After some really solid weeks in a month that is usually considered just a transition period, we move to October, which has always been the beginning of Oscar season. And more than ever, October is jam-packed with some incredible names. Two films that have been headlining the month have already been released in The Martian and Sicario, and luckily for us that is just the tip of the spear. Below you can see the eight movies I’m looking forward to in October.

8. Pan

Synopsis:

12-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny — to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

I’ll be honest, I’m kind of bummed this one got pushed back from its July release date. I personally don’t understand the move because look at the names that October consists of. With all that said, it doesn’t damper the excitement I do have for Joe Wright’s take on the origin story of one of the most classic characters in Peter Pan. It looks like a really fun and different take on the story and its characters with a great looking cast as well; not to mention how gorgeous it looks.

Pan lands on October 9th, 2015.

7. Burnt

Synopsis:

Adam Jones is a Chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behavior. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars.

I’m probably (crossing my fingers) going to regret my decision of ranking this at number seven. I’ve heard some say that Burnt looks like something we’ve seen multiple times before and the story just doesn’t look compelling enough, but that the cast looks incredible. Why does that mean it won’t be good or great? Just because it’s something we’ve maybe seen before definitely doesn’t mean it won’t be spectacular? Truthfully, I’m putting all my chips on Bradley Cooper and the outstanding surrounding cast. Isn’t that what makes a great movie most of the time anyway, elevating performances?

Burnt hits on October 23rd, 2015.

6. Bridge of Spies

Synopsis:

An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.

Just as with Burnt, I’m definitely going to regret putting this in the middle of the pack for October. I don’t want to get my hopes to high, but the buzz is pretty much through the roof for this one. Steven Spielberg, the Coen Brothers and Tom Hanks, need I say more?

Bridge of Spies sneaks into theaters on October 16th, 2015.

5. Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Synopsis:

Three scouts, on the eve of their last camp-out, discover the true meaning of friendship when they attempt to save their town from a zombie outbreak.

You may be thinking, “Scouts? Really?”, and that’s understandable. But this trailer hit me exactly where it needed to to get me excited, I had so much damn fun with it. Zombie movies are on repeat these days and although I am also getting a bit bored with them, Scouts looks like a totally different breed. Very much of a Zombieland vibe, it just looks like a really damn good time. And that’s why we go to the movies, right? To be entertained?

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse opens October 30th, 2015.

4. Crimson Peak

Synopsis:

In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers.

This is one that I’ve been excited for since day one. Guillermo del Toro is one of those game-changing directors who changes things up every time he steps behind the camera. Following a completely badass outing in Pacific Rim, del Toro has jumped back to a genre that his own style fits so incredibly well, a haunted house horror/mystery/thriller. His style is prominently featured and it looks like it could be paying off in a big way. Here’s to hoping the dark film starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam gives us what we’re hoping for.

Crimson Peak opens up October 16th, 2015.

3. Steve Jobs

Synopsis:

Set backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, Steve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter.

C’mon? Come on?! Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs with a supporting cast led by Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels, a screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin and Danny Boyle helming the project; come on? It’s going to rock my freaking socks off.

Steve Jobs has a October 23rd, 2015 release date.

2. The Martian

Synopsis:

During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

The next two are films I’ve actually been able to watch. I’ll say that I had some solid expectations going into The Martian, but was still insanely hesitant because of the poo-poo track record Ridley Scott has had thought the last number of years. But all I can say it wow, it was everything I was hoping for and more, way more. Truthfully, a total cinematic triumph my Scott in my opinion. He returned to his old self in a big way with Matt Damon putting in some of his best work as an actor, ever. If or when you go to see it, I highly recommend seeing it on the biggest screen possible as well as in 3D, it’s worth every cent.

The Martian is currently in theaters.

1. Sicario

Synopsis:

An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.

Man oh man oh man. I got a chance to see this yesterday and just wow. Over the last few years, Denis Villeneuve has become one of my favorite directors with such features as Prisoners, Enemy and now Sicario, with it by far being my favorite. From the moment I heard/say anything about this film, I couldn’t slow down my excitement. I have been waiting months to be able to see it and after finally getting the chance, I couldn’t be any happier with how I felt about it. A very chilling, very dark and very thrilling film with outstanding direction/writing and unreal performances that are just so freaking real (Emily Blunt KILLS IT). Not to mention that Villeneuve’s style of camera work and the cinematography is some of the best of the year so far. In short, I’m trying to say you need to go see it immediately.

Sicario can currently be seen in theaters.

Honorable mentions: The Walk, Room, The Last Witch Hunter and Goosebumps.