10 Most Anticipated Movies Of October 2025

As autumn deepens and Halloween approaches, October 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months for film lovers in years. From chilling horror sequels to big-budget sci-fi spectacles and hard-hitting dramas, the slate of releases has something for everyone. Audiences can expect a mix of franchise continuations, fresh stories, and bold reimaginings, each one carrying the potential to be unforgettable. Here are the 10 most anticipated movies of October 2025 and what makes each one worth looking forward to.

The Smashing Machine

This biographical sports drama stars Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter whose life was defined by both his brutal victories in the ring and his personal struggles outside of it. The film dives deep into Kerr’s journey from being one of the most feared fighters in the world to battling addiction and the toll of fame on his relationships.

Early buzz praises Johnson for delivering his most vulnerable performance yet, a far cry from his usual action-hero roles. By blending raw physical sequences with an intimate portrait of addiction and resilience, the film promises an emotional knockout that appeals to both sports fans and audiences drawn to complex character studies.

TRON: Ares

The long-awaited third installment in the TRON franchise brings audiences back into the digital frontier. Jared Leto stars as Ares, a program created to cross into the human world, leading to a conflict between artificial life and mankind. Plot details tease a high-concept exploration of AI, technology, and what it means to be human.

Fans can expect stunning visuals and neon-drenched cyber landscapes that expand on the franchise’s iconic aesthetic. With director Joachim Rønning at the helm and groundbreaking VFX, TRON: Ares could be both a spiritual successor to the cult classics and a major cinematic event on its own.

After the Hunt

Set in the aftermath of a startling betrayal, this psychological thriller follows a woman forced to confront dark secrets after discovering a shocking truth about her closest confidant. With a narrative that unfolds like a tense puzzle, audiences are taken on an unsettling journey through obsession, deception, and survival.

The film blends elements of suspenseful mystery with character-driven drama, offering both heart-pounding moments and emotional weight. As the layers unravel, viewers may find themselves questioning allegiances and moral lines, making it one of the most talked-about thrillers of the season.

Kiss of the Spider Woman

This adaptation of the classic stage play and novel reimagines the story for a modern audience. It takes place in a South American prison, where two cellmates—a political prisoner and a gay man imprisoned for his sexuality—forge a complicated friendship. Through storytelling and fantasy, they escape their harsh reality, leading to revelations about their identities and struggles.

The film explores themes of love, oppression, and resilience with lyrical intensity. With powerful performances expected from its leads, it’s not only a poignant drama but also a visually imaginative piece that blends stark prison life with the world of cinematic escapism.

Black Phone 2

The chilling horror sequel builds upon Scott Derrickson’s hit supernatural thriller. Set years after the original, the story once again revolves around the terrifying “Grabber” legacy. A new protagonist finds themselves haunted by phone calls from beyond, revealing disturbing truths that connect to the first film’s events.

Promising deeper mythology and scares more intense than before, Black Phone 2 uses psychological dread as much as supernatural shocks. Horror fans anticipating a mix of suspense, mystery, and spine-tingling jump scares will no doubt have this firmly on their must-see list.

Play Dirty

This neo-noir crime thriller stars Mark Wahlberg in a gritty tale of betrayal and redemption. Wahlberg plays a heist mastermind pulled back into the underworld after vowing to leave it behind. But when a volatile job goes wrong, the stakes grow deadlier, and survival becomes a game of loyalty and wit.

Packed with high-octane action and morally gray characters, Play Dirty has the potential to become a throwback to old-school gangster thrillers with a modern edge. Its dark tone combined with Wahlberg’s sharp, brooding energy is likely to make it a standout release this October.

Bone Lake

This horror mystery is set against the eerie backdrop of a remote lake town plagued by urban legends. The plot revolves around a group of friends who uncover horrifying secrets buried in the water after a mysterious disappearance. As they dig deeper, the myths begin to feel terrifyingly real.

Dark, atmospheric, and steeped in folklore-like horror, Bone Lake looks tailored for October chills. With its isolated setting and psychological tension, it promises to be equal parts frightening ghost story and gripping detective mystery.

Stitch Head

Based on Guy Bass’s beloved children’s book, Stitch Head tells the macabre yet heartwarming tale of a small creature sewn together by a mad scientist. Lonely and longing for friendship, Stitch Head steps away from the shadows of the laboratory into a world that is far less kind than he imagined.

With a whimsical mix of gothic charm and emotional storytelling, the film is expected to resonate with both kids and adults. Think of it as a modern, quirky fairy tale exploring themes of belonging, identity, and acceptance just in time for Halloween season.

Violent Ends

This gritty ensemble drama weaves together multiple characters’ stories, all connected by a single violent incident. Structured as an interlocking narrative, it delves into how one act of brutality ripples outward, changing lives and forcing characters to confront choices and consequences.

Unflinching and intense, Violent Ends embraces moral ambiguity and thematic complexity. With its bold commentary on cycles of violence and revenge, audiences should expect a hard-hitting drama that sparks debate long after the credits roll.

Anniversary

A haunting psychological horror set during a lavish family gathering meant to celebrate a milestone anniversary, this film slowly twists into a nightmare as suppressed tensions come boiling to the surface. Strange occurrences and deadly secrets unravel, turning the celebration into a night of terror.

With its blend of family drama and supernatural dread, Anniversary promises both atmospheric chills and thematic weight. Claustrophobic, mysterious, and expertly timed with the Halloween season, it might just become this month’s ultimate haunted-house style experience.