TAGGED AS: Horror, movies, streaming
The Most Anticipated Movie of October is a fittingly gory horror treat, and even if it takes place around Christmas, it still absolutely dominated our monthly poll to secure the top spot. But it wasn’t the only seasonally appropriate entry, as it was joined by another scary sequel at No. 5, bookending a couple of big-budget comic book movies and a possible awards contender. Read on for the 5 Most Anticipated Movies of October.
No. 1
Terrifier 3
(2024)
Release Date: October 11, 2024
This slasher film will kickstart this year’s spooky season. This third installment of the gory Terrifier series sees David Howard Thornton return as Art the Clown, who shows up for a holiday showdown against Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera). Santa Claus (Daniel Roebuck) has also been thrown into this homicidal mix, bringing the holiday season to the Terrifier franchise. The film series has become something of a cult favorite among horror aficionados, which might explain how it absolutely dominated our poll with a whopping 54% of the vote to earn the top spot.
No. 2
Joker: Folie à Deux
(2024)
Release Date: October 4, 2024
After exactly five years, Joaquin Phoenix returns as the iconic villain in perhaps one of the most anticipated films of the year, let alone October. While super specific details about the plot have been kept under wraps, the title, which translates to “madness of two” and describes a shared delusion, indicates where the story might be headed, especially considering this one is a musical and Lady Gaga co-stars as Harley Quinn. Returning director Todd Phillips has confirmed that the film will remain separate from Matt Reeves’ The Batman and James Gunn’s other DC Universe films. Considering the first film was a billion-dollar hit and Oscar-winner, it’s no surprise to see it at No. 2.
No. 3
Anora
(2024)
Release Date: October 18, 2024
From the studio that brought Oscar-winner Parasite to the world comes a new story about corruption and privilege told in the form of a comedy-drama. Worlds collide when an exotic dancer finds herself married to a Russian oligarch’s son. Scream star Mikey Madison takes center stage in Sean Baker’s film, earning rave reviews and helping the film to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes. This one has “awards contender” written all over it.
No. 4
Venom: The Last Dance
(2024)
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Tom Hardy returns to play Eddie Brock and his anti-hero BFF Venom in this third film, which reportedly will serve as the trilogy-capper. Like Joker, the other comic book movie on this month’s list, specific details about the plot have not been revealed, but we do know that Eddie and Venom find themselves on the run from both the authorities and an extraterrestrial threat. Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Rhys Ifans join the cast, as Kelly Marcel makes her directorial debut with the film, which she co-wrote with Hardy. The previous two Venom movies have not been critical darlings, so we don’t expect this one to be either, but they both boast Popcornmeters in the 80s, so this is one for the fans.
No. 5
Smile 2
(2024)
Release Date: October 18, 2024
You won’t want to smile after watching Smile 2. The sequel to the 2022 hit sees Kyle Gallner return as police officer Joel, who faces off with a demon who plauges its victims with a curse that spreads like a virus. The sequel follows a famous pop star, played by Naomi Scott, as she is haunted by sinister smiles that prophesize her death. Parker Finn wrote and directed both Smile and Smile 2, and the first one was a surprise hit, so this one is perfect for spooky season.
Thumbnail images by Jesse Korman/©Cineverse
