What to watch tonight: 49 new shows and movies just added to Netflix, Apple TV, Peacock and more (Oct. 9)

Navigating Your Streaming Options

When it comes to deciding what to watch, it can get overwhelming. Fast. There are so many options out there, and even if you keep it to just the best streaming services, dozens of new shows and movies are added every day. Fortunately, our expert curation makes it easier to figure out what to watch tonight.

From Netflix and Apple TV to Peacock and free platforms like Tubi or Shudder, we have sorted through the clutter to highlight the absolute best new releases and live events available to stream today (October 9).

Top Picks to Stream Tonight

'Animals' (2026) — Netflix

Genre: Crime thriller movie

What it's about: When the son of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball (Ben Affleck) is suddenly kidnapped, he and his wife, Abigail (Kerry Washington), must find a way to pay the ransom. With time running out, the couple are forced to make difficult decisions as the situation spirals out of control and dangerous secrets threaten to come to light.

Why you should watch it: Ben Affleck is back behind the camera for this gripping crime thriller, which maintains intense suspense through its high-stakes kidnapping plot, a desperate family dynamic, and plenty of uncertainty. Supported by stellar performances from Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson, it’s a premier pick for a tense movie night.

'Matchbox the Movie' (2026) — Apple TV

Genre: Action-comedy movie

What it's about: This adrenaline-fueled adaptation follows Sean (John Cena), an undercover CIA agent who returns to his hometown after years away, only to reunite with his childhood friends. Their peaceful reunion takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in an international conspiracy involving a nuclear weapon, forcing them to rely on fast cars and quick thinking to save the world.

Why you should watch it: John Cena leads this high-energy globe-trotting adventure packed with thrilling car chases and explosive action sequences directed by Sam Hargrave (known for the 'Extraction' movies). Featuring a strong supporting cast including Jessica Biel and Sam Richardson, it is an effortless choice for a fun, fast-paced evening.

'Disclosure Day' (2026) — Peacock

Genre: Sci-fi thriller movie

What it's about: Kansas City weather presenter Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) experiences a bizarre and unexplainable incident during a live broadcast, sparking global questions about whether humanity is truly alone. Simultaneously, government whistleblower Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor) investigates hard evidence of extraterrestrial life and a massive cover-up, leading toward a truth that will alter humanity's worldview forever.

Why you should watch it: Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg returns to the sci-fi genre with this thought-provoking masterpiece. Boasting stellar performances by Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, the film masterfully blends extraterrestrial mystery, government conspiracies, and cinematic wonder.

Full Streaming Guide: Friday, Oct. 9

Here is a complete breakdown of all the major content dropping today across various streaming platforms:

• Netflix: "Animals" (2026), "Beauty and the Beat" (2026), "Dead-End Job" (Series Premiere), "Doctor X: Mafia in White" (Series Premiere), "Haunted Hotel" (Season 2), "Is It Cake? Halloween" (Season 2), "Lucky" (2017), "Reporting Live" (2026), "Rumours" (2024), "Take Charge of My Heart" (Series Premiere)
• Prime Video: NHL Hockey: Seattle Kraken vs. Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. ET)
• Paramount+: "Avatar: Seven Havens" (Series Premiere), "Boston Blue" (Season 2), "Fire Country" (Season 5), "Sheriff Country" (Season 2), "Mobland" (Season 2), Live Soccer: West Ham United vs. Queens Park Rangers (3 p.m. ET)
• HBO Max: "House Hunters International: Volume 10" (Season 217), "Rage" (Season 2), "The Housemaid" (2025)
• Apple TV: "Matchbox The Movie" (2026), "Dark Matter" (Season 2), "Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars" (Season 2), Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (8:30 a.m. ET)
• Hulu & Disney+: "Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger" (2026), "Benefits with Friends" (Season 2 Premiere), "Tokyo Revengers: War of the Three Titans Arc", "LOL Live with Just Nesh" (2026), "Under Wraps" (1997)
• Peacock: "Disclosure Day" (2026), "Inside Look: Sense and Sensibility", "Law & Order" (Season 26 Premiere), "Law & Order: SVU" (Season 28 Premiere), WNBA Playoffs: Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces (9 p.m. ET), Bundesliga Soccer, Liga MX, College Hockey, and Swimming World Cup coverage.
• ESPN Unlimited: College Football (Florida State at Louisville, Iowa State at BYU, Columbia at Marist) and Women's College Volleyball matches.
• Tubi: "R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2" (2026), "Pusher 2" (2004), "Pusher 3: Angel of Death" (2005)
• Shudder: "V/H/S Mixtape" (2026)