The 7 movies new to streaming in October 2023

Indulge in October’s Spine-Tingling Streaming Delights: From Denis Villeneuve’s Epic ‘Dune’ to Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ and More

The Halloween season is upon us, and with it comes a fresh wave of movies and television shows to enjoy—whether they’re spine-tingling or not. Whether you’re tracking our annual countdown calendar or on the hunt for the finest horror films on Netflix and other streaming platforms, we’ve got you covered. In addition to those, a multitude of exciting new movies are making their streaming debut this month.

Feeling a bit disappointed about the delay of ‘Dune: Part Two’? Us too. But fear not, because you can now catch the first installment of Denis Villeneuve’s epic sci-fi saga on Netflix. Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ has also landed on Netflix just in time for the season, and if you’re a fan of the ‘Scream’ franchise, you’ll be delighted to know that the first three movies are now available to stream on Max.

Let’s jump right in and explore what October has in store for us!

Editor’s pick

Dune

Year: 2021
Genre: Sci-fi epic
Run time: 2h 35m
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac

Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sweeping sci-fi epic, which delves into the power struggles among noble houses competing for control of the universe’s most prized resource, stands as a cinematic masterpiece. It’s hailed as the finest interpretation of the series thus far.

In a future that seems light-years away, the narrative centers on Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), scion of a powerful empire. Alongside his father, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), and mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), he is dispatched to the arid world of Arrakis. Their mission: overseeing the production and distribution of the precious psychoactive spice. However, their sworn enemies, the Harkonnens, led by the ruthless Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård), launch a brutal attack on the Atreides family and besiege their forces. Fleeing the chaos, Paul and his mother find refuge in the unforgiving desert, where he begins to unravel his role in an even greater destiny.

Initially slated for release in 2023, the sequel to Dune was eagerly anticipated by fans before being postponed due to the WGA strike and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. If, like me, you’re feeling disappointed about the delay of Dune: Part Two, now is the perfect moment to revisit the first installment in preparation for the sequel’s highly awaited premiere in March. —Toussaint Egan

New on Netflix

Get Out

Year: 2017
Genre: Psychological horror
Run time: 1h 44m
Director: Jordan Peele
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford

What can be said about Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking directorial debut, “Get Out,” that hasn’t already been uttered? When it graced screens in 2017, it marked a turning point in Peele’s career, transforming him from a successful comedian into a modern master of horror and propelling Daniel Kaluuya into the spotlight with a career-defining role.

The movie revolves around Chris (played by Kaluuya), a young Black man and skilled photographer who embarks on a journey with his white girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), to visit her parents at their upstate New York home. Upon arrival, Chris quickly realizes that this visit holds sinister secrets, thrusting him into a life-threatening situation where he must fight not only for his freedom but for his very survival. “Get Out” is a chilling and ingenious twist on the classic “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” infused with elements reminiscent of “The Stepford Wives.” Even in 2023, the film retains its wit, innovation, and revelatory power, solidifying its status as one of the finest horror movies of the 2010s. It stands as an impressive debut for Peele, establishing him as one of the most gifted filmmakers of his generation. —TE

New on Hulu

Stoker

Year: 2013
Genre: Horror thriller
Run time: 1h 39m
Director: Park Chan-wook
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Nicole Kidman

Park Chan-wook, one of the foremost contemporary filmmakers in my book, has left an indelible mark with his cinematic oeuvre. Even his so-called ‘minor’ works hold a special place in my heart. Among these gems is ‘Stoker,’ his sole foray into English-language cinema. This film stands as an eerie and atmospheric psychological thriller, offering the perfect cinematic treat for those who wish to embrace the spirit of the spooky season without delving into the realm of sheer terror.

The story revolves around India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska) on her 18th birthday, a day overshadowed by her father’s recent demise. To compound matters, her mother (Nicole Kidman) introduces her father’s enigmatic younger brother (Matthew Goode) into their household. What unfolds is a Hitchcockian gothic fairy tale, a sensory journey brimming with visual and auditory delights. The film’s haunting score strikes just the right chords to cultivate its eerie ambiance, while Park’s directorial prowess ensures a tapestry of unforgettable images.

A curious tidbit for fans of trivia: ‘Stoker’ was penned by none other than Wentworth Miller, known for his roles in ‘Prison Break’ and the CW-verse, albeit under a pseudonym. —Pete Volk

New on Max

Scream 1-3

Year: 1996 (Scream); 1997 (Scream 2); 2000 (Scream 3)
Genre: Slasher horror
Run time: 1h 51m (Scream); 2h (Scream 2); 1h 56m (Scream 3)
Director: Wes Craven
Cast: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox

The Scream franchise has consistently delivered thrilling horror, making it a must-watch series. The first three films are essential viewing (and the fourth, available on Peacock, is also a standout). Whether you’re experiencing these movies for the first time or the fifteenth, they are perfect for your October movie list.

Even if you haven’t delved into the franchise before, you’re likely familiar with Scream’s unique meta approach, as it directly engages with the conventions and expectations of the horror genre. What’s truly remarkable is how it accomplishes this without becoming gimmicky or irritating. This is a testament to the genius of Wes Craven, who transitioned from directing some of the most terrifying films of the 1970s and ’80s to deconstructing the genre from within this very series.

Parodying a genre effectively requires a masterful touch, and Scream achieves this both within its narrative and metatextually. In Scream, the call is coming from inside the house, showcasing the series’ clever and innovative storytelling. —PV

New on Prime Video

Crawl

Year: 2019
Genre: Horror thriller
Run time: 1h 27m
Director: Alexandre Aja
Cast: Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper, Morfydd Clark

Crawl” is a meticulously crafted rollercoaster of tension, clocking in at just under 90 minutes. The story follows a college swimmer, portrayed by Kaya Scodelario, who rushes back home upon learning of an impending hurricane threatening her father, played by Barry Pepper. Upon arrival, she discovers her unconscious father, a flooding house, and the ominous presence of alligators. In a heart-pounding struggle for survival, she must rely on her athletic prowess, quick thinking, and unwavering bravery to ensure her family’s safety, including their faithful dog.

Directed by Alexandre Aja, known for his work on “Piranha 3D,” “Crawl” exemplifies the art of tension-building in cinema. It’s a rare gem in today’s cinematic landscape—a thriller that maximizes every minute. Kaya Scodelario delivers a standout performance as the resilient swimmer, Haley Keller. The film’s seamless blend of practical effects and convincing visual effects engulfs viewers in an immersive and gripping cinematic experience. “Crawl” is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat adventure that guarantees a fun time at the movies. —PV

Quick summary

• Introduction to the Halloween Season: The article opens by acknowledging the arrival of the Halloween season and the excitement it brings for new movies and TV shows, whether they are scary or not. It mentions that the article will cover a variety of options for viewers.
• Notable Streaming Releases: The article proceeds to highlight several notable streaming releases. It mentions that “Dune,” the sci-fi epic directed by Denis Villeneuve, is available on Netflix. Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking horror film “Get Out” is also highlighted as a new addition to the Netflix library. Additionally, it mentions that the first three “Scream” movies are available to stream on Max, and it provides information about the unique meta approach of the franchise.
• Featured Movie Recommendations: The article features specific movies available on different streaming platforms. It discusses “Dune” in detail, describing its plot and praising it as a cinematic masterpiece. “Get Out” is also given special attention, with a focus on its impact and significance in the horror genre. “Stoker” is mentioned as an atmospheric psychological thriller available on Hulu, and its unique qualities are highlighted. Finally, it talks about the tension-filled thriller “Crawl,” which is available on Prime Video, offering insights into its plot and filmmaking techniques.
• Conclusion: The article concludes by summarizing the key points about each of the featured movies and their availability on various streaming platforms. It provides readers with a well-rounded overview of movie options to consider for the Halloween season.