Movies

Best New Movies to Watch on Streaming Right Now


We’re at a point now in the streaming world where just about every service has a multitude of quality titles available. But while we’d like to waste numerous days watching multiple shows at a time, sometimes we get in the mood to see a quality film. With upcoming exclusives and newly licensed films, it’s admittedly a little difficult to keep track of everything worth seeing on streaming nowadays.

Therefore, we’ve found it helpful to highlight 50 movies from a variety of genres across all the major players in the streaming world, guaranteeing that there will be something for everyone to watch this weekend, or next week, or any other time. There’s a plethora of fascinating stories from all corners of the globe, meaning you’re sure to find something to enjoy here. We’ll also update this list regularly to make sure we’re reflecting the best new movies to watch on streaming.

Best Movies Streaming on AMC+ & Shudder

Daddy’s Head

Daddy's Head movie poster from Shudder

Release Date

October 11, 2024

Director

Benjamin Barfoot

Cast

Julia Brown
, Rupert Turnbull
, Charles Aitken
, Nathaniel Martello-White

Read Our Review

A death in the family always hits hard. But what happens when the person who died mysteriously returns? In Daddy’s Head, we bear witness to a young boy and his troubled stepmother as they deal with an unexpected visitor: the boy’s late father. But underneath a familiar visage, something truly threatening lies in wait. Julia Brown, Rupert Turnbull, and Charlies Aitken make up the main cast of this terrifying Shudder original.

Frights Abound

Written and directed by Benjamin Barfoot, Daddy’s Head combines a terrifying original creature with a surprisingly effective performance by Rupert Turnbull. Many have drawn parallels between this film and The Babadook, and while each film’s respective execution is different, they both tackle themes of grief in a satisfying way. While some felt the story was a bit weaker in comparison, Daddy’s Head‘s cast picks up a majority of the slack here.

V/H/S/Beyond

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The beloved horror anthology series, V/H/S/, is back with its latest installment. V/H/S/Beyond is firmly entrenched in the world of science fiction, collecting a series of short films directed by Jordan Downey, Christian Long, Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kate Siegel, and Jay Cheel. These stories are stitched together with an overarching narrative handled by Jay Cheel, with Mike Flanagan chipping in to write one of the shorts.

V/H/S/ Strikes Again

Like all the varied V/H/S/ films, this horror anthology includes a wide swath of directorial styles, chilling subjects, and unsettling themes. Even if they’re all not winners, you can certainly appreciate the creativity going on here. It’s worth noting that this film also features the second-ever directorial effort by Justin Long, following his work on 2021’s Lady of the Manor. It’s also Mike Flanagan’s first-ever contribution to the series, having just come off of his work on Netflix’s The Fall of the House of Usher.

In a Violent Nature

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Release Date

January 22, 2024

Director

Chris Nash

Cast

Lauren-Marie Taylor
, Andrea Pavlovic
, Ry Barrett
, Reece Presley

Runtime

94 Minutes

Slasher movies are as routine as they are entertaining. But one horror movie dared to buck familiar trends this year in favor of something a lot more atmospheric. In a Violent Nature is a slasher film that places you in the shoes of Johnny, a mute reanimated corpse who is inadvertently resurrected after a group of teenagers steals a locket from the remains of a fire tower. Desperate to get his locket back, Johnny trudges through the greenery to systematically slaughter the teens one by one. Chris Nash both wrote and directed this bloody flick, with Ry Barrett starring as the monstrous Johnny.

Atmospheric Agony

Unlike other slashers, In a Violent Nature takes a methodical approach in its pacing and presentation. No score can be found here. Instead, natural ambiance and impeccable sound design take center stage between the sounds of screams and falling viscera. It’s the kind of horror film you can’t help but feel suckered into, with some comparing it more to the likes of a nature documentary than Friday the 13th. If you’re aching for an alternative slasher film, In a Violent Nature is a fantastic pick.

Arcadian

Arcadian Movie Poster Showing Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, and Maxwell Jenkins

Release Date

April 12, 2024

Director

Benjamin Brewer

Cast

Nicolas Cage
, Sadie Soverall
, Jaeden Martell
, Maxwell Jenkins
, Joe Dixon
, Samantha Coughlan
, Daire McMahon
, Joel Gillman

Runtime

92 Minutes

Read Our Review

Nicolas Cage is the star of not one, but two separate horror movies this year. Arcadian is one of them. An apocalyptic tale, Arcadian sees Cage donning the role of a single father of two, as his family attempts to survive a world fraught with monstrous horrors and grotesque creatures. Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins co-star alongside Cage, lending some additional weight to this chilling thriller.

Straight to the Point

Arcadian is a fantastic example of a horror film that knows exactly what it’s trying to accomplish. Though its plot isn’t anything to write home about, its fun effects, palpable tension, and competent performances make for a straightforward horror film that truly excels. It’s a fun creature feature in a sea of other impressive creature features from the past few years, especially when you see just how wild some of their designs are.

Exhuma

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Release Date

February 22, 2024

Director

Jang Jae-hyun

Cast

Choi Min-sik
, Kim Go-eun
, Yoo Hae-jin
, Lee Do-Hyun
, and Kim Sun-young

Runtime

134 Minutes

Read Our Review

Nothing broadens the mind as much as traveling the world does, and in the world of cinema, you can learn a lot from what other countries find absolutely terrifying. Take Exhuma for example, a South Korean horror film joining Shudder. Directed by Jang Jae-hyun, Exhuma is a supernatural horror film that sees a mysterious curse afflicting a family, leading them to investigate an ancestral gravesite. However, when the remains within the grave are subsequently relocated, Hell quickly breaks loose. Choi Min-sik (Oldboy), Kim Go-eun (Monster), and Yoo Hae-jin (A Taxi Driver) star in this terrifying tale of spiritual revenge.

One of the Highest Grossing South Korean Films

As of writing, this terrifying South Korean horror film is one of the highest-grossing South Korean films ever made, while doubling as the single highest grossing South Korean movie of 2024. Like Jang Jae-hyun’s previous film, Svaha: The Sixth Finger, Exhumed combines slow-burn tension with additional focus on the supernatural, complete with a stellar lead performance from the incredible Choi Min-sik. Along with the scares and the unique ghosts found throughout, there’s a palpable mystery to uncover that’s sure to scratch a familiar itch.

Best Movies Streaming on Apple TV+

Fly Me to the Moon

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Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, You), Fly Me to the Moon is an interesting mix of historical drama and star-studded romance featuring both Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Set during the space race, marketing specialist Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) is tasked with creating a “fake” equivalent of the famous Apollo 11 mission in the event that it disastrously fails. Channing Tatum stars as Cole Davis, the launch director at the Kennedy Space Center, who initially butts heads with Kelly over her marketing methods. However, the friction between the two may lead to something neither one ever expected. Jim Rash, Anna Garcia, Noah Robbins, Donald Elise Watskins, and more make up the expansive cast of this historical rom-com.

Carried by Its Performances

While history buffs may find some issues with Fly Me to the Moon‘s occasional inaccuracies, the greater focus here is on the convincing relationship shared between its two leads. Tatum and Johansson are fantastic whenever they’re paired together in front of the camera, especially when you consider that Chris Evans was originally intended to play the role of Cole Davis. Fly Me to the Moon would later go on to receive a Saturn Award nomination for Best Action / Adventure Film, a testament to its interesting premise and engaging performances.

Blitz (2024)

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Saoirse Ronan and Elliot Heffernan co-star in Blitz, the latest drama from writer/director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Hunger). Set during the titular series of airborne bombings in WW2-era London, the film follows a young boy named George (Elliott Heffernan) as he’s ordered to evacuate the city. However, instead of leaving the city outright, he opts instead to seek out his mother while facing opposition from the encroaching Germans and a band of mysterious characters. Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, and Stephen Graham co-star.

A Blitz of Entertainment

After receiving an official honor from the Montclair Film Festival, in addition to several nominations at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, there are few reasons to miss out on Blitz. Beyond nailing the somber beauty of its setting, due to Yorick Le Saux’s impressive cinematography, Elliot Heffernan does a respectable job of carrying such a dramatic story in his feature-length film debut. Of course, the score by Hans Zimmer only adds to the atmosphere as well, reaching the expected highs you’d expect from his body of work.

Wolfs

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Release Date

September 20, 2024

Distributor(s)

Sony Pictures Releasing
, Apple TV+

Read Our Review

Though Wolfs saw some distribution troubles before its Apple TV+ debut, it has successfully broken the streaming service’s already impressive viewership records. The film follows a pair of lone wolf fixers who, despite preferring to work alone, find themselves paired up on a job that’s anything but ordinary. George Clooney and Brad Pitt play the titular “wolfs”, with Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, and Poorna Jagannathan co-starring.

Apple TV+’s Big Action Comedy

Wolfs’ biggest claim to fame is its impressive headlining duo. To be fair, they do put in the work. It’s a fine action comedy that melds some fun chemistry between Pitt and Clooney with engaging set pieces and the direction of Jon Watts. When you remember that Jon Watts was previously responsible for directing the MCU’s Spider-Man films, as well as Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, you know you’re in for a good time. It’s a film whose ambitions are fairly humble, meaning it’s certain to please if you’re just looking for a simple action comedy.

The Instigators

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Release Date

August 2, 2024

Runtime

0 Minutes

Read Our Review

Doug Liman, the talented director behind the Road House remake as well as The Bourne Identity, has officially jumped onto Apple TV+ with a hilarious heist comedy. The Instigators follows what happens when a typical robbery goes terribly awry, pairing two runaway thieves — Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) — with a terrified therapist (Hong Chau) in the streets of Boston. Unfortunately, these crooks will discover that just about every step in their aimless escape plan is falling apart. An impressive supporting cast features the likes of Jack Harlow, Ron Perlman, Alfred Molina, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

Instigate Your Excitement

If you’ve ever wanted to see Doug Liman’s sense of style in the heist genre, it’s safe to say that The Instigators is a perfect film for you. Matt Damon is impressive as always, and Casey Affleck forms a fitting and compelling partner for their shenanigans on-screen. Their comedic chemistry thankfully makes up for their individual weaknesses here. It’s a simple movie, but it’s aware of its own limitations, making for the perfect kind of easy-viewing comedy that doesn’t require too much commitment.

Best Movies Streaming on Paramount+

Smile 2

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Release Date

October 18, 2024

Director

Parker Finn

Runtime

132 minutes

Read Our Review

After surprisingly taking the world by storm, 2022’s Smile was destined for a sequel. Only two years later, Smile 2 hit the scene, bringing the series’ fascinating horror concept to an even bigger scale. Here, Naomi Scott stars as Skye Riley, a pop star who finds herself as the subject of a mysterious curse. Now faced with an increasingly morbid series of hallucinations after witnessing a tragic death, Riley will have to find a way to break herself free from the curse, lest she succumb to the curse’s violent grasp. Rosemarie DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Ray Nicholson, Dylan Gelula, Raúl Castillo, and Kyle Gallner co-star.

A Smile-Worthy Sequel

Does Smile 2 take this eclectic horror franchise in a brand-new direction? Sort of. For what it’s worth, it’s an interesting follow-up to an idea that could’ve been much worse. Naomi Scott is an effective lead, doubly so when you look at the separate soundtrack performed by Scott’s character. Plus, the elevated stakes of the curse brought about by the presence of a popular celebrity allows for a shocking ending that’s sure to leave your spine tingling. If you at all enjoyed the first Smile film, you’re sure to find more to like here.

A Quiet Place: Day One

A Quiet Place Day One Poster Showing Lupita Nyong'o Covering Her Mouth

Release Date

June 28, 2024

Runtime

99 Minutes

Read Our Review

A Quiet Place is back, but with a brand-new director this time around. Michael Sarnoski of Pig fame directed A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel to the acclaimed horror series originally helmed by John Krasinski. In it, we witness the original invasion of the monstrous creatures with incredible hearing that would later destroy the world, as Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) and Eric (Joseph Quinn) survive their first arrival in New York City. Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, and Eliane Umuhire co-star in this chilling prequel.

A Prequel You Can’t Miss

When horror franchises start to expand, you can typically see them lose what made them so special to begin with. Thankfully, A Quiet Place: Day One bucks this trend. Michael Sarnoski’s direction and accompanying screenplay bring a fresh perspective to this horror series, and the leading duo of Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn makes for a great on-screen pairing that you love to root for. Its box office returns were similarly impressive, raking in over $260 million on a budget of $67 million.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou below.

If

IF 2024 Movie Poster Featuring a Purple Monster Hand Reaching Out a Window

Read Our Review

Ryan Reynolds is just about everywhere nowadays. But have you seen him in a world full of imaginary critters? IF, written and directed by John Krasinski, sees Reynolds co-starring alongside Cailey Fleming as unconventional friends who share a special gift. When a young girl (Fleming) is able to see everyone’s imaginary friends, she teams up with an older gentleman (Reynolds) in order to return them to brand-new children. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, and Fiona Shaw co-star.

Fun for the Whole Family

A stark departure from Krasinski’s other major films so far, IF is as colorful as it is entertaining. A talented voice cast, including the likes of Emily Blunt, Awkwafina, Bradley Cooper, and more, bring these colorful imaginary friends to life, with Reynolds and Fleming playing off of each other in a way that feels both natural and compelling. Though critical reviews were mixed overall, IF‘s charming production values make for a movie that’ll entertain just about everyone. This is especially true when you look at how well it’s doing on streaming.

Best Movies Streaming on Peacock

Conclave

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Release Date

October 25, 2024

Director

Edward Berger

Runtime

120 Minutes

Cast

Ralph Fiennes
, Stanley Tucci
, John Lithgow
, Isabella Rossellini
, Lucian Msamati
, Carlos Diehz
, Sergio Castellitto
, Brian F. O’Byrne
, Merab Ninidze
, Jacek Koman
, Rony Kramer
, Joseph Mydell

Read Our Review

Are you in need of more films about the pope? If you’re a fan of such a niche subject, you’re in luck, as Conclave has finally come to Peacock. Based on an original novel by Robert Harris, Conclave follows what happens when Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with creating a papal conclave to formally elect the next pope. However, each of the candidates presented for the position have their own numerous skeletons in the closet. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini co-star.

Popes, Deceit, and Thrills, Oh My

Having previously directed 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front, director Edward Berger eschews bombastic action for a more conspiratorial style of tension here. It’s a film that toys with your expectations as much as it toys with its thorough investigations, going on to earn six Golden Globe nominations and numerous accolades from both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. Ralph Fiennes also shines as the inquisitive Thomas Lawrence, rooting the film with his tense performance and exquisite delivery. Seeing as how many agree that Conclave is one of the best films of 2024, you need to check this film out yourself.

Speak No Evil

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Release Date

September 13, 2024

Director

James Watkins

Runtime

110 Minutes

Read Our Review

The American remake of Speak No Evil is now available on streaming, meaning you can witness the madness of James McAvoy’s famed performance from the comfort of your home. In this tense horror-thriller, an ordinary American couple — Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy) are invited to stay at a farmhouse at the request of an unassuming British couple. However, a terrifying secret lies in wait, one that may ultimately lead to their bloody demise. James McAvoy and Aisling Franciosi co-star as Paddy and Ciara, respectively.

An Effective Blumhouse Remake

While Speak No Evil does make a significant alteration to the 2022 film’s original ending, it really resonated with horror fans at the box office. Easily one of Blumhouse’s most successful projects of the year, it managed to gross nearly $77 million on a meager budget of $15 million. As an added bonus, James McAvoy absolutely disappears into his role here, bringing a level of intensity and fear to the table that we’d love to see in other horror projects.

Twisters

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Release Date

July 19, 2024

Director

Lee Isaac Chung

Runtime

117 Minutes

Read Our Review

If you told us that Twisters of all things turned out to be one of the most entertaining movies of 2024, we probably wouldn’t have believed you. Yet, here we are. A standalone sequel set after the events of Twister, this natural disaster film follows a set of daring storm chasers as they find themselves in the worst situation imaginable. During what would’ve been a routine expedition in Oklahoma, they end up smack-dab in the middle of multiple converging storms. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, and Sasha Lane co-star.

A Surprising Success

With an impressive $371 million box office haul against a budget of $155 million, Twisters delivered an effective disaster film with plenty of impressive effects and a bundle of compelling performances. Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones are notable highlights, with Mark L. Smith (The Revenant, The Midnight Sky) penning the film’s screenplay. Likewise, acclaimed director Lee Isaac Chung (who previously directed Minari) gives his own touch to the film’s story as well, serving as both a fantastic follow-up to the original and an effective standalone story.

Despicable Me 4

Despicable Me 4 Poster showing Gru with his son and a Minon holding a gun

Release Date

July 3, 2024

Director

Chris Renaud
, Patrick Delage

After a fantastic run in theaters, you can finally check out Despicable Me 4 on Peacock. The latest installment in the long-running Despicable Me franchise, Despicable Me 4 shines a light on Gru (Steve Carell), a reformed supervillain who now works for the Anti-Villain League. Now a loving father and husband, a reunion with his villainous cohorts may ultimately tempt him to villainy once more. In the meantime, Gru’s army of lovable minions undergo an experimental procedure to become superheroes. Carell reprises his role as Gru, with Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofía Vergara, and Will Ferrell co-starring.

Can’t Go Wrong With Minions

The Despicable Me films have always been a hit with adults and kids alike, with Despicable Me 4 successfully continuing this trend once more. As of writing, it’s currently the third-highest-grossing film of 2024, with both Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams returning to compose a brand-new set of radio-friendly earworms for the score. Longtime fans of the series will also appreciate a series of notable cameos throughout, including the return of a longtime fan favorite character.

Dìdi

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Release Date

August 16, 2024

Director

Sean Wang

Cast

Izaac Wang
, Joan Chen
, Shirley Chen
, Zhang Li Hua
, Mahaela Park
, Raul Dial
, Aaron Chang
, Chiron Cillia Denk

Runtime

94 Minutes

A surprising film from this year’s Sundance has finally hit streaming. Dìdi tells the story of Chris Wang, played by Izaac Wang, who is living life in California as an up-and-coming teen. With the power of the internet, friendship, and love, he’ll have to tackle the challenges of adolescence as they affect his first year of high school. Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, Mahaela Park, Spike Jonze, and Stephanie Hsu co-star.

An Award-Winning Coming of Age Tale

This exciting coming of age film won both the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award: Ensemble at Sundance. It would also earn a Festival Favorite nomination at the Southwest Film & TV Festival. Suffice to say, it deserves all the praise. Izaac Wang does an impressively convincing job in the lead role, and writer/director Sean Wang truly lets his vision shine through in every scene. If you want a film that tackles the challenges of growing up in the digital age, there’s a good chance this one is for you.

The Killer (2024)

John Woo's The Killer remake 2024 movie poster

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Read Our Review

John Woo is one of the greatest action directors still working today, even if his most recent films weren’t all that amazing. Thankfully, his recent remake of an all-time classic is a substantial improvement over his previous efforts. The Killer, a remake of Woo’s own titular 1989 film, places Nathalie Emmanuel in the role of Zee, a ruthless contract killer. Yet, after a lifetime of fulfilling bloody contracts, Zee can’t help but feel like she needs to leave this illicit profession. After refusing to take out a blind singer, she puts herself directly in the crosshairs of both her criminal associates and law enforcement in a deadly chase.

A Remake of a Classic

Along with the talents of Omar Sy and Sam Worthington in the main cast, The Killer serves as an amicable remake of John Woo’s seminal film. The cinematography by Mauro Fiore, who won an Academy Award for his work on Avatar, complements the action on-screen beautifully, with Marco Beltrami’s score filling the spaces between bone-crunching jabs and intense explosions. Nathalie Emmanuel does a fine job in the lead role as well, having previously starred in the Fast and Furious franchise as well as Army of Thieves.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Omar Sy and Nathalie Emmanuel below.

Related


19 Best Horror Movies on Peacock to Watch Right Now

Peacock has plenty of spooky favorites for viewers to either rewatch or get acquainted with on the NBCUniversal streaming service.

Best Movies Streaming on Netflix

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

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4.5
/5

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Release Date

January 3, 2025

Director

Merlin Crossingham
, Nick Park

Runtime

79 minutes

Cast

Reece Shearsmith
, Ben Whitehead
, Peter Kay
, Diane Morgan
, Adjoa Andoh
, Lenny Henry
, Muzz Khan

Read Our Review

Aardman Animations has returned to Wallace & Gromit a full 16 years after the titular duo’s last animated short, as well as nearly 20 years after their first feature-length outing. Instead of another short film, however, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl places the two on the big screen once more with a returning fan-favorite villain. In Vengeance Most Fowl, the evil penguin from The Wrong Trousers is back, having reprogrammed Wallace’s robotic garden gnome to cause all kinds of mischief. Series creator Nick Park directed this film with Merlin Crossingham, with Ben Whitehead taking over as Wallace’s voice following Peter Sallis’ retirement.

British Animation at Its Finest

Who doesn’t like Wallace & Gromit? After a lengthy and successful stint with the Shaun the Sheep spin-off series, Aardman Animations have really honed their craft in creating this long-awaited film. It’s nothing short of gorgeous, and their continued adherence to their classical stop-motion style still evokes a wonderful and nostalgic charm. The film even had a significant impact at the upcoming Annie Awards, earning nominations for awards in over half a dozen categories among a plethora of other nominations elsewhere. This, in tandem with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, means you’re going to have a fantastic time.

Between the Temples

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Between the Temples

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Director

Nathan Silver

Runtime

111 Minutes

Co-written by Nathan Silver and C. Mason Wells, Between the Temples is an engaging dramedy about faith, love, and the challenges of navigating the two simultaneously. The film follows Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman), a grief-stricken cantor who finds himself growing attached to Carla (Carol Kane), an older woman who never had a bat mitzvah when she was younger. As the two grow closer together, Ben finds himself navigating a world full of awkwardness and compassion before ultimately coming to terms with his true feelings. Caroline Aaron, Robert Smigel, Madeline Weinstein, Matthew Shear, and Dolly de Leon co-star.

Awkward Comedy and Heartfelt Moments

Between the Temples is a film that’s sure to make you uncomfortable, but in a way that’s meant to make you laugh. There’s a warmness found throughout that undercuts the occasionally cringey moments, mirroring reality with believable romantic chemistry and a compelling lead performance by Jason Schwartzman. While some felt that the film’s editing and cinematography — handled by John Magary and Sean Price Williams, respectively — may have distracted from the film’s greater themes, it’s still a fascinating entry in Nathan Silverman’s wider filmography.

The Six Triple Eight

Read Our Review

Despite varied critical reception, Tyler Perry’s latest directorial effort, The Six Triple Eight, has really struck a chord with audiences everywhere. Set during World War II, this wartime drama focuses on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battallion, an all-Black group of soldiers primarily tasked with handling the logistics of mail services for the Allied forces. Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, and Oprah Winfrey co-star in this gripping war drama.

Tyler Perry’s Best Movie Yet

Tyler Perry’s involvement may raise some eyebrows, but make no mistake, The Six Triple Eight is a fascinating story brought to life under his direction. Beyond the film’s interesting real-life inspirations, Kerry Washington’s performance circumvents melodrama in favor of bringing some genuine weight to her role, and the film’s timeless themes of standing up to racial bigotry are given a palpable edge due to its historical setting. Even if you’re not the biggest Tyler Perry fan, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in this.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Ebony Obsidian below.

Carry-On

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Sometimes, a straightforward thriller is all you need to hit the spot. Netflix delivered on this idea with Carry-On, a tense Christmastime thriller directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Taron Egerton. Egerton plays Ethan Kopek, an up-and-coming TSA officer at LAX who greets the holiday season with cold cynicism. That is, however, until a mysterious nerve agent is smuggled onto an unsuspecting flight, forcing him into action. Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Jason Bateman co-star.

Carry-On famously jumped straight to the top of the Netflix charts during its initial release, quickly closing in on nearly 100 million separate streams in just over a week. If that doesn’t say anything about the film’s popularity, we don’t know what will. Boasting homages to Die Hard in addition to its own unique ideas, Carry-On allows Jason Bateman to really don his evil side in a rare villainous role, all while delivering an enjoyable action film that’s best enjoyed with some freshly-popped popcorn. Even if you’re not in the mood to celebrate the holidays, this action film still has plenty to offer elsewhere.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Taron Egerton below.

Kneecap

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Release Date

January 18, 2024

Director

Rich Peppiatt

Cast

Mo Chara
, Móglaí Bap
, DJ Próvaí
, Josie Walker
, Simone Kirby
, Michael Fassbender

Read Our Review

One of 2024’s most interesting dramedies has finally hit Netflix. Kneecap originally debuted at Sundance earlier in 2024, being the first-ever Irish language film to do so, all while making a huge splash on the international scene. The film follows the Irish hip-hop trio of the same name in a dramatized retelling of their gradual rise to fame, highlighting their cultural notoriety as well as their efforts to revitalize the Irish language. Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh play themselves in this fascinating film, all while sharing story development duties with writer/director Rich Peppiatt.

An Authentically Irish Film

Kneecap may seem like an ordinary movie at a glance, but its incorporation of Irish culture is something that makes it truly unique. The trio’s performances are authentically natural, despite their lack of experience, and there’s a general sense of manic energy accompanying every scene that they’re in. It’s incredibly genuine. It should come as no surprise, then, that Kneecap was also Ireland’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.

To see our exclusive interview with Kneecap, be sure to check out the video below.

Emilia Pérez

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Are you in the mood for a musical? A crime-themed musical, perhaps? Netflix’s latest acquisition, Emilia Pérez, sees Zoe Saldaña donning a law degree in a delightful subversion of both musicals and crime thrillers. Rita Castro (Saldaña) is an average lawyer who doesn’t get the appreciation she deserves, though that may change when she crosses paths with the nefarious cartel kingpin Juan Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón). Instead of putting them in jail, Rita is given an alternative proposal: What if she could keep them out of jail for good? Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, and Édgar Ramírez co-star in this comedic crime tale.

Crime, Comedy, and Music

With songwriting duties handled by the talented French singer Camille (Ratatouille), and an original score composed by Clément Ducol, this entertaining experiment is certainly captivating. Emilia Pérez saw an overwhelmingly positive reception at Cannes, winning the Jury Prize and a Best Actress Award, in addition to being France’s selection for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. As a plus, the talented Selena Gomez does a fantastic job following her lengthy stint on Only Murders in the Building, while Saldaña and Gascón would receive numerous accolades elsewhere for their respective performances.

Woman of the Hour

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Release Date

September 26, 2023

Cast

Anna Kendrick
, Daniel Zovatto
, Autumn Best
, Andy Thompson
, David Beairsto
, Tighe Gill
, Bonnie Hay
, Thomas Strumpski
, Nicolette Robinson
, Kathryn Gallagher
, Kelley Jakle
, Tony Hale

Read Our Review

Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut is one you’d be hard-pressed to miss. Woman of the Hour is a thriller based on the real-life case of Rodney Alcala, who made a particularly haunting appearance on an ordinary episode of The Dating Game during his ongoing spree of vicious killings. Anna Kendrick doubles as the lead, Sheryl Bradshaw, who finds herself paired up with Alcala after the show’s taping. From there, things only go from bad to worse. Daniel Zovatto dons the role of Rodney Alcala, with Tony Hale, Nicolette Robinson, Pete Holmes, and Autumn Best co-starring.

Based on a Horrifying True Story

As full of anger as it is terror, Woman of the Hour is an incredibly passionate debut for Kendrick. Opting to focus on the victims of Alcala rather than the killer himself, it tells a more thoughtful tale rather than something exploitative, all while still integrating some genuine tension throughout its violent events. In fact, you’d be surprised by how much of Ian McDonald’s screenplay focuses on the many people impacted by Alcala’s spree, with his appearance in The Dating Game being just a small part in an otherwise impressive film.

Be sure to check out our interview with Nicolette Robinson, Autumn Best, and Kathryn Gallagher below.

The Platform 2

A prequel to one of the most viscerally-thrilling science fiction films on Netflix is sure to be a real treat. Say hello to The Platform 2, which brings the madness of a sprawling dystopian tower back to Netflix’s front page. We follow two new occupants of the tower, Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian) and Perempuan (Milena Smit), as they live their days in seclusion, subsisting on food that descends from the top of the tower to the very bottom. However, as the fringe societies formed within the tower begin to break down, disorder begins to seep into each of the tower’s floors.

A Sequel to a Fantastic Film

The Platform was already one of Netflix’s best original films, and given that director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia returned to both direct and co-write its follow-up, there’s plenty more that this series can offer. This prequel helps establish many of the key concepts and events that would later come into play in The Platform. The leading performance by Milena Smit is also impressive as well, carrying the action along as the film jumps between several different perspectives.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Read Our Review

Bad Boys: Ride or Die marks the big comeback — or rather, the next big comeback — for co-stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. A sequel to 2020’s Bad Boys for Life, Ride or Die sees Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) embarking on a particularly personal mission. After their late captain is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the duo strap in for another adventure lined with gunfire, one-liners, and explosions. Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Eric Dane, Tasha Smith, and Tiffany Haddish co-star.

Bad Boys Are Forever

One of the highest-grossing films of 2024, Bad Boys: Ride or Die continues the action-packed revamp of the classic movie series. Smith and Lawrence are as lively and charismatic as ever, the action provided by co-directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah is as energetic as can be, and the heightened stakes brought to the table make for one of the most viscerally engaging Bad Boys films to date. It’s certainly the most over-the-top of them, at the very least, as it resonated with general audiences more than critics.

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Cuckoo

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Cuckoo

Release Date

August 9, 2024

Director

Tilman Singer

Runtime

102 Minutes

Read Our Review

Cuckoo is now available on Hulu, meaning you can bear witness to one of the most enigmatic horror movies of 2024 with the click of a button. Written and directed by Tilman Singer, Cuckoo follows Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), a grieving teen who’s still reeling from the loss of her mother. After moving into the German Alps to live with her father, Luis (Marton Csokas), an idyllic road to recovery is rudely interrupted by the advent of strange occurrences and a terrifying plot. Jan Bluthardt, Jessica Henwick, and Dan Stevens co-star.

A Great German Horror Film

Being an international German co-production, Cuckoo is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Hunter Schafer saw significant praise for her performance here, not only bringing the genuine terror needed for the lead role, but a layered performance that’s sure to captivate. Director Tilman Singer has plenty of experience in the horror genre as well, having previously directed Luz in 2018 in addition to a handful of short films between 2014 and 2016. Any horror fan in need of something to watch ought to give Cuckoo a shot.

Sugarcane

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Sugarcane

Release Date

August 9, 2024

Director

Julian Brave NoiseCat
, Emily Kassie

Runtime

107 Minutes

Cast

Julian Brave NoiseCat

Streaming has been a perfect place for documentaries and docuseries alike to flourish, with Sugarcane joining Hulu’s best of the best. Co-directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, Sugarcane brings you to a boots-on-the-ground investigation of the Canadian Indian residential school system, explaining its origins in addition to examining its negative impacts on the communities forced to engage with it. It originally premiered at Sundance before later being picked up by Variance Films and National Geographic Documentary Films.

A Haunting Documentary

Sugarcane absolutely deserves its numerous accolades. It’s a documentary that doesn’t shy away from the truly nasty aspects of its subject, showing an equal amount of respect for those involved by never trivializing what happened to them. Most importantly, however, it’s a documentary that’s as all-encompassing as it is thorough, exploring the numerous effects that the Canadian Indian residential school system had on its many, many subjects. It won’t be an easy watch, but it’s one that’ll leave you with a better understanding of such a traumatic subject.

Robot Dreams

Robot Dreams 2023 Movie Poster

Release Date

December 6, 2024

Director

Pablo Berger

Runtime

102 Minutes

Read Our Review

Adult animation continues to innovate, even if it doesn’t grab the widest of audiences. Take Robot Dreams, for instance. A tragicomedy, Robot Dreams takes place in an alternate New York City circa 1984, as a dog and a robot quickly become best friends in the city’s bustling streets. However, their unconventional friendship may come to an unexpected end. Pablo Berger both wrote and directed this film, having previously directed similar dark comedies in the form of 2003’s Torremolinos 73 and 2017’s Abracadabra.

An Acclaimed Masterwork

Suffice to say, Robot Dreams is one of the most critically-acclaimed animated films in recent years. Not only did it receive a nomination for Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards, it would go on to win the Goya Award for Best Animated Film in Spain, in addition to the European Film Award for Best Animated Feature Film. It’s a movie with a powerful story that, for most, will also bring out the waterworks with its emotional themes and wonderful messaging. Those who read the original graphic novel by Sara Varon will also appreciate the film’s accuracy when compared to its source material.

Thelma

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Release Date

January 18, 2024

Director

Josh Margolin

Runtime

97 Minutes

Read Our Review

After making a big splash at Sundance, Thelma has finally left theaters for its streaming debut on Hulu. June Squibb plays an elderly woman who falls victim to a devastating scam over the phone, losing thousands of dollars without any recourse to get it back. At least, that’s what her son Danny (Fred Hechinger) thinks. Unable to get police assistance, Thelma sets out on her own to get the money back herself with the help of a few friends. Clark Gregg, Parker Posey, Malcom McDowell, and the late Richard Roundtree co-star here, marking the latter’s last on-screen performance.

More Than Just a Gag

While it would’ve been easy for Thelma to dive head-first into comedic territory, this earnest film opts to take its premise semi-seriously, melding some drama in-between its laughs. It’s a movie that doesn’t punch down on its subject, presenting a mature story that makes Thelma’s journey all the more heartfelt. The film’s ending is proof of this, with writer/director Josh Margolin putting a tearjerker tie on one of 2024’s most interesting films.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with both June Squibb and Fred Hechinger below.

Alien: Romulus

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Release Date

August 16, 2024

Cast

Cailee Spaeny
, David Jonsson
, Archie Renaux
, Isabela Merced
, Spike Fearn
, Aileen Wu
, Rosie Ede
, Soma Simon
, Bence Okeke
, Viktor Orizu
, Robert Bobroczkyi
, Trevor Newlin
, Annemarie Griggs
, Daniel Betts

Runtime

119 Minutes

Read Our Review

Alien: Romulus is the latest installment in the long-running Alien franchise, wedging itself between the events of Alien and Aliens. After a Weyland-Yutani probe discovers the remains of the USCSS Nostromo in the depths of space, a group of downtrodden colonists make contact with the universe’s most proficient hunter after a hasty expedition goes terribly awry. Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu co-star in this exciting film by Fede Álvarez.

A Nostalgic Return

Under the vision of Fede Álvarez, who previously rose to fame for his work on 2013’s Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, there’s a lot to appreciate in Alien: Romulus. From the prominence of practical effects, to the numerous callbacks to the greater Alien franchise, longtime fans of the series as well as newcomers will find themselves at the edge of their seats throughout this thrilling pre-sequel. An unexpected character returning once more, along with the chilling return of an idea originally introduced way back in Alien 3, are also welcomed surprises, with Robert Bobroczki bringing the latter to life with a delightfully chilling performance.

Sting

Sting 2024 Movie Poster

Release Date

April 12, 2024

Director

Kiah Roache-Turner

Cast

Alyla Browne
, Penelope Mitchell
, Ryan Corr
, Jermaine Fowler
, Silvia Colloca

Runtime

1hr 31min

Read Our Review

Giant spiders: Who needs them? Unfortunately, an Australian family becomes the target of such a creature in Hulu’s latest horror film, Sting. When a rebellious teenager finds a tiny spider near her destitute home, she opts to take the creature into her care. However, she could never have imagined that it would grow to the size of a large dog, all while gaining an appetite for human flesh along the way. Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne, Penelope Mitchell, Robyn Nevin, Noni Hazelhurst, and Silvia Colloca make up the main cast.

Spiders, Gore, and Webbing

Arachnophobes beware, Sting will likely set off several dozen alarm bells. Combining gruesome kills and grotesque creature effects, Sting brings a harrowing creature feature to the table under the direction of writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner, duly brought to life by cinematographer Brad Shield (Curve, The Square). Following Alyla’s Browne’s brief role in Furiosa, she does a fantastic job in the lead role here as well.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with director Kiah Roache-Turner below.

Babes

Babes Movie Poster Showing Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau Holding a Pregnancy Test

Release Date

May 17, 2024

Director

Pamela Adlon

Runtime

109 Minutes

Read Our Review

Pamela Adlon made a big splash in 2024 with her feature-length directorial debut. Babes tells the story of Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau), a pair of friends who undergo a difficult challenge to their relationship. When Eden is revealed to be pregnant after an impromptu night of passion, Dawn attempts to lend a hand as the two weigh what needs to be done next. John Carroll Lynch, Oliver Platt, Sandra Bernhard, Stephan James, and Hasan Minhaj co-star.

An Emotional Journey

In a terrific blend of comedy and drama, Babes is a thoroughly entertaining watch that melds the best of both Pamela Adlon and Ilana Glazer. The latter co-authored the film’s screenplay with Josh Rabinowitz, having previously co-created Comedy Central’s Broad City with Abbi Jacobson. Michelle Buteau, meanwhile, gives a warm reprieve with her performance, having previously starred in Always Be My Maybe and Isn’t It Romantic.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Pamela Adlon below.

Mr. Crocket

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Release Date

October 11, 2024

Director

Brandon Espy

Cast

Elvis Nolasco
, Jerrika Hinton
, Kristolyn Lloyd
, Ayden Gavin
, Alex Alomar Akpobome
, Lyla Randall
, Jabari Striblin
, Riley Vinson

Read Our Review

Nostalgia is the name of the game when it comes to a number of horror projects recently, especially in Hulu’s latest terrifying original film. Mr. Crocket tells the story of an ailing mother and her restless child, with the former seeking a way to simply calm the latter down for a moment’s rest. When she stumbles across a VHS tape containing a mysterious children’s show, she believes her troubles are over. However, after playing the tape, things are going to go to Hell in a handbasket fairly quickly. Elvis Nolasco plays the titular Mr. Crocket, with Jerrika Hinton, Ayden Gavin, and Kristolyn Lloyd being a handful of other names attached.

Huluween Is Back

Oozing style and featuring a fantastically creepy performance by Elvis Nolasco, Mr. Crocket takes aim at vintage children’s shows to frighten and entertain in equal measure. Nolasco effectively steals the show, making him the film’s biggest highlight next to its gruesome kills and its morbid puppetry. The film even features a fantastic sequence in the third act that we dare not spoil for you here; rather, we’ll just say that it authentically leans into its nostalgic inspirations in just about every way imaginable.

Handling the Undead

Handling the Undead 2024 Movie Poster

Release Date

February 9, 2024

Director

Thea Hvistendahl

Cast

Renate Reinsve
, Bjørn Sundquist
, Bente Børsum
, Anders Danielsen Lie
, Bahar Pars
, Inesa Dauksta

Runtime

97 Minutes

Read Our Review

After debuting at this year’s Sundance, Handling the Undead has finally hit streaming. This impressive film by Thea Hvistendahl tells the story of three distinct families living in Oslo, where their normal summer is interrupted by a horrifying revelation: the dead walk among them. As their deceased loved ones rise from their graves, the sudden return to the land of the living sparks a flurry of questions amid their efforts to reconnect. Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, and Bahar Pars are just a handful of names attached to the ensemble cast.

A Harrowing Mystery

In an interesting take on the undead, Handling the Undead opts less for visceral thrills and more for harrowing implications. It’s a film that purposefully eschews graphic frights in exchange for a slow-burn examination of grief, being based on the titular novel originally penned by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It’s dreary, it’s melancholic, and it’s overall oppressive in a way that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a film like this. For that reason, it’s worth a watch if you want something a little unconventional.

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Lisa Frankenstein

Lisa Frankenstein Poster With Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse Sitting Atop an Electrified Tanning Bed

Release Date

February 9, 2024

Runtime

101 Minutes

Read Our Review

Lisa Frankenstein marks the feature-length directorial debut of Zelda Williams, complete with a script penned by Diablo Cody (Jennifer’s Body). A horror-themed rom-com, Lisa Frankenstein tells the story of Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), a grieving teen whose dark interests ultimately lead her to make a dramatic discovery. After an errant bolt of lightning brings a corpse in the local graveyard back to life, Lisa forges a comforting relationship with the monster tinged with blood and murder. Cole Sprouse stars as the newly-revived zombie, with Liza Soberano, Henry Eikenberry, Joe Chrest, and Carla Gugino making up the rest of the cast.

A Morbid Love Story

Zelda Williams’ debut is nothing short of memorable. Diablo Cody’s screenplay carries with it the same kind of morbid humor and interesting ideas found in her previous horror efforts, which is sure to excite fans of Jennifer’s Body. Kathryn Newton embodies the late ’80s archetype that the film absolutely revels in, and the film’s over-the-top moments practically guarantee it cult classic status within the next few years. If you want a slightly off-beat horror film that isn’t afraid to get a little silly, Lisa Frankenstein is an excellent pick.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse below.

My Old Ass

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Release Date

September 13, 2024

Director

Megan Park

Runtime

89 minutes

Cast

Aubrey Plaza
, Maisy Stella
, Percy Hynes White
, Maddie Ziegler
, Kerrice Brooks
, Maria Dizzia
, Alain Goulem
, Seth Isaac Johnson
, Carter Trozzolo

Read Our Review

Writer/director Megan Park made a huge splash in 2024 with My Old Ass, an interesting interpretation of a classic coming-of-age formula. The film follows Elliot (Maisy Stella), a girl living on a rural farm who aims to spend her summer with her longtime crush. However, after an illicit drug trip puts Elliott face-to-face with a woman claiming to be her older self, she’ll have to reevaluate everything she’s ever planned, not only for the next few weeks, but for the rest of her life. Percy Hynes, White, Maddie Ziegler, and Kerrice Brooks co-star, with Aubrey Plaza playing Elliot’s older self.

Maisy Stella’s Feature-Length Debut

Dubbed one of the best independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review, My Old Ass is a compelling examination of living in the present, framed through an equally hilarious and sentimental story with two fantastic leads. Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza convincingly portray the same character separated by decades, and the film provides plenty of emotional depth for those looking for a bit more substance in a fantastical dramedy. Knowing that Megan Park previously helmed The Fallout, which won numerous accolades at SXSW, you can expect a genuinely engaging film here.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Megan Park and Maisy Stella below.

Look Back

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Look Back

Release Date

June 28, 2024

Director

Kiyotaka Oshiyama

Cast

Yumi Kawai
, Mizuki Yoshida

Though Tatsuki Fujimoto may be more recognized for their work on the ultraviolent Chainsaw Man series, some of their other stories are just as, if not more, emotionally gripping in comparison. Take a look at Look Back, for instance. An emotional story, Look Back tells the story of two students — the poppy Ayumu Fujino (Valerie Lohman) and the reclusive Kyomoto (Grace Lu) — as they form a mutual friendship over creating manga. As they continue to work together, their branching life paths may ultimately meet an unexpected turn.

An Unexpected Tearjerker

In a story about the passion that goes into creating manga, Look Back takes a more sentimental approach in depicting the how and why that goes into such a creative career. The visuals are surprisingly warm and pleasant compared to Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man, and though the film’s short length may seem a bit underwhelming, it manages to deliver an incredibly effective tale in a condensed package. For those who missed out on its theatrical debut, you’ll be happy to know that its streaming release also has a brand-new English dub to try out as well.

Brothers

Read Our Review

Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage isn’t the most obvious pairing that comes to mind, but they’re incredible together in Prime Video’s Brothers. This film tells the story of Moke and Jady Munger, played by Brolin and Dinklage respectively, as they make a massive split in their life paths. Though the two turned to crime in their youth, Moke opted to reform himself, while Jady doubled down on his criminal pursuits. However, when trouble rears its ugly head, they’ll have to team up once again in order to set things straight. Brendan Fraser, M. Emmet Walsh, Taylour Paige, and Marisa Tomei co-star.

Brotherly Love

Brothers is wickedly funny. With a screenplay by Macon Blair of Hold the Dark and I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore fame, and direction by Palm Springs‘ Max Barbakow, what you get is an action film that makes you laugh just as much as it makes you cheer. Brendan Fraser’s surprising performance is genuinely captivating whenever he’s on-screen, and the comedic antics shared between both Brolin and Dinklage play to each other’s strengths wonderfully. While reviews may be mixed overall, Dinklage’s performance was seen as a universal positive.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage below.

Challengers

Read Our Review

After a lengthy tenure on MGM+, Challengers is finally available to watch on Prime Video sans an additional subscription. If you missed out on the hype surrounding this film, now’s a perfect time to check it out. It follows an elaborate love triangle between a group of professional tennis players — Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) — as their professional careers take off. Luca Guadagnino, who previously directed Call Me by Your Name, lends his talents to this film behind the scenes.

Challenged by Challengers

This movie was nothing short of a phenomenon when it originally debuted, bringing the best out of Zendaya and Mike Faist while also fleshing their performances out with an incredible score. Every shot, framed wonderfully by cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, all serves a vital purpose, adding to the film’s overall theming and elaborate presentation. When combined with a nonlinear structure that covers more than a decade of the characters’ lives, Challengers becomes a fantastic romantic dramedy that’s bound to dazzle the senses.

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Beatles ’64

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Release Date

November 29, 2024

Director

David Tedeschi

Cast

Paul McCartney
, Ringo Starr
, John Lennon
, George Harrison
, Martin Scorsese

Runtime

108 Minutes

Another Beatles documentary? Sure, albeit this one comes with a fun twist. Beatles ’64 eschews the band’s later years in favor of their first-ever trip to the United States, examining their three-week stint in 1964 that led to their performances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Likewise, the film also examines the band’s inner workings at the time, in addition to the explosion of Beatlemania that would go on to rock the United States until the mid 1960s. Martin Scorsese co-produced this documentary along with Margaret Bodde.

Beatlemania Is Back

In addition to featuring a revamped soundtrack with a plethora of covers, Beatles ’64 provides a new examination of a period in the band’s life that really needed some more attention. The same technology that revamped the footage and audio recordings found in Peter Jackson’s Get Back was also used for this film, bringing a fresh coat of paint to their famous Ed Sullivan Show performance. If you’re a Beatles fan, or you just want to see how the band got their start in the United States, Beatles ’64 is an excellent primer to the band’s skyrocketing stardom.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Read Our Review

Deadpool & Wolverine is finally on streaming. The epic follow-up to 2018’s Deadpool 2, Deadpool & Wolverine integrates not only Deadpool into the wider MCU, but also the legendary X-Men, as the former is tasked with traversing the multiverse. When the Time Variance Authority declares that Deadpool’s original universe is set for destruction, he opts to enlist an alternate universe Wolverine to ultimately stop them. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman reprise their respective roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, with Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, and more unexpected cameos than you can count rounding out the cast.

One of the Best MCU Movies

Between fun jabs at Fox’s numerous X-Men films, the returning Hugh Jackman, and dozens upon dozens of meta jokes, Deadpool & Wolverine is easily one of the most refreshing and entertaining MCU movies, period. Beyond just delivering on fan service and then some, the film itself allows for a fun exploration of both Deadpool and Wolverine, combining their oddball chemistry with a powerful tale of redemption. If you originally missed out on seeing the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history, you’re now able to check it out from the comfort of your home.

Inside Out 2

Read Our Review

Have you seen the highest-grossing animated film in history yet? If not, you really need to consider Inside Out 2. Set after the events of Inside Out, we return to the headspace of Riley, now a 13-year-old girl who has just started high school. The emotions in her head managed to keep things tidy up until this point. But, following the sudden arrival of brand-new emotions, things take a turn for the worse as adolescence throws a wrench into Riley’s everyday life. Amy Poehler, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, and Phyllis Smith reprise their roles from the first film, with Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, and Adèle Exarchopoulos joining Riley’s many emotions.

The Highest-Grossing Animated Film Ever

To say that Inside Out 2 dominated the box office would be an understatement. Not only did it become the single highest-grossing animated film in history, it currently holds the title of the highest-grossing film of 2024, in addition to being the eighth-highest-grossing film of all time. Of course, if you missed your chance to see it in theaters, you can now catch it from the comfort of your couch. It’s an incredible expansion on an already fantastic story, and for being director Kelsey Mann’s first feature-length directorial credit, it’s an incredible accomplishment.

Young Woman and the Sea

Young Woman and the Sea-1

Release Date

May 31, 2024

Runtime

100 Minutes

Read Our Review

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes Young Woman and the Sea, an exciting biographical film based on a story by Glenn Stout. The film sees Daisy Ridley starring as Gertrude Ederle, a competitive swimmer who takes it upon herself to accomplish the impossible. She attempts to swim across the English Channel, a stretch of water nearly 21 miles long. Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Kim Bodina, and Christopher Eccleston co-star in this stunning biographical film, with Joachim Rønning directing.

Based on a Fantastic True Story

While initially meant to go straight to streaming, Young Woman and the Sea would later go on to debut in theaters due to incredibly positive test screenings. Suffice to say, test audiences were onto something. Daisy Ridley shines in her latest lead role, the surrounding score by Amelia Warner brings out the best in every scene, and the film’s adherence to the real-life story makes for a thrilling watch. It’s an inspirational film, one that joins the likes of 2023’s The Boys in the Boat in giving a notable event the theatrical treatment it deserves.

Be sure to watch our exclusive interview with Joachim Rønning below.

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Juror #2

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Release Date

October 30, 2024

Runtime

114 Minutes

Read Our Review

Billed as possibly the last film directed by Clint Eastwood, Juror #2 is a tense legal thriller about Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult), a recovering alcoholic and investigative journalist. After being called to jury duty for a prominent murder trial, Kemp slowly unravels a horrifying realization that quickly spirals out of control. Kemp, in fact, may be the one ultimately responsible for the murder he’s currently on the jury for. Toni Collette, J. K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, and Kiefer Sutherland co-star, with Jonathan Abrams authoring the film’s screenplay.

In a deliberate inversion of the typical tropes you’d find in the genre, Juror #2 turns the legal thriller genre on its head, focusing more on the pitfalls of the legal system and the individuals it affects. It’s a film that weighs its personal drama more than its systemic critiques. However, by using Eastwood’s strengths in character-driven storytelling, it tells a subdued story compared to his other films. If you want a contemplative drama with plenty of unexpected turns, Juror #2 is sure to fulfill your wishes.

Be sure to check out our interview with Cedric Yarbrough below.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Read Our Review

A stunning return for one of Tim Burton’s most iconic characters, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has finally hit streaming after an incredible run in theaters. Taking place more than three decades after the previous film, a now-adult Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is forced to balance a family tragedy while tending to her daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega). However, on top of everything else, Deetz now has to contend with the return of Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) after he’s summoned once more by Astrid. Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Arthur Conti, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe co-star.

Bigger, Better, Beetlejuice

Grossing nearly four times its budget of $100 million at the box office, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice retains much of what made the original film work while expanding upon ideas that were originally introduced way back in 1988. Michael Keaton’s performance is just as raunchy and offbeat as ever, Jenna Ortega feels like a natural addition to the cast, and the returning Danny Elfman provides a fitting and vibrant score throughout the film’s modest runtime. Speaking of Jenna Ortega, the involvement of Wednesday co-creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar can really be felt in the writing department.

Watchmen: Chapter I

Animated DC films can be a mixed bag, and while initial reactions to the announcement of Watchmen: Chapter I were fairly mixed, we’re confident in saying that it’s worth a watch. The first installment of a two-part adaptation of Dave Gibbon and Alan Moore’s famous comic series, it takes place in an alternate reality where the advent of superheroes turned the tide of the Vietnam War. Their prominence in the ensuing Cold War eventually draws the attention of a mysterious killer. After the sudden death of a superhero at the hands of this killer, a vigilante named Rorschach enlists the aid of retired superheroes to investigate further. All the while, geopolitical tensions between the United States and Soviet Russia start to boil over.

A Legitimately Surprising Adaptation

Watchmen itself is already one of the most-acclaimed comics ever made, and while its other feature-length adaptation by Zack Snyder has its fair share of advocates, this two-parter has plenty of potential. An impressive voice cast featuring Phil LaMarr, Troy Baker, Matthew Rhys, and Titus Welliver bring Watchmen‘s cast of costumed heroes to life, and the animation provided by Studio Mir (X-Men ’97, My Adventures with Superman) allows for a degree of artistic interpretation that’s much more difficult to recreate in live-action. DC fans would also like to know that Brandon Vietti directed this adaptation, having previously developed Young Justice in addition to working on several animated Batman projects. The second part has already been released on digital platforms, with its release on Max coming not long afterward.

Janet Planet

Janet Planet poster

Release Date

June 28, 2024

Director

Annie Baker

Runtime

1h 53m

In a particularly interesting addition to Max, A24’s Janet Planet brings a conventional coming of age story to a brand-new level. Annie Baker both wrote and directed this feature-length story, focusing on an eleven-year-old girl named Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) and her acupuncturist mother, Janet (Julianne Nicholson). As the two spend their summer in rural Massachusetts, Lacy finds ways to entertain herself while Janet draws the attention of three unique strangers. Elias Koteas, Will Patton, and Sophie Okonedo co-star.

An Acclaimed Debut

Critical acclaim accompanied Annie Baker’s directorial debut, and for good reason. Between the dual performances of Nicholson and Ziegler, to the editing handled by Lucian Johnston (Midsommar, The Tragedy of Macbeth), it’s a movie that’s firing on all cylinders both in front of and behind the camera. If you’re at all hesitant to give Janet Planet a shot, it’s way above what you would typically expect from films in the same genre.

MaXXXine

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Release Date

July 5, 2024

Runtime

103 Minutes

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The next exciting entry in the X series has finally hit streaming. Say hello to MaXXXine, the third installment of Ti West’s chilling horror series starring Mia Goth. Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx, the aspiring actress who survived the events of an adult film shoot gone wrong in X. Now living life in Los Angeles circa 1985, Maxine accepts a new role in an upcoming horror film as a series of gruesome murders ravage the city. Instead of an ordinary killer, however, it’s one who has some dirt on Maxine’s bloody past. Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, and Halsey co-star here.

Mia Goth’s Terrifying Journey

A loving tribute to ’80s horror films, MaXXXine embodies its inspirations just as previous films in the series did. It’s a fun period piece, melding excellent performances and gruesome kills together in a conclusive story that’s sure to impress. Obviously, fans of the previous two films will find plenty to like here. But even if you’re not used to Ti West’s directorial style, you’ll find that he’s one of the most creative voices currently working in the horror scene today.

Trap

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Release Date

August 2, 2024

Cast

Josh Hartnett
, Hayley Mills
, Marnie McPhail
, Vanessa Smythe
, Saleka Shyamalan
, Malik Jubal
, Jonathan Langdon
, Peter D’Souza
, Ty Pravong
, Kaitlyn Dallan

Trap starts with an ordinary day out. An everyday dad is simply taking his daughter to a fun concert in a spacious stadium. At least, that’s how things seem. Turns out, the concert was nothing more than an elaborate ruse to catch “the Butcher,” a prominent serial killer, as police flood into the halls and block the exit. It also turns out that the loving father we’ve been following around is, in fact, the Butcher himself. Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Night Shyamalan, Hayley Mills, and Alison Pill make up the main cast of M. Night Shyamalan’s latest feature film — though this particular one doesn’t have a twist ending.

Trapped in a Thrilling Tale

Arguably one of Shyamalan’s most straightforward films so far, Trap combines an intriguing thriller premise with some impressive performances. Josh Hartnett effectively wears two horrifying masks in this film, portraying a loving father in one scene before shifting back to his malicious, murderous side in another. Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom really shows his skills here with some fantastic scene compositions as well, having also worked on 2024’s Challengers and 2017’s Call Me By Your Name. If you enjoy Shyamalan’s work, or you just want a fun thriller to pass the time, Trap won’t disappoint.

Caddo Lake

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Director

Logan George
, Celine Held

Cast

Dylan O’Brien
, Eliza Scanlen
, Caroline Falk
, Lauren Ambrose
, Sam Hennings
, Diana Hopper
, Eric Lange
, Lance E. Nichols
, Nina Leon
, David Maldonado
, Kim Baptiste
, Jules Hilillo Fernandez

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A Max original thriller movie? Sign us up, since Caddo Lake is one of the service’s most impressive offerings yet. Co-directed by Logan George and Celine Held, Caddo Lake tells the story of the titular body of water, and how a mysterious disappearance may interconnect with the many others who’ve vanished into its murky depths. Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange, and Sam Hennings all star in one of the most fascinating streaming originals in recent months.

Produced by M. Night Shyamalan

Though his directorial track record is a bit spotty, M. Night Shyamalan’s producer credit here is a good sign. Having previously produced Devil and The Watchers, you can expect his stamp of approval to mean that this exciting thriller is well worth a watch. If anything, there’s an incredible twist to look forward to by the time the third act rolls around, held aloft by brilliant lead performances from both O’Brien and Scanlen.

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Celine Held and Logan George below.

Tuesday

Tuesday 2023 Movie Poster

Release Date

June 14, 2024

Director

Daina Oniunas-Pusic

Runtime

111 Minutes

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More than a year after this film’s initial debut at Telluride Film Festival, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back on the big screen. Tuesday sees Louis-Dreyfus playing Zora, the mother of a physically disabled daughter named Tuesday (Lola Petticrew). While the two make the best of their lives, the arrival of Death in the form of a macaw takes them on a journey they could never have expected. Leah Harvey and Arinzé Kene co-star, along with Justin Edwards, David Sibley, and Hugh Futcher.

A Calming Examination of Death

Equally optimistic and heartfelt, Tuesday is a journey you have to see to believe. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is as good as she ever was in the lead role, while Lola Petticrew does an amicable job alongside her in such a fantastical story. It’s a strange movie, to be sure, but it’s one that you’ll feel satisfied with if you opt to see it. Some have even drawn favorable comparisons between it and the many films by Studio Ghibli.

I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow Poster

Release Date

January 18, 2024

Director

Jane Schoenbrun

Runtime

100 Minutes

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After dazzling most horror fans earlier in the year, I Saw the TV Glow has finally hit streaming. This unsettling movie follows what happens when two teenagers — Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) — bond over their mutual love for a colorful television show in the mid 1990s. However, as the two grow older, their connection to the show materializes in an unconventional exploration of self-identity and our perception of reality. Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, and, inexplicably, Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit fame co-star.

I Saw Widespread Acclaim

From writer-director Jane Schoenbrun, who previously fascinated horror fans with We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, I Saw the TV Glow is definitely not your average horror film. Leaning more towards drama and introspection than outright scares, it crafts a fantastic atmosphere with its impressive cinematography and gorgeous color palette. Justice Smith does an amicable job in the lead role as well, forming the foundation for one of 2024’s most unexpected projects. There’s a lot to uncover here thematically, making it an excellent recommendation for those looking to analyze something beyond the surface level.

The Boy and the Heron

The Boy and the Heron Movie Poster

Release Date

July 14, 2023

Cast

Soma Santoki
, Masaki Suda
, Aimyon
, Shōhei Hino
, Kô Shibasaki
, Takuya Kimura
, Yoshino Kimura

Runtime

124 Minutes

Read Our Review

That’s right — the latest highly-anticipated movie by Studio Ghibli has finally hit streaming, joining the rest of Max’s collection. The Boy and the Heron was famously billed as Hayao Miyazaki’s presumed final feature film, taking place in the midst of the Second World War. After a young boy named Mahito is traumatized by his mother’s sudden death, his arrival in a rural village is accompanied by a mysterious heron, who sucks him into a bizarre world of strange creatures and even stranger coincidences. The film’s English dub features Robert Pattinson, Mark Hamill, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Dave Bautista, and Florence Pugh playing a variety of roles.

An Academy Award Winner

Now known as the single most expensive movie ever produced in Japan, The Boy and the Heron is easily one of Studio Ghibli’s best performing films to date. It’s the fifth highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film against Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Nimona, and its production was even the catalyst for Studio Ghibli films being available on streaming to begin with. On top of being one of the most autobiographical of Miyazaki’s films, this is one you can’t afford to pass up on.



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