Best Horror of October 2025: ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Good Boy,’ ‘Shelby Oaks’ and More Spooky Season Picks

The supernatural thriller 'Good Boy' has made a splash at the box office, earning over $2.25 million in its opening weekend, marking IFC's second-best debut. This film, featuring a canine star, has been praised for its ability to convey fear and suspense, even outshining many human actors, according to Scott Shooman. Its success not only highlights the growing appeal of unique storytelling in cinema but also positions IFC Entertainment Group as a strong player in the specialty box office arena.

The 2025-2026 awards season is shaping up to be exciting, with key dates for prestigious events like the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG, and DGA now available. Variety's Awards Circuit, led by chief awards editor Clayton Davis, provides essential predictions and insights into the race, helping fans and industry insiders stay informed. This matters because it not only highlights the talent and creativity in the entertainment industry but also builds anticipation for the celebrations of excellence in film and television.

This weekend's film scene was electrified by the surprise arrival of 'Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl' from AMC, which thrilled exhibitors while leaving some distributors anxious. The event coincided with a surge of indie films like 'The Smashing Machine,' 'Good Boy,' and 'Bone Lake,' alongside compelling documentaries such as 'Orwell: 2+2=5' and the much-anticipated return of Daniel Day-Lewis. This vibrant mix highlights the dynamic landscape of cinema, showcasing both mainstream and independent voices.

Netflix has officially announced the main cast for its upcoming coming-of-age drama series 'The Body,' which is set to explore the lives of Catholic school girls after a dance-team initiation goes awry. This series, which received an eight-episode order back in May, promises to delve into themes of friendship, rebellion, and the supernatural as the girls experience prophetic visions. This matters because it highlights Netflix's commitment to diverse storytelling and its focus on youth-centric narratives that resonate with a wide audience.

Tilly Norwood, the AI-generated actress, has quickly become a sensation since her debut at the Zurich Film Festival. Despite only appearing in a brief comedy sketch, her unique presence has sparked widespread interest, with many eager to interview her. This buzz highlights the growing fascination with AI in entertainment and raises questions about the future of celebrity culture.

The film 'Good Boy' premiered at SXSW, where it received special recognition for Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who plays a protective role. This unique perspective of telling a ghost story from a dog's point of view not only adds a fresh twist to the genre but also highlights the bond between pets and their owners. It's a delightful exploration that resonates with animal lovers and showcases innovative storytelling in cinema.

The International Classic Film Market (MIFC) is making waves as it kicks off its 13th edition in Lyon, coinciding with the Lumière Film Festival. With record growth anticipated, co-head Anaïs Desrieux shared that all indicators show an increase in both newcomers and international participants. This event is significant as it highlights the importance of restoring and promoting heritage films, ensuring that classic cinema continues to be appreciated and accessible to new audiences.

As the Oscars approach, excitement builds around the predictions made by Variety's senior awards editor Clayton Davis. This year, the buzz centers on whether 'One Battle After Another' could join the ranks of the most nominated films in history. These predictions are crucial as they reflect the current landscape of the awards race, influencing both public interest and industry discussions. With the Oscars being a significant event in the film industry, these insights help audiences and filmmakers alike gauge the potential impact of the nominees.

The Oscars are heating up with exciting predictions for the Original Screenplay category, showcasing a diverse range of stories from siblings to spies and even a whimsical tale set in Toys R’ Us. This year's race is particularly intriguing as it highlights unique narratives that resonate with audiences. As the awards season approaches, these predictions by Variety's Clayton Davis provide a glimpse into the films that could capture the coveted golden statuette, making it a must-watch for film enthusiasts.

In a recently aired interview, the late Jane Goodall called out prominent figures like Trump and Elon Musk, sparking widespread attention and conversation online. This posthumous message highlights her enduring influence and commitment to activism, reminding us of the importance of speaking out against harmful practices. Goodall's legacy continues to inspire many, and her words resonate even after her passing, encouraging a new generation to advocate for change.

The Season 51 premiere of 'Saturday Night Live' brought exciting news as Erin Doyle and Erik Kenward received promotions to senior-level producer and Head Writer, respectively. This change highlights the show's commitment to nurturing talent from within, ensuring fresh perspectives in its iconic sketches. Meanwhile, veteran writer Bryan Tucker is taking a leave, which adds a layer of intrigue to the show's future direction. These developments are significant as they reflect the evolving landscape of one of television's longest-running programs, promising fans a blend of familiar faces and new ideas.

In a recent post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump urged Google and YouTube TV to reinstate access to Univision, highlighting the network's favorable coverage of him and the Republican Party. This move underscores the importance of media access for political figures, especially in reaching Hispanic audiences, which could influence future electoral strategies. Trump's call reflects his ongoing engagement with media platforms and the significance of favorable coverage in shaping public perception.

Latto has sparked pregnancy rumors after making a surprise appearance at Force Fest, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. The speculation comes from her vibrant performance and the way she interacted with the crowd, leading many to wonder if she's expecting. This news matters because it highlights the close connection between celebrities and their fans, as well as the impact of social media in shaping public perception.

Ike Turner Jr., the son of legendary musicians Tina Turner and Ike Turner, has sadly passed away at the age of 67 in a Los Angeles hospital. His death marks a significant loss for the music world, as he was part of one of its most iconic families. The news was shared by Tina's niece, Jacqueline Bullock, highlighting the impact of this loss on their family and fans alike. Ike Turner Jr.'s legacy will be remembered as part of the rich history of American music.

Dua Lipa's recent concert in Los Angeles for her 'Radical Optimism' tour transformed the city into a vibrant dance party, showcasing her latest album that perfectly captures the joy of summer. This performance not only highlights her growth as an artist since 'Future Nostalgia' but also reinforces her ability to connect with fans through uplifting music. It's a reminder of the power of live performances to bring people together and celebrate life, making it a significant event for both the artist and her audience.