Picture the scene. The weekend is here. You’ve got plans: brunch, a coffee date, perhaps a visit to a gallery. But as is often the way, especially with the arrival of autumn weather, you also want to indulge in a good old Netflix binge on the sofa.

The familiar glow of that red ‘N’ is enough to signal the start of relaxation, but the amount of choice on Netflix can be overwhelming. Trust us, we’ve been there. 

You’re not in the mood to return to a familiar series that you’re halfway through, you’re nervous to commit to a brand new TV show that might not be worth your time, and who has the patience to scroll through the entire list of ‘recommended’ films?

We’re here to help. We’ve done the hard work for you and picked out a selection of fresh films and TV shows that are landing on Netflix UK this October weekend. There’s something for every mood or need. Enjoy.

Horror fans, are you ready? This new series comes from the mind of Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed ‘master of horror’ and Oscar-winning director behind major releases including Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape Of Water. While del Toro may be at the helm of the project, each episode’s story is being told by one of today’s most revered horror creators – including the directors of The Babadook, Splice, Mandy and many more.

Each episode involves a different cast, director and plotline, all telling a standalone story and all having been personally picked by del Toro himself. Episodes include Dreams In The Witch House, Graveyard Rats, Lot 36, Pickman’s Model, The Autopsy, The Murmuring, The Outside and The Viewing. It’s safe to say, with further new episodes landing in time for the weekend, that this is a terrifying series to be enjoyed in a well-lit room.  

When we first set eyes on the trailer for The Good Nurse, we knew it was going to be one of the most chilling true crime watches of the year, and we were right. As well as exploring the investigation and eventual takedown of Charlie Cullen, one of America’s most prolific serial killers, it’s also a film with haunting performances by both Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne.

And if you can’t quite wrap your head around the chilling tale, Stylist’s Christobel Hastings sat down with Amy Loughren, the real-life nurse who brought Cullen to justice and who Chastain stars as in the film.

If you’re looking for the kind of thriller (with bonus fantasy elements) that’ll keep you guessing throughout the weekend, look no further than this new Netflix series, written by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project, Giri/Haji) and based on the Half Bad books by Sally Green.

As per the synopsis: “16 year-old Nathan (Jay Lycurgo) is the illegitimate son of the world’s most dangerous witch. Fearing he will follow in his father’s footsteps, Nathan is closely monitored throughout his childhood. As the boundaries between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fray, Nathan – along with mischievous Annalise and charismatic Gabriel – will soon discover who he truly is. 

When Tan France’s BBC documentary first aired six months ago, the internet was awash with praise and admiration for the Queer Eye star. The open and honest film follows the presenter as he uncovers the truth behind skin bleaching, why people do it, his own personal connection to the beauty trend, as well as hearing personal anecdotes from celebrities including Kelly Rowland.

Whether you’re informed about skin bleaching and colourism or not, this is an important watch that explores people’s stories and experiences of living in a world that still centres around the Eurocentric ideal of beauty.

We love a cooking competition as much as the next person, don’t get us wrong. But a brand new competition show centred around the art of mixology? Sign us all the way up. 

In this new series, world-class mixologists showcase their dazzling cocktail-crafting skills as they compete for a $100,000 prize – and the title of Ultimate Drink Master. Whether you know your old fashioneds from your negronis, this’ll be the kind of lighthearted watch that will leave you ordering a cocktail set for yourself.

We may have just recently seen Nick Kroll in Don’t Worry Darling but the comedy writer and creator is back with another instalment of the ever hilarious Big Mouth. 

The 10-episode, half-hour edgy adult animated comedy comes from real-life best friends Kroll and Andrew Goldberg (Family Guy) and is all about the glorious nightmare that is teenaged puberty. Comedian John Mulaney (John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid, Saturday Night Live) lends his voice to the character of Andrew, while Kroll (who serves as co-creator, executive producer) voices many including best friend Nick. Maya Rudolph (Loot), Jason Mantzoukas (The League), Jordan Peele (Key And Peele), Fred Armisen (Portlandia), Jenny Slate (Girls) and Jessi Klein (Inside Amy Schumer) are among those who lend their voice to the series.

Reality TV fans, prepare to get acquainted with the phrase: “Habibi, welcome to Dubai!”

This Arabic docu-soap gives us an insight into the lives of 10 self-made millionaires hailing from countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Lebanon, all of whom now live in Dubai. Expect lavish parties, stunning skylines and jaw-dropping fashion – as well as drama and tension galore.

Lead image: Netflix