Animals Release Date and Cast: October 9, 2026
Animals is a political thriller set for release on Netflix in the U.S. on October 9, 2026, along with some theatrical screenings. Ben Affleck directs and stars, alongside Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, and others.
- Animals is scheduled for release on Netflix on October 9, 2026 (United States).
- Some theatrical screenings are also scheduled to begin on October 9, 2026.
- Ben Affleck directs and stars in the film and also co-wrote the screenplay.
- The story centers on the choices facing a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and their spouse after their son is kidnapped.
- Official pages list different runtimes, making it difficult to confirm a single figure.
Animals is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 9, 2026. It will also begin screening in select theaters that day. The political thriller is directed by and stars Ben Affleck.
The release schedule is based on Netflix Tudum announcements dated August 12 and 26, 2026.
Animals: Key Information
Animals is a feature film centered on a kidnapping.
| Item | Officially announced information |
|---|---|
| Title | Animals |
| Release year | 2026 |
| Netflix release date | Scheduled for October 9, 2026 |
| Start of select theater screenings | Scheduled for October 9, 2026 |
| Genre | Political thriller |
| Director | Ben Affleck |
| Main cast | Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun |
| Setting | Los Angeles |
| Runtime | Listed differently on official pages |
Netflix’s fall movie guide gives the same release date. (Verified Netflix and select theater release date: October 9, 2026 · source: netflix.com · checked 2026-08-26) The Animals entry in that guide says: Netflix Tudum fall movie guide
In select theaters and on Netflix Oct. 9
Source: Netflix Tudum, All the New Netflix Movies to Cozy Up with This Fall
Cast and Director
Ben Affleck directs and stars in the film. He also co-wrote the screenplay. Kerry Washington plays the protagonist’s wife. Netflix Tudum film guide
| Actor | Officially described role or casting information |
|---|---|
| Ben Affleck | Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball |
| Kerry Washington | Mark’s wife Abigail |
| Gillian Anderson | Confirmed cast member |
| Steven Yeun | Confirmed cast member |
| Adriana Paz | Confirmed cast member |
| Luis Gerardo Méndez | Confirmed cast member |
| Ray Fisher | Confirmed cast member |
| Christopher Woodley | Confirmed cast member |
| Matt Gerald | Confirmed cast member |
| Jacob Estrada | Confirmed cast member |
This list draws on both the Tudum film guide and the fall movie guide. The August 12 film guide also lists Mark Kassen. The cast listed on the guide pages should not be taken as the complete final credits.
Artists Equity is involved in the production. Matt Damon is listed as a producer. A production role should not be confused with an acting role.
Spoiler-Free Plot
The story begins when the son of a mayoral candidate and his wife is kidnapped. The couple tries to raise the ransom. In the process, they face choices that could upend their lives. This is the extent of the plot Netflix has released. Netflix film page
What to Watch For
The couple’s choices are a point of interest in the official premise. A politician’s public role intersects with a family crisis. The following points are interpretations based on the released premise.
- Public role and family crisis: How the candidate’s position as a mayoral hopeful affects his response.
- The couple’s decisions: What choices the two people facing the same crisis make.
Los Angeles is both the story’s setting and an actual filming location. Filming took place in and around the city. How its urban spaces connect to the characters’ situation is another point to watch.
Comparing Netflix and Theater Viewing Options
The officially announced viewing options are Netflix and select theaters. The announcement of theatrical screenings does not mean a release in every country. The official announcements checked do not specify a theatrical release date in South Korea.
| Viewing option | Announced schedule | Pricing and access information |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Scheduled for release on October 9, 2026 | Check the plans available in your region and the film page |
| Select theaters | Screenings scheduled to begin October 9, 2026 | Check each theater’s schedule and ticket prices |
| Paris Theater in New York | Dates posted for October 9 to 15, 2026 | Showtimes are to be announced; ticket prices are not listed on the film page |
Paris Theater is one example that has posted specific screening dates. Its page says showtimes will be announced later. Posted screening dates alone do not mean tickets are on sale. Paris Theater film guide
Has the Difference in Listed Runtimes Been Explained?
The reason official pages list different runtimes has not been confirmed. The Tudum film card and the Paris Theater listing show different figures. It is more accurate to record them separately.
| Official source | Listed runtime |
|---|---|
| Netflix Tudum film card | 1 hour 48 minutes |
| Paris Theater film listing | 1 hour 46 minutes |
The difference alone does not establish that there are separate cuts. It has not been confirmed whether either listing contains an error. Check the latest information from the platform or theater you plan to use for the actual runtime. (Verified Netflix Tudum film card: 1 hour 48 minutes; Paris Theater film listing: 1 hour 46 minutes · source: netflix.com · checked 2026-10-01) Tudum film card, Paris Theater screening information
Trailer and Photos
The Netflix film page has a teaser and a trailer. Official photos are also available in the Tudum film guide. There is no need to treat clues in the videos as evidence of the ending. Netflix trailer page
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Netflix release and theater screenings on the same day?
Both are officially scheduled to begin on October 9, 2026. The theatrical release is limited to select theaters.
Has a theatrical release been set for South Korea?
The official announcements checked do not include a South Korean theatrical release schedule. Treating the New York screening dates as South Korean release dates would be inaccurate.
Is it a drama series or a film?
Animals is a film. Netflix included it in its list of fall 2026 movies.
Has a release time for South Korea been announced?
The film guides checked do not give a release time in Korea time. The release date and the exact time it becomes available to watch are separate things.
FAQ
When will Animals be released on Netflix?
The release date announced by Netflix is October 9, 2026. Some theatrical screenings are also scheduled to begin that day.
Did Ben Affleck only direct?
Ben Affleck directed and starred in the film. Tudum also says he co-wrote the screenplay.
Who are the main cast members of Animals?
Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Steven Yeun are among the cast. The official fall movie lineup also lists Adriana Paz and Luis Gerardo Méndez, among others.
What is Animals about?
It tells the story of a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and their spouse whose son is kidnapped. The choices the couple makes while raising the ransom are at the heart of the conflict.
Will Animals also be released in Korean theaters on October 9?
The official information checked does not specify a theatrical release date in Korea. The announcement of some theatrical screenings cannot be taken as confirmation of a Korean release.
How long is Animals?
Tudum's title page lists a runtime of 1 hour 48 minutes. Paris Theater lists 1 hour 46 minutes. The reason for the discrepancy has not been confirmed.
Where can I watch the Animals trailer?
You can watch the teaser and trailer on Netflix's Animals title page. Official photos are available on Tudum's page for the film.
Have Paris Theater showtimes been announced too?
The film's page lists a screening run from October 9 to 15, 2026. Individual showtimes are still to be announced.
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