Netflix delivers a scary-good streaming slate in October 2026 in the form of fantastic films, documentaries, and specials that will captivate you with thrilling action, move you with stirring stories, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for something inspiring, informative, or entertaining, Netflix has got you covered. Keep reading for the streamer’s best new movies coming in October.

Netflix is releasing two standout original films sure to get hearts racing in the first half of the month. Look out for the Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington-led crime thriller Animals, as well as Tyler Perry’s heartfelt drama, Tyler Perry’s Doing Life, which are both poised to potentially land in the Netflix Top 10.

Additionally, in the back half of the month, Netflix will debut unique titles featuring star-studded casts, like Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy’s action comedy-drama Sacrifice and the Swedish, Gustaf Skarsgård-helmed dark comedy drama The Storm.

Lastly, you can witness must-see documentaries that paint vivid portraits of exceptional comedians, artists, and athletes from around the world by watching Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald, Schumacher ’94 — The Birth of a Legend, Who Is Martin Mull?, and SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of as soon as each one drops throughout all of October.

Want to know what other eye-grabbing movies are dropping on Netflix in the next month? Keep scrolling to check out our full list of must-watch movies and specials on Netflix in October.

1. Animals

   Released October 9

   Netflix

   CAST: Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Steven Yeun, Ray Fisher, Matt Gerald, Mark Kassen, Christopher Woodley

   RATING: R

   DESCRIPTION: Directed by Ben Affleck, Animals is a heart-pounding crime thriller that follows Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball (Affleck) and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), as their lives unravel after their son’s (Christopher Woodley) kidnapping. Forced to come up with a ransom payment but low on funds due to Mark’s campaigning efforts, the couple must dirty their hands with choices and revelations they can never take back in order to scrounge up the money before it’s too late.

   Stream Animals on netflix

2. Sacrifice

   Released October 16

   Photo: Netflix

   CAST: Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, Salma Hayek, Ambika Mod, Sam Richardson, John Malkovich, Charli XCX, Yung Lean, Jade Croot, Miriam Silverman, Jeremy O. Harris

   RATING: R

   DESCRIPTION: Embark on a wild ride with this Will Arbery-written and Romain Gavras-directed action dramedy about a struggling film star named Mike Tyler (Chris Evans) who attends a lavish, billionaire-funded event in hopes of campaigning for his own big comeback. Unfortunately for Mike, the party proves life-changing in the worst possible way as cult leader Joan (Anya Taylor-Joy) interrupts the proceedings to take him hostage and offer him as a human sacrifice. With his back against the wall, Mike will have to kill his own ego to survive Joan, her fanatical followers, and the soul-sucking world of the rich and famous.

   STREAM Sacrifice ON NETFLIX

3. Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald 

   Released October 16

   Photo: Netflix

   CAST: Norm Macdonald

   RATING: R

   DESCRIPTION: Celebrate the exceptional life and career of the late Norm Macdonald with this intimate Netflix Original documentary directed by Judd Apatow. Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald chronicles the beloved performer’s journey from his early years performing stand-up in Canada to entertaining the masses as the delightfully deadpan anchor of Saturday Night Live‘s Weekend Update. Known as a true “comedian’s comedian,” immerse yourself in the story of this one-of-a-kind entertainer when the film drops on Netflix.

   STREAM Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald ON NETFLIX

4. Schumacher ’94 — The Birth of a Legend

   Released October 2

   Photo: Netflix

   CAST: Michael Schumacher, Corinna Schumacher

   RATING: TV-14

   DESCRIPTION: Sports fans should look forward to this Netflix Original documentary all about German auto racer Michael Schumacher, who made a name for himself competing in Formula One from 1991-2006 and 2010 -2012. While Schumacher set numerous records throughout his successful career, this film mostly focuses on the racer’s 1994 breakthrough that marked his first World Drivers’ Championship victory amidst an unforgettable Formula 1 season.

   STREAM Schumacher ’94 — The Birth of a Legend ON NETFLIX

5. Tyler Perry’s Doing Life

   Released October 2

   Photo: Netflix

   CAST: Naomi Baker, Jay Reeves, Tamberla Perry, Karen Obilom, Jasmine Sargent, Danielle Moné Truitt

   RATING: TV-MA

   DESCRIPTION: Tyler Perry’s latest Netflix film is a striking, emotionally layered drama that revolves around single mother Anika (Naomi Baker) and reformed convict Carousel (Jay Reeves) as they forge an unlikely bond by exchanging letters while Carousel is incarcerated. After he’s released, their connection only deepens as they inspire each other to find hope, love, and fresh starts in the face of challenging circumstances.

   STREAM Tyler Perry’s Doing Life ON NETFLIX

6. Who Is Martin Mull?

   Released October 7

   Photo: Netflix

   CAST: Martin Mull

   RATING: TV-MA

   DESCRIPTION: Who Is Martin Mull? is a Netflix Original documentary that peels back the layers of Martin Mull by exploring the late entertainer’s various artistic pursuits and experiences as an actor, comedian, musician, and painter. Directed by the late Bob Saget, this engrossing film celebrates reinvention and creativity as it tells the tale of Mull’s life, legacy, and versatility through the words of Steve Martin, Tom Waits, David Alan Grier, and Mull himself.

   STREAM Who Is Martin Mull? ON NETFLIX

7. SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of

   Released October 30

   Photo: Netflix

   CAST: Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, Martin Short, Joe Flaherty

   RATING: TV-MA

   DESCRIPTION: Netflix continues to deliver fascinating original documentaries in October with this deep dive into the underrated sketch comedy marvel that was Second City Television, also known as SCTV. SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of features candid interviews, archival footage, and a moving reunion as it charts the rise and fall of a small Canadian production in the ’70s and ’80s that launched the careers of icons like John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Andrea Martin, forging lasting friendships and creative partnerships in the process.

   STREAM SCTV: The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of ON NETFLIX

8. Crazy Rich, Incredibly Broke 

   Released October 1

   Netflix

   CAST: Rashed Al Shamrani, Ida Alkusay, Adwa Bader, Ziyad Alamri, Ghada AlMulla, Fayez Bin Jurays, Fahad Albutairi

   RATING: TV-14

   DESCRIPTION: Crazy Rich, Incredibly Broke is a Netflix Original dramedy that tells the tale of the affluent AlThahabi family as they lose their fortune, forcing them to reconcile their elitist, snooty ways with their humbling new reality. On the brink of losing their status along with their riches, hilarity ensues as the AlThahabis attempt to convince high society that they can still afford their lavish lifestyle.

   STREAM Crazy Rich, Incredibly Broke ON NETFLIX

9. The Storm

   Released October 15

   Netflix

   CAST: Gustaf Skarsgård, Aliette Opheim, Filip Berg, Josephine Bornebusch, Jonas Karlsson, Johan Rheborg, Christopher Wagelin, Sara Shirpey, Gizem Erdogan, Henrik Dorsin, Nils Wetterholm, Nicole Levin

   RATING: TV-MA

   DESCRIPTION: Bask in the irreverent, goofy humor and gripping thrills of The Storm this October. The Swedish comedy-drama film centers on the ill-fated birthday celebration of Filip (Gustaf Skarsgård), whose plans to turn 45 amongst close friends at a luxurious countryside estate go awry when a nasty storm traps them together inside. The longer they’re stuck, the more that pleasantries and polished facades give way to unearthed secrets, betrayals, unexpected feelings, and utter chaos.

   STREAM The Storm ON NETFLIX

10. Less of a Stranger

    Released October 7

    Netflix

    CAST: Mikołaj Bukrewicz, Kinga Preis, Ireneusz Czop, Hubert Miłkowski, Krzysztof Oleksyn, Mikołaj Matczak, Marcel Barra

    RATING: TV-MA

    DESCRIPTION: Less of a Stranger is a Netflix Original biographical musical drama inspired by the life story of Polish rock legend Jan Borysewicz (Mikołaj Bukrewic). The film follows a young Jan as he comes into his own as a musician and man in late-communist Poland. Less of a Stranger traces Jan’s path to co-founding the band Lady Pank as well as the family tragedies and personal struggles he encounters on the road towards fame, rebellion, and artistry.

    STREAM Less of a Stranger ON NETFLIX

11. Seriously Single Too

    Released October 16

    Netflix

    CAST: Fulu Mugovhani, Tumi Morake, Yonda Thomas, Buntu Petse, Keke Mphuthi, Thabiso Rammusi, Motlatsi Mafatshe, Harriet Manamela

    RATING: TV-MA

    DESCRIPTION: This follow-up to 2020 South African rom-com Seriously Single picks back up with best friends Dineo (Fulu Mugovhani) and Noni (Tumi Morake) in the midst of a whole new life change as Noni’s boyfriend surprises her with a proposal. This act of spontaneity sparks a turbulent adventure as Dineo plans a memorable bachelorette trip that challenges both women to reconsider their bond, priorities, and aspirations.

    STREAM Seriously Single Too ON NETFLIX

Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.