Spooky season is upon us, new Netflix movies fans, so it's time to scare yourself silly with all manner of bloody, horrifying, and thrilling flicks. And, to kick off October's fright fest, Netflix has treated us to two new movies that'll aim to scratch your horror-fuelled itch in It's What's Inside and The Platform 2.
Not a fan of gruesome and/or terrifying films? Our best Netflix movies guide is full of non-horror recommendations, so head on over there if you're looking for something a little less unsettling to watch on the world's best streaming service. There are a couple of not-so-frightening flicks on this list, too, so you'll find something worth streaming this weekend (or any day, for that matter). Enjoy!
New Netflix movies: October
It's What's Inside
Release date: October 4
Runtime: 104 minutes
Age rating: R (US) / 15 (UK)
Cast: Brittany O'Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, and David Thompson
Director: Greg Jardin
Rotten Tomatoes (RT) score: 78% (critics); TBC (audience)
This psychological horror-thriller sounds like a real trippy affair. In it, a group of friends decide to partake in a mysterious, experimental game – created by one of them, obviously – during a pre-wedding party. Unsurprisingly, things quickly go south as the gang is trapped in an existential nightmare where long-dormant desires, secrets, and grudges soon rise to the surface.
It's What's Inside seems like it'll appeal to anyone who's enjoyed young adult-themed horror and/or psychological thrillers of recent years, such as Bodies Bodies Bodies and the revived Scream film franchise. Its trailer and early critical reception certainly suggest it's worth checking out, so give it – the movie, not the game – a spin this weekend.
The Platform 2
Release date: October 4
Runtime: 100 minutes
Age rating: R (US) / 18 (UK)
Cast: Milena Smit, Hovik Keuchkerian, Natalia Tena, and Óscar Jaenada
Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urritia
RT score: TBC (critics); TBC (audience)
Not one for the fainthearted, this incredibly gory sequel to one of the best Spanish horror films of modern times will leave you starving for more (you know, if you love your horror movies to be as gruesome as possible). Following a similar narrative to its predecessor, The Platform 2 sees a new resident of the titular Platform, a building full of vertical cells, battle for survival and systematic oppression when they become embroiled in the fight against the Platform's brutal feeding structure.
2019's The Platform was largely praised by those who saw it, so its follow-up will be hungry for a similar sort of reception once fans and critics alike and gorged themselves on it.
New Netflix movies: September
Will & Harper
Release date: September 27
Runtime: 114 minutes
Age rating: R (US) / 15 (UK)
Cast: Will Ferrell and Harper Steele
Director: Josh Greenbaum
RT score: 99% (critics); 84% (audience)
It's very rare that we include docufilms on this list, but Will & Harper is just too good not to.
The near-two our documentary, which sees beloved comedian/actor Will Ferrell reunite with former Saturday Night Live head writer Harper Steele for a cross-country road trip after Harper comes out as a trans woman, is as eye-opening as it is heart-warming and tear-jerking. Indeed, the 16-day trip not only sees Ferrell learn more about the trans community and everyday issues that affect LGBTQ-plus individuals, but also allows the duo to re-evaluate their relationship and explore areas outside of their comfort zone. A joyful and incredibly intimate documentary movie about friendship and acceptance that needs to be seen by everyone.
Rez Ball
Release date: September 27
Runtime: 113 minutes
Age rating: PG-13 (US) / 12 (UK)
Cast: Jessica Matten, Kauchani Bratt, Cody Lightning, Dallas Goldtooth, Ernest David Tsosie, Kusem Goodwind, Zoey Reyes with Amber Midthunder and Julia Jones
Director: Sydney Freeland
RT score: 89% (critics); 87% (audience)
Sydney Freeland is leading the charge for better and more prominent Native American representation on the big and small screens, and Rez Ball is the filmmaker's latest cinematic venture to do just that. Set in Chuska, New Mexico, it tells the story of a Native American basketball team – the Chuska Warriors – that must learn to overcome adversity, and attempt to win the state championship title, when they lose their star player.
A true underdog story – who doesn't love one of those? – that'll have you rooting for the Chuska Warriors from beginning to end, Rez Ball is another superb September entry on our new Netflix movies list.
His Three Daughters
Release date: September 20
Runtime: 101 minutes
Age rating: R (US) / 15 (UK)
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Joven Adepo
Director: Azazel Jacobs
RT score: 98% (critics); 86% (audience)
After earning rave reviews on the 2023 film festival circuit, Netflix picked up this hard-hitting comedy drama that'll have you laughing one minute and bawling your eyes out the next. Olsen, Coon, and Lyonne play the titular (and estranged) offspring, who reunite at their dying father's home to spend three final days with him before his inevitable passing. Shocking no-one, the trio's differing worldviews, temperaments, and personalities collide across said 72-hour period.
Critics far and wide have praise the lead actors' performances in this tear-jerking and awkwardly comical flick. Such is their potent on-screen chemistry and towering individual displays, don't be surprised if any or all of Olsen, Coon, and Lyonne find themselves up for multiple gongs on the 2025 awards circuit.
Uglies
Release date: September 13
Runtime: 100 minutes
Age rating: PG-13 (US) / 12 (UK)
Cast: Joey King, Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Jan Luis Castellanos, Charmin Lee, and Laverne Cox
Director: McG
RT score: 16% (critics); 44% (audience)
Based on Scott Westerfeld's sci-fi novel of the same name, Uglies is set a neo-futuristic world where, once they reach 16 years of age, teens are forced to undergo cosmetic surgery to turn them into beautiful/handsome (but incredibly vain) individuals. King tackles the lead role of Tally, who is eager to undergo her own operation and become part of her colony's adult society. That's the case, anyway, until her long-time friend runs away; an incident that not only forces Tally to go after her, but also threatens to turn her world upside down.
Reviewers have slammed Uglies, with its "stilted dialog", lackluster and cliched young-adult narrative, and "iffy special effects" suggesting you won't want to waste your time with this one.
New Netflix movies: what's coming in 2024?
Here's a complete list of the new Netflix movies that will arrive before 2024 ends:
- Lonely Planet (October 11)
- The Shadow Strays (October 17)
- Woman of the Hour (October 18)
- Family Pack (October 23)
- Don't Move (October 25)
- Time Cut (October 30)
- Meet Me Next Christmas (November 6)
- Hot Frosty (November 13)
- Emilia Perez (November 13)
- The Merry Gentlemen (November 20)
- Spellbound (November 22)
- The Piano Lesson (November 22)
- Joy (November 22)
- Our Little Secret (November 27)
- That Christmas (December 4)
- Carry-On (December 13)
- The Six Triple Eight (December 20)
- Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (expected 2024)
For more Netflix-based coverage, read our best Netflix shows and best Netflix documentaries guides. Alternatively, find out how to sign up to Netflix or get the lowdown on whether it's worth cancelling your Netflix subscription.
