Most Anticipated Releases of October 2025
As the leaves turn and Halloween approaches, October 2025 promises a thrilling cinematic lineup. Whether you're craving edge-of-your-seat suspense or thought-provoking narratives, these films are generating major buzz. Below is a curated list of our most anticipated releases of the upcoming month:
The Smashing Machine (October 3, 2025): Directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24, this biographical sports drama stars Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, the iconic UFC champion and mixed martial arts pioneer. The film delves into Kerr's tumultuous rise to fame in the late 1990s, exploring his battles inside and outside the ring, including addiction and personal demons, with Emily Blunt co-starring as his wife Dawn Staples.
The Life of a Showgirl (October 3, 2025): This unique event film celebrates Taylor Swift's artistic journey, serving as an official release party for her latest project. It features the world premiere of the music video for "The Fate of..." alongside exclusive content, designed as a limited theatrical experience running from October 3 to 5. Fans can expect a blend of music, behind-the-scenes insights, and Swift's signature storytelling.
A House of Dynamite (October 10, 2025): Helmed by acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow, this tense political thriller examines the chaos following an unattributed missile strike on the United States. As government officials race to uncover the perpetrator and formulate a response, the story probes themes of global conflict, decision-making under pressure, and the fragility of international relations in a high-stakes narrative.
Tron: Ares (October 10, 2025): The long-awaited third installment in the Tron franchise, directed by Joachim Rønning, stars Jared Leto as Ares, a sophisticated program dispatched from the digital realm into the real world on a perilous mission. This sci-fi adventure marks humanity's first encounter with AI beings, featuring stunning visuals, high-octane action, and a supporting cast including Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jeff Bridges reprising his role.
Roofman (October 10, 2025): Based on the incredible true story of serial robber Jeffrey Manchester, this crime drama directed by Derek Cianfrance stars Channing Tatum in the titular role. The film follows a charismatic ex-con who masterminds over 60 McDonald's heists by entering through the roofs, only to face capture and redemption; Kirsten Dunst co-stars in a tale blending heist thrills with themes of reinvention and second chances.
After the Hunt (October 17, 2025): Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this psychological thriller features Julia Roberts as a college professor whose life unravels when a student accuses a colleague of misconduct, unearthing her own buried secrets. With a stellar ensemble including Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, and Michael Stuhlbarg, the film explores academia, truth, and personal reckoning in a gripping, character-driven story.
Black Phone 2 (October 17, 2025): Scott Derrickson returns to direct this horror sequel, picking up four years after the original with Ethan Hawke reprising his role as the sinister Grabber. The story follows young Finn as he confronts new supernatural terrors involving the infamous black phone, blending chilling suspense, ghostly elements, and emotional depth with returning cast members like Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw.
Good Fortune (October 17, 2025): Aziz Ansari's directorial debut is a comedic fantasy starring Keanu Reeves as a benevolent angel who swaps the lives of a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a wealthy investor (Seth Rogen). With Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh rounding out the cast, the film delivers laughs through themes of fate, inequality, and self-discovery in a feel-good, star-packed romp.
Bugonia (October 24, 2025): Yorgos Lanthimos directs this remake of the South Korean film Save the Green Planet!, starring Emma Stone as a powerful CEO kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists (Jesse Plemons and another) who believe she's an alien plotting Earth's doom. Blending dark comedy, sci-fi, and absurdity, it's a wild ride with Lanthimos' signature quirky style and thought-provoking twists.