October’s movie lineup offers a mix of high-octane action, psychological horror, superhero storytelling, dark satire, and stop-motion animation. Although the month falls during the Halloween season, horror films make up only part of the highly anticipated releases, with audiences also looking forward to crime-driven narratives, fantasy adventures, and ambitious character dramas.

According to Rotten Tomatoes’ audience poll, the competition for October’s most anticipated movie was remarkably close. Here are the five films attracting the most attention this month.

1. Street Fighter

Release Date: October 16, 2026

The legendary video game franchise is heading back to the big screen with a new adaptation packed with martial arts, explosive confrontations, and larger-than-life action. Street Fighter brings back fan-favorite characters, including Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Guile, and Vega.

The film features an ensemble cast led by Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Jason Momoa, and Cody Rhodes. Based on the trailers, the production is leaning into the franchise’s signature fighting style and over-the-top spectacle, giving longtime fans plenty of reasons to anticipate its release.

2. Clayface

Release Date: October 23, 2026

DC is continuing its cinematic universe reboot with a standalone film centered on Clayface, one of Batman’s most recognizable adversaries. The project is generating interest for its darker approach, with horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan contributing the screenplay.

Tom Rhys Harries stars as the titular character in what appears to be a disturbing body-horror story. Early glimpses suggest gruesome transformations, melting facial features, and unsettling violence, setting the film apart from more conventional superhero adventures.

With its emphasis on grotesque imagery and psychological unease, Clayface could become one of DC’s most graphic cinematic offerings yet.

3. Digger

Release Date: October 2, 2026

Tom Cruise takes on the role of Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon confronting the devastating consequences of his business empire. As the damage threatens humanity, Rockwell must find a way to reverse the destruction associated with his operations.

The film is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, whose involvement adds considerable intrigue to the project. Pairing Cruise’s star power with Iñárritu’s distinctive filmmaking approach creates high expectations for a story that examines wealth, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked corporate ambition.

Rather than relying solely on spectacle, Digger promises a provocative look at an extraordinarily powerful man forced to face the impact of his own decisions.

4. Other Mommy

Release Date: October 9, 2026

For audiences seeking a genuine Halloween-season scare, Other Mommy offers a psychological horror story built around a deeply unsettling premise.

Jessica Chastain stars as Ursula, the mother of eight-year-old Bela, played by Arabella Olivia Clark. However, Bela encounters a frightening entity that resembles her mother, creating an increasingly disturbing situation for the family.

Directed by Rob Savage, the film appears designed to blur the line between the familiar and the terrifying. One particularly chilling moment in the trailer shows the mysterious Other Mommy startling Bela and her father, played by Jay Duplass.

The film’s eerie family dynamic and unsettling supernatural elements have already attracted horror fans eager to see how the story unfolds on screen.

5. Wildwood

Release Date: October 23, 2026

LAIKA, the animation studio behind the acclaimed stop-motion film Coraline, returns with Wildwood, a fantasy adventure set in a mysterious woodland filled with danger and dark magic.

The story follows Prue McKeel, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, who ventures into Wildwood alongside her classmate Curtis, voiced by Jacob Tremblay. Their mission is to rescue Prue’s infant brother, Mac, after crows abduct him.

As the pair explore the forest, they discover that the birds are controlled by Alexandra, voiced by Carey Mulligan, the ruler of Wildwood. Haunted by grief over the loss of her young son, Alexandra has turned to dark magic, setting the stage for a confrontation shaped by sorrow and supernatural forces.

The film’s handcrafted stop-motion animation is another major attraction. With 9% of the votes in Rotten Tomatoes’ poll, Wildwood also represents a celebration of traditional animation techniques at a time when AI-generated imagery is increasingly prominent.

A Diverse October Movie Lineup

From the combat-driven spectacle of Street Fighter to the disturbing transformations of Clayface and the supernatural mystery of Other Mommy, October 2026 offers plenty for viewers seeking thrills. Meanwhile, Digger brings a story of wealth and accountability, while Wildwood promises an imaginative adventure brought to life through meticulous stop-motion animation.

With these five films drawing audience interest, moviegoers have a varied selection of releases to look forward to throughout the month.