Ben Affleck’s R-Rated Netflix Thriller ‘Animals’: Trailer, First Look & October 2026 Release Date

Ben Affleck directs and stars alongside Gillian Anderson and Kerry Washington in Netflix's upcoming R-rated thriller 'Animals'—here is your first look!

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By Kasey Moore • 

Animals Netflix First Look Ben Affleck

Picture Credit: Netflix

Ben Affleck is having a mammoth year on Netflix. Hot on the heels of his smash-hit action-thriller The Rip—which narrowly missed out on breaking into Netflix’s all-time top 10 list earlier this year (and selling his AI company to the streamer)—Affleck is back in the director’s chair (and starring) for his second major Netflix feature of 2026: Animals.

Netflix has just dropped the gripping first trailer and a batch of first-look images for the highly anticipated R-rated thriller. From the looks of it, we’re in for a gritty, suspenseful ride.

Animals is officially set to premiere in select theaters and globally on Netflix on October 9th, 2026.

Before we dive into the wild development history and the stacked cast list, let’s take a look at the brand-new trailer and the first-look images that just dropped:

A Long Road to the Screen: What is Animals about?

If you’ve been following our previous coverage of Animals, you’ll know this project has had quite the journey. Originally announced back in 2024, the film was initially put on hold. Why? Scheduling conflicts with Affleck filming The Accountant 2.

Because of the delay into 2025, Matt Damon—who was originally attached to play the lead role of Los Angeles mayoral candidate Milo Bradford—had to step away due to his own commitments to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Rather than recast, Affleck stepped up to tackle the lead role himself, making him the director, a co-writer, and the lead star simultaneously.

Now, the wait is finally almost over. Clocking in at a tight 1 hour and 45 minutes, the film looks to be a fast-paced thriller to close out the year. Here is the official logline provided by Netflix:

“When their son is kidnapped, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife find themselves drawn into a web of deception. As they scramble to raise the ransom payment, they’re forced to make choices that could tear their world apart.”

We now know that Affleck plays the mayoral candidate, Milo Bradford, with Netflix veteran Gillian Anderson stepping into the role of his wife. Christopher Woodley plays their kidnapped son, while Kerry Washington stars as Milo’s campaign manager, whose campaign funds might just be the key to the ransom.

Animals 20250311 Wp 0019 R2

ANIMALS. (L to R) Kerry Washington as Abigail and Ben Affleck as Mark in Animals. Cr. Warrick Page/Netflix © 2026.

&Quot;A Woman In A Light Suit And A Man In A Dark Suit Stand In A Dimly Lit Hallway, Framed By White Columns, Facing The Camera With Serious Expressions, Suggesting A Tense Or Formal Setting.&Quot;

ANIMALS. (L to R) Ben Affleck as Mark and Gillian Anderson as Dayle in Animals. Cr. Warrick Page/Netflix © 2026.

&Quot;A Woman Sits On A Leather Chair Looking Concerned, While A Man Stands Behind Her With Arms Crossed In A Dimly Lit Office Or Library Filled With Shelves, Books, And Decorative Objects.&Quot;

ANIMALS. (L to R) Kerry Washington as Abigail and Ben Affleck as Mark in Animals. Cr. Warrick Page/Netflix © 2026.

&Quot;Man In Dark Clothing Stands Indoors With Arms Crossed, Leaning Against A Mantel With Framed Pictures And A Vase, In A Softly Lit Room With Neutral Decor And Curtains In The Background.&Quot;

ANIMALS. Steven Yeun as Sam in Animals. Cr. Warrick Page/Netflix © 2026.

&Quot;Two Concerned Adults Sit Closely At A Table In A Dimly Lit Room, Engaged In A Serious Conversation. The Setting Is A Domestic Environment With A Warm-Toned Wall And Household Items Present, Suggesting An Intense Or Emotional Moment.&Quot;

ANIMALS. (L to R) Luis Gerardo Méndez as Ramon and Adriana Paz as Cecilia in Animals. Cr. Warrick Page/Netflix © 2026.

Animals 20250307 Wp 0009 R2

ANIMALS. (L to R) Kerry Washington as Abigail and Christopher Woodley as Denny in Animals. Cr. Warrick Page/Netflix © 2026.

Who is behind Animals on Netflix?

As mentioned, Ben Affleck is pulling triple duty on this one. Not only is he starring and directing, but he also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games).

The movie is the latest production under Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity banner, which has a lucrative multi-year deal with Netflix. The film was developed in partnership with Fifth Season.

The extensive producing team includes Brad Weston, Collin Creighton, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Dani Bernfeld, and Luciana Damon. Executive producers include Michael Beugg; Kevin Halloran and Michael Joe for Artists Equity; and Graham Taylor, Chris Rice, Christopher Slager, and Dan Guando for Fifth Season.

Who is in the cast of Animals?

While Jennifer Garner was in early talks for the role of the wife back in early 2024, the role ultimately went to Gillian Anderson (Sex Education, The Crown). Leading the film alongside Affleck and Anderson is Emmy-winner Kerry Washington (Scandal, The Six Triple Eight).

Rounding out the incredibly impressive ensemble cast are:

  • Steven Yeun (Beef, The Rip)
  • Luis Gerardo Méndez (Narcos: Mexico, Murder Mystery)
  • Adriana Paz (Vis a Vis)
  • Ray Fisher (Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Rebel Moon)
  • Christopher Woodley (Our Son)
  • Matt Gerald (Avatar, Daredevil)
  • Jacob Estrada

Will you be checking out Animals when it drops on Netflix this October 9th? Let us know in the comments down below!

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