Updated September 29, 2026. Theatrical dates below refer to North America unless otherwise stated. Streaming availability can vary by country, and release plans may change.
October brings a packed choice for movie and TV fans: a new Star Wars? That was September. This month’s actual schedule instead features Colleen Hoover’s Verity in theaters, Mike Flanagan’s Carrie on Prime Video, Marvel’s VisionQuest on Disney+, and several new Apple TV films and series.
Here are 15 October 2026 releases to put on your calendar, grouped by where you can watch them.
In theaters
1. Verity — October 2
Where: North American theaters
The adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller follows a ghostwriter who uncovers disturbing material while working with a family. For fans of twist-heavy book adaptations, this is one of October’s biggest theatrical draws. Its cinema release does not mean it is included with Prime Video on October 2.
2. Digger — October 2
Where: North American theaters
Warner Bros. has Digger scheduled for a wide release at the start of the month. If you are planning a first-weekend cinema trip, check your local listings alongside Verity; theater schedules and showtimes will vary.
3. Street Fighter — October 16
Where: North American theaters
The video-game adaptation is scheduled for a wide theatrical release, including IMAX listings. It is the month’s obvious pick for viewers looking for large-scale action at the cinema.
4. Whalefall — October 16
Where: North American theaters
Also arriving October 16, Whalefall offers a very different kind of big-screen spectacle. Check the trailer and your local theater’s listings if you want a survival-focused alternative to Street Fighter.
5. Clayface — October 23
Where: North American theaters
Warner Bros. has Clayface set for October 23. It is a key date for DC fans and one of the most recognizable titles on the month’s theatrical calendar.
6. Wildwood — October 23
Where: North American theaters
Wildwood opens on the same weekend as Clayface, giving moviegoers another high-profile choice. Check the film’s rating and local screenings when planning a family outing.
On Netflix
7. Tyler Perry’s Doing Life — October 2
Where: Netflix
Tyler Perry writes and directs this drama about a single mother and a reformed former prisoner who find an unexpected second chance together. It is an early-month option for viewers in the mood for a character-driven story.
8. Animals — October 9
Where: Netflix and select theaters
Ben Affleck directs and stars in this kidnapping thriller alongside Kerry Washington. A Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife face desperate choices after their son is taken. Netflix lists both a streaming debut and a select-theater release for October 9.
On Disney+
9. VisionQuest — October 14
Where: Disney+
Marvel fans have a new series to follow when VisionQuest premieres October 14. Disney’s schedule lists additional episodes later in the month, making this a weekly watch rather than a one-night movie pick.
On Prime Video
10. Carrie — October 7
Where: Prime Video
Mike Flanagan brings Stephen King’s novel to television in an eight-episode series starring Summer H. Howell. Prime Video says all eight episodes arrive October 7, making it a timely Halloween-season binge.
11. The Terminal List, Season 2 — October 21
Where: Prime Video
Chris Pratt returns in the action thriller’s second season. Amazon says all eight episodes will premiere on October 21, so viewers can watch at their own pace after catching up with the first season.
On Apple TV
12. Small Prophets — October 7
Where: Apple TV
Apple’s new comedy series begins October 7. There is one notable regional exception: Apple says its U.K. release is planned for 2027, so U.K. viewers should check their local schedule.
13. Matchbox The Movie — October 9
Where: Apple TV
John Cena leads this action adventure about childhood friends drawn into an international pursuit when one of them returns as an undercover CIA agent. Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro also star.
14. Tenzing — October 16
Where: Apple TV; select theaters October 9
Apple’s drama gets a limited theatrical opening before its October 16 global streaming debut. Keep those two dates separate if you are deciding whether to see it on a cinema screen or at home.
15. Nocturne — October 30
Where: Apple TV
Apple’s crime drama starring Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham debuts with two episodes on October 30. Further episodes are scheduled weekly, giving viewers a new mystery to start just before November.
Quick October watchlist by mood
- For a theater night: Verity, Street Fighter, or Clayface.
- For Halloween-season suspense: Carrie, Animals, or Nocturne.
- For action at home: Matchbox The Movie or The Terminal List.
- For a new weekly series: VisionQuest or Nocturne.
CineGlams’ first pick: Start with Verity if you want a cinema trip, Carrie if you want an October binge, or VisionQuest if you prefer a new episode to look forward to each week.