Movies for October 2024 that are NOT Halloween movies

October is spooky season, and the Halloween and horror movie genres hog the spotlight. However, if Halloween movies are not quite your thing, or if you're bored with the same old selections, then you'll enjoy my curated list of movies for October. These movies capture the spirit /vibe / feelings / mood of the season without being too on-the-nose. You can also comment some of your favorite "non-Halloween" movies for October in the comments. This is not an exhaustive list. Now, in no particular order, my movies for October 2024 that are not Halloween movies: 

10. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) 

The Royal Tenenbaums comes loaded with a heavy dose of early 2000's nostalgia, a magical cast, and a quirky Wes Anderson autumn style that's perfectly fitting for a cozy October movie night. 

9. The Batman (2022) 

This 2022 version of The dark knight was a popular blockbuster, and even spawned a television series spinoff starring Colin Farrell in his memorable role as The Penguin. When we first see Batman in a dark subway terminal in The Batman, it happens to be Halloween night. In fact, he even mentions in the opening monologue that it's Thursday Oct. 31, which happens to be the night of Halloween in 2024. Very fitting. The Batman is a dark, thrilling, and exciting take on the classic comic book character that's perfect for October. 

8. Coco (2017)

On a lighter note, Coco is a charming fantasy story about a young boy named Miguel who discovers the importance of family ties and how to honor family. It is visually gorgeous with its rich colors and textures. The scenery of the afterworld is steeped with the style of the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday, which is fitting for October. This touching Disney/Pixar masterpiece is a nice family-friendly addition to your October playlist without being explicitly about Halloween. 

7. Marriage Story (2019)

For those of you who may be into a more hard-hitting indie drama, Marriage Story might just be the perfect pick. Directed by indie legend Noah Baumbach. It's a beautifully crafted drama with powerhouse performances from Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a couple whose marriage is dissolving right before our eyes. It's a bit dark, and some scenes are tough to watch, but it's fully riveting. There's something electric about seeing Black Widow and Kylo Ren scream at each other. It also has a fall vibe that's very fitting for the changing season in October. It's a season of change, and sometimes the growing pains can be excruciating. Special note: Laura Dern won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this.

6. Juno (2007)

Juno is comin' in hot with the 2000's autumn indie vibes. I always considered this movie a bit ahead of its time, and buoyed by sharp writing from Diablo Cody that included charming and quirky characters. Its warm tone is perfect for October. 

5. The Social Network (2010) 

The Social Network is a gripping drama that delves into the origins of the social media revolution, with a particular focus on the creation of Facebook. While it tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg’s rise, it also offers a sobering and cautious look at the far-reaching impact of social media on society. Director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin capture lightning in a bottle with their sharp, fast-paced portrayal of ambition, betrayal, and innovation. Its moody, tension-filled atmosphere makes it a perfect watch for October, evoking a sense of intrigue and unease fitting for the season. 

4. Dark Shadows (2012)

No October movie list is complete without a Tim Burton film, and while Dark Shadows may not be his most acclaimed work, it’s certainly worth a revisit. A quirky reimagining of the 1970s soap opera of the same name, the film is filled with offbeat ‘70s references and showcases the peak of Burton’s creative partnership with Johnny Depp. With its signature Burton blend of the macabre and the whimsical, complete with vampires, witches, and gothic overtones, it’s an ideal choice to capture the spooky, nostalgic spirit of October.

3. Nightmare Alley (2021)

 This sprawling masterpiece set in the world of a traveling carnival comes from Guillermo Del Toro, a director renowned for his dark, fantastical storytelling. Nightmare Alley follows a cunning con man who uses a fake psychic routine to manipulate those around him. It’s a haunting, visually stunning film filled with violence, intrigue, and rich, atmospheric details. The carnival setting and psychological themes make it an ideal October watch, offering an eerie, immersive experience without being overtly tied to Halloween.

2. Ex Machina (2015)

Ex Machina is a tense, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that explores the boundaries between artificial intelligence and humanity. The film follows a young programmer invited to test the capabilities of a highly advanced AI, only to uncover darker, unsettling layers to both the machine and its creator. With its eerie atmosphere, psychological tension, and haunting questions about technology and control, Ex Machina is an ideal watch for October. Its cold, isolated setting and creeping sense of unease make it a chilling addition to the month’s lineup, perfectly complementing the season’s mood of mystery and suspense. But, it does not explicitly reference Halloween.

1. Wonka (2023)

I’m wrapping up this list on a whimsical note. Wonka is a magical musical prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Timothée Chalamet shining as the eccentric and imaginative young chocolatier. Its vibrant color palette, musical charm, and fairy tale quality offer a delightful escape. While it’s not Halloween-centric, the film’s dreamy, fantastical atmosphere makes it a perfect October pick, bringing a touch of wonder and magic to the season.