After last week’s TV show-heavy recommendations list, it’s time to turn the spotlight on a whole host of new movies that have landed on the world’s best streaming services.
Indeed, in a role reversal of our previous ‘what to watch this weekend’ article, we’ve picked out five seemingly great films that are worth checking out before Monday rolls around. And, don’t worry, TV fans – we’ve catered for you, too, with a couple of new TV series that horror and sports-comedy fans will enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in! – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Netflix)
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Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan are back with a third installment in their chilling Netflix anthology series. They’ve previously covered Jeffrey Dahmer and Lyle and Erik Menendez, and now the spotlight is on Ed Gein.
For those unaware, Gein was a convicted serial killer who served as inspiration for titles like The Silence of the Lambs, aka one of the best horror movies, and this show dramatizes some of the horrific crimes he committed.
Sons of Anarchy‘s Charlie Hunnam plays Gein, while Laurie Metcalf portrays Gein’s mother. Other big names like Tom Hollander and Lesley Manville round out the cast, and this seems like the perfect chilling tale for spooky season. – Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writer
Play Dirty (Prime Video)
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While Mark Wahlberg headlining a new action-comedy might not be the biggest reason to stream Play Dirty Shane Black’s involvement could change your mind. The director is behind some of the best high-octane comedies around, such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys, so his name alone should promise a fun Friday night watch.
Unfortunately, not even Black’s signature mix of crime and Christmas looks to be enough to save the Prime Video flick, with early reviews proving divisive. That’s a real shame because its story about robbers stealing from robbers draws from Donald E. Westlake’s beloved Parker crime novels, which have a proven track record with adaptations like the acclaimed 1973 caper The Outfit.
Still, I’d say Play Dirty is one of October’s new Prime Video movies that’s worth streaming, if only to decide for yourself whether Wahlberg and Black pull it off. – Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor
Chad Powers (Hulu/Disney+)
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You think of Glen Powell and you likely think of a chiseled action hero who’s making some incredibly shrewd decisions in the industry (come on, the man’s everywhere). Thanks to Chad Powers, you now get to think about a footballing has-been who disguises himself in order to play at a high school level.
Totally normal decisions being made here but, retroactively, it’s a good look for Powell. He’s one of the sports-comedy’s executive producer and its show’s lead star, and that only further sets him up as an A-lister following in Tom Cruise’s footsteps.
What’s more, the Hulu and Disney+ show is the hit of dumb fun we need, and it’s so well-rounded that a second season already looks to be a shoo-in. Powell’s performance is pitch perfect, too. – Jasmine Valentine, entertainment reporter
Steve (Netflix)
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Based on Max Porter’s 2023 novella ‘Shy’, one of October’s new Netflix movies puts Cillian Murphy front and center of a potentially tear-jerking drama that’ll strike a chord with some viewers.
Steve sees Murphy portray the titular character, who’s the headteacher and sole remaining tutor of a run-down school for boys with societal and behavioural issues. Jay Lycurgo (Titans), who plays Shy, is one of the students that Steve attempts to mentor as the stricken educational institution battles to stay open amid an increasing dire financial situation.
Steve won’t be for everyone but, thanks to Murphy’s towering performance and its topical subject matter, it’s sure to be one of many people’s favorite Netflix movies of 2025. – TP
Bring Her Back (HBO Max)
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Leading my recommendations for 8 new horror movies to stream in October 2025 is Bring Her Back, the second horror movie by the Philippou brothers that makes its streaming debut on HBO Max this weekend.
Bring Her Back follows two step-siblings who find themselves orphaned and placed in the middle of an occult ritual by their new foster mother, played by Sally Hawkins. Based on its healthy 89% Rotten Tomatoes critical score, it’s well worth checking out. – LB
The Lost Bus (Apple TV+)
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This week’s second big action filmmaker with a new high-stakes release is Paul Greengrass, best known for The Bourne franchise. Like his previous true-story dramas United 93 and Captain Phillips, this movie is a real-life event that’s been turned into a gripping screenplay for Apple TV+.
The Lost Bus, which is just one of nine new Apple TV+ movies and shows in October, sees Matthew McConaughey star as the heroic Kevin McKay, a bus driver who along with two teachers saved 22 children during California’s devastating 2018 Camp Fire.
With its mix of real-life stakes and blockbuster intensity, the disaster thriller plays like a fiery spin on the ’90s action classic Speed, but with an authenticity that promises an even more nerve-racking ride. – AS
Honey, Don’t! (Peacock)
![HONEY DON'T! - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters August 22 - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Jzr6pHIZAI0/maxresdefault.jpg)
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I’m going to need to you to ignore all the reviews and stream Honey ,Don’t! on Peacock at your earliest convenience. Reason number one: Margaret Qualley. Reason number two: Aubrey Plaza. Reason number three: them playing each others’ romantic interests. (Reason number four is Marvel alumnus Chris Evans, who plays another slimy character in this Ethan Coen vehicle!).
It’s a twist on the old-school style of bachelor lad we’ve come to know and dubiously question onscreen, and it’s an intense all-female portrayal. At only 90 minutes, we’ve got plenty of subplots packed in, and visually striking ones at that. Coen brothers fans should lap this one up. – JV
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