You’re alone, sitting in an eerily dark room save for the light on your laptop with bated breath as the hero on your screen creeps through a darkened hallway. Suddenly: a scream, and you’re jumping out of your skin, heart racing and palms drenched in sweat. If that’s what your Halloween plans look like, you’re in luck: new shows and movies have been added to Netflix and Disney+ for October. Whether you’re into paranormal chaos, morally bankrupt antiheroes or you just like watching rich people behave badly in remote mansions, here’s what should be top of your queue.
The Witcher: Season 4
What: If your idea of Halloween escapism involves sword fights, sorcery, and an aggressively moody hero with platinum hair, rejoice: The Witcher is back. The fourth season of Netflix’s blockbuster fantasy series returns with a brand-new face as Geralt of Rivia—Liam Hemsworth—replacing Henry Cavill in one of the most controversial recasts in TV history. Expect darker magic, new monster lore lifted from the cult-favourite video game, and a plot so high-stakes it practically begs to be fan-theorised on Reddit at 3am. Whether you’re here for the jump scares or the drama of a Hemsworth trying to fill Cavill’s very large boots, this is unmissable Halloween viewing.
Genre: Fantasy, horror
Where to stream: Available on Netflix from October 30
Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers
What: For true crime enthusiasts craving something chilling, this documentary revisits the life of Aileen Wuornos, who killed seven men between 1989 and 1990. Featuring never-before-seen death-row interviews and archival footage, it explores her complex life and crimes, cementing her status in pop culture alongside the Oscar-winning portrayal by Charlize Theron.
Genre: Documentary
Where to stream: Available on Netflix from October 30
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
What: If creeping suspense in a domestic setting is your vibe, this film is for you. When suburban mother Caitlin Morales hires a seemingly perfect nanny, all appears ideal—until strange coincidences start to unravel her control over her family. Secrets, suspense, and a hidden agenda make this psychological thriller a must-watch for October streaming.
Genre: Psychological thriller
Where to stream: Available on DisneyPlus from October 22
28 Years Later
What: Got a craving for post-apocalyptic zombie horror? This is the franchise you should be tuning in for. The third part of this trilogy has finally been released after 23 years of anticipation. Picture this: it’s been 28 years after the Rage Virus destroyed society and killed millions. The new world order is one riddled with suspicion and survival — one that a family living on an isolated island with other survivors have been mostly protected from. When one member leaves the island for a mission on the mainland, he discovers just how much society and the virus have been transformed.
Genre: Horror, thriller
Where to stream: Available on Netflix, October 20
My Father The BTK Killer
What: The true crime genre is saturated with plenty of profiles of the goriest murders and prolific killers. In this documentary, we get a new perspective on the notorious BTK Killer who terrorised Wichita for four years: from his daughter. 20 years after her father’s incarceration, Kerri Rawson (who was 26 years old when her father was arrested) gives a raw testimony about her life: what she went through after her father’s arrest, her memories with her father, and how she’s learned to live with the aftermath.
Genre: Documentary
Where to stream: Available on Netflix, October 10
The Woman In Cabin 10
What: If you love movies and shows like Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, A Murder at the End of the World, and Behind Her Eyes, this might pique your interest. Award-winning actress Keira Knightley takes us on a wild ride alongside a slew of A-list actors, including Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, Daniel Ings and Kaya Scodelario. When a travel journalist witnesses a passenger go overboard on a luxury yacht, she takes it upon herself to investigate this crime when nobody believes her. Surrounded by the mysterious ultra-wealthy, and still haunted by a violent murder, she’s determined to uncover the truth.
Genre: Thriller
Where to stream: Available on Netflix, October 10
True Haunting
What: Do you believe in ghosts? Prepare to leave your lights on for the night with this drama documentary series. This five-episode docu-series blends first-hand interviews with dramatic reenactments of two real paranormal encounters. It’s chilling, suspenceful and enough to keep you looking over your shoulder
Genre: Documentary, horror
Where to stream: Available on Netflix, October 7
Monster: the Ed Gein Story
What: Following two other series that profiled other well-known killers, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez brothers, the hit Netflix true crime drama series by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan just got a new edition: the story of Ed Gein. His crimes and notoriety have inspired iconic horror villains like Psycho’s Norman Bates and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Leatherface. Portrayed by award-winning actor Charlie Hunnam, the series examines Gein’s early life and his grotesque crimes.
Genre: Crime drama
Where to stream: Available on Netflix from October 3
Delirium
What: If you love psychological horror movies like Shutter Island, this 2018 film is just as mind-bending and claustrophobic. The story follows Tom Walker (played by Topher Grace) who is released into house arrest after a twenty-year stint in a mental institution. In his late father’s sprawling mansions, strange sounds and incidents have Tom questioning his sanity. As eerie events escalate, dark family secrets are exposed as supernatural terrors are unleashed.
Genre: Psychological thriller
Where to stream: Available on Netflix from October 3