When it comes to October releases, many people might assume that horror and thrillers would be at the forefront of movie theaters. However, this year, Black, Asian, Indigenous, and Latin stories are taking center stage, both in re-releases and in original storytelling. So, to celebrate these new (and old) films that are coming out (or are already out!) in theaters, we provided a small list for you to have in your back pocket the next time you plan to go to the movies. Because if we want more diverse voices at the cinema, we actually have to go see them.
1. Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother — in theaters now.
What it's about: Latif (Mahershala Ali) is a Muslim hitman who struggles to find balance with his work, faith, and children after their mother dies. However, things take an unexpected turn when Paster Kwan (John Cho) makes Latif his target after a series of events.
Reasons to watch: Director Bassam Tariq and Mahershala were originally supposed to create Marvel'sBlade reboot. However, when production fell through, Bassam switched gears with the two-time Academy Award-winning actor and used all the extensive fight training and choreography that was learned for this film instead. The movie also delves into the Muslim religion (and religion in general) through the lens of capitalism, community, humor, and family. You wouldn't know it from the trailer, but it's an incredibly funny film as well.
Who's in it: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy.
What it's About: Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) have been best friends ever since they were little, creating unforgettable memories throughout their childhood in the Philippines. But right when Raissa is about to leave for college in America, a mysterious portal opens that transports them to an island named Nakali, where a half-human, half-dog greets them and tries to help them get back home before their memories of each other are erased forever by an evil entity.
Reasons to watch: It's a movie that's filled from beginning to end with Filipino culture and references, from an elder pointing with her mouth to indicate where someone else is to a very realistic painting of Jesus in the middle of a party. The film is fast-paced, funny, and full of heart about belonging, loneliness, and friendship.
Who's in it: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Doug Jones, Ariadna Gil, Álex Angulo, and Roger Casamajor.
What it's about: In 1944, fascism starts bleeding into the town where 10-year-old Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) lives, where she is also forced to live under the same roof as her stepfather (Sergi López). However, her escape seems hopeful when she comes across a labyrinth and a faun who tells her that she is a lost princess. She is then instructed to complete three tasks to prove her royalty.
Reasons to watch: This film is what put Mexican director Guillermo del Toro on the American entertainment map for his haunting yet unique visuals and creatures. It's a fantastical, gut-wrenching film that explores the realities of war and violence through the eyes of a child, while fostering determination and hope across two worlds. Pan's Labyrinth is not available to stream but can be seen in theaters for a limited time to mark its 20th anniversary.
Who's in it: Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Callina Liang, Joe Anoa'i, David Dastmalchian, and Cody Rhodes.
What it's about: Set in the early '90s, Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken (Noah Centineo) for the World Warrior Tournament, hosted by M. Bison (David Dastmalchian), who both haven't spoken to each other in years.
Reasons to watch: Campy and action-focused, Street Fighter centers more on its characters and video game lore than on the story. Japanese-American director Kitao Sakurai mixes anime, '80/'90s influences, and unique fight choreography into a world that has a loudly comedic tone, which is perfect to see with a group of friends, whether you grew up playing the video game franchise or not.
5. La Bola Negra — releases in New York City and Los Angeles on Oct. 16, with a wider theatrical rollout through Nov.
Who's in it: Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, Lola Dueñas, Penélope Cruz, and Glenn Close.
What it's about: Set across three timelines, 1932, 1937, and 2017, La Bola Negra focuses on three men throughout Spain's history who are connected through sexuality, pain, desire, and love.
Reasons to watch: Based on the reviews, it's already being talked about as one of the year's best films. The story is based on an unfinished 1936 play by Federico García Lorca that totaled four pages. Federico was taken by a right-wing militia in Spain and killed before he could finish it. According to Netflix, Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi have imagined what the rest of the play could have been.
Who's in it: Jenna Ortega, Mia Tharia, Amy Adams, Natasha Lyonne, Aran Murphy, Rachel House, and Steve Buscemi.
What it's about: Based on the 2021 bestselling novel by Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro, the story follows a mother (Amy Adams) and daughter (Mia Tharia) who have a troubled relationship with one another after experiencing a deep loss. However, when an Artificial Friend named Klara (Jenna Ortega) is brought into the home to heal their broken hearts and loneliness, she also learns what it means to be human.
Reasons to watch: Māori director Taika Waititi has adapted multiple books into films throughout his career with rave reviews, from Jojo Rabbit to Hunt for the Wilderpeople. However, while Taika is known for his comedy and wit, he told Vanity Fair that this film leans more toward drama to not change too much of what the beautiful book delivers.
Who's in it: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi, and Tatsuya Gashuin.
What it's about: In the middle of moving to a new town, Chihiro and her parents come across a mysterious town full of spirits. When her parents are taken from her, she meets Haku, who tries to set her and her parents free from Yubaba's curse.
Reasons to watch: If you don't know, Studio Ghibli films are highly celebrated for a reason. The Japanese storytelling in its films is simplistic and meditative in nature, yet is compounded with emotional depth for the whole family to enjoy (or cry to) — and this is especially true of Spirited Away, one of Ghibli's most popular films, which focuses on Chihiro's growth when it comes to work, gratitude, and love. Spirited Away is also available to stream but can be seen in theaters for a limited time to mark its 25th anniversary.
Are there any other diverse movies you plan to watch this month? Let us know in the comments below: