Classic horror fans now know exactly when they will be able to see the highly anticipated adaptation of Frankenstein from Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro due to a recent update via Netflix. Frankenstein is the culmination of del Toro’s career so far, as several of his past movies have borrowed elements from Mary Shelley’s original 1818 novel.
Frankenstein stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein’s monster. The movie will follow the same premise as the book, with a brilliant but egotistical scientist bringing a monster to life, which leads to his undoing. Mia Goth, Ralph Ineson, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz will also feature in the upcoming Gothic film in various roles.
Now, Netflix has announced release dates for Frankenstein via X. Frankenstein will see a limited theatrical release starting Oct. 17, 2025, and will be available on Netflix shortly afterward from Nov. 7. Netflix rarely releases its original movies in cinemas, but makes exceptions for those that demand the full theatrical experience. Check out the post and new movie posters below:
What These Release Dates Mean For Frankenstein
Netflix announcing that it will release Frankenstein in theaters before it finally hits the streaming platform a month later is a significant move by the streaming service. This type of release is a clear sign of confidence from Netflix in the project, and it is probably due to Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar trend increasing Frankenstein’s chances of being nominated.
For longtime fans of del Toro, this film represents more than just another adaptation: it’s a return to Gothic horror in its purest form, combining themes he’s explored for decades. Furthermore, its mid-October theatrical and early November streaming release dates also put Frankenstein in the perfect spot for the Halloween season, which only adds to the cinematic event.
Our Take On Frankenstein’s Release Dates
A theatrical release for a Netflix original is always a headline in and of itself, but when it’s for a Guillermo del Toro-directed Frankenstein, it’s even more exciting. From Pan’s Labyrinth to The Shape of Water, del Toro’s movies prove that genre stories can be visually rich and emotional. Therefore, Frankenstein might be his most charged and thematically dense project yet.
Del Toro’s visual storytelling and atmosphere require a theatrical setting, and the posters of Isaac and Elordi only add to the excitement. If Netflix is making a theatrical exception for Frankenstein and preparing for the Halloween season, it shows that this isn’t just another horror movie, it’s an experience, and it deserves to be seen on the big screen.