Home Issues 2025 October Reels: Thrills & Chills

October Reels: Thrills & Chills

Spooky season begins at the theater.

TRON: ARES; Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

October is here! Many movies! No time for intros! 

For your sports biopic, don’t miss The Smashing Machine. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, the movie looks to chronicle his turbulent life and career both in and out of the ring. Written and directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), the film has a frenetic feel and has Johnson showcasing his true acting chops for the first time in a while. It releases on Oct. 3.

If you want horror with a twist, check out Good Boy. After a family member dies, main character Todd relocates to an old farmhouse with his dog, Indy. The farmhouse is, of course, haunted, but only Indy can see the supernatural forces. The film is shot from the perspective of the dog as he tries to protect his human from evil. Filmed with a real dog and no CGI, the story has been praised for its innovation and the wonderful performance from Indy. At a taut 72 minutes, it looks to be a wonderful spooky time when it releases on Oct. 3. 

For a crime comedy, look no further than Roofman. Based on real life spree-robber Jeffrey Manchester, the film follows his stint on the run where he hides out inside a Toys “R” Us store for an extended period of time, developing friendships and trying to stay off the radar of law enforcement. Starring Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street) as Manchester, the cast also includes Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man), Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline), and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). It hits theaters on Oct. 10. 

If you need a true sci-fi flick, Tron: Ares is for you. A stand alone sequel to Tron: Legacy from 2010, this story follows the program Ares, played by Jared Leto (Morpheus), who is sent to the real world on a dangerous mission. Greta Lee (Past Lives), Evan Peters (American Horror Story) and Gillian Anderson (The X Files) also star in what is sure to be a feast for the eyes. The soundtrack will be done by Nine Inch Nails, ensuring pumping tunes to go with all the spectacle when it releases on Oct. 10. 

For a biographical comedy, check out Blue Moon. Set in 1943, the story focuses on Lorenz Hart, former writing partner of Richard Rogers, and his struggles with alcoholism, depression and the opening of Rogers’ new musical, Oklahoma!. Starring Ethan Hawke as Hart, the cast is rounded out by Margaret Qualley (The Substance), Bobby Cannavale (The Watcher) and Andrew Scott (Fleabag). Directed by Richard Linklater, the film already has glowing praise for its compelling performances. It hits theaters on Oct. 17.

For anime enthusiasts, don’t miss Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. Adapted from the manga of the same name, the film is a direct sequel to the first season of the anime adaptation released in 2022. Animation is once again handled by MAPPA, a powerhouse in the industry with several beautiful works under their belt, and this looks to be no different with some truly stunning fight choreography. If you aren’t caught up, season one is only twelve episodes and can be streamed on Hulu. It’s a wild ride and well worth your time if you can stomach some bloody violence. The movie releases on Oct. 29.