The Top 10 Movies Available Right Now, According to Streaming Services.
Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” was the most popular film of October by viewership, but half of the month’s top ten is filled with horror films that are appropriate for this time of year. The list includes two of the year’s most successful horror films, “Backstage” and “Obsession,” as well as a classic (1978’s “Halloween” ) and an arthouse film about the genre that spawned “Halloween,” “Teen Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.” A perfect double feature. Rounding out the list is the excellent “Hokum.” If horror isn’t your thing, you might enjoy “The Golden Arm,” the comedy that just wouldn’t die, the all-star comedy “The Invitation, ” or the sure-to-be-loved “The Ave Maria Project.”
Disclosure Day (2026)
Legendary director Steven Spielberg returns to his beloved alien theme with a thriller that serves as a spiritual sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind . Disclosure Day chronicles the events leading to the revelation that aliens are among us. Josh O’Connor plays Dr. Daniel Kellner, a government cybersecurity expert who uncovers sensational evidence his employers would hide at any cost. Meanwhile, a TV weather anchor (Emily Blunt) begins speaking an alien language. This sets the stage for a series of thrilling scenes and chases leading to the biggest revelation in human history. Watch Disclosure Day on Peacock .
Behind the Scenes (2026)
Director Kain Parsons’ breakthrough in the analog horror genre proves that atmosphere, mood, and a gripping plot are always scarier than computer-generated monsters. Based on the viral YouTube series of the same name, “Backstage” tells the story of Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a shopkeeper who discovers a labyrinthine liminal space in the basement of his furniture store. Renate Rainswe plays his therapist, who goes downstairs for an appointment and is unable to return. Acclaimed by critics— “Backstage” holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes —and audiences , it makes a wonderful Halloween treat for horror fans. Watch “Backstage” on HBO Max.
Obsession (2026)
Director Curry Barker isn’t even 20 yet, but his debut feature-length horror film is the kind of film that redefines the genre. “Obsession” is a classic “be careful what you wish for” story that feels fresh thanks to a talented young cast, an unpredictable plot, and a steady pace. Michael Johnston plays a young man too afraid to confess his feelings to his crush, so he wishes for her to fall in love with him. The result is a nightmare brought to life by Inde Navarrete, whose performance as the villain/victim is simultaneously heartbreaking, terrifying, and heartbreaking. “Obsession” is the best horror film I’ve seen in years. Watch “Obsession” on Peacock .
Invitation (2026)
This comedy-drama from A24 is packed with a star-studded cast. Olivia Wilde, who also directed the film, plays Angela, and Seth Rogen is her husband, Joe. When this strict couple’s marriage is in jeopardy, Angela and Joe invite their more, shall we say, outgoing neighbors, Pina, played by Penélope Cruz, and Hawk, played by Edward Norton, to dinner. The evening takes a hilarious turn, changing everyone’s lives. If you’re a fan of smart, honest comedy, you’ll love The Invitation . Watch The Invitation on HBO Max .
Hokum (2026)
In Hokum, director Damian McCarthy ( Strange , Caution ) carefully crafts a suffocatingly creepy story around Om Bauman, played by Adam Scott. Bauman, a renowned writer and notorious scoundrel, travels to the secluded Bilberry Woods Hotel in Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes and finish his book. Bauman soon discovers that the hotel’s legends revolve around an ancient witch who feeds her victims to hellish creatures—and she may be more than just a local legend. Hokum is a horror film for fans of eerie atmosphere and a measured pace, rather than gore or sudden jump scares. Watch Hokum on Hulu .
Teen Sex and Death at Camp Miasma (2026)
With a title like that, this certainly won’t be your average movie. Jane Schonbrun’s I Saw the Television Glow and We’re All Going to the World’s Fair are two of the most gripping and original horror films of the last decade, and their third film continues that strange line. While technically a meta-reimagining of the slasher genre, Miasma goes much deeper than Scream . It’s a postmodern exploration of why the slasher genre’s cocktail of sex, death, and subversion so fascinates interesting and strange people. Definitely check it out. Watch Teen Sex and Death at Camp Miasma on Mubi .
The Golden Arm (2021)
When The Golden Arm was released in 2021, few people paid attention—in the midst of a pandemic, there seemed no room for an offbeat indie comedy about a woman’s quest to win a women’s arm wrestling championship—but a new era has dawned, and you should watch The Golden Arm . The film has a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes , stars Mary Holland and Betsy Sodaro are charming and funny, and The Golden Arm is available to watch on Fandango, a free streaming service. What’s not to love? Watch The Golden Arm on Fandango or Prime Video .
Project “Ave Maria” (2026)
In this gripping sci-fi film, Ryan Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher who, in a desperate attempt to save the world, finds himself thrown into the heavens. Grace is the only person on Earth who might know how to protect the sun from a cosmic contagion that threatens all life, but he’s definitely no astronaut and doesn’t consider himself a hero. Will he prove himself and learn something about his inner strength and resilience while saving us all from death? I think the answer is yes, probably. Watch “The Hail Mary Project ” on MGM+ , Prime Video , and Philo .
Halloween (1978)
Hundreds of horror films have been released since Halloween’s 1978 release, but none have surpassed the original. Michael Myers’s impassive face and the synth-driven score have become universally recognized cultural icons of the “horror movie,” and every shot in Halloween has been copied countless times, yet the film is so good it still terrifies. Watch or rewatch Halloween now! Stream Halloween on Philo , AMC+ , and Prime Video .
Animals (2026)
Animals , directed by and starring Ben Affleck, is a thriller that tells the story of Mark Kimball, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped and held hostage for ransom. Having spent all his money on his campaign, Kimball is forced to resort to extreme measures to ensure his son’s safe return, even if it contradicts his public image as a man of the people. Animals is a tense, masterfully crafted film that will more than satisfy fans of political thrillers. Watch Animals on Netflix.