate Edward Cullen, who secretly belongs to a vampire family that avoids human feeding. Their burgeoning romance attracts severe peril when a wandering trio of predatory vampires catches Bella’s scent and begins hunting her. Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the film established a massive cinematic franchise that continues to draw strong viewership.

‘The Breadwinner’ (2026)

Directed by Eric Appel, ‘The Breadwinner’ is a family comedy written by and starring stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze in his feature film acting debut. Bargatze stars as Nate Wilcox, an easygoing automotive salesman whose domestic life turns upside down when his wife Katie, played by Mandy Moore, secures a major investment on ‘Shark Tank’ for her invention. When Katie’s new business venture requires her to travel across the country, Nate must manage their chaotic household and care for their three daughters entirely on his own. The film explores his bumbling parenting hurdles alongside a comedic ensemble that includes Colin Jost, Zach Cherry, Kumail Nanjiani, and Will Forte.

‘Sacrifice’ (2025)

Directed by Romain Gavras and co-written with Will Arbery, ‘Sacrifice’ is a satirical dark comedy that held its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The plot follows Mike Tyler, an American movie star played by Chris Evans, who attempts to rebuild his reputation by attending an environmental gala hosted on a remote volcanic island. The luxury gathering is interrupted when a radical eco-activist cell led by Joan, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, takes the attendees captive with plans to sacrifice them. Vincent Cassel, Salma Hayek Pinault, and John Malkovich portray fellow hostages attempting to navigate the high-stakes ordeal.

‘Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love’ (2025)

Executive produced under the creative banner of author Terry McMillan, ‘Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love’ originally premiered as a romantic television feature. The film stars Karrueche Tran as Charlisa “Charlie” Jones, a successful musical artist who must complete mandatory community service following legal troubles. During her court assignment, Charlie meets Pastor Kyrus Owens, an earnest minister played by Mark J.P. Hood who is fundraising to construct a new sanctuary. As romantic feelings develop between them, the couple must overcome community gossip and personal misgivings to keep their connection intact.

‘Doing Life’ (2026)

Written and directed by Tyler Perry, ‘Doing Life’ is a romantic drama focused on resilience and second chances. The story begins during a correctional facility disturbance where prison officer Anika, played by Naomi Baker, is protected from harm by an incarcerated man named Carousel, portrayed by Jay Reeves. After resigning from her post, Anika stays in touch with Carousel until his sentence ends, prompting the two to pursue a romantic relationship in the outside world. The pair must navigate post-incarceration reintegration, financial hurdles, and steep skepticism from protective family members to build an honest life together.

‘Animals’ (2026)

Directed by Ben Affleck and co-written with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray, ‘Animals’ is a crime thriller set against the backdrop of modern Los Angeles. Ben Affleck stars as Mark Kimball, an ambitious candidate entering the home stretch of a demanding mayoral race. The family’s world unravels on Halloween night when Mark’s son is abducted for ransom, exposing concealed domestic problems and forcing desperate moral compromises. Featuring Kerry Washington as his wife Abigail and Steven Yeun as his campaign aide, the film traces a family’s descent into high-stakes danger as they race to recover their child.

Share your thoughts on which of these trending movies you have watched or plan to stream in the comments.