Our Favorite Movies From October 2025

October is a magical time of year for so many reasons. As the spookiest season of the year gets into full swing, I always make it a priority not only to see as many new horror offerings as I can, but also to revisit some of my favorites. As such, picking my five favorite films I watched this October is no easy task — so many were so wonderful. Here’s a blend of old and new that made up some of my favorite watches of the past month.

TOP 5 FILMS I SAW IN OCTOBER

5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

At the beginning of the month, I went to see Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show in a Dolby theater for its 50th-anniversary screening, and I couldn’t have been happier. I have loved this glorious oddity for many years; the combination of RKO-inspired storytelling, Hammer Horror sensibilities, and the cinema-of-attraction energy of classic MGM musicals results in something infectiously joyous at every turn.

Widely regarded as one of the most popular cult films of all time, Rocky Horror has fostered an entire community of fans who love to dress up and quote it at midnight showings—and all of that is fantastic. But what can sometimes get lost in that discourse is the simple fact that this is a hysterical, riotous, and deeply moving film, even without the fanfare. In my book, this is essential October viewing, and seeing it on the big screen made that all the more apparent.

4. Frankenstein (2025)

As a longtime Guillermo del Toro fan, seeing the maestro of the monstrous finally bring his adaptation of Frankenstein to life was a truly life-affirming experience. I firmly believe that Guillermo has entered the finest era of his already remarkable career; his hot streak since The Shape of Water has been unparalleled, encompassing Nightmare Alley (which is a must-see), his stop-motion Pinocchio, and now Frankenstein.

This latest work feels like a deeply satisfying culmination for the filmmaker, bringing together his long-running interests, unique sensibilities, and enduring fascinations in profoundly affecting ways. Beyond that, it is a decadent, fully-realized vision of Frankenstein that only Guillermo could deliver. Experiencing it on the big screen was incredible, and I can’t wait to watch it again when it premieres on Netflix.

3. Bugonia (2025)

Yorgos Lanthimos has been on an incredible streak over the past two years, directing three films that are all instant classics, with his latest, Bugonia, leading the charge. This existential, dread-soaked black comedy—spiked with elements of political thriller and old-school gonzo sci-fi—is a wild, unforgettable ride that truly demands to be seen on the big screen.

Without a doubt, Bugonia ranks among my top ten films of the year. Go in blind, experience it with a full audience, and let your mind be utterly blown.

2. Young Frankenstein (1974)

Mel Brooks’ comedic take on James Whale’s legendary Frankenstein films—and the broader Universal monster canon—is, in my opinion, the funniest movie ever made. The combined brilliance of Brooks and Gene Wilder produced countless classics, including two all-time masterpieces in 1974 alone (Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles), with Young Frankenstein arguably standing as their crowning achievement.

I’ve watched this film countless times, and every viewing reveals something new to love—from the meticulous replication of classic horror visuals and cinematic language to the ingenious construction of the gags and the unmatched performances. Seeing it on the big screen this year with a packed audience was pure joy; hearing it absolutely slay the crowd was a soul-enriching experience. God-tier cinema.

1. The Thing (1982)

Another film I’ve seen countless times, John Carpenter’s The Thing remains my North Star of sci-fi horror. This year, however, I finally had the chance to experience it on the big screen (shout-out to the Tampa Theater for hosting me and the amazing audience—I even gave a little pre-film talk!), and it was nothing short of magical to see the film command such a large canvas.

The Thing is a masterclass in cinematic suspense, operating at the absolute peak of its craft. It delivers a magnum opus unlike anything else in horror or sci-fi, boasting some of the genre’s finest performances, groundbreaking practical effects, and a collection of scares that rank among my all-time favorites. I love The Thing endlessly; it is quintessential October viewing, and it earns every ounce of that reverence.