What to watch in October 2026: The biggest movies and shows to add to your list

October brings a packed entertainment calendar, with some of the month's biggest releases arriving across theatres and streaming platforms. There are high-profile literary adaptations, new thrillers, reality TV returns, and even the final chapter of one of Hindi cinema's most popular mystery franchises.

This month also brings a new HBO drama, another chapter in The Diplomat, and the final season of the much-loved Nobody Wants This. It has films led by Florence Pugh, Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, Ben Affleck, Tom Cruise, and Ajay Devgn. From slow-burn family dramas to high-stakes thrillers, here's everything to add to your October watchlist.

War

War is a new eight-episode legal drama set inside two of London's most powerful rival law firms. The first season centres on the explosive divorce of tech entrepreneur Morgan Henderson, played by Dominic West, and international film star Carla Duval, played by Sienna Miller, as their lawyers battle to secure victory for their clients. Created and written by George Kay, the series also stars Archie Renaux, Phoebe Fox, James McArdle, Nina Sosanya, and Pip Torrens.

When: October 1
Where: JioHotstar

East of Eden

Florence Pugh leads Netflix's new adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel, playing Cathy Ames, a woman whose life becomes intertwined with the Trask family across generations. Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist play brothers Adam and Charles Trask as the series explores family, desire, and the darker side of the American dream. Created and written by Zoe Kazan, the seven-episode limited series is directed by Garth Davis and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre.

When: October 1
Where: Netflix

Verity

Colleen Hoover's bestselling psychological thriller gets a big-screen adaptation starring Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett. Johnson plays writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired to finish the books of the incapacitated novelist Verity Crawford, played by Hathaway. But after discovering an unfinished manuscript at Verity's home, Lowen begins to question how much of the disturbing story is fiction. 

When: October 2
Where: In theatres

Digger

Tom Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, an immensely powerful oil tycoon, who sets out to prove he can save humanity after a disaster caused by his own actions threatens to spiral out of control. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G Iñárritu, the darkly comic drama also stars Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons. The film marks Iñárritu's first original feature since Bardo.

When: October 2
Where: In theatres

Drishyam: The Conclusion

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar for one last time in the final chapter of the Hindi Drishyam franchise. The story continues after the events of the previous films, with Vijay once again forced to protect his family and the secrets surrounding the original crime. Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Jaideep Ahlawat also star in the film, with Abhishek Pathak returning as director.

When: October 2
Where: In theatres

Doing Life

Tyler Perry's latest drama follows a struggling single mother and a reformed ex-convict who form an unexpected connection through letters. Their relationship gives both of them a chance at redemption, hope, and a different future. Naomi Baker and Jay Reeves star in the film, which Perry wrote, directed, and produced.

When: October 2
Where: Netflix

Animals

Ben Affleck directs and stars in this crime thriller about an LA mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. With the family forced to raise a ransom while dealing with the consequences of a costly political campaign, the couple is pushed into a world they had tried to keep out of their lives. 

When: October 9
Where: Netflix

The Kardashians Season 8

The Kardashian-Jenner family returns for another season of the reality series that follows their personal lives, relationships, and ever-expanding businesses. Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner are all back, with the new season focusing on love, reinvention, and the next chapter for the family.

When: October 9
Where: JioHotstar

Matchbox The Movie

Inspired by Mattel's iconic Matchbox toys, this action adventure follows a group of childhood friends whose lives are turned upside down when Sean, a long-absent former member of their group and now an undercover CIA agent, returns to town. John Cena leads the cast alongside Jessica Biel and Sam Richardson. 

When: October 9
Where: Apple TV+

Love of Your Life

Margaret Qualley stars as Maya, a nurse whose chance meeting with Charlie, played by Gabriel Basso, leads to a sweeping romance and a future she never expected. When that future is suddenly changed, Maya is forced to navigate grief, identity, and the question of how to begin again. Rachel Morrison directs the romantic drama, with Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Catherine Keener in supporting roles. Ryan Gosling serves as the producer.

When: October 14
Where: Prime Video

The Diplomat Season 4

Keri Russell returns as US ambassador Kate Wyler in another season of the political thriller. After the upheaval of the third season, Kate finds herself navigating an increasingly complicated relationship with her husband Hal, played by Rufus Sewell, while Grace Penn, played by Allison Janney, occupies the White House. Created and written by Debora Cahn, the series continues its mix of international politics, personal conflict, and diplomatic manoeuvring.

When: October 15
Where: Netflix

Where's Wanda? Season 2

The Klatts return for another strange chapter in their suburban mystery. After finally thinking their lives are returning to normal, their daughter Wanda is apparently caught standing over a dead body, sending her parents on another frantic investigation. Heike Makatsch, Axel Stein, and Lea Drinda return, with the new season taking the family deeper into the criminal underworld of their seemingly quiet town.

When: October 21
Where: Apple TV+

Nobody Wants This Season 3

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return as Joanne and Noah, whose relationship enters a new phase in the third and final season of the popular romcom. This time, the couple is moving in together, bringing a whole new set of firsts and complications to their relationship. Justine Lupe and Timothy Simons return, while new additions include Andrew Rannells and Sarah Silverman.

When: October 22
Where: Netflix

Wicker

Olivia Colman, Peter Dinklage, and Alexander Skarsgård lead this unusual fantasy romance about an ostracised fisherwoman who commissions a local basketmaker to weave her a husband. When the wicker creation turns out to be unexpectedly extraordinary, his arrival brings jealousy and upheaval to the quiet village. Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson direct the film, inspired by Ursula Wills-Jones' short story The Wicker Husband.

When: October 30
Where: In theatres

Lead image: IMDb

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