It’s Halloween! And you know what that means — horror junkies will be happy to hear that there are lots of horror films and shows in the pipeline this month. But while October might be spooky szn, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other offerings in the cinemas and on streaming services. Here’s what we at 8List.ph are looking forward to see in both big and small screens this October 2026.

Love in Disguise

Release date: 19 October 2026
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Prime Video

Why it’s on our watchlist:

The classic gender-swap trope has always had a special place in our romcom hearts (She’s The Man in 2006, Coffee Prince in 2007, Secret Garden in 2010, Love in the Moonlight in 2016, and more), and it seems we are finally, finally getting back into it. Love in Disguise follows former special forces detective Kang Jae-hee (Seol In-ah), who disguises herself as a man to work as a personal secretary for prickly chaebol Yoon Yi-jun (Yim Si-wan), who is entangled in a high-profile murder investigation.

It doesn’t hurt that we’re looking at two absolutely beautiful people. And when the initial photos of Seol In-ah in her gender-bent ‘fits came out? It’s insane how good she looks. I’m excited for the wild ride that this K-drama is going to be.

— Meryl Medel

Digger

Release date: 2 October 2026
Run time: 2 hr 8 min
Where to watch: Cinemas nationwide (Warner Bros.)

Why it’s on our watchlist:

I’ve grown up watching films of Tom Cruise risking his life on action films and death-defying stunts, so it’s a delight to see him take on the slightly unhinged, ruthless oil tycoon Digger Rockwell. (Which actually kind of reminds me of his Tropic Thunder character, the foul-mouthed studio executive Les Grossman.

So ICYDK, Digger follows the titular character played by Cruise, Digger Rockwell, who is an unrepentant, fast-talking oil tycoon whose aggressive drilling triggers an environmental catastrophe in Greenland. But rather than owning up to the crisis, he conspires with the U.S. President to spin the narrative, censor critics, and protect his wealth.

— Meryl Medel

Apothecary Diaries Season 3

Release date: October 2, 2026
Episodes: 12 (1st cour)
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (select Asian regions)

Why it’s on our watchlist:

The third season of Apothecary Diaries is upon us. With the Shi Clan rebellion behind them, Maomao is back to her quiet life as a pharmacist in the pleasure district, until an odd encounter at the Verdigris House piques her curiosity. Meanwhile, Jinshi, now carrying the weight of his true identity, is haunted by a warning of a coming disaster, and rumors of a mysterious shrine maiden who deceives people are casting a dark shadow once again. From the court to the city streets and beyond, Maomao and Jinshi will need every bit of their wits to face what’s coming.

For those who like clever mysteries and palace intrigue, this is your season. And with the story stepping beyond the palace walls, who knows what could happen?

— Kenn Hernandez

Other Mommy

Release date: October 7, 2026
Run time: 1 hr 33 min
Where to watch: Cinemas nationwide

Why it’s on our watchlist:

It’s officially spooky season. While I’m always in the mood for a good horror/thriller movie year-round, nothing beats new releases around this time of year. We’ve been blessed with great horror movies this year, and I’m hopeful Other Mommy will keep that momentum going.

Starring Jessica Chastain (Ursula) and Arabella Olivia Clark (Bela), Other Mommy follows an 8-year-old girl as she navigates childhood while her parents struggle with marital issues. Things get worse in their household when an entity, who steps of out of her closet, begins haunting Bela. It appears to be a shapeshifter, mimicking members of her family and causing chaos. The supernatural being, or the other mommy, becomes violent and hostile, and Bela’s parents now need to save their daughter.

This plot reminds me of Coraline (2007), a beautiful and haunting stop-motion film that also centers on a little girl who discovers a parallel family. I’m very excited to find out if Other Mommy will deliver.

— Ina Manto

Doctor X: Mafia in White

Release date: 9 October 2026
Episodes: 12
Where to watch: Netflix

Why it’s on our watchlist:

As someone who’s always down for a good medical drama, Doctor X: Mafia in White definitely belongs on my watchlist. It follows Gye Su-jeong (Kim Ji-won), a brilliant and fiercely independent freelance surgeon who joins Guseo University Hospital and quickly finds herself clashing with its rigid hierarchy and power struggles. With Lee Jung-eun, Son Hyun-joo, and Kim Woo-seok also in the cast, I’m curious to see how their characters fit into Su-jeong’s unconventional approach to medicine.

I’m especially looking forward to seeing Kim Ji-won take on a role that’s different from her usual characters. The combination of intense medical cases, strong personalities, and plenty of hospital chaos looks like exactly the kind of drama that could keep me hooked.

— Aila Cruz

Pee Mak (Philippine Adaptation)

Release date: 14 October 2026
Run time: 2 hr
Where to watch: Cinemas nationwide

Why it’s on our watchlist:

Pee Mak was a blockbuster hit in Thailand in 2013 that features traditional Thai folklore mixed with comedy and classic jump scares. I’m curious about how the Philippine adaptation would go and how actors like Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross, and Cup of Joe’s Gian Bernardino would bring justice to the Thai version.

— Cheese Serrano

American Horror Story: 13

Release date: September 24, 2026
Episodes: 13
Where to watch: Disney+

Why it’s on our watchlist:

American Horror Story (AHS) is treating us to an Avengers-like reunion for Season 13 as the legendary cast returns on screen: Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, and Billie Lourd, including guest actors. The best part is, they will be reprising their original roles this season, so that’s very thrilling!

Set in New York City, AHS 13 follows Ben DeSoto (Joey Pollari), who has triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13. He takes a strange job as a hospice caretaker at The Apollyon, a residential building with strange residents – the same actors reprising their roles.

While the show is still ongoing and won’t finish until October 29, 2026, I’m already excited to see how the plot plays out and, most of all, to see my favorite characters again. It’s like a trip down memory lane. Happy spooky season, indeed.

— Ina Manto

A Love Other Than Yours

Release date: Ongoing
Episodes: 14
Where to watch: Prime Video

Why it’s on our watchlist:

Can you still love someone even when the “spark” fades? Prime Video’s A Love Other Than Yours follows Namgoong Ho and Lee Mi-Do, a couple who have been together for ten years. Their relationship is shaken when they face career hurdles and new romantic possibilities enter the picture. If you’re in the mood for drama or just a mature, complicated take on romance, this ongoing series might have you shedding a few tears here and there.

— Kyzia Maramara

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