Screen time – October 2024 –

We are now well into autumn and that means only one thing: horror season is upon us. While we won’t see as much focus on horror in the video game world this year, for the film and TV sector, there are a whole host of projects debuting and designed to drive you crazy. So, to see what shows and movies you should be watching in October, let’s dive into the latest installment of Screen Time.

But before we get that far, a very brief disclaimer: as usual, we based our choices on a UK release schedule, so be sure to check locally for accurate lists and dates.

Joker: Folie à Deux – Oct. 4

One of the most anticipated sequels of the 21st century. Todd Phillips’ sequel to the hugely successful Joker sees Joaquin Phoenix return as the titular DC villain and this time lapse further into madness and insanity, all at the side of Lady Gaga ‘s Lee Quinzel, also known as Harley Quinn. Designed as a musical with a variety of songs and performances, this sequel will be something different than what the original first brought to the table.

Another man – Oct. 4

Sebastian Stan headlines this gripping and complex drama that explores the life of a man who, after undergoing wide facial reconstruction surgery, falls under the spell of an actor who stars in a stage production about his own life. Directed by Aaron Schimberg, A Different Man also sees Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson alongside Stan.

Tomb Raider: The legend of Lara Croft [Netflix] – October 10

Following the events of Crystal Dynamics famous action-adventure trilogy, this anime adaptation of the life of Lara Croft sees the famous heroine hunting for a powerful Chinese artifact stolen by a masked man from Croft Manor. With Hayley Atwell as the voice of Lara, this series is the next step forward in Netflix’s ongoing efforts to adapt and present a fresh take on many legendary video game series and franchises.

Transformers One – October 11

We have often seen clips of how Optimus Prime and Megatron became arch enemies, but the animated Transformers One is one of the first times we will ever see this on the big screen. A stacked cast appears in this prequel story, including Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry, who lend their voices to just a handful of the familiar robot warriors.

Salem’s Lot – Oct. 11

You may have read the book or even seen the theatrical adaptation from the 1970s, but if not, this is the perfect and best place to experience Stephen King’s terrifying vampire story. Salem’s Lot follows author Ben Mears as he returns home to Jerusalem’s Lot to discover that the birthplace of his youth is now the spawning and feeding ground for a night-walking bloodsucker.

Terrifier 3 – Oct. 11

It’s Halloween season, so why is Art the Clown dressed as Santa Claus? That’s a question you should see answered when Terrifier 3 hits cinemas this month. David Howard Thornton returns to his role as the gruesome and creepy circus monster in this threequel from Damien Leone in which Art causes all sorts of trouble and really takes the fun out of the holiday season on Christmas Eve.

Brothers [Prime Video] – October 17

Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage shine as twin brothers in this upcoming Prime Video film. In Brothers, the two are wrapped up and pull off a dangerous heist while being hunted by a ruthless police officer, played by Brendan Fraser. Also starring Marisa Tomei and Glenn Close, Brothers will be one of October’s biggest comedy offerings.

The Wild Robot – Oct. 18

This next animated effort is all about a lone robot who gets stuck on a desert island. The bot, known as Roz, and voiced by one Lupita Nyong’o, is tasked with surviving the island’s brutal environment and weather, and soon develops an affinity and care complex for the various creatures and animals that call this pristine piece of land home.

Smile 2 – Oct. 18

Another horror film for an already terrifying month. Parker Finn is back and helming the sequel to the very disturbing Smile. In this next installment in the freaky franchise, a global pop sensation will struggle to survive increasingly inexplicable events as she is forced to face the horrors of her past. Given the absolutely terrifying tone of the first film, we can probably expect to go crazy for this sequel.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza [Prime Video] – Oct. 24

The second video game adaptation of October 2024 takes us to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s famed Yakuza franchise for a live-action adaptation that seeks to explore the life of Kazuma Kiryu as he navigates and seeks to make a name for himself on the dangerous, crime-ridden streets of Japan. While we can look forward to a lot of Like a Dragon -like action, we can also expect the signature craziness and unexpected nature to be a key element in this adaptation.

Venom: The Last Dance – Oct. 25

The final chapter in Tom Hardy’s Venom trilogy. Aptly named, The Last Dance will see Eddie Brock and his intrepid symbiote team up and try to survive assassination attempts coming from both the human and symbiote worlds. Given the mediocre reception of the first two films, Venom: The Last Dance will have its work cut out for it, but this does not mean it will not surprise and conclude the trilogy on a high note.

Don’t move [Netflix] – Oct. 25

One last freaky movie to round out a very gruesome month. Netflix is celebrating the creepiest season of the year with a truly disturbing and uncomfortable film known as Don’t Move. This film is about a young woman, played by Kelsey Asbille, as she is given 20 minutes to escape a serial killer, all before her body shuts down from a paralyzing poison injected into her system. Needless to say, this one seems to be very stressful.

So there we have it, a creepy collection of movies for the spookiest time of the year. To see what November has to offer movie and TV fans, be sure to come back in a month for the next Screen Time.