Fall is always rich with some of the year’s most-anticipated film releases, and this October is no exception. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding thrillers, tear-jerking romances or eye-opening documentaries, there is the perfect title in store for you this month. Here are our top 10 picks for what to watch in October 2024:

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

The Outrun

Saoirse Ronan stars in this powerful adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s 2016 memoir as Rona, a newly sober biology grad. Returning home to Scotland’s Orkney Islands after a 10-year absence, hoping to heal amidst the wild beauty of the islands, she finds it difficult to navigate her separated parents and her own troubled past. 

Where to Watch: In theatres

Release Date: October 4

Courtesy of Bell Media

Sweetpea

Described as “a darkly comic coming-of-rage story” Sweetpea stars Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets, Fallout) as Rhiannon, a wallflower with a killer secret. Tired of being overlooked at work and by her non-committal love interest, she snaps. Losing control, she develops a vengeful and intoxicatingly liberating taste for murder, and finally finds her own voice in the process. 

Where to Watch: Crave

Release Date: October 10

Photo by Jessie Redmond

Compulsus

Canadian journalist turned filmmaker Tara Thorne directs this queer drama centering on a woman’s quest for revenge. Driven by rage, empathy, and something she can’t yet name, Wally secretly patrols the streets at night, taking physical revenge on abusive hipster men on behalf of the survivors who can’t. When law-abiding Lou enters her world, love and revenge clash.

Where to Watch: In theatres

Release Date: October 11

Courtesy of Snowed In Productions & All3Media International

Joan

Sophie Turner stars in the new UK drama series Joan, about a devoted mother who becomes a masterful jewel thief. Trapped in a relationship with a violent criminal, Joan seizes an opportunity to create a new life for herself and her daughter, embarking on a thrilling, high-stakes journey that challenges her every limit. 

Where to Watch: CBC Gem

Release Date: October 11

Leah Gallo/Netflix © 2024.

Woman of the Hour

Anna Kendrick examines uncomfortable gender dynamics in her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, based on the chilling true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala. The story centres on Alcala’s infamous appearance on the show The Dating Game, which happened to occur in the midst of his 1970s murder spree. Kendrick stars in the film as an aspiring actor in LA who crosses paths with the killer when they’re both cast in the show.

Where to Watch: In theatres

Release Date: October 11

Courtesy of Game Theory Films

An Unfinished Journey

When the Taliban took back control of Afghanistan in 2021, the oppressive regime continued to strip away the rights and freedoms of women and girls. This documentary follows four women leaders who fled the country, reinventing themselves in Canada and continuing the fight. In this powerful and timely film, they urge the international community to pay attention to the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan, and take action before similar misogynist policies spread around the world. 

Where to Watch: CBC & CBC Gem

Release Date: October 16

Courtesy of Sphere Films

We Live in Time

Have your tissues ready for We Live in Time. Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield star in this moving romance that packs an emotional punch. Through three distinct timelines, the film follows the twists and turns of the love story between Almut and Tobias, spanning decades of their lives together. When a difficult truth is revealed that changes everything, the couple learns to appreciate every moment of their unconventional love story. 

Where to Watch: In theatres

Release Date: October 18

Courtsy of levelFILM

Seeds

Written, directed by and starring Kaniehtiio Horn, Seeds is a tense thriller about Kanien’kéha connections to the land. When Ziggy, a thirty-something Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) woman, is offered her first gig as an online influencer for a seed and fertilizer company she is summoned back to the rez and forced into a battle to save her people’s legacy. 

Where to Watch: In theatres

Release Date: October 25

Courtesy of Netflix

Simone Biles Rising Part 2

If you loved watching the first part of Simone Biles Rising this past summer, you won’t want to miss the next chapter of the superstar gymnast’s story. Part 2 follows Biles throughout 2024, as she competes at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials and officially qualifies for the U.S. Olympic Team, going on to capture 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal at Paris 2024. The intimate docu-series captures significant moments and Biles’ own insights on her journey to become the most decorated gymnast in history.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Release Date: October 25

Courtesy of Netflix

Olivia Rodrigo Guts Tour

Get ready to spill your guts this month! Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo has brought her massive, sold-out arena tour across the world this year (including a stop in Toronto!), performing her latest album GUTS, and songs from her debut album SOUR. For fans who couldn’t score a ticket, or for anyone who wants to scream, cry, dance, and sing their hearts out all over again—the Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour concert special will be streaming on Netflix, showcasing her powerful performances from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Release Date: October 29