October Watchlist: 31 Movies and Shows in Theaters and OTT You Must Watch

13th: Some Lessons Aren't Taught in Classrooms - Sony LIV

The month begins with this gripping series on Sony LIV. 13th: Lessons Taught explores stories of struggle, ambition, and personal revelation. The Paresh Pahuja and Gagan Dev Riar-led series sets a thoughtful yet exciting tone for the month. Audiences who appreciate layered storytelling will find themselves immediately invested in the narratives. You can read our review of the series here.

Avatar: The Way of Water (Re-release) – Theaters

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water returns to theaters with unmatched visual spectacle. For anyone who missed the original, or wants to experience Pandora in all its glory again, this is the moment to witness the immersive underwater landscapes and cinematic innovation.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari – Theaters

This romantic comedy offers urban humor and charm. The Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra led film's timing alongside heavy hitters ensures it captures the audience looking for lighter narratives.

Kantara Chapter 1: The Legend – Theaters

The Rishab Shetty led and directed magnum opus is one of the biggest attractions overall. A lot of expectations riding on this prequel.

The Game: You Never Play Alone – Netflix (Tamil)

Shraddha Srinath leads this suspense-packed Tamil series. It promises a thrilling story that combines mystery and strategy. This title proves that regional narratives continue to expand their global reach through streaming.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story – Netflix

Netflix delivers early-month chills with this true-crime series. Monster examines the psychological depth of one of history’s most notorious criminals, this time it is Ed Gein. Audiences who enjoy dark, cerebral storytelling will find this series unmissable. The show balances tension with narrative intelligence, making it a compelling watch.

Game of Glory – JioHotstar Sparks

Abhishek Malhan hosts a reality show that is unpredictable, engaging, and dramatic. Alliances, betrayals, and unexpected twists make this a must-watch for viewers who thrive on unscripted entertainment. The show’s format encourages social interaction, live reactions, and viral moments.

10th October: Mid-Month Madness

Tron: Ares – Theaters

Jared Leto headlines this futuristic thriller. The film promises neon-lit landscapes, technological spectacle, and narrative depth. Fans of science fiction and visually ambitious films will find Tron: Ares an immersive experience that tests both imagination and attention to detail.

The Smashing Machine – Theaters

The Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt led film, a biographical sports drama, this film charts the highs and lows of a champion’s personal and professional life. It blends ambition, struggle, and triumph in a cinematic package that is both inspiring and entertaining. Already in the running for Oscar nominations.

Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata – Netflix

This animated retelling brings the Mahabharata to life with stunning visuals. It is an accessible way to experience the epic for both new audiences and fans of Indian mythology. And the timing is great given the mega success of Mahavtar Narsimha.

Search: The Naina Murder Case – JioHotstar

Konkona Sen Sharma leads this mystery series that challenges deduction skills. Search blends suspense, investigation, and drama, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps viewers hooked.

The Diplomat Season 3 – Netflix

Keri Russell returns to navigate the corridors of power. Season 3 promises geopolitical tension, character-driven narratives, and the subtle art of political maneuvering. For viewers invested in layered storytelling and realism, this series delivers intelligence and engagement.

17th October: Cinematic Overload

Dude – Theaters

Quirky comedy with a contemporary twist. The Pradeep Ranganathan led film, Dude brings laughter, relatable moments, and narrative surprises.

Bison Kaalamaadan - Theaters

Mari Selvaraj’s directorial explores deep narrative terrain. The film’s storytelling is layered, socially resonant, and visually striking.

Black Phone 2 – Theaters

Ethan Hawke returns in this horror sequel. The film combines terror, tension, and psychological complexity for a horror experience that is both thrilling and smart.

Good Fortune – Theaters

Keanu Reeves and several other Hollywood A-listers team up with Aziz Ansari for a blend of satire and cinematic spectacle. The film explores human behavior with wit and a contemporary lens.

Love Insurance Kompany – Theaters

A double release for Pradeep Ranganathan, as this Tamil film focuses on innovative storytelling with this romantic narrative. The film combines humor, relatability, and narrative twists, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat – Theaters

Riding high on the re-release success of Sanam Teri Kasam, Harshvardhan Rane returns in another intense love story, where romance takes center stage with a narrative that balances emotion and drama. The film promises memorable performances and storytelling depth.

Thamma – Theaters

Part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Thamma combines fear and humor with precision. Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna lead a film that surprises while delivering classic horror beats.

Nobody Wants This 2 – Netflix (23rd)

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return with humor, intelligence, and smart storytelling. The series explores modern anxieties and relationships, creating a space for reflection and laughter.

A House of Dynamite – Netflix (24th)

Idris Elba leads Kathryn Bigelow’s political drama. The film examines ambition, conflict, and the human cost of power. Audiences are treated to performance-driven, layered storytelling.

IT: Welcome to Derry – JioHotstar

This spin-off revisits Derry, expanding the IT mythology. The series explores the clown’s origins while adding depth to the horror universe. It is essential viewing for franchise fans and newcomers seeking tension and narrative detail.

The Witcher Season 4 – Netflix

Liam Hemsworth leads this new season. Magic, monsters, and moral complexity return. The show’s visual style, narrative ambition, and character-driven arcs reward viewers who follow every season closely.

Single Salma – Theaters

The Huma Qureshi led film gives drama and emotions as a combo designed for the final day of the month.

The Taj Story – Theaters

Exploring the unknown story of Taj Mahal, Paresh Rawal leads this theatrical release with a narrative that blends history and storytelling finesse.

Baahubali: The Epic Re-release – Theaters

The biggest spectacle in the last decade has both Part 1 and Part 2 being combined for a monumental viewing experience. Audiences can immerse themselves in the saga that defined Indian cinematic spectacle.

Bugonia – Theaters

Emma Stone leads this arthouse project. Director Yorgos Lanthimos brings intensity, visual artistry, and narrative exploration.

Ikk Kudi – Theaters

Everyone's beloved Shehnaaz Gill stars in a heartwarming Punjabi drama that promises to deliver a grounded story that balances entertainment with cultural resonance.