Nearly two decades after Kristen Stewart first stepped into Forks as Bella Swan, Twilight still casts a spell on audiences. Catherine Hardwicke's 2008 adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel introduced us to the brooding Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and the human girl who would capture his heart—and his thirst. While the sequels expanded the supernatural lore, the original remains a quintessential October watch, its rain-soaked atmosphere and simmering tension perfectly suited for the spooky season.
As Halloween looms, the film's appeal is undeniable. Edward's struggle to resist Bella's blood adds an undercurrent of danger to their romance, a threat that becomes all too real when the tracker vampire James enters the picture. Even with its iconic dialogue and the infamous baseball scene, Twilight delivers genuine suspense, reminding us why it launched a cultural phenomenon.
This week, Twilight is proving its staying power on Netflix. According to the streamer's official U.S. movie chart for October 12–18, the film landed at No. 6, marking its seventh week on the list. It also held the No. 7 spot on the daily U.S. chart on October 23, per FlixPatrol data archived by StreamScope. These rankings extend the movie's impressive October run as viewers gear up for Halloween night.
The renewed interest follows the entire Twilight saga's return to Netflix on October 1. All five films—from Twilight to Breaking Dawn – Part 2—are now available for U.S. subscribers, making it easy to marathon Bella and Edward's story without interruption. Whether you're a first-time viewer or a nostalgic fan, the complete collection is just a click away.
Why the Original Still Resonates
Hardwicke's direction deserves much of the credit for the film's enduring appeal. Her Forks feels damp, isolated, and almost otherworldly, which makes Bella's fascination with the Cullens believable. Stewart and Pattinson bring an awkward, intense chemistry to their scenes, capturing the confusion of a love that defies explanation. The first movie also keeps its stakes personal—before the saga spirals into vampire politics, Bella is simply a teenager in love with someone who could kill her. The confrontation with James brings that fear to life, turning the romance into a survival thriller.
Netflix's relationship with the franchise goes beyond just hosting the films. The streamer has ordered an animated adaptation of Midnight Sun, Meyer's companion novel that retells the first book from Edward's perspective. Casting news earlier this year hinted at progress on the project, which promises to revisit the beginning of Bella and Edward's story through a different lens. For now, though, the original movie is giving subscribers another reason to revisit Forks.
As October winds down, Twilight's continued presence on Netflix's most-watched list proves that some romances never fade. Whether you're drawn to the moody atmosphere, the star-crossed love, or just the nostalgia of the late 2000s, the saga is there for you. And with other Netflix originals also making waves this month, there's no shortage of entertainment—but Twilight remains a seasonal favorite.
For those planning a full marathon, the saga is streaming now. And if you're in the mood for more supernatural romance, you might also check out Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands, which is also finding an audience this Halloween. But for many, Twilight is the definitive October binge.
