Every Movie Coming to Netflix in October 2025
It’s a packed month with beloved classics, festival standouts, buzzy originals, and a few surprising deep cuts. Below you’ll find every film and special on your calendar, with quick, useful notes on plots, cast, directors, and writers so you can decide what to queue first.
From cult classics like ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Sister Act’ to new Netflix features such as ‘The Twits,’ ‘A House of Dynamite,’ and ‘Ballad of a Small Player,’ there’s something here for every mood. Family picks, documentaries, horror, YA dystopia—plus titles from South Korea, Argentina, Spain, Thailand, Brazil, Chile, and Malaysia—make this a particularly international slate.
‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)
The romantic drama follows Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman as she falls for Catskills dance instructor Johnny Castle during a 1963 summer vacation, culminating in an unforgettable final performance on October 1. Directed by Emile Ardolino from a screenplay by Eleanor Bergstein, it stars Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, and Cynthia Rhodes.
The film’s production was inspired by Bergstein’s own memories; Jeffrey Jur handled cinematography and Peter C. Frank edited the picture, with music contributions from John Morris. Iconic set pieces and choreography helped the movie gross over $200 million worldwide and cement its pop-culture legacy.
‘The Wrath of Becky’ (2023)
Arriving October 1, this action-thriller sequel finds teen survivor Becky confronting a violent extremist group after a run-in at a rural safe haven. Co-directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, it stars Lulu Wilson opposite Seann William Scott; Angel wrote the screenplay from a story by himself and Coote.
Julia Swain served as cinematographer, Stephen Boyer edited, and Nima Fakhrara provided the score; the film originally premiered at SXSW before its theatrical rollout. It continues the arc begun in 2020’s ‘Becky,’ escalating the character’s tactics against violent adversaries.
‘Sister Act’ (1992)
On October 1, Whoopi Goldberg leads this musical comedy as lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier, who hides in a convent after witnessing a crime and revitalizes the choir. Directed by Emile Ardolino and written by Paul Rudnick (credited as Joseph Howard), the film co-stars Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, and Harvey Keitel.
Marc Shaiman composed the music, with Adam Greenberg as cinematographer and editing by Colleen and Richard Halsey. Produced by Touchstone Pictures, it became one of the year’s biggest hits and spawned a sequel and stage adaptations.
‘Slender Man’ (2018)
Landing October 1, this supernatural horror story tracks a group of teens whose attempt to debunk an urban legend invites a terrifying entity into their lives. Directed by Sylvain White and written by David Birke, it features Joey King, Julia Goldani Telles, Jaz Sinclair, and Javier Botet as the title figure.
The film was produced by Screen Gems with Ramin Djawadi and Brandon Campbell on the score and Luca Del Puppo behind the camera. It adapts the internet-born myth into a standalone feature that leans on dreamlike visuals and escalating dread.
‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ (1993)
Arriving October 1, the sequel brings Deloris back to help her nun friends save a struggling Catholic school by transforming its choir. Directed by Bill Duke, it stars Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy, James Coburn, and Maggie Smith.
Writers James Orr, Jim Cruickshank, and Judi Ann Mason shaped the story, with music by Marc Shaiman and Miles Goodman and cinematography by Oliver Wood. The Touchstone Pictures release has since become a staple of 1990s musical comedies.
‘Ejen Ali The Movie’ (2019)
Dropping October 1, this Malaysian animated spy-fi adventure follows 12-year-old agent Ali as he uncovers a dangerous new technology threatening the futuristic city of Cyberaya, testing his loyalty to MATA. Directed by Muhammad Usamah Zaid Yasin (with Shafiq Isa as co-director), it expands the hit ‘Ejen Ali’ TV universe.
The feature’s plot centers on the IRIS Neo device and a conspiracy that forces Ali to choose between duty and friends. It became one of Malaysia’s top-grossing animated films, further growing the franchise’s reach in Southeast Asia.
‘About My Father’ (2023)
Set for October 1, this culture-clash comedy stars Sebastian Maniscalco as a man introducing his old-school Italian father to his fiancée’s wealthy family over a chaotic weekend. Directed by Laura Terruso and written by Maniscalco and Austen Earl, it co-stars Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Kim Cattrall, and Anders Holm.
Rogier Stoffers served as cinematographer with editing by Scott D. Hanson and music by Stephanie Economou. Produced by Depth of Field and released by Lionsgate, the film draws loosely on Maniscalco’s real family dynamics.
‘Goodbye, Farewell’ (2024)
Arriving October 3, this Indonesian drama follows a young woman searching the streets of Seoul for her missing boyfriend, forming an unexpected bond with the one person willing to help. The cast includes Putri Marino, Jerome Kurnia, and Jourdy Pranata.
The film blends cross-cultural romance and mystery as its leads navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods and shifting loyalties. It first released in parts of Southeast Asia before rolling out internationally.
‘Steve’ (2025)
Landing October 3, this drama—adapted by Max Porter from his novella ‘Shy’—follows a head teacher at a last-chance reform school during a single, pressure-cooker day. Directed by Tim Mielants, it stars Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson.
Shot with a raw, handheld style, the film examines systemic failures and the chaos inside youth care in 1990s Britain; Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow composed the score with cinematography by Robrecht Heyvaert. After festival play, it debuts in early October.
‘Caramelo’ (2025)
Arriving October 8, this Brazilian drama centers on a promising young chef whose life changes after a serious diagnosis, finding unlikely hope—and humor—thanks to a special dog. Created by Diego Freitas, it stars Rafael Vitti alongside canine performer Amendoim and Arianne Botelho.
The film blends feel-good tones with character-driven stakes as the lead rebuilds purpose amid family, work, and a newfound companion. Positioned as a family-friendly drama, it underscores resilience through everyday relationships.
‘The Maze Runner’ (2014)
Arriving October 9, the franchise opener adapts James Dashner’s novel about Thomas and other teens trapped in a deadly labyrinth with their memories wiped. Directed by Wes Ball and produced by Gotham Group and Temple Hill, it stars Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, and Patricia Clarkson.
Noah Oppenheim, Grant Pierce Myers, and T.S. Nowlin contributed to the screenplay with John Paesano composing the score. The film launched a trilogy that explores the WCKD conspiracy and humanity’s survival.
‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ (2018)
Also on October 9, the trilogy’s finale sends Thomas and allies into a final showdown to rescue their friends and expose WCKD. Directed by Wes Ball from T.S. Nowlin’s screenplay, the ensemble includes Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Rosa Salazar, Giancarlo Esposito, and Patricia Clarkson.
Shot by Gyula Pados with music by John Paesano, the production famously paused following O’Brien’s 2016 stunt injury before resuming later for release in 2018. The film concludes the series’ arc across ruined cities and high-risk heists.
‘Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials’ (2015)
Rounding out the drop on October 9, the second entry continues immediately after the Glade, pushing the group into desert wastelands and introducing new factions. Wes Ball returns to direct with T.S. Nowlin adapting Dashner’s sequel; cast additions include Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen, Barry Pepper, and Lili Taylor.
The film deepens the world’s mythology and expands the WCKD conflict while maintaining the series’ stunt-driven action, again scored by John Paesano and shot by Gyula Pados.
‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ (2025)
Sailing in on October 10, this psychological thriller adapts Ruth Ware’s bestseller about a travel journalist who believes she’s witnessed a murder on a luxury yacht—only to be told everyone aboard is accounted for. Directed by Simon Stone and co-written with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, it stars Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, and David Ajala.
Principal photography took place in Dorset and on the superyacht Savannah, with Ben Davis as cinematographer and Benjamin Wallfisch composing. After a first-look campaign in late summer, it anchors its premiere in mid-October.
‘Nouvelle Vague’ (2025)
Arriving October 10, Richard Linklater’s love letter to cinema dramatizes the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s ‘Breathless,’ with Guillaume Marbeck as Godard, Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film premiered at Cannes and features Linklater’s playful reconstruction of New Wave legends at work.
Screenwriters Holly Gent and Vincent Palmo collaborate on the script; David Chambille handles cinematography and Catherine Schwartz edits. Following fall theatrical showcases, the film sets its streaming window after the month’s end in some regions but bows stateside later in the season.
‘Swim to Me’ (2025)
Also on October 10, this Chilean drama tracks a domestic worker and the girl she cares for through an intense summer that tests class divides and loyalty. Starring María Paz Grandjean, Rosa Puga Vittini, and Ignacia Baeza, it adapts source material into a contemporary social-issue narrative.
The film emphasizes intimate performances and restrained visual storytelling as a tragic turn reshapes both families’ lives. It lands mid-month alongside several other international titles.
‘Everybody Loves Me When I’m Dead’ (2025)
Arriving October 14, this Thai crime drama follows two bank employees who siphon funds from a deceased client and stumble into Pattaya’s criminal underworld. Starring Theeradej Wongpuapan and Vachirawich Wattanapakdeepaisan, it’s directed by Nithiwat Tharathorn.
Netflix previewed the film with a trailer and key art ahead of release, outlining a heist-meets-family drama that escalates as dangerous figures seek to reclaim the money. The film’s rollout targets mid-October for a global debut.
‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ (2009)
Hitting October 16, this rom-com stars Isla Fisher as Rebecca Bloomwood, a journalist with a shopping addiction who lands a column under editor Luke Brandon, played by Hugh Dancy. Directed by P.J. Hogan and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the screenplay is by Tracey Jackson, Tim Firth, and Kayla Alpert, based on Sophie Kinsella’s novels.
Jo Willems served as cinematographer with editing by William Goldenberg and a score by James Newton Howard. The ensemble includes Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb, and Krysten Ritter.
‘Thomas and Friends: Sodor Sings Together’ (2025)
Also on October 16, this preschool special centers on Sodor’s biggest music festival, with Thomas racing to fix shattered lights, locate missing engines, and keep the show on track after an operatic mishap. It’s part of the ‘All Engines Go’ era of the franchise.
The special ties into current ‘Thomas & Friends’ programming and releases, with character voices and songs aimed at young viewers and families. Rollout details included an October date as part of the fall preschool slate.
‘Good News’ (2025)
Landing October 17, this South Korean disaster-thriller from writer-director Byun Sung-hyun dramatizes a covert mission to safely land a hijacked 1970s Japanese passenger plane. The cast features Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, and Ryu Seung-beom.
Cinematographer Cho Hyoung-rae and editors Kim Sang-beom guide the film’s propulsive style; it premiered in Toronto’s Special Presentations before its October bow. Additional release materials list Star Platinum as a key production partner.
‘She Walks in Darkness’ (2025)
Also on October 17, this Spanish thriller follows a young agent who infiltrates ETA, risking her life to locate clandestine safe houses across the south of France. Cast members include Susana Abaitua, Andrés Gertrúdix, and Iraia Elias.
The feature mixes undercover-procedural beats with character-driven stakes, framed as a tense, modern espionage story. Trailers highlight the lead’s personal sacrifices as her mission spirals.
‘The Twits’ (2025)
Dropping October 17, this animated musical comedy adapts Roald Dahl’s book about the vile Mr. and Mrs. Twit and the animals who outwit them. Produced, directed, and co-written by Phil Johnston, it features voice roles from Margo Martindale, Johnny Vegas, Emilia Clarke, and Alan Tudyk.
The film anchors Netflix’s recent Dahl slate with playful songs and rambunctious set-pieces. Production and voice casting were revealed across trade and database listings ahead of the fall release.
‘The Perfect Neighbor’ (2025)
Also arriving October 17, this feature documentary—directed by Geeta Gandbhir—examines a years-long neighbor dispute in Florida that ended in the fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens, leaning heavily on police body-cam and 911 audio.
The film premiered at Sundance to strong early notices and has been noted for its unflinching presentation of evidence. It lands in mid-October following a limited theatrical date earlier in the month.
’27 Nights’ (2025)
Premiering October 17, this Argentine drama from director Daniel Hendler adapts Natalia Zito’s novel ‘Veintisiete noches,’ following an elderly woman committed to a psychiatric clinic by her daughters while a specialist must decide her fate. Cast includes Marilú Marini, Daniel Hendler, Humberto Tortonese, and Julieta Zylberberg.
The film opened the San Sebastián International Film Festival before its streaming debut and explores autonomy, aging, and family power dynamics. Netflix’s newsroom confirmed the mid-October availability following the festival bow.
‘A House of Dynamite’ (2025)
On October 24, Kathryn Bigelow directs a political thriller set off by a single, unattributed missile launch that forces leaders to decide how to respond at DEFCON 1. Idris Elba stars as the U.S. President with Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, and Jared Harris among the ensemble.
The film’s campaign has teased real-time crisis mechanics and competing intelligence streams as officials race to identify the perpetrator. A late-October streaming date follows a short theatrical window.
‘Ballad of a Small Player’ (2025)
Gliding in on October 29, Edward Berger adapts Lawrence Osborne’s novel about a British gambler in Macau whose past catches up to him amid high-stakes debts and a mysterious woman. The film stars Colin Farrell with Fala Chen and Deanie Ip, and features a screenplay by Rowan Joffé.
After Telluride and limited October theatrical dates, the film heads to Netflix with supporting materials noting James Friend as cinematographer and Volker Bertelmann on the score. Cast and crew details appear across studio and critics’ listings.
‘The White House Effect’ (2024)
Arriving October 31, this archival documentary retraces the political battle inside the George H.W. Bush administration that reshaped U.S. climate policy and, by extension, the global response to warming. The project uses period footage to chart how momentum for action stalled.
Produced as a history-driven account with contemporary relevance, the film’s official synopsis emphasizes the decades-long consequences of decisions made in the early 1990s. Its site lists the October 31 launch.
Share which titles you’re watching first this month in the comments!
