As September — and the summer movie season — draws to a close, it's time to look ahead to the spooky goodness that October typically promises. At least, that's usually the case. This year, there are fewer big horror flicks releasing than we're accustomed to seeing around this time, seemingly replaced by smaller dramas and festival darlings.
That said, at least a couple of spooky flicks did make it onto our top five of the month, even if they were eclipsed by a certain sci-fi franchise installment. Joining them are a couple of awards hopefuls, including an acclaimed Dwayne Johnson starring vehicle and the latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone. Read on for the five most anticipated movies of October!
1. Tron: Ares
Release Date: October 10, 2025
What happens when the lines are blurred between the grid and the real world? In this new installment of the iconic sci-fi series, Ares (Jared Leto) plays a highly sophisticated A.I. computer program that crosses over into the human world on a dangerous mission. The setting seems to focus mostly on the real world rather than the grid that fans remember from Tron and Tron: Legacy. Though the cast is mostly comprised of new characters, we will get to see Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn one more time.
Release Date: October 17, 2025
The Grabber isn’t finished haunting audiences just yet. The 2022 breakout horror hit The Black Phone returns with its original cast, including Mason Thames and Ethan Hawke. This time around, The Grabber (Hawke) seeks revenge on Finn (Thames), the only child to survive his encounter with the villain, by terrorizing Finn's sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), who begins to receive menacing calls from the black phone in her dreams.
Release Date: October 3, 2025
The Smashing Machine follows MMA legend Mark Kerr as he rises to fame while battling intense personal struggles. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film promises a raw, emotional look into the cost of greatness. Starring Dwayne Johnson alongside Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader, it’s one of the year’s most anticipated dramas and has already received a Certified Fresh score on our Tomatometer.
4. Bugonia
Release Date: October 24, 2025
Emma Stone reunites with Academy Award-winning director Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things) and her Kinds of Kindness co-star Jesse Plemons in this fast-paced film that follows a high-profile CEO (Stone) who is abducted by conspiracy theorists who believe she is an alien destined to destroy the planet. Following Stone’s Oscar-winning performance in Poor Things, many fans suspect her role in Bugonia will generate a similar amount of award buzz.
5. Good Boy
Release Date: October 3, 2025
One of October’s most anticipated films, Good Boy follows Indy, a loyal dog who moves with his owner Todd into a creepy, long-abandoned country house. Indy quickly senses a dark presence that only he can see, as strange visions and ghostly warnings appear. When Todd starts falling under the house’s sinister influence, Indy must fight to save him from a deadly force.
