Netflix has expanded its October 2026 catalogue with a selection of new films and documentary productions, reflecting the streaming industry’s continued emphasis on different genres and audience interests. Among the month’s principal releases is Animals, a thriller directed by and starring Ben Affleck, which arrived on the platform on October 9. The film also features Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun and Gillian Anderson. Its release forms part of a broader autumn schedule that combines original films, returning television series and documentary projects focused on subjects from popular culture and entertainment history.
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Animals follows Mark, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate played by Affleck, and his wife Abigail, portrayed by Washington. Their lives are disrupted when they learn that their son has been kidnapped, forcing them to respond to demands that threaten both their family and Mark’s public career. The story combines elements of a crime thriller with questions involving personal responsibility and the consequences of difficult decisions. Affleck also participated in writing the screenplay. Although the narrative includes a political character, the production is presented as a fictional suspense story rather than a report about real political events.
The October schedule also includes several documentary projects examining figures who influenced television, film and comedy. Who Is Martin Mull?, released on October 7, explores the career of the actor, comedian, musician and visual artist. The documentary was directed by Bob Saget and Neil Berkeley and examines Mull’s work across different creative disciplines. Another October release, Lorne, focuses on Lorne Michaels, the Canadian-born television producer associated with the creation and long-running success of Saturday Night Live. Together, these projects demonstrate the continuing role of documentary filmmaking in preserving and interpreting entertainment history.
