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

The Surrender

Read our review

After Barbara’s husband dies, she hires a mysterious man to conduct a ritual that will supposedly bring her husband back from the dead, much to the surprise of her daughter, Megan. The events that follow are what make The Surrender such a surprising new film to emerge from the horror genre. The Surrender seems like it might be horror by way of freaky rituals like the kinds seen in The Exorcist, but the film also has some gruesome images that make the movie stand out. The film is led by Colby Minifie as Megan, who viewers might know from the superhero satire series The Boys.

Not Really About the Ritual

Although the ritual is what ties The Surrender together, it’s not really the main focus of the film. The Surrender is oftentimes less focused on the horrifying idea of bringing someone back from the dead than the grief that comes from a loved one dying. The film’s main death doesn’t even come until 20 minutes into the movie. The Surrender instead focuses on the relationship between Barbara and Megan and how it’s impacted as they grieve a family member. It’s a depiction of grief that puts The Surrender on par with other horror hits from the last few decades, such as The Babadook.

The Ugly Stepsister

Read our review

The Ugly Stepsister immediately evokes thoughts of the fairy tale on which it was based, Cinderella. In this film, Rebekka, mother of Elvira, marries an old man so that she can inherit his wealth when he dies. However, the man was poor, and one of the only things he left behind was his daughter, Agnes (the Cinderella stand-in). Rebekka needs money, so she forces Elvira, the older of the daughters, to find a rich man to marry. Knowing that Elvira isn’t as beautiful as Agnes, Rebekka forces Elvira to undergo beautifying treatments such as plastic surgery.

A Gory Twist on the ‘Cinderella’ Classic

Disney’s Cinderella is a great film to watch with a family, while The Ugly Stepsister is a polar opposite. The film is a body-horror twist on the classic fairy tale, which might scare some viewers. Elements of the original story are still in the film, such as Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage. The Ugly Stepsister also stays light at times, especially for a horror film, with comedic moments throughout the movie’s runtime. Still, these are contrasted by dark scenes, like Rebekka forcing Elvira to get a tapeworm so she can become thinner, and Agnes crying over her father’s corpse.

The Rule of Jenny Pen

Read our review

The Rule of Jenny Pen‘s plot description of an elderly man terrorizing his fellow nursing home residents with a puppet doesn’t sound like the most intriguing horror movie. However, the new horror movie is fresh and thrilling. In the film, a judge goes to live in a nursing home after he has a stroke in court. While there, he learns about another resident who’s been using a puppet to scare the other residents. While the judge feels dejected about being in the nursing home at first, he soon bands together with the other residents to stop the tyrannical reign of Jenny Pen.

Hailed by Stephen King and More

John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush are fantastic actors, and their commitment to The Rule of Jenny Pen‘s story is what helps the film succeed. Rush plays Stefan Mortensen, the judge, and Lithgow plays Dave Crealy, the resident who bullies others in the nursing home. Their performances even caught the eye of famed horror novelist Stephen King, who called The Rule of Jenny Pen “one of the best movies” he saw last year. King wasn’t the only one who loved the film, as The Rule of Jenny Pen sits at 72% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Best Movies Streaming on Apple TV+

Echo Valley

Read our review

Echo Valley is a new thriller about a moral dilemma. When Kate’s daughter, Claire, shows up to Kate’s farm with blood on her clothes, Kate starts to unravel secrets about Claire’s life. In doing so, Kate learns there’s a darkness in Claire’s life. As a mother, Kate naturally wants to help Claire, but she also must decide how far she’s willing to go. The movie is produced by Ridley Scott and stars Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, Kyle MacLachlan, and Domhnall Gleeson.

Not Your Typical Thriller

Echo Valley isn’t the kind of thriller that gets a lot of attention these days. It’s not an action thriller, and it’s not a thriller based on a book either, though it easily could have been. In many ways, it feels like it could have been a perfect TV movie if it were based on a true story. However, Echo Valley isn’t trying to pose as something it’s not. The film is a completely original, mysterious thriller with an excellent cast and a beautiful setting. At an hour and 43 minutes, Echo Valley doesn’t overstay its welcome either. It’s the perfect film for a dark night or quiet afternoon this weekend.

Fountain of Youth

Read our review

In Fountain of Youth, adventurer Luke Purdue has to reconnect with his sister, Charlotte, as he searches for the fountain of youth. Luke and Charlotte’s father had made it his goal in life to find the fountain of youth, but he never reached it before he died. Now, Luke has received funding from a rich man named Owen Carver to continue his father’s quest. The siblings’ journey takes them across the United Kingdom, Austria, and Egypt. The film is filled with mystery, conspiracy, action, car chases, and more, as the Purdue family dodges authorities as well as a secret organization trying to stop them from finding the fountain of youth.

Like Indiana Jones With a Bigger Cast

As an adventure film, Fountain of Youth is beside great companions, like Raiders of the Lost Ark and National Treasure. The main draw separating Fountain of Youth from these other films is the massive cast. Fountain of Youth has some fan-favorite actors, including John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Domhnall Gleeson, Eiza González, and Stanley Tucci. Real talent lies behind the scenes, too. Guy Ritchie, who’s worked with Jason Statham on many projects, directs Fountain of Youth. He directs around a screenplay concocted by James Vanderbilt, writer behind hits that include Murder Mystery and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Best Movies Streaming on Paramount+

Love Me

Read our review

Love Me might follow in the traditions of most romance films, but it’s untraditional in many ways. The film takes place in the distant future, when humans no longer exist. The romantic relationship happens when a space satellite passes a buoy, and the two objects start a conversation. The buoy taps into the satellite’s internet database and discovers the YouTube channel of a couple named Deja and Liam (played by the film’s only actors, Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun). The buoy is inspired by the couple and names herself “Me” and the satellite “Iam.” Together, Me and Iam try to replicate Deja and Liam’s relationship despite living in a world without humans.

A Glimpse Into the Future

What makes Love Me so interesting is the film’s depiction of recent advancements in modern technology. After the buoy and satellite adopt their new personas, they create digital avatars and start to live together in a virtual apartment. With the metaverse becoming more of a reality through games and programs like Second Life and Roblox, some of the sci-fi concepts in the film don’t feel as outlandish as they would have decades ago. Segments of the film also have the objects learning about human life through social media as a reflection of how humans live today. Although the film’s set in a future without human life, Love Me will still make viewers appreciate their own lives through the videos that Me and Iam watch.

Hard Truths

Read our review

Mike Leigh is an underrated filmmaker with a knack for creating riveting blends of comedy and drama. Hard Truths is proof of Leigh’s ability to craft these kinds of stories. The film follows a depressed woman, Pansy, and her sister, Chantelle, who is much more uplifting. The sisters’ opposite personalities provide unique comedic and dramatic moments, as Pansy questions if anyone really loves her. Hard Truths can get emotional, but the film’s title suggests that’s exactly what it’s supposed to do. For some people, the story of Hard Truths might just depict how they feel.

One of 2024’s Most Underrated

Hard Truths is not a film to miss, especially if you already have a subscription to Paramount+. Although Hard Truths didn’t receive much success at the box office and awards ceremonies, the film did receive high praise from critics. The film currently has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated films of last year. Hard Truths also has an incredible lead performance from Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and she easily could have been in contention for an Oscar if the film had seen more commercial success.

Novocaine

Read our review

Intense action films are all the rage right now, and Novocaine might be the most intense. Nathan Caine, nicknamed “Novocaine,” is an assistant manager at a bank — a pretty mild job. His life is thrust into chaos when three armed men rob the bank and take the girl of his dreams hostage. Ignoring the advice of the police, Nathan decides to spring into action and follows the robbers to save his crush. The big twist is that Nathan has a disorder where he can’t feel pain, allowing him to sustain injuries from knives, guns, frying pans, and more.

A Non-Branded ‘Deadpool’

Novocaine is basically a new Deadpool movie without the branding of the Marvel character. Nathan’s resistance to pain lets him push through severe injuries, much like Deadpool’s regenerative health lets him live through outlandish fights. The extreme brawls in Novocaine also allow for some great humor, with Nathan making quippy one-liners during battle, similar to Deadpool. The film assembled the perfect cast to bring together this blend of intense action and dark comedy. Novocaine stars Jack Quaid (The Boys), Amber Midthunder (Prey), Jacob Batalon (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Ray Nicholson (Smile 2), and more.

The Return

Read our review

In The Return, Ralph Fiennes plays Odysseus, a Greek king who has just washed up on the shores of his home after fighting in the Trojan War. His kingdom is struggling, with citizens telling his wife, Penelope, to select a new king. Many men try to get Penelope to choose them, and they terrorize the kingdom while waiting for her selection. Not everyone in the kingdom recognizes that Odysseus has returned, so Odysseus must fight his way back to being the king the Greeks once knew.

The Coolest Version of ‘The Odyssey’

Not everyone loves Greek poetry, but certainly some will enjoy The Return a little more. The film is based on Homer’s famous tale, The Odyssey, which follows Odysseus as he fought in the Trojan War. The Return is a great example of how to do an adaptation, as it focuses on one part of the original text and expands upon it. While the film does have a few slow moments, it also treats viewers to action-packed scenes of hand-to-hand combat and archery. Critics looked favorably on the movie as well, giving it a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. Plus, Christopher Nolan is working on his own version of The Odyssey, and The Return is perfect to get audiences ready for that. The film is only available with a Paramount+ and Showtime subscription.

The Comeback Trail

It’s hard to make a Hollywood film. The process involves lots of people and huge sums of money. The Comeback Trail satirizes these struggles as it follows a producer, Max (perhaps a reference to Max Bialystock from The Producers?), who’s in debt to a mobster. Max comes up with a plan to shoot a new Western and kill his star actor, which he will frame as an accident to collect insurance money. The Comeback Trail is a remake of a little-known movie of the same name from the 1980s. If the over-the-top premise isn’t enough to draw viewers in, the exciting cast certainly will. Actors in The Comeback Trail include Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, Morgan Freeman, Zach Braff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Emile Hirsch.

Delayed for Half a Decade

Chances are high that, despite the big names in The Comeback Trail, this is the first time you’re hearing about it. Websites like IMDb say the film was released in 2020, but it only premiered at one film festival that year. The film was supposed to come out in theaters that fall, before being delayed twice and then getting delayed entirely. The film was finally released on digital retailers earlier this year and landed on its first streaming service at the start of May. The distributors for the film likely thought that with poor ratings and an ongoing pandemic, the film wouldn’t do well at the box office, and held on until it was too late. Now, viewers can finally experience this western-themed, star-studded comedy.

Better Man

Read our review

The past few years have had an abundance of musical biopics, especially after Bohemian Rhapsody won four Oscars. New musical biopics need ways to stand out, and Better Man did that by turning its star into a monkey (of course). Better Man focuses on the life of the musician Robbie Williams, but he’s portrayed as a CGI monkey in the film. The story is pretty typical for a musical biopic, chronicling Williams’ life with a band, addictions, and struggles with his father. The main attractions for the film are the creative premise and William’s music.

Better Man Is Also a Better Biopic Than Most

People might dismiss Better Man for a few reasons. Robbie Williams appearing as a monkey might seem strange to some viewers, and others might not even know who Robbie Williams is (his success in Europe far exceeded his success in the United States). Viewers should at least give Better Man a chance as it’s directed by The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey and earned an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Plus, let us assure you that the Monkey of it all is more than just a gimmick; it works shockingly well.

Best Movies Streaming on Peacock

Dog Man

Read our review

The success of the Captain Underpants book paved the way for the Dog Man books, and the same thing happened with the films. After DreamWorks Animation’s Captain Underpants captured audiences with humor and heart, the studio announced Dog Man. The titular Dog Man is created when a dog’s head is attached to a cop’s body in a life-saving operation, which would be horrific if this film weren’t animated. Dog Man is a silent protagonist, but that doesn’t prevent him from trying to fight crime. His main problem is stopping Petey the evil cat’s technological creations.

Not Just for Children

Dog Man‘s source material and basic plot make it seem too childish for adults, but there’s actually plenty for all ages to enjoy. The animation has a unique style that’s similar to the books, and it shows just how far DreamWorks has gone since the studio released its first film, Antz. Not every joke in the film lands for all age ranges, but there’s a good blend for all audiences to stay entertained throughout the film. Even though Dog Man doesn’t speak, the rest of the characters have some instantly recognizable voices, with Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Ricky Gervais, and more in the cast.

Love Hurts

Read our review

Love Hurts is an action thriller, but it’s also a romantic comedy. The film’s main character, Marvin Gable, is a realtor who used to work for a mob. As his last job, Marvin was supposed to assassinate a lawyer, Rose Carlisle, who stole from the mob, but he was in love with her and let her go. He may have left the mob, but the mob wasn’t finished with him, sending assassins after Marvin right as Rose re-enters his life. Marvin must fight for his life and the woman he loves, as he uncovers the secrets to a conspiracy. Love Hurts stars two of this decade’s Oscar winners, Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose, as well as Marshawn Lynch, Rhys Darby, Sean Astin, and Drew Scott.

‘John Wick’ Meets Valentine’s Day

Given the violent nature of Love Hurts, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the team behind the film also brought the John Wick movies to life. Love Hurts is produced by David Leitch, who produced all the John Wick movies as well as other action hits like Bullet Train. Leitch brings many of his co-workers from the John Wick series to Love Hurts, like Jonathan Eusebio, who went from coordinating fights in John Wick to directing Love Hurts. Love Hurts feels a lot like John Wick, as they both have some intense hand-to-hand combat. The main difference is that John Wick rarely slows down, whereas Love Hurts has quite a few lighthearted and funny moments.

Hitpig!

Hitpig! is a new animated comedy that’s perfect for families. The film follows a group of animals that try to find and save a circus elephant. The animals are led by Hitpig, a bounty-hunting pig, who was originally hired to bring the elephant back to the circus. When Hitpig meets the elephant, he decides to help her find her family instead. Their journey takes them across the world with a few mild twists along the way. Hitpig! is based on the children’s book Pete & Pickles, which was written by Berkeley Breathed, the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist behind Bloom County.

The Cast Makes ‘Hitpig!’ a Hit

Jason Sudeikis is one of the trendiest Jasons in Hollywood right now, up there with Jason Statham and Jason Bateman. The Apple TV+ hit Ted Lasso helped the actor prove he could be sweet and funny for more than the three-minute sketches he did on Saturday Night Live. The actor brings those talents to Hitpig, where he voices the titular character. Sudeikis’s one-liners make him the main attraction, but he’s still supported by some great actors. The rest of the cast includes Rainn Wilson, Lily Singh, Hannah Gadsby, RuPaul, Flavor Flav, and Andy Serkis.

Black Bag

Read our review

In Black Bag, a top-secret software is leaked, and a British intelligence officer is tasked with finding out who leaked it. He’s given a list of five intelligence officers who could have released the software. The only problem is, one of the suspects is his wife. The film is directed by Steven Soderbergh, who audiences might know from the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy. Black Bag is written by David Koepp, the writer behind films including Mission: Impossible and Jurassic Park. The movie stars Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Pierce Brosnan, and Regé-Jean Page.

A Hitchcock-Style Thriller

Many have compared Black Bag to some of Alfred Hitchcock’s spy films. Black Bag is certainly similar to some of the director’s most famous films. Michael Fassbender investigating his wife feels a lot like James Stewart investigating his friend’s wife in Vertigo. There’s lying and there’s romance throughout the film, much like what viewers would find in a Hitchcock film. There’s also not a lot of action throughout the film, as the spy film is built more on suspense — the main feature of Hitchcock’s films. Unfortunately, despite all the reviews comparing Black Bag to Hitchcock, the film struggled at the box office. Maybe it will have more success now that it’s on streaming.

Last Breath

Read our review

The ocean is a scary place. There’s no air, little light, and undocumented sea creatures. Imagine taking a dive into the ocean’s depths, then losing connection with the boat to which you were tethered. That’s what happens in Last Breath. In Last Breath, Chris Lemons’ umbilical cord, which provides oxygen to his diving suit, is severed while he’s underwater. His shipmates lose contact with him in the process and must rush to get Lemons back before he runs out of emergency oxygen. It’s a suspenseful film with a great cast, which includes Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu. Plus, the film is a brisk 93 minutes, so viewers won’t be tense for too long.

‘Last Breath’ Is an Emotional True Story

Every so often, audiences are treated to a disastrous film that’s based on a true story. They’re not always the best movies of the year, but they’re exciting to watch. These films remind viewers of how unexpected life can get, while also turning emotional and inspiring. Last Breath is one of those films, as a diver actually had his cord severed in 2012. Alex Parkinson co-directed a documentary about the incident in 2019 before he turned the story into the feature film Last Breath. While the documentary (which goes by the same name) is only available on digital retailers, Last Breath is worth a watch now that it’s streaming on Peacock.

Wolf Man

Read our review

While Wolf Man didn’t have much success at the box office, it’s the perfect film to blow up on streaming. Dim the lights, get cozy, and prepare for one of the year’s best monster horror movies. The film follows Blake, played by Christopher Abbott, who struggles to control his temper with his wife, played by Julia Garner. After his father dies, Blake takes his family on vacation to his father’s old cabin. While there, Blake has an altercation with a mysterious creature and begins to transform throughout the vacation.

A Timeless Horror Film Reimagined

Wolf Man is a new take on one of Universal Pictures’ original hits. In the 1930s and 1940s, Universal became known for monster movies like Dracula and Frankenstein. The Wolf Man, released in 1941, was among those films, and the character became a staple for the studio. In the 2010s, Universal tried to reboot its monster films with a cinematic universe, starting with Tom Cruise’s The Mummy. That film flopped, and Wolf Man was put on hold until Leigh Whannell successfully rebooted The Invisible Man in 2020 with Blumhouse Productions. Universal hired the director to remake The Wolf Man with Ryan Gosling originally attached as the star. The Wolf Man character will also be part of Universal’s Dark Universe theme park, which opens in May.

Wicked

Read our review

Audiences seemed like they were done with musical movies until Wicked came out. The film defied odds at the box office, rising to the fifth-highest-grossing movie of 2024. Wicked is a recreation of the stage musical of the same name, which has been on Broadway for more than two decades. The film is a prequel to the events that happen in The Wizard of Oz, showing how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked is filled with powerful songs, sung by actors like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum in the film.

Prepare for the Sequel

Wicked was extremely popular, becoming the highest-grossing musical adaptation and receiving 10 Oscar nominations (it won for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design). However, Wicked only adapts half of the stage musical, and Universal has already confirmed the second half will be coming to theaters this year. The sequel will show the events leading directly to and through The Wizard of Oz, with cameos from Dorothy and more. With Wicked landing on Peacock, now is the perfect time to watch before Wicked: For Good comes out and becomes an even bigger success.

Best Movies Streaming on Netflix

Straw

Life can be tough, but it might be the toughest for Janiyah Wiltkinson, the main character of Netflix’s STRAW. Janiyah, played by Taraji P. Henson, is a single mother with a daughter who has health problems, including seizures. Janiyah works at a grocery store, but the job is barely enough to pay rent and provide for her daughter, plus Janiyah’s boss is rude. When a series of incidents results in Janiyah losing her job, her daughter, and more, she pulls a gun on a bank teller, setting off a whole new set of problems.

One of Tyler Perry’s Best

Tyler Perry is a busy filmmaker, often writing, producing, and directing multiple films a year. With such a busy production schedule, Tyler Perry doesn’t always achieve the best results with his new releases. However, STRAW is a welcome change of pace, easily becoming one of the director’s best films. STRAW works because it’s focused on the chain reaction of difficulties that can happen in life. While most viewers’ experiences won’t be the same as Janiyah’s, the feelings conveyed are still relatable. For those who think STRAW is darker than the Tyler Perry movies they like, they won’t have to wait long for Madea’s Destination Wedding, which is also coming to Netflix in July.

K.O.

Every so often, a new and surprising action film sneaks its way up Netflix’s chart. K.O. is the newest of those films. The movie focuses on an MMA fighter, Bastien (played by real MMA fighter Ciryl Gane), who accidentally killed his rival during a fight. Bastien’s action fills him with guilt, but he gets the opportunity to redeem himself when the rival’s son goes missing. Bastien teams up with a police officer as he uses his fighting skills to rescue the son. The best part is that K.O. is not two hours or longer like most recent films. K.O. clocks in at an hour and 24 minutes, making it a perfect choice for viewers wanting a quick watch.

Another French Hit for Netflix

K.O. is different from most Netflix offerings, considering that it’s a film made in France. However, French films like K.O. are starting to become more of a norm on the streaming service. For example, Netflix saw success with the French thriller Ad Vitam, which topped the service’s charts earlier this year in January. The charts show that these films are appealing to more than just specific audiences, with Netflix viewers starting to expand their tastes. The streaming service’s strategies are paying off, with different markets giving Netflix more opportunities for original films.

Fear Street: Prom Queen

Read our review

The Fear Street films began with a horror trilogy released on Netflix in 2021, after years of struggles to make the movies a reality. The films were based on a series of books written by R. L. Stine, who might be better known as the Goosebumps author. The books don’t have many connections to each other, and are mostly just an anthology of horror books aimed at teenagers. The trilogy of movies tried to connect the stories a little more, showing the origins of a town’s curse across three time periods. Despite production troubles and a release during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fear Street trilogy gained enough popularity to lead to Fear Street: Prom Queen, with three more films on the way.

A Modern ‘Scream’ Meets ‘Carrie’

Fear Street: Prom Queen is similar to a few classic horror movies, including Scream and Carrie. The film is set at a high school prom and pits the main characters against a mysterious slasher, who just might be one of their peers. Throughout the film, the slasher targets the high schoolers who are in the running for prom queen in the days leading up to the prom, as well as the prom itself. The movie includes younger stars such as India Fowler and Ariana Greenblatt. Fear Street: Prom Queen is a good fit for younger audiences who might be looking to start watching horror movies.

Paddington in Peru

Read our review

Paddington Bear captured the love of audiences as he jumped from the pages of children’s books to the screen in 2014. The first two films were widely praised. Memes said the films were better than Citizen Kane. Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal even cried over the sequel in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Now, Paddington’s back with a third film, Paddington in Peru, which has the bear heading to the jungle to find his aunt, Lucy. Along the way, Paddington meets many new faces, gets into more trouble, and once again shares a heartwarming message about family.

A Little Different This Time

Paddington in Peru stands out the most of the three Paddington films. The film swaps the setting of the first two films, London, for Peru, giving Paddington a bigger adventure. Paul King, who directed the first two films, did not return as director of Paddington in Peru, but he did still contribute to the film’s story. Sally Hawkins, who played Paddington’s adoptive mother in the first two films, did not return for the third film either, and she’s been replaced by Emily Mortimer.

These changes might be jarring, which could explain the film’s franchise-low Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%. The differences aren’t that big of a deal, though, as Paddington in Peru is still delightful for families. Other cast members like Jim Broadbent and Hugh Bonneville still return, as they meet new faces, including Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, and Hayley Atwell.

Nonnas

Anyone who loves food or family needs to watch Netflix’s newest film, Nonnas. In Staten Island, Joe Scaravella’s mother has just passed away. He thinks back to how his mother and his nonna (an Italian term for grandma) would cook for him. He then decides to use his mother’s life insurance money to open a restaurant in her honor, with the idea that nonnas will be the cooks to prepare authentic Italian cuisine. The film demonstrates the struggles of opening a restaurant, as inspectors and food critics stand as obstacles to Joe. The film is heartwarming (and based on a true story), with an ending that pays homage to the greatest film about Italian cuisine, Big Night.

A ‘Sopranos’ Reunion

Nonnas is focused on an Italian restaurant, so it only makes sense that the film would recruit some of Hollywood’s best Italian actors. Vince Vaughn plays the main character, Joe Scaravella, with Joe Manganiello and Linda Cardellini playing his best friend and his high school crush, respectively. As for the titular Nonnas, they’re played by Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos), Talia Shire (The Godfather and Rocky), and Brenda Vaccaro (Midnight Cowboy). Michael Rispoli, another actor from The Sopranos, also appears in the film as Al.

I’m Still Here

Read our review

I’m Still Here is a based-on-a-true-story film about a wife, Eunice Paiva, dealing with her husband’s disappearance. The film is set in 1970s Brazil, where Eunice’s husband, Rubens Pavia, supports political opponents outside the country in secret from his family. Rubens is eventually arrested for his protests against the government, leading to his prolonged disappearance. The film follows Eunice as she tries to find out what happened to him while also calling for accountability from the government that took her husband.

First Brazilian Film to Win an Oscar

As a Brazilian film, I’m Still Here had to overcome odds — including a littlle controversy — to get to its place at the Oscars. With great reviews calling it one of the best films of the year, I’m Still Here had the support it needed. The film was nominated for three awards at the Oscars, with two of those being some of the biggest awards of the night. The film lost Best Picture and Best Actress, but it was still a triumph that it got nominated for both. The movie did win for Best International Feature, which also set a record. I’m Still Here became the first Brazilian film to win an Oscar that night, making it worth a watch.

Heart Eyes

Read our review

Peacock isn’t the only streaming service with a gruesome film about Valentine’s Day. In Heart Eyes, a serial killer moves around the country, killing couples each year on Valentine’s Day. In Seattle, Ally McCabe is paired with Jay Simmons to work on advertisements for their company. Jay and Ally go to dinner to discuss their ad campaign, and the serial killer mistakes them for a couple. After a brief chase, Jay is mistaken by the police for the serial killer. Ally has to save him, while also realizing she might be in love with him.

A Very Funny Horror

Heart Eyes is directed by Josh Ruben, who also directed the underrated horror-comedy Werewolves Within in 2021. Viewers may also recognize Josh Ruben from appearing in CollegeHumor videos, now known as Dropout. Josh Ruben brings his taste for comedy to Heart Eyes, which often plays like a romantic comedy with a serial killer. Christopher Landon serves as a producer on the film, bringing his past success with horror-comedies like Happy Death Day to this new film. Heart Eyes stars Olivia Holt, who’s mostly worked on Disney projects, and Mason Gooding, Cuba Gooding Jr.’s son, who’s appeared in the Scream films.

Havoc

Read our review

Many of Netflix’s viewers are action fans — just look at the films that show up in the top 10 each week. The streamer’s definitely targeting these fans with its newest original, Havoc. Havoc is an intense new action film about a detective who gets caught up in the local crime syndicate. When the son of a candidate for mayor gets accused of killing the Triad’s leader, the detective must find and protect him. The film stars Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, Luis Guzmán, and Timothy Olyphant.

‘Raid’ Fans Will Love ‘Havoc’

Viewers are in the hands of an action genius with Havoc. The film is directed by Gareth Evans, who also directed The Raid and Raid 2. The Raid films aren’t everyone’s favorite action films, but they’ve become cult classics for their intense fights and incredible cinematography. Havoc is almost like a stealthy remake of The Raid, as it has a similar drug-busting story and the same kind of action. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who’s already a fan of Gareth Evans, as Havoc has some of the director’s best work.

Best Movies Streaming on Hulu

Predator: Killer of Killers

Read our review

The Predator movies, already a gigantic franchise, had a change of pace when Prey brought one of the aliens to a Comanche tribe in the 1700s. Predator: Killer of Killers follows in that film’s footsteps, transporting Predators back in time to three different time periods. The alien hunters find themselves searching for human heads among the vikings in early Scandinavia, the samurai of 1600s Japan, and American pilots in the 1940s. If that sounds like too much hunting for one movie, the violence is watered down through stunning animation.

Predator’s Own Extended Universe

Predator: Killer of Killers offers a glimpse into the science-fiction world that’s been expanded through comics and video games. Without Predator: Killer of Killer‘s anthology approach, the storylines seen in the comics might never have made it to the screen. Thank goodness they did, as they’re more riveting than the plots of half the Predator sequels. The animation makes the film’s multiple time periods more manageable, even allowing some of the characters to meet a character from a past Predator film. Predator: Killer of Killers is a welcome surprise to the Predator franchise, and a perfect way to excite viewers before Predator: Badlands arrives in theaters in November.

Presence

Read our review

Presence is one of the most unexpected movies of the year. It’s horror, but not in the way most people would expect, with a slower pace and plot than most supernatural films. In the movie, a family moves into a new house and is soon impacted by a mysterious presence. This ghostlike presence isn’t necessarily an antagonist to the family, as it often helps the family’s daughter, Chloe. The tensions rise through the interactions that happen within the house, such as discussions about divorce, bad friends, and more.

Another Soderbergh Classic

Steven Soderbergh is one of the busiest directors in Hollywood. He releases new films almost every year, working with some of the biggest stars, including George Clooney and Matt Damon in Ocean’s Eleven. Presence illustrates the director’s talent for creating great films quickly, as the film was shot in just two weeks. Not even the actors’ strike in 2023 could stop Soderbergh’s work ethic, as the director got special permission to film the project during the strike. He recruited actors including Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, and Julia Fox, and they shot the film around a script written by David Koepp, writer of films like Jurassic Park. Despite the unconventional filming methods surrounding Presence, the movie turned out to be a success, achieving a score of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Absolution

Read our review

In Absolution, Liam Neeson plays an older, mustache-wearing mob enforcer who’s diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which affects his memory. He learns he only has a short time to live, so he decides to spend time reconnecting with his daughter and grandson. The only problem is that Neeson’s character still has connections to the mob and continues to work for his crime bosses. This complicates his ability to bond with his family, as his tasks often put him in dangerous situations.

Liam Neeson in a New Thriller

Liam Neeson and Nicolas Cage fall into a certain brand of actor. They’re highly recognizable and have received plenty of acclaim, but they also star in so many movies that just go under audiences’ radars. Absolution isn’t Neeson’s best film by any means, but it’s still an entertaining film for fans of thrillers. Neeson’s not the only big name in the film, as he gets to star alongside Ron Perlman (Hellboy) as well. Although Absolution‘s not the biggest thriller of 2024, it’s not generic either, adding some extra heart to the genre as Liam Neeson’s character tries to reconnect with his family.

The Last Showgirl

Read our review

The Last Showgirl depicts a changing time in America, where live shows are changing to keep up with modern tastes. Shelly Gardner, a showgirl for more than 30 years in Las Vegas, learns that her show is about to close. Shelly’s co-stars are young and can more easily adjust their lives. As she auditions for new shows, she learns that the industry has left her behind as she’s aged. Her best friend, a cocktail waitress, struggles with similar problems, as younger co-workers are scheduled for more hours. The Last Showgirl stars Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, Billie Lourd, and Jason Schwartzman. The film is directed by Gia Coppola, granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola.

Not Just About Show Business

Although the film is centered on a showgirl losing her job, The Last Showgirl also brings some interesting family drama into the story. When Shelly first learns that she’s losing her job, she reconnects with her daughter Hannah, who’s going to school in Arizona. Hannah visits Shelly in Las Vegas, but they struggle to bond. Shelly prioritized her career over Hannah and also never told Hannah who her father is. This subplot in the film can often be heartbreaking, but it adds an important layer to the struggles of an aging performer.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Read our review

The Seed of the Sacred Fig brings real-life politics to fictional filmmaking, as it depicts some of the unrest against Iran’s government. The main character is Iman, a lawyer who’s given a new judge position. Iman soon learns that he’s expected to approve sentences for protestors without reviewing the information. Iman’s new job endangers his family, but also creates tension among Iman’s wife and daughters, some of whom disagree with Iman’s position. The Seed of the Sacred Fig is directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, who was imprisoned multiple times in Iran for his past movies that critiqued the country’s government. The Seed of the Sacred Fig‘s release resulted in an eight-year prison sentence for the director, although he is living outside Iran for now for his safety.

An Awards Season Runner-Up

Although The Seed of the Sacred Fig went home with few major awards, the film was still recognized by many as one of the best films of 2024. The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival nearly a year ago, and although it didn’t win the top prize, The Seed of the Sacred Fig was honored with five awards. The movie was nominated in the international categories at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, but it lost both. However, smaller award ceremonies gave the film top prizes, like the National Board of Review, which awarded Best International Film to The Seed of the Sacred Fig.

Summer of 69

Read our review

Summer of 69 revives the genre of high school comedies, which seemed to disappear as schools shut down for the pandemic. The film focuses on Abby Flores, who has a crush on her classmate, Matt. As an awkward teenager, Abby needs help figuring out how she would embrace a sexual relationship with her classmate. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with a stripper named Santa Monica, who needs money to save her club. Santa Monica tries to prepare Abby for a relationship with Matt, while Abby tries to help Santa Monica earn funds in this hilarious new streaming original.

A Collection of Comedians

Summer of 69 marks the directorial debut of Jillian Bell. Audiences might know Jillian Bell from some of the last decade’s best comedies, including 22 Jump Street and Bridesmaids. She also makes an appearance as a cashier in this film. Bell got her start as a writer on Saturday Night Live, which also helped the careers of many of Summer of 69‘s actors. Chloe Fineman, who’s still part of the popular sketch show’s cast, plays the lead, and Paula Pell and Alex Moffat (former SNL members) play supporting roles. Other iconic comedians from TV join the cast, like Charlie Day, Natalie Morales, and Nicole Byer. The film also includes young comedians like Sam Morelos from That ’90s Show and Grace Reiter from the American High sketch group on social media.

The Order

Read our review

The Order is a brand-new crime thriller with 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is based on a true story and follows an FBI agent who is tasked with taking down a neo-Nazi terrorist group called “The Order.” It’s kind of like BlacKkKlansman but with more police procedures and action. Jude Law stars as the FBI agent, Terry Husk, and Nicholas Hoult plays the leader of the group, Bob Mathews. Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, and Marc Maron all play supporting roles in the film.

More Than Just an Action Movie

The Order deals with some dark themes and topics. With supremacy groups on the rise throughout the world, The Order might be a tougher watch than most action-thrillers. The film shows bomb and assassination attempts, and it’s important to remember these are based on historical events. The Order is a film that was made very much for this moment in society, and the cast was aware of that. In an interview with MovieWeb, Tye Sheridan shared his interpretation of the film, saying, “I don’t think you can fix any problem without understanding what the root cause is.”

Small Things Like These

Read our review

Small Things Like These, based on the book by Claire Keegan, is a harrowing historical drama set in Ireland. The film focuses on the Magdalene laundries, which were run by Roman Catholics and housed women in poor conditions. The main character in Small Things Like These is Bill Furlong, who has five daughters and sells coal for a living. While delivering coal one morning, he finds a girl out in the cold coal shed of the local convent. This event sets off a dilemma for the rest of the film for Bill Furlong, as he feels that he should speak up about this event, but he also knows the nuns have a lot of power in the town.

A New Cillian Murphy Classic

When Cillian Murphy won the Oscar for Oppenheimer, people weren’t sure what he’d do next. Winning an Oscar seemed like a hard achievement to follow, but Cillian Murphy chose wisely with Small Things Like These. He both produced and acted in the film, which got a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes — one higher than Oppenheimer. Many critics highlighted Murphy’s performance as one of the best parts of the film. Will Sayre of MovieWeb wrote in his review that “Murphy is a master of expression, with those piercing eyes often conveying all that needs to be said about the current predicament on-screen.”

Anora

Read our review

Anora has been described as a modern-day Cinderella or Pretty Woman. The titular character is a stripper working in New York City, who meets Vanya, the son of a Russian oligarch. Vanya hires Anora for her services a few times before paying her to be his girlfriend for a week. During the week, Vanya tells Anora that he doesn’t want to return to Russia, but he has to, unless Anora marries him. He woos her with his money, and she agrees to marry him. Unfortunately for Anora, news of Vanya’s marriage reaches Russia, sending Vanya’s powerful relatives to America to end the marriage.

A Huge Oscar Winner

Most people expected Emilia Pérez or The Brutalist to take home the most Oscars at the 97th Academy Awards. Those films had the most nominations and were highly discussed. However, Anora surprised people as it received five awards, with only one loss across the film’s six nominations. Most of the wins were in the night’s biggest categories, including Best Picture. Anora‘s director, Sean Baker, won in three categories — Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The film’s star, Mikey Madison, won Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Best Movies Streaming on Prime Video

Deep Cover

Read our review

Improv comedians aren’t particularly loved by society. Some people just wish the improvisers would get a more meaningful job. Amazon Prime Video’s new action comedy, Deep Cover, does just that. In the film, the police force in London recruits three struggling improv actors to help with an investigation into counterfeit cigarettes. The actors are supposed to disguise themselves for a sting operation, but they soon realize they’re in over their heads when they’re taken to the supplier himself.

Franchise Favorites Do Comedy

One of the best parts about Deep Cover is that the film reunites The Lord of the Rings co-stars Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean. Bloom plays one of the comedians, Marlon, and Bean plays the detective who recruits him. Deep Cover also brings together two Pirates of the Caribbean stars who haven’t had the chance to act together yet: Orlando Bloom and Ian McShane. McShane plays the movie’s antagonist, Metcalfe. It’s a rare comedic role for the actor, and it’s long overdue for any fans of Hot Rod. The cast is rounded out by Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World), who plays the improv coach Kat, and Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), who plays improv comedian Hugh.

The Accountant 2

Read our review

It’s been almost a decade since Ben Affleck introduced audiences to his autistic mob accountant, Christian Wolff. Christian is back in The Accountant 2, which finds him investigating the death of Raymond King, the J.K. Simmons character who was introduced in the first film. In his investigation, Christian discovers that human traffickers are holding a group of children at the Mexican border. Christian’s discovery requires him to call his estranged brother, Braxton, for help. Braxton is played by Jon Bernthal, who returns from the first film. The Accountant 2 is a great successor to the original, with a nice mix of suspense and emotional storytelling.

Worth Watching for Jon Bernthal Alone

Now that The Accountant 2 is out of theaters and onto streaming, it’s destined to become a hit with audiences. It’s an exciting thriller, but that’s not even the best part about the movie. The real highlight of The Accountant 2 is getting to see the interactions between Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal as they play two polar opposite brothers. Their differences usually make their scenes together funny, although they have a few emotional moments as well. Although Christian and Braxton are both focused on their mission for most of the movie, they also get into some mischief as they go line dancing and adopt a cat. Bernthal’s bigger role in the sequel also helps fill the void left in Anna Kendrick’s absence. Hopefully, The Accountant gets its intended third film so audiences can be treated to even more of the brothers’ relationship.

Nickel Boys

Read our review

Nickel Boys is one of the only films shot from a first-person perspective. The film is seen through the eyes of the character Elwood Curtis, who is mistakenly sent to a segregated reform school in 1960s Florida. Students at the school are abused and forced to work. However, Elwood finds a friend, Turner, who helps Elwood survive during his time at the school. The film is based on a Pulitzer-winning book called The Nickel Boys, which was inspired by a real-life reform school, the Dozier School for Boys. The film stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Fred Hechinger, and Daveed Diggs.

The Best Movie You’ll See This Month

Nickel Boys did not have much success at the box office, but it was highly praised by critics, with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was also loved by people in the film industry, including big-name directors such as Barry Jenkins and Denis Villeneuve, who both listed it as one of their favorite films of the year. People praised the film’s cinematography, especially with its unique first-person style, as well as the dramatic story. The film was nominated for two Oscars but didn’t win either. Hopefully, the film will resonate with general audiences more now that it’s on streaming.

The Fix

Read our review

In The Fix, Earth’s air has become toxic, and one company has a monopoly on a drug that protects users from poor air quality (kind of like O’Hare Air in The Lorax). However, the company can’t produce enough of the drug to protect all the planet’s citizens. A model working for the company mistakes a test substance for drugs and consumes it. The substance mutates her in ways that also protect her from the toxic atmosphere, and the company chases her to try to extract the substance. The film’s stars include Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), Daniel Sharman (Fear the Walking Dead), and Clancy Brown (The Penguin).

A Rare Indie Sci-Fi

It’s hard to make a science fiction film, especially without the support of Hollywood’s major production studios. The futuristic sets and technology required for science fiction films can get expensive, whether they’re made practically or with post-production techniques. The Fix‘s biggest achievement is attaining a sci-fi setting despite being an indie film. A dystopian twist helps the film attain that setting a little easier, but it’s still impressive.

Another Simple Favor

A Simple Favor has gained a cult following since its release in 2018. The film, led by Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, gained popularity for its combination of humor and suspense. Now, Amazon Prime Video has given fans what they wanted with a sequel that’s made for streaming. Another Simple Favor reunites Kendrick with Lively (despite rumors of the actors’ feuding) as Stephanie and Emily. When Stephanie and Emily travel to Italy for Emily’s wedding to a successful businessman, they get caught up in a mysterious murder. Andrew Rannells also returns from the first film, while the cast welcomes some new additions like Allison Janney.

‘Another Simple Favor’ Is a Rare Comedy-Thriller

It seems like half of all movies released nowadays have some sort of thriller aspect to them. Sure, thrillers are fun to watch, but it’s hard for them to stand out in a sea of lookalikes. Another Simple Favor is a rare kind of thriller that’s also highly focused on being a comedy. The film is directed by Paul Feig, whose resume includes the Jason Statham comedy-thriller Spy as well as the original A Simple Favor. With a cast that has some great comedic talent, Another Simple Favor is sure to be one of the funniest thrillers this year.

G20

Read our review

Prime Video is trying its best to establish itself as the place for thrillers. Its library is full of films like The Accountant and The Beekeeper, but the streaming service is also making its own original thrillers, like G20. In G20, the U.S. President, Danielle Sutton, brings her family to the G20, a summit of world leaders taking place in South Africa. The summit is hijacked by terrorists, and Danielle has to fight her way out. Oscar-winner Viola Davis plays Danielle Sutton alongside a cast that includes Anthony Anderson, Antony Starr, and Clark Gregg.

‘Die Hard’ Meets Politics

The elevator pitch for G20 could easily have been, “What if John McClane were president?” The film is a lot like Die Hard, with the main character having to fight her way past terrorists and save hostages as well as her family. The main difference is that G20 is set in the world of politics. As a former Australian soldier, the main terrorist even seems like he could fit among the terrorists in Die Hard 2, who were all former military members. The terrorists in this film have a modern twist, though, as they profit from cryptocurrency and use deepfake technology to get what they want. G20 might be more over-the-top than Die Hard, but luckily, audiences can choose between either film, as they’re both streaming now on Prime Video.

Best Movies Streaming on Disney+

Snow White

Read our review

After releasing Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland in 2010, Disney has been trying frantically to convert all the studio’s animated classics into live-action films. It took a while, but with Snow White, the studio has finally released the live-action version of its first animated film. Snow White mostly follows the same premise as the original, with the titular princess living under an Evil Queen, getting banished to the woods, and meeting the Seven Dwarfs. The film has some minor changes, though, such as Snow White’s love interest being a bandit in the remake. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (the biggest songwriters in Hollywood after their success with La La Land) created new music for this updated version of the Disney classic. Snow White is directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) and stars Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Tituss Burgess, and more.

A Film With a Disclaimer

Snow White is a lot like a poisoned apple. It looks like it could be good, but it could have harmful effects on consumers, even making them fall asleep. The film’s 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 1.8/10 score on IMDb show that most audiences had strong feelings about the remake. However, some of these reviews were also impacted by opinions about changes to the story, Rachel Zegler’s comments during the film’s press tour, and more. Ultimately, it’s up to viewers to make their own decisions about the film, but the warning is necessary for a movie this divisive. Watch it out of curiosity, watch it as a Disney fan, or watch it to hate it, but don’t blame us if you don’t like it.

Captain America: Brave New World

Read our review

Captain America: Brave New World is the first in the series without Chris Evans playing the titular hero. Anthony Mackie, previously Falcon, gets his chance to shine, and as one of the most charming Marvel stars, we’re happy to see him in this role. In this film, Captain America is working with the government, under the supervision of President Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford following William Hurt’s death). Captain America gets his own Falcon (Danny Ramirez), and together they take down a new foe, Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), as well as an even bigger one. The film also brings back the forgotten characters played by Tim Blake Nelson and Liv Tyler in The Incredible Hulk.

Red Hulk Is Classic Marvel Fun

Marvel movies just haven’t felt the same since Avengers: Endgame. Captain America: Brave New World offers a look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with introductions to new characters who will appear in movies like Avengers: Doomsday. However, the main highlight is Red Hulk, whose inclusion in the film feels cartoonish. The basic plot of the movie is kind of like a regular political thriller, but the inclusion of a Hulk who’s just red is the perfect Marvel touch. It’s also hilarious to see Harrison Ford as Red Hulk, as he’s shown little interest in the lore and effects of his many franchises. Disney+ also offers an IMAX-enhanced version of the film, so audiences can see the gigantic Red Hulk in full-screen glory.

Moana 2

Read our review

Moana was one of Disney’s biggest films after the studio switched from 2D to 3D animation, so it’s only natural that the film got a sequel. Moana 2 is similar to the last film, with the titular character teaming up with Maui again to stop another elemental god. The main difference in this film is that Moana gets to explore more islands filled with different tribes, making the film a celebration of Polynesian culture. Most of the Moana cast returns for the sequel as well, including Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Temuera Morrison.

Refreshingly Fun for the Family

With studios pushing for animated films to appeal to older audiences, it can be hard to find new films for a family with young children to enjoy. Moana 2 is the perfect film to fill this void. The film looks great, the humor will keep viewers of all ages happy, and the brand-new songs are sure to get stuck in everyone’s heads. Moana 2 was rated PG for “action/peril,” which shouldn’t be too bad for most younger children.

Mufasa: The Lion King

Read our review

Disney had lots of sequels in 2024, but the studio also had a prequel to one of its biggest movies. Mufasa: The Lion King is the precursor to 2019’s The Lion King, telling the story of how Simba’s father became king of the Pride Lands. Directed by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King begins with a young Mufasa getting separated from his parents by a flood. He’s taken in by two royal lions, who have a son named Taka. As Mufasa and Taka grow up, they have to protect themselves and other animals from villainous white lions. Mufasa: The Lion King also explores Taka’s transformation into The Lion King‘s antagonist, Scar.

From Remake to Original Story

Starting in 2010, Disney went on a spree as the studio created live-action remakes of most of its animated film library. Despite having no humans in the film, 1994’s The Lion King was not safe and was recreated with realistic-looking CG animation. Mufasa: The Lion King uses that same animation, but it’s not a remake at all. The story is brand-new with original songs scattered throughout. Cast members from 2019’s The Lion King return, like Billy Eichner’s Timon and Seth Rogen’s Pumbaa, but most of the characters are new to audiences. It’s refreshing to have this much originality in a film with remakes like Snow White and Lilo & Stitch hitting theaters this year.

Best Movies Streaming on HBO Max

Cleaner

Read our review

Daisy Ridley is an ex-military window washer in Cleaner, which puts the actor in one of her most intense roles. While Ridley’s character, Joey, is cleaning a London tower, a group of extremist environmental activists hijacks an energy meeting happening inside the building. Joey’s brother is also inside, and as civilians are taken hostage, Joey realizes she must use her military skills to save the people in the building.

It seems like half the movies released these days want to be like Die Hard. Carry-On, G20, and more have all followed the same basic premise of Die Hard, but with new twists to keep the films feeling fresh. It’s not exactly bad either, considering Die Hard is one of the greatest action movies of all time. Cleaner is another film trying to replicate the intense, hostage-saving action of the classic Bruce Willis classic, and it’s surprisingly inventive. Daisy Ridley’s window-cleaning character is an unexpected hero, more like Bob Odenkirk’s character in Nobody than John McClane. With Ridley under the direction of Martin Campbell, famed for directing classic Bond films including GoldenEye and Casino Royale, Cleaner is one Die Hard-style film worth seeing.

The Alto Knights

Read our review

It takes a mob boss to beat another mob boss. That’s the idea at the center of The Alto Knights, the newest entry in the decades-spanning genre of movies set in the criminal underworld. Bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello were once allies, until Vito planned an assassination against Frank. Frank survives, but the incident sparks a war that has the two criminals scheming against each other as they try to take power away from the other.

Yes, You Are Seeing Double

What does The Alto Knights have that mob movies like Goodfellas don’t? Twice as much Robert De Niro. In the film, the actor portrays the two warring mob bosses. It’s a return to form for the actor, as he’s played many mob bosses and tough guys throughout his career. De Niro isn’t the only person from Goodfellas who worked on The Alto Knights. Oscar-winner Irwin Winkler, producer on Rocky and Goodfellas, helps produce The Alto Knights, bringing its seedy underworld to life. Nicholas Pileggi, writer of Goodfellas, wrote the screenplay for The Alto Knights. The film is directed by Barry Levinson, director of classics that include Rain Man and Good Morning, Vietnam. The Alto Knights also stars Debra Messing from Will & Grace and Michael Rispoli from The Sopranos.

Mickey 17

Read our review

In Mickey 17, Robert Pattinson plays the titular Mickey, who takes an “expendable” job after failing to start his own business. The job has Mickey traveling to a new planet and getting cloned, so scientists can investigate ways the planet might kill humans. When one exploration of the planet goes wrong, Mickey is accidentally reprinted before his previous version dies, leaving two Mickeys. The journey’s commanders, Kenneth and Ylfa Marshall (played by Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette), want both Mickeys dead, until they decide to use the clones in a sinister plot to kill the planet’s mysterious creatures.

Sci-Fi Meets Political Satire

Bong Joon Ho has a knack for injecting satire and themes into his movies. Parasite and Snowpiercer delt with classism, while Okja tackled animal cruelty. Mickey 17 once again focuses on issues with class, as Mickey only takes the expendable job because he’s struggling financially. The job is demeaning, forcing him to die over and over again so the other passengers who came to the planet can live comfortably. If that’s not enough to depict real-world issues, Mark Ruffalo also plays a character whose voice and personality feel eerily similar to a rich politician who’s working in America right now.

Mountainhead

Succession was one of HBO’s biggest shows, leaving many audiences sad when it ended. It makes sense that HBO would work with Jesse Armstrong, creator of Succession, again. This time, things are a little different, with Armstrong writing and directing the new movie, Mountainhead. The film finds four tech billionaire friends staying in a luxurious cabin in the mountains. When one billionaire’s newest launch causes controversy throughout the world, the four friends are stuck doing damage control. It’s comedic, but it can also get stressful with the tense situations throughout the film.

A Dark Comedy About the Rich

Mountainhead is kind of like Succession, in the sense that they both satirize the lives of some of the richest and most powerful people in the world. The film deals with heavy topics, imagining a world where protests break out after a new generative artificial intelligence gives racist responses to users. However, these heavy topics are balanced with comedic depictions of billionaires, who are played by some great actors: Steve Carell, Ramy Youssef, Cory Michael Smith, and Jason Schwartzman (who seems to be in everything). Mountainhead is a great way to end the month, with the film arriving on HBO Max on May 31.

The Brutalist

Read our review

It seems like HBO Max should rebrand one more time to A24 Max with how many of the distributor’s films come to the streaming service. The Brutalist is A24’s newest film to join the service, and it’s worth watching for those who didn’t want to sit through the long runtime at the theater. The film is an original story about a Holocaust survivor who comes to the United States and works as an architect. In America, he focuses on brutalist architecture while also struggling with family and workplace drama.

A Major Awards Darling

After receiving glowing reviews, The Brutalist had a great awards season. At the Golden Globes, the film was placed in the drama category and was nominated for seven awards. It took home three of the most coveted awards: Best Motion Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director. After those big wins, the film was expected to do exceptionally well at the Oscars, where the film was nominated for 10 awards. However, after Anora took home most of the major awards, The Brutalist was left with Best Actor, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography. While Adrien Brody got recognition for his starring role, the supporting actors — Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones — were unfortunately shut out.

Queer

Read our review

If you liked Challengers or Call Me by Your Name, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy Queer. Queer is celebrated filmmaker Luda Guadagnino’s latest film, based on an ’80s novella by William S. Burroughs. The movie follows an American writer living in Mexico City in the 1950s who meets an American soldier whom he takes a fancy to. The two men agree to go on a trip to South America together, where they explore their relationship as well as their own identities. The film’s story is excellently paired with a score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who also did the fantastic Challengers score.

Daniel Craig at His Most Dramatic

For the past decade, Daniel Craig has mostly been in James Bond and Knives Out movies. Queer feels like a change of pace for the actor, and a welcome one at that. The role is more dramatic than James Bond or Benoit Blanc, and it allows Craig to show off his range, although awards ceremonies didn’t agree. Now that Craig has retired from playing James Bond, it might also be a look at the kind of roles he’ll be taking from now on. He’s not the only great actor in the film, though. Drew Starkey and Jason Schwartzman act alongside Craig, with a rare performance from David Lowery, who typically directs films instead of acting in them.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Read our review

If AI-generated images of “The Lord of the Rings made by Studio Ghibli” have been annoying you, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim might be the perfect cure. The War of the Rohirrim is an anime film that serves as a prequel to both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The film takes place nearly two centuries before Bilbo Baggins came into contact with the ring. The movie follows a Rohan king as he accidentally starts a war with another group. There’s plenty of lore in the movie for hardcore Lord of the Rings fans, but the war is also simple enough to understand for casual viewers.

An Animated Film of Epic Proportions

The Lord of the Rings hasn’t had a great track record with animated films, as the two movies that came out in the 1970s now look strange and dated. For an animated film, The War of the Rohirrim looks about as cool as anyone would expect from a series with as much notability as The Lord of the Rings. A team almost as mighty as Frodo and his friends was assembled to help bring The War of the Rohirrim to life.

Peter Jackson, Oscar-winning director behind the now-iconic Lord of the Rings films, served as executive producer on the animated film. Philippa Boyens, who helped write the screenplays for Jackson’s trilogy, also worked on the story for The War of the Rohirrim. Miranda Otto, who played Eowyn in The Return of the King, narrates the movie. All that was combined with animation by Sola Entertainment, the same company that has made anime like Adult Swim’s Lazarus, to bring viewers back to the exciting world of Middle-earth.

Companion

Read our review

Referred to as “the first great film of 2025” in MovieWeb‘s review, Companion is a must-watch for most audiences. The film is both dark and funny, with satirical takes on relationships and technology. In the film, a man named Josh takes his girlfriend, Iris, on a vacation with friends to a cabin. However, Iris is not a typical girlfriend, as she’s a companion robot purchased by Josh. The film starts to get even weirder as Josh reveals his dark intentions, and Iris goes against her programming.

Filled With Rising Stars

The team behind Companion managed to assemble some of Hollywood’s best young voices. The Boys‘ Jack Quaid, who’s already starred in Companion and Novocaine this year, plays Josh with a perfect amount of bad guy energy. Sophie Thatcher plays Iris, and viewers might recognize the actress from some of A24’s hits last year, including MaXXXine and Heretic. The supporting cast includes some fresh comedians, like Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) and Jaboukie Young-White (Strange World), as well as Rupert Friend. The film was produced by Zach Cregger, who had recent success with Barbarian, and was directed by newer director Drew Hancock, who will surely be making more following Companion‘s success.