22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen, I must say that October is shaping up to be quite the exciting month for us film enthusiasts!


As we step into October, it’s undeniably the start of Halloween movie season, and I can’t wait to join in the spooky festivities! Streaming platforms are really getting into the spirit, offering a mix of brand-new horror productions and the premieres of this year’s most anticipated scary films.

If you’re not into horror, there’s still an abundance of fresh content across platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and others to engage you. Coming soon on Netflix is a new romantic comedy titled “Lonely Planet,” starring Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth. On the other hand, two highly anticipated family-friendly blockbusters, “Despicable Me 4” and “Kung Fu Panda 4,” will be premiering on Peacock and Netflix respectively, promising a massive audience draw.

Have a look at the comprehensive list showcased here, featuring the top movies set to premiere on streaming services this coming October.

    Despicable Me 4 (Oct. 31 on Peacock)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    The fourth installment of ‘Despicable Me’ is set to invade Halloween with a streaming debut on Peacock on October 31st, following the animated film’s impressive $954 million earnings at global box offices this summer. The return of Steve Carell as Gru, everyone’s beloved former supervillain-turned-hero, sees him defending his family, including his newborn (Gru Jr.), from a new foe causing chaos worldwide. Joining Steve in the voice cast are Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofía Vergara, Dana Gaier, and Will Ferrell.

    Maxxxine (Oct. 18 on Max)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    This month, Ti West and Mia Goth’s “Maxxxine” premieres on Max, following a successful summer run that earned $15 million domestically and $22 million globally. This film concludes the horror trilogy they started with “X” and “Pearl.” In “Maxxxine,” set in ’80s Hollywood, adult film star Maxine Minx aims to transition into acting but faces challenges due to a sinister killer who targets Hollywood starlets. The cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon.

    Trap (Oct. 25 on Max)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    This month, M. Night Shyamalan’s suspenseful film “Trap” premieres on Max. It raked in $42 million domestically and an additional $82 million globally this summer at the box office. Josh Hartnett plays a notorious killer, accompanied by his daughter, who attends a pop concert starring Seleka Shyamalan (the director’s own daughter). However, they find themselves in a trap as the venue is swarming with undercover police officers and FBI agents, all waiting to apprehend him. The film generated significant debate among audiences, making it one of the more divisive studio releases this summer. Ariel Donoghue, Hayley Mills, and Allison Pill also appear in the movie.

    Inside Out 2 (Disney+)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    Disney Plus is set to see record-breaking streaming numbers for “Inside Out 2” this October, as it garnered an impressive 30.5 million views in its first five days of release at the end of September. This sequel broke box office records this summer by earning a staggering $1.6 billion worldwide, making it not only Pixar’s highest-grossing film but also the biggest animated movie ever made. Throughout the month, expect massive viewership as audiences flock to see Joy (Amy Poehler) and the other emotions from the original movie grapple with new feelings triggered by puberty and teenage turmoil inside Riley’s now-teenage brain.

    Oddity (Shudder)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    Horror standout of the year, ‘Oddity,’ is now streaming on Shudder, perfect for your Halloween movie marathon. In a previous review, EbMaster praised it as a ‘surprisingly humorous yet genuinely chilling haunted-house horror.’

    From my perspective,

    Salem’s Lot (Oct. 3 on Max)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    This month, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be diving into the chilling world of “Salem’s Lot,” Warner Bros.’ long-awaited adaptation of Stephen King’s classic novel, available exclusively on Max. Directed by Gary Dauberman, who penned the script for “Annabelle,” this film sees Lewis Pullman stepping into the shoes of a successful writer returning to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot to pen his next masterpiece. However, things take a sinister turn when an ancient vampire rises, using Richard Straker, played by Pilou Asbæk, as a tool to transform the townsfolk into the undead. As the number of victims grows, our writer and his human allies find themselves in a desperate battle for survival. The film also features Makenzie Leigh, Bill Camp, and Alfre Woodard in supporting roles. Can’t wait to see this one unfold!

    Caddo Lake (Oct. 10 on Max)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    Coming this month exclusively on Max, the original horror movie “Caddo Lake,” directed by Celine Held and Logan George, with M. Night Shyamalan as a producer. Leading the cast is Dylan O’Brien. The plot, as revealed by Max, goes like this: “An 8-year-old girl’s disappearance sets off a chain of events connecting past deaths and vanishings, rewriting the history of a troubled family.” The supporting actors include Eliza Scanlen, Diana Hopper, Caroline Falk, Sam Hennings, Eric Lange, and Lauren Ambrose. Alongside “Caddo Lake,” another Shyamalan-supported film, his summer project “Trap,” is also premiering on Max in October.

    The Platform 2 (Oct. 4 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    This month, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Spanish dystopian thriller “The Platform,” produced by Netflix, will be released. Original director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia is back with a fresh cast, including Hovik Keuchkerian and Milena Smit, for another exploration of the “Vertical Self-Management Center” prison facility. In this massive prison, a floating platform distributes food to its inhabitants on a regular basis, with two people residing on each level. The original film has become one of Netflix’s most watched Spanish titles, amassing 82.8 million views, so there is much anticipation for the sequel.

    It’s What’s Inside (Oct. 4 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    It’s likely that Netflix is anticipating a significant success for the horror film “It’s What’s Inside” this month, as they spent $17 million to acquire it at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year. The movie, written and directed by Greg Jardin, revolves around a group of friends who are hosting a pre-wedding party that takes a dark turn when they begin playing a strange body-swapping game, which uncovers buried secrets, desires, and resentments among them. The cast features Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, and David Thompson.

    The Menendez Brothers (Oct. 7 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    Thanks to Ryan Murphy’s “Monsters” series on Netflix, there has been renewed curiosity about convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez. Now, these brothers will have a chance to share their side of the story through Netflix’s upcoming documentary titled “The Menendez Brothers.

    In a refreshing take, Netflix’s summary for “The Menendez Brothers” explains: “Back in 1996, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents, an event that captivated the nation during the latter part of the 20th century. Now, after three decades, both siblings share their unique insights about this sensational trial through extensive conversations. Renowned Argentinian director Alejandro Hartmann weaves together these interviews along with input from trial lawyers, journalists, jurors, family members, and other experts to provide a fresh perspective on a case that many believe they understand.

    Lonely Planet (Oct. 11 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    In October, when many prefer to stream horror movies, Netflix isn’t holding back on offering a fresh romantic comedy with the star-studded pairing of Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth. This heartwarming movie, titled “Lonely Planet,” is penned by Susannah Grant and directed by her. In this film, Laura Dern portrays a writer in search of inspiration for her upcoming book during a retreat in Morocco. It’s there that she encounters a young man (Hemsworth) and embarks on a passionate love affair that significantly transforms her life. Speaking about the movie, Dern expressed that the relationship between the younger character and the established writer intrigued her because it goes beyond romance; it delves into finding someone who truly sees and comprehends you, which is something universal and relatable to all of us humans.

    Woman of the Hour (Oct. 18 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    In her directorial first, Anna Kendrick presents the gripping Netflix thriller “Woman of the Hour,” inspired by real events and set to captivate true-crime enthusiasts this month. The series finds Kendrick as a contestant on “The Dating Game” in 1978, choosing Rodney Alcala as her potential suitor. Alcala, who passed away in prison in 2021 and was responsible for the deaths of at least eight individuals, is revealed to be a serial killer suspected of over a hundred victims. Fortunately, Cheryl Bradshaw, the “Dating Game” contestant portrayed by Kendrick, never went on a date with Alcala, as he had already been convicted of being a sex offender beforehand. Daniel Zovatto takes on the role of the killer, who disguised himself as a photographer in Los Angeles to snap pictures of his victims. Joining the cast are Tony Hale and Nicolette Robinson.

    Kung Fu Panda 4 (Oct. 21 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    In January, “Kung Fu Panda 4” premiered on Peacock following its massive $549 million earnings at global box offices. This month, it’s moving to Netflix where it’s expected to become a major success for the streaming platform. Jack Black lends his voice again to the lead character Po, who must locate and mentor a new protégé to combat an evil sorceress aiming to seize the kung-fu powers of China’s masters. The film’s ensemble cast also features Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Dustin Hoffman and Viola Davis.

    Don’t Move (Oct. 25 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    From producer Sam Raimi comes “Don’t Move,” a Netflix original thriller that could be one of the streamer’s late October surprises. The official synopsis reads: “A grieving woman hoping to find solace deep in an isolated forest encounters a stranger who injects her with a paralytic agent. As the agent gradually takes over her body, she must run, hide, and fight for her life before her entire nervous system shuts down.” The film stars Kelsey Asbille, Finn Wittrock, Moray Treadwell and Daniel Francis.

    Martha (Oct. 30 on Netflix)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    In recent times, R.J. Cutler has gained recognition for his documentaries featuring music legends Elton John (“Elton John: Never Too Late”) and Billie Eilish (“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry”). Now, he shifts his focus to pop culture sensation Martha Stewart, starring in the new Netflix documentary titled “Martha”. This film offers revealing conversations with Stewart herself, as she delves into her personal archives to unveil never-before-seen images, letters, and diary entries from her illustrious career.

    Cutler shared with Netflix that as I delved deeper into Martha’s life, it grew increasingly apparent to me that she was a multi-layered individual riddled with numerous internal struggles and paradoxes. The more I uncovered about her, the more eager I became to explore her narrative even further.

    Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (Oct. 25 on Disney+ and Hulu)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    “World Tour Chronicles: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band” showcases the band’s upcoming 2023-2024 world tour, presenting footage from rehearsals, behind-the-scenes moments, and discussions with Springsteen as he plans the setlist. This project serves as an addition to Springsteen’s existing autobiographical works such as his memoir “Born to Run,” the live performance and documentary “Springsteen on Broadway,” and the films “Western Stars” and “Letter to You.” The documentary is helmed by Thom Zimny, a long-standing collaborator with Springsteen, who also directed “Western Stars” and “Springsteen on Broadway.

    The Last of the Sea Women (Oct. 11 on Apple TV+)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    “The Last of the Sea Women” – A Documentary Streaming Now Exclusively on Apple TV+

    Didi (Oct. 4 on Peacock)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Sean Wang’s movie “Didi” was one of the most successful debuts and received the U.S. dramatic audience award. It made $4.8 million for Focus Features at the summer box office. The film tells the story of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy in the final days of summer before starting high school, who navigates through the challenges of adolescence and first love while making new skater friends, arguing with his older sister, and gaining a deeper understanding of his mother. According to critics, “Wang skillfully combines his natural comedic flair with insightful observations on how he grappled with defining his own identity as a teenager. Despite being part of the crowded teen-movie genre, ‘Dìdi’ stands out as an impressive introduction.

    The Beast Within (Oct. 25 on Hulu)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    In “The Beast Within,” a mystery-horror thriller directed by Alexander J. Farrell, Kit Harington takes on the role of a werewolf. The story revolves around a family grappling with a haunting and supernatural ancestral secret. As stated in EbMaster’s review, “The Beast Within” is a chilling tale of a hereditary supernatural curse. It boasts a well-constructed narrative, with a relatively small scale production that profited from being filmed primarily in the historic Harewood Woods and Castle in West Yorkshire. In addition to Harington, the cast includes Ashleigh Cummings, James Cosmo, and Martina McClements.

    Ezra (Oct. 28 on Paramount+)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    “Ezra” – Directed by Tony Goldwyn, this heartfelt father-son drama follows Bobby Cannavale as a father embarking on a transformative road trip with his autistic son. Robert De Niro lends his talents as the granddad in this journey. The film’s authenticity, despite some predictable elements, lies in its message: helping children with special needs isn’t about discovering a magic solution; it’s about embracing them for who they are and sharing yourself with them.

    ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! (Oct. 2 on Paramount+)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    As a die-hard cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that this month, we’ll get a glimpse behind the scenes with “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!,” a documentary about my childhood favorites, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, as they breathe new life into the legendary Casa Bonita Mexican restaurant in suburban Denver. This iconic eatery boasts waterfalls, cliff divers, marionettes, and even haunted caves! You might recognize it from a 2003 episode of “South Park.” In this documentary, we’ll journey through the tale of what was once dubbed the ‘Disneyland of Mexican restaurants.’ The creators are on a mission to salvage a piece of their youth that’s seen better days. However, their journey is fraught with challenges and they ponder whether their endeavor can truly succeed.

    Brothers (Oct. 17 on Prime Video)

    22 Best Movies New to Streaming in October: ‘Despicable Me 4,’ ‘Trap,’ ‘Maxxxine’ and More

    In a fresh take on the “Twins” concept, debut director Max Barbakow presents Prime Video’s original comedy “Brothers,” starring Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin. Brolin portrays a reformed criminal whose efforts to maintain a law-abiding life are disrupted when his twin brother (Dinklage) compels him on a transcontinental road trip to settle an old score. As described by Prime Video, the duo must navigate bullets, the law, and an overbearing mother while mending their fractured family bond before they come to harm one another. The supporting cast includes Taylour Paige, M. Emmet Walsh, Jennifer Landon, Brendan Fraser, and Glenn Close.

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2024-10-04 23:49