The 7 best movies new to streaming in October 2023

The Halloween season is finally here, and that means we’ve got a whole slew of new movies and television to watch — spooktacular or otherwise. Whether you’re following along with our yearly countdown calendar or looking for the best horror movies on Netflix or other streaming services, we’ve got you covered. Aside from those, there’s a ton of exciting new films arriving on streaming this month.

There is a delay with the payment of The Dune Part Deux? We agree. At the very least, we can still watch the first installment of Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic now that it’s streaming on Netflix. Jordan Peele’s You’re OutMax, the original three Scream films, and the new release, is also available on Netflix.

Let’s dive in and see what this month has in store!

Editor’s pick

Dune

Warner Bros. Pictures

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 epic sci-fi opera about clashing noble houses vying for control of the universe’s most coveted resource is an extraordinary cinematic spectacle and the best adaptation of the series to date.

Set in the distant future, the film follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the scion of a powerful empire who, along with his father, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), is sent to live on the desert planet Arrakis to oversee the production and distribution of rare psychoactive spice. When the Atreides’ lifelong nemeses, the Harkonnens, led by the vicious Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård), ambush the family and lay siege to their army, Paul and his mother must flee the carnage and take refuge in the desert, where he discovers his role in a far grander destiny.

It was a huge success when it came out, but the WGA strike as well as the SAGAFTRA ongoing strike delayed its release to 2019. If you’re as bummed about the delay of The Dune Part Deux as I am, now’s the perfect opportunity to rewatch the first film in anticipation for the sequel’s premiere in March. —Toussaint Egan

Netflix Now Has New Content

You’re Out

Universal Pictures

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

What could possibly be said about Jordan Peele’s acclaimed directorial debut that hasn’t been said already? You’re Out was a revelation when it was released in 2017, reinventing Peele’s reputation from a successful comedian into a modern maestro of horror and delivering Daniel Kaluuya his breakthrough role into stardom.

This film tells the story of Chris, a talented young Black photographer and his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams), who drive to her parent’s home in Upstate New York with their white friend. Upon arriving, Chris realizes there’s more to this visit than meets the eye, as he’s thrust into a deadly situation that has him fighting not only for his freedom, but his very life. The horrifying twist to Guess Who’s Coming to DinnerBy way of Stepford Wives, You’re OutIt still feels as clever, innovative, and revolutionary in 2023, as when it was first released. It’s easily one of the best horror movies of the 2010s, and an auspicious debut for one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation. —TE

Hulu – New Releases

Stoker

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

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

Park Chan Wook is, to me, one of the greatest living filmmakers. I’m fond of even the “minor” works in his catalog. Stoker, his only English-language movie to date, is an eerie, atmospheric psychological thriller that’s a perfect fit for people who want to participate in spooky season without getting The same goes for the other way around. scared.

It’s India Stoker’s (Mia Wasikowska) 18th birthday. Dermot Mulroney, her father has passed away and Nicole Kidman has taken in his brother Matthew Goode. This is a Hitchcockian, gothic tale that’s full of sensory pleasure. Park’s images are always memorable, thanks to the score that creates an eerie ambience.

Wentworth Miller wrote the movie. Prison BreakFame for CW-verse, but under a false name. —Pete Volk

Max: New Features

Scream 1 – 3

Dimension Films

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

Scream is a franchise that has remained consistent over the years, and this includes horror. The first three are must-watches (the fourth, streaming on Peacock, also rules), and whether it’s for the first time or the 15th, they’re essential October viewing.

Even if you haven’t watched the franchise, you’re likely familiar with Scream’s meta nature, engaging directly with the tropes and expectations of the horror genre. It’s frankly remarkable that all that works without being cloying or annoying, but it’s a testament to the genius of Wes Craven, who went from directing some of the scariest movies of the 1970s and ’80s to interrogating the genre from within this series.

To parody a genre effectively, it takes someone who is a true master. It’s true diegetically and metatextually in Scream: The call is coming from inside the house. —PV

Prime Video has New Content

Crawl

Paramount Home Entertainment

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

Crawl This is an excellent slice of 90-minute action. After hearing about a major hurricane approaching, a college swimmer (Kaya scodelario), goes to her home in order to see how she and her father (Barry Pepper are doing). After she arrives, her dad is found unconscious in the house, which has been flooded, and alligators are surrounding her. She will need to use all her athletic abilities, wits and courage in order to save herself, her father and their dog.

Alexandre Aja’s masterclass in tension (Piranha 3D), Crawl is the kind of economical thriller we don’t get as often anymore. Scodelario shines as the determined swimmer Haley Keller, and the movie’s combination of practical effects and convincing VFX makes this one an immersive, taut, fun time at the movies. —PV