After a month overrun by festivals, the October film slate is overwhelming in the breadth and quantity of films hitting theaters (aside from many horror films, however). With this current lineup, it will be challenging to avoid going to the cinema, given the rich and eclectic release schedule ahead. From new festival favorites to ones that began on the circuits at fests such as Cannes and Sundance, there’s no limit to buzzy titles arriving this month.
Beyond that, there are plenty of potential award frontrunners, with new titles from Kathryn Bigelow, Jafar Panahi, Guillermo Del Toro, and two from Richard Linklater. There’s a wide array of biopics—sports, music, and otherwise—along with some more audience-friendly, wide-appeal draws. And, despite there not being an onslaught of horror, there’s still enough there to fit the spirit of the month, even if they’re more minor, more independent releases. As any month in any given year, it’s good to be a film fan even if you have to search beyond the more readily available titles to find something great.
“The Smashing Machine”
Dwayne Johnson goes the unrecognizable route with the immersive sports biopic “The Smashing Machine.” Directed by Benny Safdie, the film tells the true story of former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, who must battle his inner demons and addiction while rising to fame and public persona. Emily Blunt, Dawn Staples, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk also star.
Release Date: In theaters October 3 via A24.
“Anemone”
Daniel Day-Lewis reenters the world of cinema after his not-quite-retirement, following “Phantom Thread” with “Anemone.” Directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, in his feature film debut, the film follows a pair of brothers, one of whom is trying to get the other, a recluse, to come back home. Sean Bean and Samantha Morton also star.
Release Date: In theaters October 3 via Focus Features.
“Tron: Ares”
Director Joachim Rønning and Walt Disney look to reboot a longstanding franchise with “Tron: Ares.” The science-fiction film is the third in the “Tron” series, written by Jesse Wigutow. It follows a mysterious and sophisticated A.I. program, “Ares,” as it makes its first encounters with humankind. Jeff Bridges returns to reprise his role as Kevin Flynn with Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, and Gillian Anderson joining the cast.
Release Date: In theaters October 10 via Walt Disney Studios.
“Roofman”
In his first feature film since “The Light Between Oceans,” director Derek Cianfrance returns with the comedy crime caper, “Roofman.” Channing Tatum stars as the fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, who got his name from entering his marks from the roof. The film follows his run of robberies, featuring a cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, and more.
Release Date: In theaters October 10 via Paramount Pictures.
“After The Hunt”
With an all-star trifecta of Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri, “After the Hunt” follows a college professor who must confront her past while one of her colleagues deals with a serious accusation of sexual assault. This marks Luca Guadagnino’s third film in the past two years, teaming up once again with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the score.
Release Date: In theaters October 10 via Sony Pictures Releasing.
