The Best Trending Movies to Watch Right Now (October 2026)

Updated October 11, 2026

Every week, IMDb gives us a live pulse on the best trending movies to watch. It lets us know what movie fans are actually searching for and what movie titles they’re typing into search bars right now. Instead of prioritizing what the usual critics loved or what studios are pushing.

This week’s list has some intriguing movement. Digger takes the No. 1 spot, Resident Evil lands in the top five, and The Odyssey earns the highest IMDb rating on the chart at an impressive 8.4/10. Meanwhile, Project Hail Mary continues to attract enormous audience attention, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day remains a major draw for superhero fans.

The Top Trending Movies to Watch Right Now (October 2026)

Whether you’re searching for your next movie-night pick or simply want to know what everyone is talking about, here are the 15 most popular movies on IMDb right now, ranked according to the latest IMDb MovieMeter chart supplied for this update.

Digger has taken the top spot, and two blockbusters that dominated the summer, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, are still holding strong in the top 15. Bookmark this page because it updates bi-weekly.

IMDb rankings and ratings can change as audience activity evolves. Ratings and vote counts below reflect the supplied chart and may change over time. Streaming availability below is sourced from JustWatch Streaming Charts, based on real-time user activity across 4,500+ services.

Updated October 11, 2026

1. Digger (2026)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 (24K ratings) · Runtime: 2h 9m · Rated R

Tom Cruise leads Digger, a darkly comic film from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu that puts one of the world’s most powerful men in an increasingly impossible position. The story centers on a powerful figure attempting to prove himself humanity’s savior after unleashing a catastrophe with potentially devastating consequences.

With a cast that includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, and Riz Ahmed, Digger brings together an intriguing ensemble for a story that mixes power, ambition, and impending disaster. Its first-place position on the latest IMDb MovieMeter chart makes it the biggest trending title in this update.

Why it’s trending: Digger leads the current chart, combining a major director-star pairing with a premise built around high stakes and dark humor.

Where to watch: Now playing in theaters.

2. Verity (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10 (11K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 57m · Rated R

Based on Colleen Hoover‘s bestselling novel, Verity brings psychological suspense and a deeply unsettling mystery to the big screen. The story follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who accepts a job completing a successful author’s book series. What initially looks like a career-changing opportunity becomes something far more disturbing when Lowen discovers a manuscript containing troubling revelations about the author’s life.

The film stars Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett, bringing a recognizable cast to a story built around secrets, unreliable accounts, and the uncomfortable question of what really happened behind closed doors.

Why it’s trending: A popular literary source, a psychological mystery, and a high-profile cast make Verity a notable title on this week’s chart.

Where to watch: Now playing in theaters.

3. Unabomber (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 (26K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 37m · Rated R

Russell Crowe stars in Unabomber, a crime drama exploring the story behind one of America’s most notorious criminal cases. The film traces how a Harvard student became the Unabomber following psychological experiments, before turning to the FBI investigation that sought to understand his past and stop his deadly campaign.

Shailene Woodley and Jacob Tremblay also star in the film, directed by Janus Metz. By connecting the investigation with the events that shaped the perpetrator, Unabomber brings a psychological dimension to a story that spans years of violence, investigation, and unanswered questions.

Why it’s trending: A notorious criminal case, an investigative storyline, and a cast led by Russell Crowe put Unabomber among the week’s most popular movies.

Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix

4. Resident Evil (2026)

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10 (94K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 34m · Rated R

The Resident Evil franchise returns with a new big-screen take on its signature combination of survival horror, deadly outbreaks, and nightmarish environments. Directed by Zach Cregger, this reboot stars Austin Abrams and takes the series in a new direction rather than simply revisiting the earlier film adaptations.

The Resident Evil universe has long drawn audiences with its blend of biological horror, claustrophobic danger, and desperate attempts to survive when an ordinary situation turns into a nightmare. At just 94 minutes, it’s also a relatively lean option for horror fans looking for a tense movie-night pick.

Why it’s trending: A recognizable horror franchise, a new creative direction, and a strong IMDb score have helped put Resident Evil among this week’s leading titles.

Where to watch: Now playing in theaters.

5. Heart of the Beast (2026)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 (22K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 41m · Rated PG-13

Brad Pitt stars in Heart of the Beast, an action-adventure story directed by David Ayer. The film follows a former Special Forces soldier and his retired combat dog as they struggle to survive in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash.

That premise puts the relationship between the soldier and his canine companion at the center of a survival story where the environment itself becomes a formidable opponent. For viewers who enjoy rugged outdoor adventures, military backgrounds, and stories about loyalty under pressure, Heart of the Beast has an immediately appealing setup.

Why it’s trending: Brad Pitt, David Ayer, and a wilderness-survival premise give the film a strong hook for action and adventure fans.

Where to watch: Now playing in theaters.

6. Primetime (2026)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (15K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 49m · Rated R

Primetime takes viewers back to 2006, when To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen set out to make television history. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the film explores the world of a television investigation that became a cultural talking point, raising questions about media, public exposure, and the pursuit of a story that audiences couldn’t ignore.

Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, and Skyler Gisondo star in the film, bringing a recognizable ensemble to a story rooted in the intersection of television and real-world controversy.

Why it’s trending: A story inspired by a highly recognizable television phenomenon, paired with a cast led by Robert Pattinson, makes Primetime a notable entry in this week’s rankings.

Where to watch: Now playing in theaters.

7. The Love Hypothesis (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 (26K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 50m · Rated R

Based on Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling romance novel, The Love Hypothesis brings a popular contemporary love story to the screen. The original story follows Olive Smith, a doctoral student who enters a pretend relationship with Adam Carlsen, a demanding young professor. What begins as a convenient arrangement becomes more complicated as their carefully maintained boundaries start to blur.

Directed by Claire Scanlon, the film stars Lili Reinhart, Tom Bateman, and Rachel Marsh. The novel’s appeal comes from its blend of academic life, romantic tension, and the contrast between a seemingly intimidating love interest and the more vulnerable person behind that reputation. Readers familiar with the book will already know why the premise has attracted attention from romance fans.

Why it’s trending: The adaptation of a bestselling romance offers built-in interest for fans of contemporary romantic stories.

Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video.

8. Backrooms (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 (222K ratings) · Runtime: 2h 6m · Rated R

What if an ordinary building concealed an endless, impossible space where the familiar rules of reality no longer applied? That’s the unsettling idea behind Backrooms, the feature-film expansion of the viral internet horror phenomenon created by Kane Parsons.

The film draws on the appeal of liminal spaces: empty corridors, fluorescent lighting, repetitive rooms, and environments that feel recognizable but deeply wrong. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional haunted-house imagery, the concept plays on disorientation and the fear of being trapped somewhere that shouldn’t exist.

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve star in the film, bringing established screen talent to this expansion of internet-born horror.

Why it’s trending: The transition of a viral internet horror concept to the big screen has attracted significant audience attention.

Where to watch: Stream it with a subscription on HBO Max, or rent/buy it digitally on Prime Video and Apple TV.

9. The Odyssey (2026)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 (523K ratings) · Runtime: 2h 52m · Rated R

Christopher Nolan takes on one of the most enduring stories in Western literature with The Odyssey, a large-scale adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the Greek hero attempting to return home after the Trojan War, facing dangerous creatures, divine interference, and extraordinary trials along the way.

The ensemble includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, and Zendaya as Athena, alongside a wider cast of familiar faces. The source material offers Nolan plenty of room for the kind of ambitious spectacle and complex storytelling that have defined many of his previous films.

At nearly three hours, this is a movie to set aside an evening for rather than squeeze into a quick movie night.

Why it’s trending: Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of a legendary epic combines a major ensemble cast, large-scale filmmaking, and the highest IMDb score in this week’s chart.

Where to watch: Still playing in theaters. Available to rent or buy starting November 17, 2026, on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

10. The Uprising (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 (7.9K ratings) · Runtime: 2h 8m · Rated R

Andrew Garfield leads The Uprising, a historical drama based on the true story of a rebellion that inspired the legend of Robin Hood. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film follows a fight against the tyranny of King Richard II, with a central figure emerging as the leader of a movement for justice.

Jamie Bell and Stephen Dillane also star, rounding out a cast led by Garfield. Rather than treating Robin Hood solely as a legendary outlaw, the story looks toward the historical unrest and struggles for justice that helped shape the enduring mythology surrounding the figure.

Why it’s trending: A Robin Hood-inspired origin story, a cast led by Andrew Garfield, and the direction of Paul Greengrass bring historical action into the current Top 10.

Where to watch: Available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home online.

11. Obsession (2025)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 (394K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 49m · Rated R

Curry Barker’s Obsession turns a familiar romantic desire into an increasingly disturbing horror story. Michael Johnston stars as a young man who uses a supernatural wish-granting object in the hope of making his crush return his feelings. The wish appears to offer the romantic breakthrough he wants, but the resulting devotion becomes far more frightening than he anticipated.

Inde Navarrette also stars in the film, which uses the idea of forced affection to explore the dark side of romantic idealization. The premise gives the horror a personal edge: the danger doesn’t come only from an outside threat, but from a wish that twists the meaning of love itself.

Why it’s trending: Its unsettling romantic-horror premise and strong audience rating have helped it remain a notable title on the MovieMeter chart.

Where to watch: Available to rent on Prime Video and streaming on Peacock.

12. Runner (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10 (12K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 38m · Rated PG-13

Runner is an action thriller about a former soldier and his unlikely partner who find themselves hunted by a ruthless cartel while racing against time to complete a critical medical delivery. With a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, the pair must navigate dangerous obstacles and stay one step ahead of their pursuers. Starring Alan Ritchson, Owen Wilson, and Rodrigo Santoro, the film blends high-stakes action with a mission where every second counts.

Why it’s trending: Runner is gaining attention for its high-stakes action premise, pairing Alan Ritchson with Owen Wilson in an unlikely partnership against a ruthless cartel.

Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video.

13. Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 (331K ratings) · Runtime: 2h 25m · Rated PG-13

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the next chapter in the Marvel superhero franchise. Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter faces a very different reality, with his identity and personal relationships transformed by the choices made at the end of the previous film.

Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are associated with the returning franchise, while Jon Bernthal’s Punisher brings a tougher street-level presence into the wider Spider-Man world. The film marks another major chapter for Peter as he navigates what it means to be a hero when the personal life he once knew is no longer the same.

Why it’s trending: Spider-Man remains one of Marvel’s most recognizable heroes, and the film’s 8.0 rating indicates a strong audience response in the supplied data.

Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Fandango, Prime Video, and Google Play Movies & TV.

14. The End of Oak Street (2026)

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 (76K ratings) · Runtime: 1h 39m · Rated PG-13

What would you do if your entire neighborhood were suddenly transported somewhere unknown? That’s the unsettling premise behind The End of Oak Street, a science-fiction adventure directed by David Robert Mitchell.

The film follows the Platt family as they attempt to navigate their unfamiliar surroundings after a cosmic event displaces their suburban neighborhood. Cut off from the world they know, the family must figure out what has happened and how to survive in a place that no longer follows the rules they once took for granted.

Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, and Maisy Stella star in the film, bringing a recognizable ensemble to a story that blends family dynamics with a larger science-fiction mystery.

Why it’s trending: A mysterious cosmic event, a family struggling to survive in an unfamiliar environment, and a cast led by Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor give the film a strong sci-fi hook.

Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

15. Project Hail Mary (2026)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 (571K ratings) · Runtime: 2h 36m · Rated PG-13

Ryan Gosling stars in Project Hail Mary, the science-fiction adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel. Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up alone aboard a spacecraft light-years from Earth, with little memory of how he got there or why he has been sent on the mission.

As his memories return, Grace realizes that the fate of humanity may depend on his ability to solve an extraordinary scientific problem. The story combines space exploration, scientific ingenuity, and a deeply human struggle to survive, giving the film more than just spectacular cosmic imagery to work with.

Why it’s trending: A popular source novel, Ryan Gosling’s lead performance, and a high IMDb rating have helped make Project Hail Mary one of the most prominent titles on the chart.

Where to watch: Available on Prime Video with a subscription or rent/buy it digitally on platforms like Apple TV and YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most trending movies to watch right now? According to the supplied IMDb MovieMeter chart for October 2026, Digger, Verity, Unabomber, Resident Evil, and Heart of the Beast occupy the top five positions.
• Which movie is No. 1 on IMDb MovieMeter right now? Digger (2026) holds the No. 1 position in the chart supplied for this article, with a 7.4/10 IMDb rating from approximately 24,000 users.
• Which movie has the highest IMDb rating on this list? The Odyssey has the highest rating among these 15 movies, at 8.4/10 from approximately 523,000 user ratings.
• Which trending movie has the most IMDb ratings? Project Hail Mary has the largest listed vote count, with approximately 571,000 IMDb ratings. The Odyssey follows with 523,000.
• Does IMDb MovieMeter rank movies by quality? No. MovieMeter is a popularity chart, not a ranking based exclusively on review scores. A movie’s position and its IMDb rating measure different things, so it’s worth checking both when choosing what to watch.
• How often does the IMDb MovieMeter chart change? The chart can change as user activity and interest in movie titles evolve. Rankings, ratings, and vote counts should therefore be treated as time-sensitive information rather than permanent positions.
• Where can I watch these trending movies? Streaming and theatrical availability can vary by country, date, and service. Check current listings on your preferred streaming platforms, digital rental stores, and local cinema websites before making plans.

Until the Charts Shift Again…

This week’s IMDb MovieMeter lineup has a little bit of everything: Digger leading the way, Resident Evil making a strong top-five appearance, The Odyssey topping the rating chart, and Project Hail Mary drawing the largest number of user ratings.

The most interesting takeaway is that popularity and ratings don’t always move together. If you’re choosing a movie based on what’s trending, start with the MovieMeter rankings. If you want to narrow the list by audience reception, compare the IMDb scores and vote counts as well.

And remember, a high ranking is a useful discovery tool, not a guarantee that every movie will be your kind of film.

Which of these trending movies would you watch first? Let us know in the comments, and browse more movie lists, reviews, trailers, and entertainment news. Keep exploring Reel Movie Junkie and check back for the next chart update.

Updated October 11, 2026