Welcome to When To Stream’s Weekly Preview! Every week, we take a closer look at the major film streaming releases scheduled to launch in the next 7 days. As always, release dates are subject to change.
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Here are this week’s highlights:
Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
BLACK ZOMBIE – $12.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Cast: Yves-Grégory Francois, Erol Josué, Mambo Labelle Déesse, Anderson Mojica
Synopsis: From the flickering screens of Hollywood horror, to the haunted cane fields of colonial Haiti, Black Zombie unearths the buried origins of the zombie, reclaiming it as a symbol of survival and spiritual resistance.
What we like:
- Canadian filmmaker Maya Annik Bedward makes her feature directorial debut, also serving as producer and writer for this fascinating deconstruction of the zombie genre.
- The documentary features Tom Savini, legendary makeup-effects artist and filmmaker; Slash, the Guns N’ Roses guitarist; and horror scholar/author Tananarive Due, alongside Haitian and Caribbean cultural figures.
- Bedward examines movies including White Zombie (1932), Night of the Living Dead (1968), and The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) to trace how the zombie developed as a cinematic monster.
What we don’t like:
- The film really underlines how Western cinema systematically conflated the Haitian Vodou religion with black magic and devil worship, transforming victims of colonial power into menacing cinematic villains to project white fears of Black resistance. The shameful way Haitian immigrants have been treated in the US proves that these stereotypes and prejudices are still alive and well.
COLONY – $14.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Cast: Gianna Jun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hyun-been, Kim Shin-rock, Go Soo
Synopsis: Horror master Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan) directs a new Korean zombie thriller starring Gianna Jun and Koo Kyo-hwan. Professor Se-jeong (Jun) is thrust into a bloody nightmare when a rapidly mutating virus is released during a biotech conference causing authorities to seal the facility. Trapped inside with no escape, Se-jeong along with a small group of survivors must fight to stay alive while the infected undergo horrific transformations.
What we like:
- Yeon Sang-ho, who directed the hugely influential 2016 zombie film Train to Busan, returns to the zombie genre with this bloody thriller.
- The Korean title is Gunche (군체), a word that refers to a colony or collective organism, which fits the film’s emphasis on infected creatures evolving and behaving in increasingly coordinated ways.
- Yeon reunited with a key zombie-movement collaborator, choreographer Jeon Young, who previously worked with Yeon on Train to Busan, Peninsula and Hellbound, and helped create the unusual movements of the infected. Can we all agree that ‘Zombie Choreographer’ is one of the top 5 jobs in the world?
What we don’t like:
- The film received a semi-wide release from distributor Well Go USA, but it didn’t break out beyond its core audience, earning an okay $1.4M at the US box-office. It should do very well on digital.
FALL 2: DEADPOINT – $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Cast: Harriet Slater, Arsema Thomas, Tom Brittney
Synopsis: Overwhelmed by her sister Hunter’s death, Jax connects with Luce, Hunter’s fearless friend. To heal, they attempt the infamous plank walk of Mount Kwan in Thailand. After a sudden rockslide leaves them stranded on a fragile plank 3000 feet in the air, Jax must confront her deepest fears and fight for survival to find closure.
What we like:
- This sequel to 2022’s Fall follows a new central character, Jax Hunter, rather than simply continuing Becky and Hunter’s story from the first movie. Jax is Shiloh Hunter’s sister and is played by Harriet Slater. Smart move…how much falling can one woman take??
- The original trapped its characters atop a gigantic communications tower. Deadpoint shifts the concept to Mount Kwan in Thailand, where Jax and Luce become stranded thousands of feet above the ground. Again…smart move to shift the setting and not just re-heat the proverbial nachos of the first film.
- The film was directed by Australian filmmakers Michael and Peter Spierig, the brothers behind films such as 2017’s Jigsaw and 2018’s Winchester.
What we don’t like:
- Not many takers for this sequel, as it only earned $5M at the US box-office. Still, its production budget was likely modest, and it earned $21M worldwide, so it probably made its money back. And a third installment is in the works.
INSIDIOUS: OUT OF THE FURTHER – $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Cast: Amelia Eve, Brandon Perea and Maisie Richardson-Sellers, with Lin Shaye
Synopsis: A trio of stalkers infiltrate a quiet suburb and force a new family into the astral plane, where they uncover a terrifying truth: the Further is bleeding into the real world.
What we like:
- Jacob Chase, who wrote and directed the 2020 horror film Come Play, directs this sixth installment in the durable Insidious franchise. The original creators, Leigh Whannell and James Wan, remain connected as producers.
- Joseph Bishara, whose distinctive horror scoring has been closely associated with the Insidious series since the beginning, composed the music for this chapter as well.
- Earlier films generally treated the Further as a dangerous realm people entered. Here, the central premise essentially reverses that relationship: the Further begins spilling into our world. Like we don’t have enough problems!
What we don’t like:
- Sony initially scrapped the film and removed it from its release slate, leading many to believe the horror franchise had officially been put to bed after 2023’s Insidious: The Red Door. Unwilling to see the series end quietly, 82-year-old franchise star Lin Shaye (who plays psychic medium Elise Rainier) pushed back against the studio and penned a personal, impassioned letter to Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman. Moved by her appeal on behalf of the fanbase, Rothman reversed the studio’s decision and greenlit production. And it’s grossed $170M worldwide on an $18 budget! Put Lin Shaye in charge of a studio!
LATE FAME – $14.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee and Edmund Donovan
Synopsis: Legendary New York poet Ed Saxberger’s forgotten works captivate an eccentric group of young creatives, reigniting his artistic passion. Their intrigue intertwines with the bewitching presence of actress Gloria.
What we like:
- This indie is based on Arthur Schnitzler’s Late Fame, a work originally written in the late 19th century. Director Kent Jones and screenwriter Samy Burch transplant the story from turn-of-the-century Vienna to contemporary New York.
- Burch is building quite a resume. She also wrote the script for the newly on PVOD Coyote Vs. Acme. And let’s not forget her Oscar-nominated screenplay for Todd Haynes’ May December.
- Before directing narrative features, Jones was well known as a film critic and documentary filmmaker. His previous feature Diane (2018) won the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW. Late Fame is his second narrative feature.
- Critics loved it. It currently sits at 93% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
What we don’t like:
- Despite a healthy push from distributor Magnolia Pictures, the film wasn’t able to break out at the arthouse box-office. It grossed only $550K domestically. It’s well worth a rental now that it’s hitting digital.
ONSLAUGHT – $24.99 Sale / $19.99 Rental
Cast: Adria Arjona, Dan Stevens, Alex Pereira, Michael Biehn, Drew Starkey, Rebecca Hall, Eric Wareheim, and Reginald VelJohnson
Synopsis: A mother living in a trailer park tries to protect her loved ones from a threat that has escaped from a secret military base, while mercenaries try to contain it.
What we like:
- The latest from director Adam Wingard, who brought us The Guest, You’re Next, Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Wingard co-wrote Onslaught with longtime collaborator Simon Barrett.
- The Brazilian UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira makes his acting debut, playing a character named The Butcher.
- Sci-fi legend Michael Biehn (The Aliens, The Terminator, The Abyss) is also part of the ensemble.
What we don’t like:
- The movie juxtaposes severe, heavy subject matter, such as the Holocaust, mass shootings, veteran PTSD, and the military-industrial complex, against a campy, hyper-violent grindhouse aesthetic. Some critics argue that turning these serious real-world anxieties into popcorn entertainment desensitizes audiences.
SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY – $29.99 Sale / TBD Rental
Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo
Synopsis: Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he’s devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.
What we like:
- Longtime writers of the MCU Spider-Man films Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers return for this go-around, and this time Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings helmer Destin Daniel Cretton takes over directing duties.
- Critics loved the film. It currently sits at 90% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Box-office for the film was pretty goo…JUST KIDDING! Where do we begin with the spectacular numbers? Let’s break it down:
- Domestic Records
- Highest-Grossing Film Ever: Surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($936.6 million) to claim the #1 domestic spot
- Opening Weekend: Brought in a record-shattering $360 million in North America, beating Avengers: Endgame
- Fastest Milestones: Became the fastest movie to reach every major threshold from $400 million (4 days) up to $900 million
- Global Milestones
- Worldwide Total: Reached roughly $2.495 billion globally
- Billion-Dollar Mark: Crossed $1 billion worldwide in just six days
- Sony’s Biggest: Became Sony Pictures’ highest-grossing feature of all time, topping Spider-Man: No Way Home
- Domestic Records
What we don’t like:
- Some critics and fans pointed out that the movie crams far too many characters and storylines, including Gan Gray, the Hulk, the Punisher, Yelena, Damage Control, and Jean Grey, into a single film. Major figures like Scorpion and Tombstone are relegated to minor roles or cameos.
Also Streaming Tuesday:
Friday, October 9th, 2026
ANIMALS – Netflix
Cast: Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, Matt Gerald, with Luis Gerardo Méndez and Steven Yeun
Synopsis: When their son is kidnapped, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife find themselves drawn into a web of deception. As they scramble to raise the ransom payment, they’re forced to make choices that could tear their world apart.When their son is kidnapped, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife find themselves drawn into a web of deception. As they scramble to raise the ransom payment, they’re forced to make choices that could tear their world apart.
What we like:
- Ben Affleck directs, co-writes, co-produces and stars in this Netflix crime thriller. It’s his first directorial effort since 2023’s AIR.
- As usual, this Netflix production is stacked with a talented cast. In addition to Affleck, it features Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Ray Fisher and Matt Gerald.
- Matt Damon was originally attached to star, with Affleck’s ex Jennifer Garner tapped to co-star. When Damon had to drop out due to scheduling issues, Affleck stepped in, and Washington replaced Garner. Probably for the best (though it sounds like Garner and Affleck get along just fine!).
What we don’t like:
- While speaking at Bloomberg’s 2026 Screentime event, director and star Ben Affleck acknowledged utilizing AI during production. Affleck declined to name which exact elements or scenes were generated by AI.
DISCLOSURE DAY – Peacock
Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo
Synopsis: If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? Now the truth belongs to seven billion people in an original event film created and directed by Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by David Koepp, starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo.
What we like:
- After revisiting established franchises and making historical dramas, Spielberg returns to an original science-fiction story centered on humanity’s first undeniable proof of extraterrestrial life. The story was conceived by Spielberg, with the screenplay written by David Koepp, one of his most frequent collaborators (Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull).
- Spielberg once again collaborated with legendary composer John Williams, continuing one of cinema’s longest-running and most celebrated director-composer partnerships.
- Without spoiling specifics, the film concludes with a bold, ambiguous moment that has generated extensive discussion among fans about what happens next and what it means for humanity.
What we don’t like:
- The film sparked intense backlash from conservative and Christian commentators who condemned it as an “assault on Christianity” for its depiction of a former nun losing her faith and alien technology overpowering a crucifix.
MATCHBOX: THE MOVIE – Apple TV
Cast: John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Arturo Castro, Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira, Golshifteh Farahani
Synopsis: Inspired by the iconic Mattel toys, “Matchbox The Movie” is an action-packed, globetrotting adventure about a group of friends since childhood who have their lives upended when undercover CIA agent Sean (Cena), their long-absent former leader, returns to their small town and unwittingly gets them embroiled in a frantic international pursuit to save the world.
What we like:
- Sam Hargrave, the stunt coordinator for several films in the MCU, and the director of the Extraction films from Netflix, helms this family-friendly action comedy.
- The production is based on Mattel’s iconic die-cast vehicle brand, meaning the filmmakers have a huge library of real Matchbox vehicles to draw from for automotive references and Easter eggs.
- David Coggeshall wrote the screenplay, and he previously wrote the scripts for Orphan: First Kill (pretty entertaining!) and The Family Plan (not a favorite of ours!).
- We hope supporting cast members Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Arturo Castro, Bill Camp and Danai Gurira all got nice fat paychecks.
What we don’t like:
- Why Matchbox instead of Hot Wheels? Die-cast car enthusiasts questioned why Mattel greenlit a Matchbox movie over Hot Wheels. Historically, Hot Wheels is known for fantastical racing and tracks, whereas Matchbox focuses on realistic production vehicles, leading fans to argue that Hot Wheels would have made more sense for a stylized stunt film.
OASIS: DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER – Disney+, Hulu
Cast: Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell, Joey Waronker
Synopsis: Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live ’25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.
What we like:
- This documentary follows Liam and Noel Gallagher as they reunited Oasis for their first major tour together since the band’s breakup. It combines concert footage with rehearsals, backstage material and interviews. The brothers sit down for their first joint interview in more than 20 years.
- It was directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, the pair who previously made Shut Up and Play the Hits, the acclaimed documentary about LCD Soundsystem’s farewell concert, and Meet Me in the Bathroom, about New York’s 2000s music scene.
- The documentary spends significant time on the audience’s reaction to the reunion and what Oasis’s music means to different generations. Critics have particularly noted the fan interviews as an important and emotional part of the film.
- Reports surrounding the streaming release say that full performances of songs including “Wonderwall” and “Slide Away” will be available, with some performances having been shortened for the theatrical cut.
What we don’t like:
- Reviewers noted that the film skirts around the actual animosity and the 2009 Paris backstage blowout that split the band, with Liam and Noel brushing it off lightly instead of unpacking their deep-seated trauma or difficult childhood. We’re fine with them not dwelling on it, whatever keeps the brothers happy!
V/H/S MIXTAPE – Shudder
Directors: Ernest Dickerson, RZA, David Moreau, Renee Zahn, Flying Lotus, Tobias Forge
Synopsis: V/H/S Mixtape cranks the signature found-footage horror up to eleven with an electrifying new anthology where music and sound become the source of terror. United by a theme that explores the power of music, the film blends cosmic horror, psychological suspense, outrageous splatter, and groundbreaking practical effects into one unforgettable mixtape of nightmares.
What we like:
- The ninth movie in the franchise, V/H/S/Mixtape follows last year’s V/H/S/Halloween, continuing the anthology series’ tradition of bringing together multiple filmmakers and standalone horror stories.
- Instead of simply using the VHS format as the common thread, this installment makes music and sound the source of terror, with stories involving rhythm, audio, performances and music that can haunt, possess or destroy.
- Renee Zhan’s segment features original puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop!
What we don’t like:
- The legendary shock-metal band GWAR has a featured appearance and is incorporated into the film’s framing material. Sadly, Chuck Varga, best known as “The Sexecutioner” and one of the founding members of GWAR, died last month after battling cancer.
Saturday, October 10th, 2026
HOKUM – Hulu
Cast: Adam Scott, David Wilmot, Austin Amelio, Florence Ordesh, Peter Coonan, Michael Patric, and Will O’Connell
Synopsis: A horror novelist visits a remote Irish inn to spread his parents’ ashes, unaware the place is rumored to be haunted by a witch.
What we like:
- This NEON release comes from Irish horror filmmaker Damian McCarthy, who previously gained cult-horror attention for his creepy low-budget chillers Oddity and Caveat. Hokum is his biggest mainstream breakthrough yet.
- Adam Scott, best known for prestige TV and comedy work on Severance and Parks and Recreation, stars against type as a bitter horror novelist named Ohm Bauman.
- Though not exactly an Obsession-sized hit, the film was a success for NEON. On a reported $5M budget, the film grossed about $19M worldwide.
What we don’t like:
- Critics were sharply divided on the movie’s heavy use of jump scares. Some praised the tension and atmosphere, while others thought the scares became excessive and predictable. Overall though, reviews were good. It have a 76 Metacritic score. We agree that jump scares are a cheap way to get a reaction from the audience..but Hokum still has enough genuine chills that we’ll forgive it.
Happy Streaming Everyone!
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