Essays · Movies

The New Movies of October 2017, In Order of Anticipation

Keep reading for a look at our ten most anticipated movies hitting screens this month!
By  · Published on October 2nd, 2017

Keep reading for a look at our ten most anticipated movies hitting screens this month!

October means horror movies for some people, but the rest of who watch horror all year round instead see it as just another month in which to watch all kinds of films… with an extra dollop of horror, obviously. It’s a pretty packed month with a strong variety of films big and small, and we’re hopeful that all of them end up being extraordinary.


11. Geostorm

Release date: 10/20

“When the network of satellites designed to control the global climate start to attack Earth, it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything and everyone.”

Pros: The odds are good that Dean Devlin’s feature directorial debut — after serving as co-writer/producer on all of Roland Emmerich’s disaster-themed blockbusters — will be the best bad movie this month. I know that sounds like a negative, but the upside is immeasurable. Gerard Butler vs the weather? Come on. Plus it stars the kid who plays Ben Hanscom in IT!

Cons: It could end up being a regular old bad bad movie.


10. Jigsaw

Release date: 10/27

“Bodies are turning up around the city, each having met a uniquely gruesome demise. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one man: John Kramer. But how can this be? The man known as Jigsaw has been dead for over a decade.”

Pros: This eighth entry in the Saw franchise is directed by Michael & Peter Spierig whose previous three films are Predestination, Daybreakers, and Undead. At least two of those movies are fantastic.

Cons: Did I mention this is the eighth entry in the Saw franchise? I stopped watching after Saw III in 2006, so the biggest downside here is that I now have to go back and watch the rest if I hope to have a clue what’s going on in this one. Also, and this is more of a mixed bag than pure negative, it’s from the writers of Piranha 3D and Sorority Row.


9. Happy Death Day

Release date: 10/13

“A college student relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer’s identity.”

Pros: Crossing a slasher with the premise of Groundhog Day is pretty damn irresistible, and the trailer teases a slick, fun-looking ride. It’s also a rare treat to get a new horror title in October on a Friday the 13th.

Cons: The cast is a who’s who of who’s that, and while the talents behind the camera are more recognizable it’s for writing and/or directing uninspiring fare like Disturbia, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, and four of the Paranormal Activity sequels.


8. The Snowman

Release date: 10/20

“Detective Harry Hole investigates the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman.”

Pros: The director of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Let the Right One In has made a serial killer thriller starring Michael Fassbender, Rebbeca Ferguson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Toby Jones, Val Kilmer, and JK Simmons, and it’s based on a novel from the author of 2011’s Headhunters. I’ve also read two of Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole books, and they’re solid, atmospheric thrillers.

Cons: At the risk of sounding like a twelve year-old… Harry Hole? Really? You couldn’t have changed that for the film?


7. Better Watch Out

Release date: 10/6

“On a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal home invasion.”

Pros: Chris Peckover’s follow-up to the brutal Undocumented is a sharp, funny, and surprising little home invasion movie that I’ve been singing the praises of for a year now. The trailer gives too much away, so I recommend you skip it and go in blind. Just know that it’s an immensely entertaining slice of holiday horror.

Cons: I’ve seen it a few times now and haven’t been let down on repeat viewings, but I still worry that people will see/hear too much about it before catching it even once.

Keep reading for a look at our top six most anticipated releases this month:

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Rob Hunter has been writing for Film School Rejects since before you were born, which is weird seeing as he's so damn young. He's our Chief Film Critic and Associate Editor and lists 'Broadcast News' as his favorite film of all time. Feel free to say hi if you see him on Twitter @FakeRobHunter.