Netflix October 2026: The Top 5 Highest-Rated Movies You Need to Watch

As Netflix rolls out its massive October 2026 content update, subscribers are greeted with over 70 new cinematic additions. With such an overwhelming library of choices, finding quality films can be a challenge. To simplify your streaming experience, we have scoured Rotten Tomatoes to identify the top 5 highest-rated movies arriving on the platform this month, all boasting critical scores of 92% or higher.

1. Moonlight (2016) - 98% Rating

Topping our list is Barry Jenkins' masterpiece, 'Moonlight'. This Oscar-winning film is widely celebrated as one of the best movies of the past decade. It masterfully chronicles the life of Chiron through three defining chapters, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the search for connection in Miami. With performances that are both tragic and deeply tender, it is an essential watch.

2. Psycho (1960) - 97% Rating

Perfectly timed for the spooky season, Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary horror classic 'Psycho' makes its way to Netflix. Even decades after its release, the film remains a masterclass in tension and psychological terror. Following Marion Crane’s fateful stop at the Bates Motel, this cinematic landmark continues to influence filmmakers today. If you have somehow never experienced the legendary shower scene, now is your chance.

3. Call Me by Your Name (2017) - 95% Rating

Luca Guadagnino’s 'Call Me by Your Name' serves as a beautiful, sun-drenched exploration of first love. Set in the lush landscape of 1980s Italy, the film features a breakout performance from Timothée Chalamet. Its story of a burgeoning summer romance remains one of the most poignant and visually stunning dramas in recent memory.

4. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - 92% Rating

For those seeking high-octane thrills, Netflix has added the complete Jason Bourne franchise. Among these, the third installment, 'The Bourne Ultimatum', holds the highest critical score. Following Matt Damon's amnesiac assassin across the globe, this film delivers the series' peak action sequences and satisfying narrative payoffs, making it the perfect marathon conclusion.

5. Dallas Buyers Club (2013) - 92% Rating

Rounding out our list is the powerful biographical drama 'Dallas Buyers Club'. This film is best remembered for the 'McConaissance'—the period when Matthew McConaughey pivoted from romantic comedies to heavy, award-winning dramas. His portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a man fighting both an AIDS diagnosis and a broken healthcare system, is both harrowing and profoundly inspiring, supported by an incredible, Oscar-winning performance by Jared Leto.

Whether you are looking for an intense thriller, a heart-wrenching drama, or a classic horror film, these top-rated titles are the perfect place to start your October viewing marathon.