As a seasoned horror girly, October is one of my favourite months of the year. So, if you want to get into the spooky spirit or you're fanging an escape from the scares with some raunchy reality TV, we've got the perfect list of new shows and movies for October. 

The Best New Shows Coming To Streaming Platforms In October 2026

Carrie 

If you loved the movie versions of Carrie, as well as Stephen King's novel, then you'll absolutely froth Mike Flanagan's take on the chilling tale.

While the movies give viewers a sense of satisfaction — especially when it comes to the good ol' revenge part — Flanagan's eight-episode series dives deeper into its characters and all of the decisions that lead up to that devastating prom night. 

This Carrie also takes place in the 21st century, giving audiences that extra oomph when it comes to relatability and its ties to reality. 

Watch it on: Prime Video

Release date: October 7

East of Eden 

Based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel of the same name, East of Eden follows the generational drama of the Trask and Hamilton families in California’s Salinas Valley. From the cinematography to the star-studded cast, which features Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, and so much more, this seven-episode series is bound to keep you occupied this October. 

Watch it on: Netflix 

Release date: October 1

Aussie Shore (Season 3)

It's not October without a bit of chaos, amirite? Well, Aussie Shore is back for its third season, and while we've got a bunch of familiar faces returning, this year's season is extra special because we will be welcoming Tammy Hembrow as our new House Boss! Exciting!!! 

Watch it on: Paramount+ 

Release date: October 22 

Nobody Wants This (Season 3)

Breaking up the drama, the chaos and the spooks, Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) return for season three of beloved rom-com: Nobody Wants This. All ten episodes will be dropped at the same time, so you can binge all the buffoonery in one go OR stretch out the yearnalism. 

Watch it on: Netflix 

Release date: October 22

Crystal Lake 

Spearheading back into spooky territory, icon of my life Linda Cardellini will be taking on the incredibly terrifying role of Pamela Voorhees, the mother of hockey-mask-wearing, machete-wielding killer Jason Voorhees. This eight-episode series focuses on Pamela and the events that follow after Jason's drowning (spoiler alert for those who've yet to catch up on the Jason lore). 

Watch it on: Stan 

Release Date: October 16 

Coven Academy 

As someone who is a major American Horror Story: Coven fan, Coven Academy is the perfect fix — but just extremely more wholesome. Disney's Coven Academy follows three teenage witches as they navigate friendship, grief, and the pressure of their newfound powers. Think Hocus Pocus and Casper Meets Wendy vibes. 

Watch it on: Disney+ 

Release date: October 1

The Best New Films Coming In October 2026
 

Verity 

Based on Colleen Hoover's 2018 book of the same name, Verity is a psychological thriller starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. Just like Hoover's novel, the movie is jam-packed with twists, turns and revelations that'll make you second-guess your reality. 

In Australian cinemas: October 1

Street Fighter 

Pulling on nostalgia, Street Fighter is smashing its way to Aussie cinemas this October with a stacked cast that includes: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Jason Momoa, Eric Andrew and soooo much more. 

In Australian cinemas: October 15 

Primetime 

Primetime is a dramatic retelling of Chris Hansen's tenure on the iconic Dateline segment, To Catch A Predator. Starring Robert Pattinson, punters keen on this movie can take a seat at a theatre this October. 

In Australian cinemas: October 29 

Other Mommy 

For more nightmare fuel, cinephiles can head to Other Mommy, a supernatural horror movie in which a mother (Jessica Chastain) battles to protect her daughter from an entity that mimics her identity AKA Other Mommy. 

It's like if Coraline crossed the line into pure horror. 

In Australian cinemas: October 8

The Social Reckoning 

The Social Reckoning — starring Mikey Madison, Jeremy Strong and Jeremy Allen White — is a remarkable retelling of how Facebook's shady secrets were brought to light thanks to Frances Haugen, a Facebook engineer, and Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street journalist. 

In Australian cinemas: October 8 

Wildwood 

From the same animation studio that brought us Coraline, Wildwood is a mesmerising stop-motion dark fantasy film that's based on Colin Meloy's 2011 book of the same name. It follows two teens, Prue and Curtis, as they venture into a magical forest to rescue Prue's baby brother, who was kidnapped. Honestly, I'm just taken aback by the trailer; it is gorgeous and one to watch! 

In Australian cinemas: October 22 

Whalefall 

Last month, we had Austin Abrams in Resident Evil. Now, we have him in Whalefall. In this suspense-fuelled movie, we follow Jay, a scuba diver, who is on a mission to find his father's remains. However, shit hits the fan once he gets swallowed by a sperm whale. With only one hour of oxygen left, Jay must escape the whale. 

It's giving claustrophobia, thalassophobia, and everything in between. I am sat. 

In Australian cinemas: October 15