Screen time – October 2025 –

It’s the spookiest time of the year, which of course means that the types of movies and television series that make their appearance often have a horror or frightening factor. This is certainly the case this year, as October has tons of horror to look forward to, on top of a boatload of other projects that will make their appearance in the coming weeks.

Before we continue, a quick reminder. We based our selections on a UK release calendar, so be sure to check locally for accurate information and listings.

Play Dirty [Prime Video] – Oct. 1

Kickoff is an action crime film from Prime Video, bringing together Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield as two criminals trying to complete the heist of a lifetime. Expect gunfights, thrilling moments and even hints of humor in this streamer film.

Him – October 3

The first pure horror film of the month spotlights Marlon Wayans as a legendary athlete with sinister intentions. Him sees Tyriq Withers’ young prodigy decide to train with the Wayons’ champion, a decision he soon begins to regret when charisma turns into something much more twisted.

The Lost Bus [Apple TV+] – October 3

One of Apple TV+’s big additions this month is Paul Greengrass in the director’s chair and lead actor Matthew McConaughey, who appears here as a bus driver tasked with venturing into a deadly forest fire to save a teacher and more than 20 children from a grim fate. Inspired by a true event, this looks to be a thriller not to be missed.

The Smashing Machine – October 3

Dwayne Johnson has starred in many films, but few are considered true award winners. The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie, aims to change that, as Johnson appears as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, for a story that explores his history and the effect fighting has had on his personal and love life.

Roofman – Oct. 3

Another biographical story, although this time more of a story based on wild true events. InRoofman, Channing Tatum appears as a charismatic criminal who, while on the run from the police, hides on the roof of a toy store at night while serving as an employee during the day. As you can imagine, this leads to all sorts of twisted relationships….

Tron: Ares – Oct. 10

It’s been a long time since a new Tron movie came out, but October will change that, as Tron: Ares will take us back to the Grid. This time, however, instead of trying to escape the digital world, the goal will be to stop a dangerous artificial intelligence program that has escaped and is now doing great damage in the real world.

The Last Frontier [Apple TV+] – October 10

Apple TV+’s other big effort in October is a series in which Jason Clarke is tasked with being a unique U.S. marshal who hunts violent criminals from a plane recently crashed in the Alaskan wilderness. With poor odds and immense pressure, can one man stand firm and protect the many?

The woman in cabin 10 [Netflix] – October 10

Keira Knightley continues her recent relationship with Netflix with a new whodunnit drama that follows a woman trying to unravel a gruesome secret while traveling as a passenger on a luxury cruise ship. With a stacked cast including Hannah Waddingham, Guy Pearce, Kaya Scodelario, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and more, this looks to be a must-watch for Netflix users.

Good Boy – Oct. 10

One of the more unique horror films you will see in October. Good Boy is a film that explores how a young dog must overcome supernatural and dark entities, all to protect and save his owner from their twisted and brutal intentions. Yes, this will undoubtedly be hard to watch for dog lovers around the world.

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch [Netflix] – October 14

Netflix is expanding its series of video game adaptations by continuing to partner with Ubisoft. Next up is Splinter Cell, with the animated Deathwatch being a series revolving around an aging and almost mythical Sam Fisher, who returns to action to help a young and promising recruit uncover a global conspiracy.

Good Fortune – Oct. 17

Keanu Reeves leads an all-star cast in this upcoming comedy film. Good Fortune sees Reeves appear as the angel Gabriel, who in an effort to get more out of his existence tries to improve the lives of two very different individuals, a feat he achieves by swapping their lives and situations.

Black Phone 2 – Oct. 17

Perhaps the horror film of the month. Ethan Hawke returns as the twisted villain he brought to life a few years ago in a sequel in which a more mature Finn overcomes the same stalker who threatened his life when he was young. Black Phone 2 looks to be terrifying, disturbing and gory, and an apt hit in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere – Oct. 24

It may be the creepy season, but it’s also biography season…. Next on the list is a film that delves into the life of Bruce Springsteen and sees how Jeremy Allen White becomes the legendary singer and takes us on a journey that explores how he created the beloved Nebraska album.

A house of dynamite [Netflix] – October 24

It’s a good month to be a Netflix fan, and A House of Dynamite just confirms that. This is a tense and ambitious political drama that explores how the United States races to respond to the threat of a single, unprovoked missile attack. Do they launch a counterattack, and if so, against whom?

IT: Welcome to Derry [HBO Max] – October 27

In the days leading up to Halloween, HBO treats us to a return to Derry in the prequel to the television series IT movies. Yes, this series will explore how Pennywise arrived in the small and quaint town and see how its arrival turned the rather beautiful surroundings into something much more sinister and hostile.

Star Wars: Visions – Season 3 [Disney+] – October 29

The animated anthology series returns and takes us back to a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars: Visions returns for another round of episodes that each have an anime flair and offer us unique and stand-alone stories that all have their own visual identity and style. We’ve been waiting for more Star Wars entertainment to consume, and this should at least satisfy our hunger for a while.

The Witcher – Season 4 [Netflix] – October 30

The month wraps up with the next (and penultimate) season of the Netflix series The Witcher. Following the departure of Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, Liam Hemsworth takes on the role of the White Wolf in this next round of episodes, all for a series of episodes that will also likely become must-watch TV for Netflix subscribers.

And it does. Another Screen Time is wrapped up and in the books. Be sure to check back in a few weeks when we take a look at what November 2025 has in store for film and TV fans.