The best new films and TV series to watch on Netflix this month: From Florence Pugh's East of Eden to the return of The Diplomat and Nobody Wants This

Updated: 08:04 EDT, 1 October 2026 There’s plenty to get excited about on Netflix this October, from a lavish new adaptation of one of the 20th-century’s most famous novels to the return of some very familiar faces. Florence Pugh leads East of Eden, while The Diplomat, Nobody Wants This and Lupin are all back for new seasons. There are also documentaries about Michael Schumacher’s breakthrough F1 season and the life of Friends star Matthew Perry, plus a creepy new thriller starring Josh Hartnett. Here’s what’s coming to Netflix this month.East of Eden – 1 OctoberEast of Eden arrives on Netflix on 1 OctoberOne of the most famous novels of all time is getting a fresh, starry makeover. This new adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden follows the Trask family across generations, with particular focus on Cathy Ames, the novel’s complex and unforgettable antiheroine. Florence Pugh leads the cast alongside Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee and Tracy Letts in this lavish seven-part drama.Schumacher ’94 – The Birth of a Legend – 2 October Schumacher ’94 arrives on Netflix on 2 OctoberFormula 1 fans, this one’s for you. Schumacher ’94 looks back at the season that saw Michael Schumacher claim his first World Championship, transforming the young German driver into a global superstar. Combining never-before-seen archive footage with personal interviews, the documentary takes viewers back to that dramatic 1994 season and the moments that helped cement Schumacher’s place in F1 history.Below – 8 October Below arrives on Netflix on 8 OctoberJosh Hartnett heads to the wilds of Newfoundland for this creepy six-part thriller, playing fisherman Calvin Penney, a devoted dad still haunted by his father’s mysterious death. When a strange sea creature begins terrorising his small community, Calvin teams up with visiting marine researcher Mackenzie Davis to protect his family and uncover the truth. Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton also stars as Calvin’s son, Wade.Animals – 9 October Animals arrives on Netflix on 9 OctoberFancy something a little darker? Ben Affleck directs and stars in this gripping thriller, playing an LA mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. Alongside Gillian Anderson as his wife, he’s forced into a desperate race to raise the ransom – but as the pressure mounts, the couple are pushed towards increasingly dangerous decisions.The Diplomat (Season 4) – 15 October Season 4 of The Diplomat arrives on Netflix on 15 OctoberOne of Netflix’s most addictive political dramas is back. Keri Russell returns as US ambassador Kate Wyler, alongside Rufus Sewell as her husband, Hal, Allison Janney as President Grace Penn and Bradley Whitford as Todd Penn. Following the explosive events of season three, Kate is once again caught in the middle of an international crisis – while her already complicated marriage is pushed to breaking point.Nobody Wants This (Season 3) – 22 October Season 3 of Nobody Wants This arrives on Netflix on 22 October Our favourite unlikely couple are back! Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return as Joanne and Noah, who are finally settling into life together after recommitting to their relationship at the end of season two. But, naturally, happily ever after isn’t quite that simple. As they navigate all the exciting (and awkward) firsts of building a life together, Sasha and Esther find themselves back in the dating world, while Morgan’s career is going from strength to strength.Lupin (Season 4) – 23 October Season 4 of Lupin arrives on Netflix on 23 OctoberOmar Sy’s charming gentleman thief is back for another round of elaborate heists and very clever disguises. Four years after the events of the previous season, Assane is behind bars and determined to keep his promise to his son – until a series of spectacular museum robberies are committed in his name. With all the evidence pointing towards him, Assane has no choice but to escape and become Lupin once again to catch the mysterious copycat.The One About Matthew Perry – 27 OctoberThis intimate documentary takes a closer look at the life of Friends star Matthew Perry, going beyond the much-loved Chandler Bing to explore the man behind the character. Featuring personal testimonies from family and close friends, The One About Matthew Perry looks at his career, relationships, generosity and the struggles he faced throughout his life.