Weekend Entertainment Blitz: “War 2” Digital Premiere, “The Smashing Machine” Hits Theaters, and More Top Releases This October

This weekend, from October 11th to October 13th, 2025, audiences are set to be captivated by a diverse array of new movie and series releases across both streaming platforms and cinemas. From high-stakes action thrillers and gripping crime dramas to poignant documentaries and animated epics, the entertainment landscape is buzzing with fresh content.

Digital Delights Abound

Streaming services are bringing a compelling lineup this week. Netflix is at the forefront with the digital premiere of the highly anticipated Bollywood action flick War 2 on October 9th. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film continues the YRF Spy Universe, featuring Hrithik Roshan reprising his role as Kabir Dhaliwal, alongside Jr. NTR in his Hindi debut as Special Units Officer Vikram Chelapathi, and Kiara Advani. Despite a mixed reception during its theatrical run, the movie is now available in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, offering a second chance for fans to experience its action-packed narrative.

Also premiering on Netflix is the psychological thriller The Woman in Cabin 10, released on October 10th. Based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, the film stars Keira Knightley as a travel journalist who believes she witnessed a passenger being thrown overboard a luxury yacht, only to be disbelieved by everyone else aboard. The series Néro the Assassin also made its global debut on Netflix on October 8th, offering an eight-episode historical adventure series set in 16th-century France, starring Pio Marmaï as a ruthless assassin who goes on the run with his estranged daughter.

Amazon Prime Video is rolling out the sports documentary Saquon, chronicling the journey of NFL running back Saquon Barkley. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, the film delves into Barkley’s resilience through injuries and contract disputes, as well as his personal life, premiering on October 9th.

JioHotstar is bolstering its content library with Search: The Naina Murder Case, a crime thriller series that began streaming on October 10th. Starring Konkona Sen Sharma as ACP Sanyukta Das, the series investigates the mysterious death of a teenage girl, uncovering dark secrets and political implications. Another significant release on JioHotstar is the Indian animated mythological series Kurukshetra, inspired by the Mahabharata, which premiered on October 10th. This series marks Netflix India’s first venture into mythological animation, presenting the epic battle from the perspectives of 18 warriors.

On the Big Screen

For those preferring a cinematic experience, The Smashing Machine, a biographical sports drama starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, hits theaters on October 3rd, with wider releases in various regions from October 2nd. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film has already garnered positive reviews from its festival circuit premiere.

The Marathi film Sthal, an award-winning drama exploring the tradition of arranged marriage, received a theatrical release on March 7, 2025. While not a new release for this specific weekend, its enduring presence and critical acclaim make it a noteworthy mention in the Indian film landscape.

A Diverse Entertainment Weekend

This weekend’s entertainment lineup offers a rich tapestry of genres and stories. From the high-octane action of War 2 and the intense drama of The Smashing Machine to the intricate mystery of The Woman in Cabin 10 and the historical depth of Néro the Assassin, there’s something to satisfy every viewer’s craving. The blend of international and Indian content, spanning thrillers, documentaries, and animated epics like Kurukshetra, ensures a truly global entertainment experience.