10 Best New Films & TV Shows to Watch in October 2023

Our Flag Means Death was a breakout hit when its first season debuted in March 2022 on HBO Max. The period comedy series, set in the 18th century, follows wealthy landowner-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet as he and his crew sail the seas, struggle with near-death experiences, and create lasting bonds together. 

Marvel's Kraven the Hunter tells the backstory of who will eventually become one of the franchise's most iconic villains. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars in the action-packed film alongside Russell Crowe and Ariana DeBose. Taking place long before his vendetta against Spider-Man, Kraven (also known as Sergei Kravinoff) explores the development of his hunter/warrior abilities, his complicated relationship with his father, and his journey of trying to become the best hunter in the world.

Foe is a sci-fi thriller drama based on a 2018 novel of the same title, written by Canadian writer Iain Reid. The film features critically acclaimed actors Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. The film follows Ronan and Mescal's characters, Hen and Junior, a married couple living on a remote farm, whose lives are thrown into disruption after a stranger offers a tumultuous proposition. Testing their relationship in a way they've never experienced before, the film follows a journey filled with suspense, love, and self-assurance.

Cat Person, starring Emilia Jones, Nicholas Braun, and Isabella Rossellini, follows the story of Margot, a college sophomore, as she navigates the difficult world of dating. Eventually, she meets Robert, an older man and a regular at the movie theatre Margot works at who isn't everything as he seems. The dark comedy/psychological thriller is based on a viral 2017 short story by the same name that grapples with the discomfort and potential danger that many women face in similar situations. 

Netflix's The Fall of the House of Usher follows two siblings (Bruce Greenwood and Mary McDonnell) who have amassed a fortune through their pharmaceutical company, and by way of trying to retain their wealth, bring tragedy and death to their family. The series, directed by Mike Flanagan, is loosely based on Edgar Allen Poe's short story of the same name and is perfect for anyone looking for a fresh take on a classic horror tale. 

Lessons in Chemistry, premiering on Apple TV+, is an adaptation of Bonnie Garmus' novel of the same title. The series follows Elizabeth Zott, a female scientist in the 1960s, as she is fired from her laboratory job and takes on a new role: the host of a cooking show for housewives. Zott, played by Brie Larson, then uses her new voice to educate women on scientific topics.

aylor Swift's Eras Tour is here on film. This is big news for longtime fans who weren't able to snag tickets and casual enjoyers of the singer-songwriter alike. The Eras Tour consists of a set list of 44 songs and ten distinct eras that are reflective of Swift's different albums. The concert film has a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, clocking in slightly shorter than her live concerts which last up to 3 hours. Delivering the full concert experience in a new setting, the film will have Swifties and movie-goer lovers enjoying one of the biggest concerts of the decade in the comfort of a reclined chair.

Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, based on David Grann's best-selling book of the same name, is set in early 20th-century Oklahoma and follows the serial murders of the people of the Osage Nation, motivated by the acquisition of the oil-rich lands that the Osage people inhabited. The film has a lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 26 minutes, but the compelling, horrific story is sure to draw viewers in. This highly anticipated release stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, and many more. 

The long-awaited Five Nights at Freddy's movie is finally making the big screen. Adapted from the hugely popular horror game franchise, the film follows Mike Schmidt, played by Josh Hutcherson, a newly hired security guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza — a decrepit, abandoned family entertainment center. Schmidt discovers the horrors that are contained within the building, namely four bloodthirsty animatronic puppets. The film is action-packed and perfect for fans of the series, as well as those looking for an exciting new supernatural horror flick. 

HBO's The Gilded Age is back for a second season. The beloved period drama, written by the creator of Downton Abbey, explores 19th-century New York City and captures all of the drama and extravagance of the Gilded Age. The world of luxury, glamour, and opulent wealth will return this fall and is perfect for period drama lovers who need something to watch as we wait for more Bridgerton updates.