Netflix is gearing up for a packed October 2025 lineup, and while the streamer isn’t leaning heavily into the haunted season this year, it’s making up for it with gripping thrillers, high-stakes political dramas, and a mix of fan-favorite movies and series. From Ryan Murphy’s chilling third installment of Monster to Kathryn Bigelow’s highly anticipated A House of Dynamite, the month promises an engaging variety of fresh releases.
Whether you’re looking for edge-of-your-seat suspense, thought-provoking documentaries, or a lighthearted romantic comedy, here’s your guide to the best Netflix shows and movies in October 2025.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story (October 3)
Ryan Murphy returns with the third season of his true-crime anthology Monster. This season examines the disturbing story of Ed Gein, a 1950s murderer whose shocking crimes inspired some of Hollywood’s most infamous horror villains. Charlie Hunnam stars as Gein, with supporting roles played by Laurie Metcalf, Tom Hollander, and Olivia Williams. Like its predecessors, this series is bound to stir discussion about how crime stories are portrayed on screen.
Steve (October 3)
Academy Award-winner Cillian Murphy takes the lead in Steve, directed by Tim Mielants and adapted from Max Porter’s novella Shy. Murphy plays the headmaster of a reform school, a man grappling with both his own inner turmoil and the challenges of guiding troubled students. The performance has already generated critical buzz, positioning Steve as one of Netflix’s prestige releases this fall.
The Woman in Cabin 10 (October 10)
Based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, The Woman in Cabin 10 brings a classic psychological thriller to the screen. Keira Knightley stars as a journalist who, while on a luxury cruise, witnesses what she believes to be a murder. The catch? Every passenger is accounted for. With supporting performances from Guy Pearce, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Hannah Waddingham, this mystery is set to keep viewers guessing until the very end.
The Diplomat – Season 3 (October 16)
Political maneuvering intensifies in season three of The Diplomat. Following shocking revelations in season two, Grace Penn’s (Allison Janney) storyline escalates as she rises to the presidency, while Bradley Whitford joins the cast as her husband, now America’s first gentleman. Meanwhile, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) must navigate dangerous political secrets while her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) pushes for her elevation to vice president.
The Perfect Neighbor (October 17)
This powerful documentary examines the tragic 2023 shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens in Florida, which reignited nationwide debate over stand-your-ground laws. Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, The Perfect Neighbor uses bodycam footage and investigative reporting to piece together the events leading up to Owens’ death. The film sheds light on systemic racial tensions and neighborhood hostility, making it one of Netflix’s most socially relevant releases of the year.
Nobody Wants This – Season 2 (October 23)
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return for the second season of the acclaimed rom-com Nobody Wants This. The Emmy-nominated series follows podcaster Joanne and Rabbi Noah as they take the next steps in their unconventional relationship. Expect heartwarming humor, relatable relationship struggles, and a special guest appearance from Leighton Meester, continuing her well-received career resurgence.
A House of Dynamite (October 24)
Making her return to directing after 2017’s Detroit, Kathryn Bigelow delivers A House of Dynamite, a high-stakes political thriller that has already wowed festival audiences. The plot centers on a nuclear threat against Chicago, setting off a desperate race to discover the culprit before disaster strikes. Featuring Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Greta Lee, Jared Harris, and Tracy Letts, this release is positioned as one of Netflix’s major event films of the year.
Physical: Asia (October – Date TBD)
Netflix expands its popular Physical: 100 franchise with Physical: Asia. This time, the competition shifts from individual tests of endurance to team-based battles. Eight nations including Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey will send elite athletes to compete. Among the notable participants are boxing legend Manny Pacquiao for Team Philippines, UFC veteran Kim Dong-hyun for Team Korea, and Season 2 champion Amotti.
More Netflix Highlights in October 2025
Aside from the big premieres, Netflix is also rolling out a wide range of classics and hit movies. Some highlights include:
October 1
- Austin Powers trilogy
- Beverly Hills Cop trilogy
- The Goonies
- Hacksaw Ridge
- Training Day
- Scarface
October 3
- Monster: The Ed Gein Story
- Steve
October 10
- The Woman in Cabin 10
- Swim to Me
- Old Money
October 16–24
- The Diplomat Season 3 (Oct. 16)
- The Perfect Neighbor (Oct. 17)
- Nobody Wants This Season 2 (Oct. 23)
- A House of Dynamite (Oct. 24)
- Parish Season 1 (Oct.24)
October 25-31
- The Dream Life of Mr. Kim (Oct.25)
- The Asset (Oct.27)
- Dark Winds: Season 3 (Oct. 27)
- Sliding Doors (Oct. 27)
- Babo: The Haftbefehl Story (Oct. 28)
- Mo Amer: Wild World (Oct. 28)
- Nightmares of Nature: Lost in the Jungle (Oct. 28)
- Ballad of a Small Player (Oct. 29)
- NOS4A2: Seasons 1-2 (Oct. 29)
- Rulers of Fortune (Oct. 29)
- Selling Sunset: Season 9 (Oct. 29)
- Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers (Oct. 30)
- Amsterdam Empire (Oct. 30)
- Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will (Oct. 30)
- Son of a Donkey (Oct. 30)
- The Witcher: Season 4 (Oct. 30)
- Bad Influencer (Oct. 31)
- Breathless: Season 2 (Oct. 31)
- Rhythm + Flow France: Season 4 (Oct. 31)
Final Thoughts
October 2025 may not be the scariest month on Netflix, but it’s certainly one of the most suspenseful. With a mix of political drama, psychological thrillers, true-crime stories, and crowd-pleasing rom-coms, there’s something for every kind of viewer. Whether you’re queuing up Monster: The Ed Gein Story for Halloween chills or laughing your way through Nobody Wants This, Netflix’s October lineup ensures your watchlist will be overflowing.
