A wide variety of new entertainment is arriving on streaming platforms and in theaters from October 23 to 25. Viewers can choose between cozy romantic comedies, intense action thrillers, and dark horror films as the fall season progresses.
What are the top new movies and shows to watch this weekend?
Streaming services are debuting several highly anticipated titles. Major highlights include:
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- Nobody Wants This (Season 3): The Netflix romantic comedy continues the story of Joanne and Noah as they navigate moving in together and religious conversion.
- The Terminal List (Season 2): Chris Pratt returns for an action-filled mission on Prime Video.
- Lupin (Season 4): The French heist series returns to Netflix.
- The Invite: An A24 comedy about a tense dinner party is now available on HBO Max.
- Moana: Disney's live-action remake of the animated adventure is streaming on Disney Plus.
Which films are hitting theaters?
For those heading to the cinema, several different genres are represented. James Gunn’s DC Cinematic Universe expands with Clayface, a body-horror origin story involving a disfigured actor. Fans of animation can see Wildwood, a stop-motion dark fantasy from Laika, or the children's horror film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. Additionally, the three-hour documentary You Can See Everything, featuring Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, is available to watch.
What is the context for this release cycle?
This wave of entertainment arrives during a busy period for North American audiences. Major sporting events are currently capturing attention, including the 2026 World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, as well as the WNBA Finals featuring the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries.
Furthermore, the industry continues to see a heavy reliance on established brands. While some viewers seek out original stories like the documentary on Elizabeth Holmes, others are engaging with Disney's strategy of releasing live-action remakes. Critics have noted that some of these remakes, such as the new Moana, can feel like a "glossy digital clone" of the original material, yet they remain significant commercial drivers for the studio.
Why does the variety matter?
With major sports and various genre-specific releases occurring simultaneously, the diverse selection of new movies and shows to watch this weekend allows audiences to find content that fits their specific moods. Whether looking for a cozy rom-com or a "gnarly and dark" superhero story, there is significant choice across digital and theatrical platforms.
