This October, Netflix delivers a powerful mix of drama, mystery, emotion, and cinematic nostalgia. From a sweeping historical saga rooted in an iconic Irish dynasty, to a gripping yacht-set thriller with a vanishing woman at its core, to a heartwarming story of a young chef and a stray dog, and a bold tribute to the legends of French New Wave cinema — these are the must-watch releases of the month. Discover our top five Netflix series and films premiering this October.
HOUSE OF GUINNESS. A RIVETING HISTORICAL DRAMA INSPIRED BY A LEGENDARY DYNASTY
The death of a parent often marks a turning point in life — but for the four heirs at the heart of House of Guinness, it’s just the beginning of a much deeper conflict.
Netflix’s new eight-part historical drama dives into the turmoil that follows the passing of Sir Benjamin Guinness, a powerful 19th-century beer magnate and aristocrat. When his will is read, his children—Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn), and Ben (Fionn O’Shea)—are left shocked and dissatisfied, setting off a bitter rivalry that threatens to tear the family apart.
Inspired by one of Europe’s most iconic and influential dynasties, House of Guinness unfolds across the contrasting worlds of 1800s Dublin and New York. With wealth, power, and legacy at stake, the series promises an epic blend of family drama, betrayal, and ambition.
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY LEADS HIGH-STAKES THRILLER “THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10“
What starts as a glamorous assignment quickly spirals into a nightmare in The Woman in Cabin 10, Netflix’s upcoming psychological thriller starring Keira Knightley.
Knightley plays Lo, a journalist sent to cover the maiden voyage of a lavish superyacht owned by the enigmatic billionaire Richard Bullmer (Guy Pearce). But when Lo witnesses a woman fall overboard in the dead of night, her alarm is met with disbelief. Neither Bullmer nor the other passengers (played by Kaya Scodelario and Daniel Ings) are willing to back her claims — or acknowledge that the mysterious woman ever existed.
Undeterred, Lo launches her own investigation onboard, determined to uncover the truth, even if it puts her life in danger. What should have been a routine travel feature becomes a gripping, high-stakes game of cat and mouse at sea.
Behind the camera is acclaimed director Simon Stone (The Dig), who ensures there’s no doubt about Lo’s version of events. “You never question whether or not she saw what she saw,” Stone tells Netflix. “You agree completely with her. It’s her struggle against the conspiracy.”
Packed with suspense, twists, and a haunting atmosphere, The Woman in Cabin 10 promises to keep viewers guessing until the final moments.
“CARAMELO”: PREPARE TO LAUGH, CRY — AND MAYBE ADOPT A DOG
A young chef. A life-changing diagnosis. And a caramel-colored stray dog who becomes his greatest companion.
In Caramelo, Netflix brings audiences a touching Brazilian drama about unexpected friendship, resilience, and the healing power of connection. Starring Rafael Vitti and an irresistible four-legged co-star named Amendoim, the film follows Pedro, an ambitious chef on the brink of opening his dream restaurant—until a sudden diagnosis of a brain tumor halts everything.
Just when life feels most uncertain, Pedro meets Caramelo — a scrappy, street-smart mutt with a caramel coat and an uncanny instinct for comfort. What begins as a chance encounter becomes a transformative bond, offering Pedro new purpose, laughter, and a reason to face the future with courage.
Directed by Diego Freitas (Beyond the Universe), Caramelo is more than just a tearjerker. It’s a celebration of Brazil’s beloved “vira-latas caramelo” — the caramel-colored mixed-breed dogs often seen across the country. In fact, Caramelo is the first feature film to spotlight these iconic pups, affectionately known as “lixeiros” or “trashcan-tippers.” Fittingly, the film’s first poster debuted on Brazil’s National Stray Dog Day.
Beyond its emotional storyline, Caramelo raises awareness around a vital issue: brain tumors in young adults. Often misdiagnosed due to subtle symptoms like headaches, vision changes, or hearing loss, these conditions can be life-altering — making early detection critical.
NOUVELLE VAGUE, A LOVE LETTER TO FRENCH CINEMA
Five-time Oscar nominee Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Boyhood) turns his lens on one of the most radical and romantic moments in film history with Nouvelle Vague, a cinematic tribute to the French New Wave and the rebellious spirit that shaped it.
Set in the heart of 1959 Paris, Nouvelle Vague is Linklater’s vibrant homage to Breathless (À bout de souffle), the iconic debut feature by Jean-Luc Godard that forever changed the language of cinema. With a dynamic cast led by Guillaume Marbeck as the visionary Godard, the film dives into the chaos, charm, and creative freedom that defined a generation of young filmmakers ready to defy the rules — and invent their own.
As cameras roll on Breathless, we meet French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo (portrayed by Aubry Dullin) and American starlet Jean Seberg (Zoey Deutch), two magnetic forces at the center of a film that felt improvised, electric, and revolutionary. Their on-screen chemistry becomes a symbol of everything the French New Wave stood for: freedom, youth, and the thrill of doing something no one had dared before.
More than a period piece, Nouvelle Vague captures the restless energy and creative fire of a cinematic movement that rippled far beyond France. Linklater invites audiences not just to watch history unfold, but to feel the pulse of a cultural revolution — one that still shapes how stories are told today.
If you liked our article Best New Netflix Shows in October 2025 (Early Access Previews), read our latest articles about films and series.
Photos and videos: Courtesy of Netflix
