With the nights drawing in, October brings a generous, helping of fresh, new content to Netflix – from gripping dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to chilling horror and animated adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for true crime, fantasy or light-hearted romance, here’s what’s worth adding to your watchlist this month.
This anthology crime series delves into the chilling real-life crimes of Ed Gein, played by Charlie Hunnam. Often cited as inspiration for horror classics like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Gein’s gruesome acts are examined here with nuance. The show investigates whether monsters are born or made, blending psychological tension with references to cinematic horror lore. Alfred Hitchcock (played by Tom Hollander) also features in a meta-angle exploring Gein’s influence on film.
In Steve, Cillian Murphy plays the titular headteacher at a residential reform school for troubled teens. Though he’s well respected for his work, he hides substance abuse problems that colleagues tend to overlook. When news of the school’s uncertain future arrives, Murphy’s character must confront his own demons while trying to guide his students through their toughest challenges.
Set in the 1990s, Boots is a coming-of-age series that follows Cameron (Miles Heizer) and his best friend Ray, both servicemen in the US military, at a time when being gay in the armed forces was still illegal. As Cameron tries to balance identity, friendship, and the pressures of boot camp, the series blends poignant drama with subtle humour.
This three-part documentary series examines Victoria Beckham’s life, from her childhood and rise to fame with the Spice Girls to her reinvention as a fashion icon. The show features interviews with those closest to her – including David Beckham – and offers intimately personal insights into how she built her brand and navigated immense public scrutiny.
Inspired by the 1960s French New Wave movement, Nouvelle Vague focuses on the making of À Bout De Souffle (Breathless). Filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard (played by Guillaume Marbeck) is central to this dramatized retelling of cinema history, while actress Jean Seberg (played by Zoey Deutch) copes with the pressures of stardom and artistic ambition. It’s a stylish love letter to a transformative era in film.
Lo Blacklock (Keira Knightley) is a journalist covering the maiden voyage of a luxury cruise ship, but when she believes she witnesses a passenger being thrown overboard – and yet all guests are accounted for – she struggles to convince others. With a supporting cast that includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morrissey and Hannah Waddingham, the film is a taut psychological thriller built around paranoia, isolation and unreliable perception.
Based on the popular Tom Clancy video game series, this animated espionage series centres on operative Fisher (voiced by Liev Schreiber). Drawn back into shadowy operations by the global, high-stakes Fourth Echelon unit, Fisher must guide a rookie agent through a dangerous conspiracy. With slick animation and tense intrigue, it’s a fresh take on modern spycraft.
Tennis fans can watch live as six of the world’s top men’s players compete in Riyadh for a $4.5 million prize. Stars like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev take center stage – though Britain’s Jack Draper will sit this one out due to injury.
Season 3 returns with Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler – now dealing with far more than diplomatic intrigue. With Grace Penn (Allison Janney) now serving as US President, the stakes have elevated. Kate must navigate shifting power dynamics, personal ambition and moral challenges in a high-stakes world of global politics. Bradley Whitford joins as the First Gentleman, Todd Penn.
Inspired by the Belgian-French film Les Émotifs Anonymes, this romantic comedy introduces us to Sosuke (Shun Oguri), a confectioner whose success conceals a crippling fear of physical contact. He meets Hana (Han Hyo-joo), who also struggles with intimacy. Their shared vulnerability and emotional connection unfold amid chocolate, awkwardness and sweet earnestness.
This animated musical brings Roald Dahl’s infamous characters to life. Mr and Mrs Twit, voiced by Johnny Vegas and Margo Martindale, gain power in their town through mischief and mayhem. A group of brave youngsters and a family of Muggle-Wumps must rise to stop their reign. With voices including Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke and Jason Mantzoukas, and music by the likes of David Byrne and Hayley Williams, it’s a fun, darkly whimsical ride.
This beloved romantic comedy returns with Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as Joanna and Noah, navigating the messy middle of their relationship. Despite the challenges and external pressures, their connection and chemistry remain powerful – now tested harder than ever as they try to make their love last.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this action thriller explores the tension when a nuclear weapon is detected heading toward Chicago. President Jamarion Bradley (Idris Elba) and top brass scramble to determine whether the threat is real, while internal political, strategic and personal conflicts put everything on the line. With a high-calibre cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Jared Harris and Greta Lee, the film raises questions about power, trust and the weight of decisions.
The second season of this documentary series blends wildlife storytelling and horror elements. A young opossum, a newly hatched iguana and a feisty spider get lost in the Central American rainforest and must navigate danger, predators and unknown terrain to survive. Narrated by Stranger Things’ Maya Hawke, it’s dark, immersive and surprisingly intimate.
Colin Farrell stars in this moody drama as a gambler in Macau, drowning in debt and desperate for a way out. When he’s offered a lifeline by the mysterious Dao Ming (Fala Chen), Farrell’s character finds himself drawn into a dangerous underworld. Private investigator Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) closes in, making every move tense and consequential.
The witcher Geralt of Rivia returns in a new season with a new actor: Liam Hemsworth takes over the role. After the chaos of the previous season, Geralt is separated from Yennefer and Ciri, forced to forge new alliances and face fresh threats as each pursues their own path. Expect the same dark fantasy, complex lore and high-stakes adventure fans love.
Netflix also adds plenty more shows and films beyond these headliners, including: Love Is Blind Season 9, Madam, Dark Winds, RIV4LRIES, Priscilla and Daddy’s Little Monster are among many joining the catalogue on 1 October. Other new additions throughout the month include BOO2! A Medea Halloween, Rockstar Duki: From The End Of The World, Old Money, Rulers Of Fortune, Selling Sunset Season 9, Amsterdam Empire and Breathless Season 2.
In the UK, Netflix is very widely available – you don’t need Sky or Virgin Media to watch it, although those bundles are convenient and can sometimes save you money. Here are the main ways you can stream Netflix:
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