October 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster month for Hollywood, offering a diverse mix of psychological thrillers, high-octane action, corporate docudramas, and dark comic-book horror. From Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson’s tense adaptation of a bestselling novel to Jason Momoa’s video game showdown, the month promises something for every type of moviegoer. Here is a look at the five most anticipated Hollywood releases hitting theatres in October 2026.
Kicking off the month on October 2 is Verity, a psychological thriller based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The film stars Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford, a famous author left incapacitated after a car accident, and Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to complete Verity’s remaining books. Josh Hartnett plays Verity’s grieving husband, Jeremy, who brings Lowen into their secluded family estate, where she uncovers terrifying secrets. Directed by Michael Showalter, the film promises a dark, boundary-pushing erotic thriller that stays faithful to the book’s claustrophobic suspense. Next, on October 9, comes The Social Reckoning, a biographical docudrama directed by Aaron Sorkin. Described as a spiritual companion to The Social Network, the film follows the high-stakes 2021 Facebook whistleblower scandal. With a cast including Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Jeremy Strong, the movie promises Sorkin’s signature sharp dialogue and intense corporate drama.
Also releasing on October 9 is Matchbox: The Movie, an action comedy directed by Sam Hargrave, known for Extraction. Based on the iconic Mattel die-cast toy cars, the film stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, and Sam Richardson in a live-action globe-trotting spy adventure. The movie aims to blend high-octane action with family-friendly humour, appealing to both nostalgic fans of the toy and a new generation of viewers. Then, on October 16, Street Fighter brings the beloved video game franchise to the big screen with Jason Momoa, Callina Liang, and David Dastmalchian leading the cast. The action martial arts film follows Ryu and Ken as they reunite for the World Warrior Tournament to confront a hidden conspiracy. With Momoa’s star power and a massive built-in fanbase, Street Fighter is poised to be a major box office contender.
Closing out the month on October 23 is Clayface, an R-rated body horror film produced by DC Studios under James Gunn’s new DCU franchise. Starring Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, and Max Minghella, the movie explores the tragic, stomach-churning origin of the iconic Gotham shapeshifter. As one of the first R-rated entries in Gunn’s revamped DC universe, Clayface promises a darker, more visceral take on the character than audiences have seen before. With its mix of horror and superhero storytelling, the film is expected to attract both comic book fans and horror enthusiasts, making it a fitting conclusion to a jam-packed October of Hollywood releases.
