Best New Movies to Watch on Streaming Right Now

We’re now at a point in the streaming world where nearly every service offers a multitude of high-quality titles. But while we could easily spend days watching multiple shows, sometimes we’re in the mood for a great movie. With upcoming exclusives and newly licensed films, it’s admittedly a bit challenging to keep track of everything worth watching 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, ensuring that there will be something for everyone to watch this weekend, next week, or at 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

‘Other’

Other is not the film for paranoid audiences. The film creates horror through the idea that people are always being watched. In the film, Olga Kurylenko plays Alice, whose mother recently died. In the wake of her mother’s death, Alice returns to her childhood home, which she finds is covered in surveillance cameras. Alice’s every move is being watched, and she has no idea by whom. It’s up to her to find her mysterious watcher and to determine the watcher’s intention. Other is directed by David Moreau, who helmed the Shudder horror film MadS last year.

A Thrilling Performance From Olga Kurylenko

Olga Kurylenko might not be recognizable by name, but she should be familiar to many viewers. This year, Kurylenko appeared in the Marvel film Thunderbolts* as Antonia Dreykov, better known as The Taskmaster. Her time in the film was cut short, and her acting was completely undervalued. Thankfully, she gets to show off more of her acting with Other. Since she plays the lonely main character, most of the film is spent with Kurylenko, which really highlights her acting abilities. She’s able to carry the whole movie and sells the desperation that comes with the film’s bizarre situation.

‘V/H/S/Halloween’

The best way to get into the Halloween spirit this year is with a series of horror stories connected to the holiday. That’s exactly what V/H/S/Halloween has to offer. The film features five unique shorts, each told as found footage tapes. In one segment, a group of teenagers learns a lesson when they take more than one piece of candy each from a trick-or-treat bowl. Another segment shows teenagers witnessing a new urban legend called “The Mommy.” You’ll have to watch to find out what the other three segments show. The stories are also interconnected with a sixth broader short about a focus group trying a new soda with dangerous side effects.

An Exciting New Anthology Film

Anthology films are fun, especially because they’re rare. The V/H/S series has done a great job increasing the number of anthology films available, with a new V/H/S movie releasing each year since 2021. Each segment in V/H/S/Halloween is led by a different director, creating some unique differences between the shorts. Directors for this entry include Casper Kelly, known for his viral Adult Swim short “Too Many Cooks,” and Alex Ross Perry, director of the recent music film Pavements. In her review for https://orijawa.xyz, Britt Hayes wrote that not every segment lands in this entry, but it’s “a solidly successful addition to the long-running anthology series.”

‘Sew Torn’

Originally a short film later expanded into a feature-length project of the same name, Freddy Macdonald’s Sew Torn is a clever, dark crime thriller that flew under the radar upon release. Here, financially struggling seamstress Barbara (Eve Connolly) finds her life and death being played out under different scenarios connected to a singular event: stumbling upon a large sum of money after a deal gone bad. Throughout each possibility based on her actions, Barbara uses her thread to navigate the moral ambiguity of her situation, save herself, and even set up a trap for a violent gangster.

Threads Tie Together a Series of Unfortunate Fates in This Clever Crime Thriller

With a wicked wit, strong performances, and the gorgeous backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Sew Torn is a strikingly twisted yet beautiful piece of cinema. In particular, its use of thread creates some wild scenarios that play out perfectly, with Eve Connolly’s dance across a restaurant while setting up thread to pull a gun trigger being one of the most gleefully absurd moments ever committed to film. Although the movie has only a small sampling of critic reviews, with 41, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, earning a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Best Movies Streaming on Apple TV

‘All of You’

All of You takes place in a world where people can take a test to find their soulmate. In the movie, Laura tells Simon, her college friend, that she wants to take the test, despite Simon’s doubts about the test’s technology. When Laura receives her results, she’s matched with a man named Lukas, not Simon. Following the test’s results, Laura starts a family with Lukas while continuing to keep in touch with Simon. She eventually learns how hard it is to let him go and must choose between what the test says and what her heart says. Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein co-wrote the film and stars alongside Imogen Poots and Jenna Coleman.

A Romance Set in a Sci-Fi World

All of You has an interesting twist to romance films. The concept of technology that can detect soulmates is futuristic, almost like science fiction, but the movie doesn’t focus too much on that aspect. All of You keeps itself grounded like a traditional romance film, only relying on the science-fiction part to drive the story. It’s much different from the Star Wars films, for example, which take place in space with alien creatures. All of You isn’t nearly as flashy with its science fiction, but it’s still cool to see how it blends the science fiction and romance genres.

‘Highest 2 Lowest’

In Highest 2 Lowest, Denzel Washington plays David King, a music producer trying to regain majority ownership of his company to save it from an upcoming purchase. King raises the money by selling some of his personal possessions, but by the time he’s ready to buy shares, life gets in the way. A man calls him, saying that his son has been kidnapped and won’t be released until King pays a $17.5 million ransom. When it turns out that the kidnappers didn’t actually take King’s son, King has to decide between sacrificing his money to save another child or saving his company. Although some would consider themselves defeated at this point, King decides to spring into action, taking matters into his own hands in this exciting thriller.

An Unexpected But Welcome Remake

It may sound surprising, but Highest 2 Lowest is actually a remake of a Japanese film called High and Low. The original film is directed by Akira Kurosawa, a legendary artist who inspired films like Star Wars and A Fistful of Dollars. It was only a matter of time — a whopping 35 years of production — until another legendary artist like Spike Lee decided to update High and Low. Some remakes just tread the same path, but Highest 2 Lowest is exciting because it updates so much of High and Low‘s material. It also reunites one of the greatest duos, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, who last worked together in 2006. The film’s cast also includes Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, Ice Spice, Dean Winters, Wendell Pierce, and Anthony Ramos.

‘The Family Plan 2’

In The Family Plan 2, Dan Morgan (Mark Wahlberg) has left his life as an assassin to work as an advisor at a private security firm, seeking a more peaceful life with his wife, Jessica (Michelle Monaghan), and their children. When his daughter, Nina (Zoe Colletti), ends up unable to make it home for the holidays, Dan decides to turn a security-assessment job into a European vacation with his family. However, after meeting a man who claims to be Dan’s half-brother, Finn Clarke (Kit Harington), he finds himself coerced into doing a heist.

Bringing Action Home For the Holidays

The dad-turned-assassin may be a bit of a tired trope at this point, but it keeps on working, particularly when you have an action favorite like Mark Wahlberg in the lead. Here, fans can expect a cozy, festive-themed action movie that builds off the success of the first Family Plan with the same cast and creative team. In addition, The Family Plan 2 offers a bigger budget with more thrills, to ensure it scratches that itch for action during a month dominated by traditional Christmas movies.

Best Movies Streaming on Paramount+

‘The Cut’

Orlando Bloom is generally known for playing roles where he’s cool-headed. His portrayal of Legolas in The Lord of the Rings was quite calm compared to other characters, and Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean is certainly less rash than Jack Sparrow. The Cut is a change in pace for the actor, requiring Bloom to show rage and intensity in his performance. In the film, Bloom plays a boxer who’s past his prime. Bloom’s boxer isn’t given a name, further underscoring how down on his luck he is, but he slowly works his way back to fighting condition with the help of a few trainers.

An Intense Boxing Thriller

With films like Rocky, Raging Bull, and Million Dollar Baby, boxing has always looked great on screen. There’s something so thrilling about how a camera captures a punch or how training scenes can be conveyed through montages. The Cut follows in the lineage of many boxing movies with the same type of underdog story that captures the intensity of the sport. In fact, The Cut has even more intensity than most boxing films, with Bloom’s boxer confronting his psychological obstacles under the guidance of John Turturro’s mentor, Boz. With a score that includes music from Mission: Impossible — Fallout composer Lorne Balfe, The Cut is sure to get viewers’ blood pumping.

‘Fight or Flight’

In Fight or Flight, Josh Hartnett plays a former Secret Service operative named Lucas Reyes who went into hiding after a mission placed him in danger. The American government has just identified the location of a hacker known as the Ghost, but none of the government’s agents will be able to catch the hacker in time. Lucas is close enough to intercept the hacker, and the government promises to clear his name if he can stop the Ghost. Lucas boards the Ghost’s plane and quickly learns the task won’t be as easy as he thought. Many other agencies have hired their own assassins to kill the Ghost, and Lucas must fight them while also trying to find his target.

Overdone or Just Simple Fun?

It’s hard to treat Fight or Flight as an original movie when it shares so many concepts with other films. A skilled main character who has to fight other assassins? That’s just John Wick. The main character is on a plane filled with dangerous criminals? That’s Con Air. Josh Hartnett playing a wanted man with little chance of escaping his dangerous situation? That’s Trap. Somehow, Fight or Flight doesn’t feel weighed down by these obvious comparisons. It might be inspired by these films, but it’s certainly not a rip-off of them. Fight or Flight is exactly what it needs to be: a fun action-comedy for fans of the genre.

‘Vicious’

In Vicious, Dakota Fanning plays Polly, who’s startled one night by a mysterious visitor. The visitor gives Polly a box and instructs her to fill it with something she needs, something she hates, and something she loves. It’s a strange task, but Polly follows, not knowing how dark her night will get. The events spark a series of moments that terrify Polly as she tries to figure out where reality starts and ends while confronting some of the darkness of her past.

Not a Generational Horror Film

Paramount+ isn’t letting Halloween pass without one original horror film. With a 42% from critics and an even harsher 30% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, that’s about all Vicious is: an original horror film. It’s the kind of quality viewers might expect from a streaming original, with one main setting, a small cast, and scares that mostly come from an unsettling vibe. Watch it for its originality or Dakota Fanning’s performance, but don’t expect it to be the next horror classic.

‘Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape from Now’

Ozzy Osbourne’s death from a heart attack on July 22 shocked fans around the world. Osbourne was a legend in the rock genre. He was an influential musician, having led the band Black Sabbath and having his own career. Osbourne’s family was also quite well-known through the MTV reality series The Osbournes. His deep pop culture presence made his passing especially impactful. The documentary Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape from Now offers audiences one more chance to connect with the famous singer.

A Comforting Grieving Process

Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape from Now might be the perfect way for viewers to reconcile with the singer’s death. The documentary was filmed in the final stages of Ozzy Osbourne’s life. He’s seen facing health concerns, and he even confronts his own mortality through interviews. The documentary features interviews with his family and fellow musicians, who reflect on how he wanted to say goodbye to his fans. Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape from Now reveals how he did that as the film builds to his final performance, which took place the same month as his death.

‘The Naked Gun’

The Naked Gun brings audiences back to the outlandish style of comedy from the 1988 film of the same name and its sequels. Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the dimwitted detective played by Leslie Nielsen in Police Squad! and the other Naked Gun films. Neeson’s version is just as bad at his police work as his father was. His boss isn’t happy with his work, but he has one more chance to prove himself as he investigates a billionaire’s plan to control the world. During his case, he also falls in love with Beth Davenport (played by Pamela Anderson), an author who’s investigating her brother’s death.

The Funniest Comedy This Year

Comedy films with the sole purpose of being comedies feel too rare these days. They’re typically attached to another genre, like action or horror. The Naked Gun is dedicated to being nothing more than a silly comedy, and its execution is perfect. Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, and Danny Huston (who plays the evil billionaire) are surprisingly good in their rare comedic roles. Jokes are over the top, in a good way, like when the wreckage of a car is lifted with a giant arcade claw machine. The film is directed by The Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer and produced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, both of whom have been pioneers of original comedies in the past. The team behind The Naked Gun even put together a fake PSA asking Hollywood to bring back these kinds of comedies.

‘The Wedding Banquet’

Many of the best romantic comedies have been centered on weddings: The Wedding Singer, Wedding Crashers, and Bridesmaids (to name a few). The Wedding Banquet throws itself into the mix with a plot that has two same-sex couples teaming up to get what they want. In the movie, Angela and her partner, Lee, live together, while Angela’s friend, Chris, lives with his partner, Min, in their garage. Both couples have big problems. Angela and Lee want to have a baby, but can’t afford IVF treatments. Chris and Min won’t get married at the risk of Min’s grandfather disowning him, but Min’s visa has also expired. They hatch a plan for Min to marry Angela in exchange for Min and Chris paying for Lee’s treatments.

A Remake That Actually Expands on the Original

The Wedding Banquet is actually a remake of a 1993 film of the same name, directed by Ang Lee, who is also known for Brokeback Mountain. The original film focused on one same-sex couple with a similar problem to Min and Chris. In the 1993 version, Gao Wai-Tung is hiding a relationship with Simon from his parents. He decides to marry a woman living in his apartment complex to help her get a visa and to appease his parents. The new remake actually adds another couple to the mix, showcasing another layer of problems for couples in modern America. With actors like Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, and Kelly Marie Tran in the film, the 2025 version is worth a watch.

Best Movies Streaming on Peacock

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’

Jurassic World Dominion presented a world where dinosaurs walked alongside humans. In the follow-up, Jurassic World Rebirth, most of the dinosaurs have been evacuated from society. That’s why Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) needs to assemble a team to go collect dinosaur samples from a dinosaur-infested island. His team includes a combat expert, Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a paleontologist, Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), and an island resident, Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali). The three actors deliver terrific performances as they explore the land, sea, and sky of the dangerous island while rescuing a family shipwrecked there.

The Second-Best ‘Jurassic’ Movie

Jurassic World Rebirth is the sixth Jurassic film released after Jurassic Park, which might seem like a reason not to watch it. Don’t let the fatigue stop you, though. Jurassic World Rebirth is the best of all these sequels. Gareth Edwards, director of sci-fi films like Godzilla (2014) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, takes the lead on this film, bringing a creative vision that makes the dinosaurs feel truly monstrous and scary. Beloved dinosaurs like the Spinosaurus return alongside a new mutant, Distortus Rex. The film has a thrilling script by David Koepp, screenwriter of Jurassic Park, which incorporates ideas from the original book.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’

Though just 15 years old, the original How to Train Your Dragon has become one of animation’s most essential films. It makes sense that DreamWorks would follow Disney’s lead with a live-action remake of its animated classic. The new film follows the same events of the original, almost beat-for-beat. Hiccup, who lives with the other Vikings in Berk, has been taught to hate dragons all his life. One day, he meets a rare dragon and discovers that they aren’t so bad after all. He befriends the dragon, which he names Toothless, and teaches the other vikings to embrace the dragons. The movie stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, and Nick Frost, and is directed by Dean DeBlois, who co-directed the original film.

Why a Classic Was Remade, Explained

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World offered a fitting conclusion to the animated trilogy, so a fourth film in the series wouldn’t make sense. The Hidden World was released back in 2019, so the films were dormant for six years, despite still being popular with children as well as adults. Concluding the series isn’t a great look for Universal Studios, financially speaking, as an Isle of Berk area recently opened at the studio’s theme park. That provides more insight as to why DreamWorks, which operates under Universal, would make a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon that doesn’t stray too far from the original. It’s a chance to bring audiences back to Berk without ruining the legacy of the trilogy that started it all. Expect to see even more dragons as a live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon 2has already been greenlit.

‘Honey Don’t!’

Honey Don’t!is a modern take on noir detective films with a hint of comedy. Margaret Qualley plays Honey O’Donahue, a private investigator who believes there’s something deeper to a recent car crash. In her investigation, she comes across Reverend Drew Devlin (played by Chris Evans), who leads a local church as a front for his drug trafficking business. Honey must uncover all the nefarious dealings and crimes connected to Drew while also navigating a relationship with fellow police officer MG Falcone, played by Aubrey Plaza. Honey Don’t! also stars Charlie Day and Billy Eichner.

A Different Kind of Coen Film

Honey Don’t! is directed by Ethan Coen, the younger brother of Joel Coen. Joel and Ethan Coen are known for directing incredible black comedies like The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. Recently, they’ve been working on more solo projects, with Joel Coen directing The Tragedy of Macbeth and Ethan Coen directing Honey Don’t! and its predecessor, Drive-Away Dolls. Ethan Coen wrote Drive-Away Dolls and Honey Don’t! with his wife, Tricia Cooke, which is why these projects feel different from those he made with his brother. The movies fill a very specific niche for Hollywood, as they’re part of the couple’s planned “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” as reported by Deadline. Honey Don’t! isn’t for everyone, but it will definitely make some viewers happy.

‘Screamboat’

For years, Disney has fought to protect its characters from entering the public domain. Unfortunately for the studio, it couldn’t stop the 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie from falling into the public’s hands. In Screamboat, Steamboat Willie is a murder-loving mouse on the Staten Island Ferry. One night, he decides to terrorize the boat’s passengers, killing them one by one. The passengers must try to survive, but when they’re trapped in the confines of the boat, the tiny mouse just might win.

Perfect for Your Horror Night

Peacock is quickly establishing itself as a streaming service for horror movies, which is perfect with Halloween coming right around the corner. Just a few weeks ago, the streamer brought Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare to the service (see below), which falls in the same category of public domain horror films as Screamboat. However, Screamboat twists an even more popular character for this concept with Steamboat Willie, who would later evolve into Mickey Mouse. The cartoon character is brought to life by horror icon David Howard Thornton, who plays Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise.

‘Night of the Zoopocalypse’

Night of the Zoopocalypse follows in a long tradition of zombie movies, including Night of the Living Dead and Shaun of the Dead. The big twist for this film is that the zombies are zoo animals. The movie follows a wolf named Gracie, who lives with her pack in an enclosure at the zoo. One night, a meteor lands in the zoo and infects a rabbit with a virus. The rabbit runs around the zoo, causing havoc and infecting other animals. Gracie must work with other animals to survive the night and try to reverse the infection. The cast includes Gabbi Kosmidis, David Harbour, Scott Thompson, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.

For the Adventurous Kids

As an animated film with talking animals, Night of the Zoopocalypse seems like a perfect film for families. However, it’s best for families that are most adventurous with their movie tastes. Night of the Zoopocalypse can get a little dark with its apocalyptic plot, especially when depicting some of the zombified creatures. It’s almost as if a horror movie had been put through a filter that gave it cartoonish animation and bright colors. The film is based on a book called Zoombies, which was written by Hellraiser creator Clive Barker.

‘The Phoenician Scheme’

The Phoenician Scheme is like a strange child between an indie film and an Indiana Jones movie. It’s a Wes Anderson film, so of course it’s filled with symmetry, practical sets, and pastel colors. However, the plot is a little different from most Wes Anderson films, as it sends the characters on a classic adventure in the director’s beloved style. The main character, Zsa-Zsa Korda, has had his life threatened by assassination attempts and realizes he must prepare his legacy. He starts by reconnecting with his daughter, Liesl, and involves her in a scheme to control slave labor in Phoenicia. Governments are conspiring to raise the prices of building materials to stop Korda, so he must travel across the world to meet with his investors while also avoiding his many enemies.

One of Wes Anderson’s Best

The Phoenician Scheme is one of Wes Anderson’s best films, taking him to new territory while also keeping what fans love about him. The movie includes many of his frequent collaborators, including Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe, as well as Benicio del Toro, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Wright, and more. It’s also the Wes Anderson debut for Michael Cera, who feels like he should have been in one of the director’s movies a long time ago. Wes Anderson brings his trademark satire and themes of family relationships, redemption, and more to The Phoenician Scheme, combining them with staples of the espionage and thriller genres. It’s a great film for audiences who love Wes Anderson, as well as those who think all his movies are the same.

Best Movies Streaming on Netflix

‘The Perfect Neighbor’

The Perfect Neighbor is a chilling new documentary about the death of Ajike Shantrell Owens. Owens, who was Black, was living in Florida with her family. Her children liked to play outside the house, but they were often interrupted by the neighbor, Susan Lorincz, who is white. Lorincz would call the police on the children. One night, after Lorincz got into an argument with the children, Owens went to confront her. Lorincz shot Owens on Lorincz’s doorstep. The documentary follows the events leading up to the shooting and what happened afterward.

A Documentary Made with Surveillance Footage

The Perfect Neighbor is unique because it only has certain kinds of footage throughout the documentary. There are no interviews with experts or victims. Instead, the story unfolds using the body camera footage from police who responded to events, as well as footage from interrogations and courtroom hearings. It’s a bold take for a documentary film, and the choice lets audiences think for themselves without the influence of interviews. That’s important, as The Perfect Neighbor covers topics for critical thinking, like the stand-your-ground law, which allows people to use deadly force in self-defense in certain situations.

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’

In I Know What You Did Last Summer, five young adults go for a late-night drive along a cliff on July 4. They stop to watch the fireworks, but end up in a dangerous position, causing a car to swerve off the road. The truck and its driver cannot be saved, and the five characters agree to keep the events of the night a secret. Unfortunately for them, their secret comes back to haunt them as a year later, a masked murderer starts to target them as revenge.

Just Another Legacy Sequel

I Know What You Did Last Summer continues the ever-marching trend of legacy sequels. It’s a sequel to the 1997 film I Know What You Did Last Summer, with original cast members Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. returning to help guide the younger generation. However, the film doesn’t really stand out against other legacy sequels, as it struggles to find any originality. Don’t expect this to revive the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise. At least the performances from newcomers like Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline, and Tyriq Withers are pretty good.

‘The Woman in Cabin 10’

In The Woman in Cabin 10, which is based on Ruth Ware’s book by the same name, Laura Blacklock is an investigative journalist taking on an assignment on board a wealthy couple’s yacht. Billionaires Richard and Anne Bullmer own the boat, with the latter having been diagnosed with leukemia. Anne and Richard throw a fundraiser on the yacht to raise money for Anne’s charity foundation. While on the boat, Laura sees one of her ex-boyfriends, and to avoid him, she hides in Cabin 10. There, she finds a mysterious woman, and over the course of her investigation, she starts to uncover something sinister happening on the yacht.

A Trio of Terrific Actors

The Woman in Cabin 10 features quite a few great actors. Keira Knightley, most famous for playing Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, returns to the high seas for The Woman in Cabin 10 with her role as Laura Blacklock. Her role here is much more dramatic than her role as Elizabeth Swann, as Laura Blacklock has had some dark experiences as a journalist. Guy Pearce plays billionaire Richard Bullmer, a role that fits perfectly into his career renaissance, which began when he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for his part in The Brutalist. The cast also features Hannah Waddingham, who’s been widening her film resume between seasons of Ted Lasso with this, Lilo & Stitch, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

‘Karate Kid: Legends’

In Karate Kids: Legends, Li Fong (played by Ben Wang) has just moved to New York with his mother. Before New York, Li was a student learning kung fu from Mr. Han (played by Jackie Chan), but Li’s mother asked him to stop practicing kung fu in the city. Li befriends a local girl, Mia Lipani (played by Sadie Stanley), whose father, Victor (played by Joshua Jackson), owns a pizza store. Li starts working at the pizza store and soon learns that Victor has repeatedly been attacked by karate fighters sent by a loan shark named O’Shea (played by Tim Rozon). Victor asks Li to teach him kung fu, which requires Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) to fly to the big city for some extra help.

A Franchise-Blending Legacy Sequel

Legacy sequels are having a cultural moment right now with the successes of films like Top Gun: Maverick and The Naked Gun. Karate Kids: Legends is one of the latest, introducing audiences to a new karate kid more than 40 years after the original film was released in theaters. Like most legacy sequels, Karate Kid: Legends features a star from the original films as a mentor for the next generation. Ralph Macchio returns from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai to play Daniel LaRusso, but he’s not the only mentor. Jackie Chan also reprises his role as Mr. Han from the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid. It’s rare for a movie to feature characters from an original film and its remake, but it’s a move that pays off, as it’s fun to see LaRusso and Chan together.

‘Ruth & Boaz’

Ruth & Boazis Tyler Perry’s modern retelling of a famous biblical story. In the story, Ruth is a Moabite who moves to Judah following the death of her husband. While there, she lives with her mother-in-law, named Naomi. She eventually marries Boaz, who is wealthy and brings her happiness. In the film, Ruth lives in Atlanta and works in the music industry. She decides to leave when she needs to take care of her surrogate mother, Naomi. As she watches over Naomi, she meets Boaz and quickly falls for him.

An Instant Chart-Topper on Netflix

Tyler Perry has already had two big hits with Netflix this year, and he’s on his way to a third. The Perry-directed films Straw and Madea’s Destination Wedding both landed in the streaming service’s top 10 movies after they debuted on the service this year. In its release week, Ruth & Boaz quickly became one of the most popular films on the service.

‘Steve’

In Steve, Cillian Murphy plays Steve, the head instructor at a reform college. Steve is close with the school’s students, and he needs to be, as he often has to stop fights and resolve conflicts. Although the school helps change its students’ lives, it’s also at risk of being shut down. Steve has to navigate the problems with the reform college while also struggling with its toll on his own mental health. However, he’s not the only one with problems, as Steve also focuses on a student named Shy, who struggles with anger issues.

Cillian Murphy’s Second Role Since Winning an Oscar

Cillian Murphy hasn’t rushed into new roles since winning an Oscar for portraying J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. He starred in the 2024 Irish historical drama Small Things Like These, but the film premiered before he won the Oscar. Steve is Murphy’s first project filmed after he won the Oscar, and it’s a good choice for his follow-up to his award-winning role. It’s an emotional role, allowing Murphy to act with a younger generation while also giving him some dramatic scenes alone. Steve currently holds a 76% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

‘The Thursday Murder Club’

The Thursday Murder Club takes place in a retirement home, where a group of four residents gather once a week to discuss mysterious old murders. The residents include former MI6 agent Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), former psychiatrist Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), former union leader Ron (Pierce Brosnan), and former nurse Joyce (Celia Imrie). People in the retirement home are blindsided when one of the home’s owners, Tony, is murdered. Tony and his partner had been planning to turn the retirement home into flats, which makes Tony’s murder look suspicious. The club, along with police officer Donna De Freitas (Naomi Ackie), agrees to solve the case.

From America’s Most Charming Director

The Thursday Murder Club is directed by Chris Columbus, who’s become one of America’s coziest filmmakers. In the 1980s, he wrote classics including The Goonies and Gremlins. He went on to direct some unconventional Christmas films like Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. He also directed Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Mrs. Doubtfire. Most of his films can be quite comforting, whisking viewers back to their childhoods. The Thursday Murder Club is a bit different, as the main characters are much older, but Columbus captures the same sense of adventure that made films like The Goonies work so well.

‘Frankenstein’

A master of dark fantasy, Guillermo del Toro breathes new life into Mary Shelley’s immortal tale in his second original film for Netflix, coming after his phenomenal retelling of Pinocchio in 2022. Del Toro’s version of Frankenstein follows a familiar path: Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a scientist consumed by his pursuit to defy death, brings a creature into existence (Jacob Elordi), whose struggles to find a place in the world due to his monstrous appearance. For del Toro, it is not always just about the story, as the director’s mastery of dark, gothic visuals and world-building adds a great deal of intrigue to the familiar tale.

Divine Visions of Horror and Beauty

Blending horror, fantasy, and romance, del Toro’s take on Frankenstein is a highly emotional journey that also acts as a meditation on grander themes such as death and what it means to be human. Quickly becoming one of the most-watched film debuts on Netflix, there is a good chance those reading this have already experienced the masterfully envisioned remake of the Gothic classic themselves. Need more convincing? The fans have spoken, and the film currently holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics being slightly more reserved in their praise, yet still achieving an impressive 86% score.

‘Nouvelle Vague’

Emerging from the smoky jazz nightclubs where tales of love are spun as much as philosophical quandaries, acclaimed director Richard Linklater delivers a love letter to the French New Wave, focusing on Jean‑Luc Godard. Nouvelle Vague offers a fictionalized account of the making of Godard’s Breathless, with Guillaume Marbeck as the rebellious filmmaker, Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, an American actress navigating the excitement and pressures of her breakout role, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo, the charismatic leading man.

A Sleek Love Letter to the French New Wave

Embedded with a youthful passion, Nouvelle Vague taps into a particular nostalgia around a celebrated era of cinema. Indeed, this movie will likely resonate more with the arthouse crowd familiar with Godard and the French New Wave, but its strong performances and sleek visual style will appeal to film fans as a whole. Having previously had a limited theatrical run, the film has already garnered critical praise, earning a fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an 89% score.

‘Jingle Bell Heist’

The lives of two down-and-out workers intertwine: Sophia (Olivia Holt), an underappreciated retail worker struggling to pay her mother’s medical bills, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a repairman struggling to find work, trying to support his daughter. The two come up with the same plan, working separately, to rob a high-end department store. When they meet on the job, the two become unlikely allies in the high-stakes job; of course, under pressure, a romance still finds a way to blossom during the holidays.

Netflix Delivers Romance Under Tense Circumstances for Christmas

Netflix always delivers a healthy helping of Holiday originals every year, often with a Hallmark-esque tint; we are looking at you, Hot Frosty. That said, these films make for a welcome addition to the catalog, and if one is going to indulge in some steamy, and often silly, rom-coms, then ‘tis the season. Here, fans can expect Jingle Bell Heist to serve up an entertaining dish of holiday romance with a side of heist thriller, a perfect meal to make the most of Christmas viewings.

Best Movies Streaming on Hulu

‘Stay’

Stay follows Miles Williams (Mo McRae) and Dr. Kiara Guillory-Williams (Megalyn Echikunwoke), two very different people who are in a relationship together. Miles is an MMA fighter, and Kiara is a PhD scholar. Their relationship is struggling, but that’s not even their biggest problem in the film. Kiara remembers a spirit that can help them with some of their struggles, and she awakens it with a ritual, resulting in more than the couple bargained for.

‘Stay’ for the Blend of Horror and Romance

Stay is one of the only new and original horror films in Hulu’s “Huluween” lineup this year. That might not be enough of a reason to watch it, but that’s not the only trait Stay has to win over audiences. Stay combines romance with horror, which isn’t exactly new, but it is rare. Love is one of the film’s driving forces, both a point of tension in the main couple’s struggling marriage and a primary factor in the movie’s conclusion.

‘The Surfer’

In The Surfer, Nicolas Cage plays a divorced dad who’s hoping to take his son surfing in Australia. He plans to buy his childhood home near the beach and wants to introduce his son to the area for the holidays. Unfortunately, a group of young surfers tells Cage’s character that the beach is for locals only. They won’t listen to reason, but Cage’s character is committed to the idea of surfing on the beach. He starts a war with the group of surfers in this film that explores ideas about toxic masculinity.

Don’t Miss This Awesome Nicolas Cage Performance

Nicolas Cage is one of those actors who seems to star in just as many terrible movies as he does good ones. Considering that The Surfer only made $2 million at the box office, it might seem like it’s one of the bad ones. Don’t let the low viewership fool you — The Surfer is one of Cage’s best movies in years. Cage carries this film by fully committing to the role, which has him getting beaten up and essentially playing a loser. The role feels similar to his role in Mandy, in that it’s hard to watch on a psychological level without feeling immense pity for his character. The Surfer might be hard to watch at times, but it just makes the payoff at the end even more satisfying.

‘Swiped’

Developers seem to love making dating apps, and Hollywood seems to love biopics, so of course, there’s a biopic about a dating app. As negative as that sounds, Swiped is the best possible version of a biopic about a dating app. The movie follows Lily James as the real-life founder of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe Herd. It’s an inspiring story, as Bumble was founded in response to toxic dating apps. In addition to Lily James, Swiped stars Dan Stevens, Dermot Mulroney, Clea DuVall, and Myha’la.

An Inspiring and Disheartening True Story

Not everyone knows the story of how Bumble was born, which is why Swiped is so important. Before starting Bumble, Whitney Wolfe Herd worked at Tinder, from which she resigned. After she left, Wolfe Herd filed a sexual harassment lawsuit, which Tinder settled out of court. Swiped helps illustrate why Wolfe Herd decided to file this lawsuit, as the movie portrays Tinder as a workplace with a toxic culture. The film also shows how, after leaving, Wolfe Herd started the app Bumble, which allows women to make the first move to help prevent toxicity with online dating.

‘Eenie Meanie’

Eenie Meanie is a high-octane heist film, focused on a getaway driver. In the movie, Samara Weaving plays Edie, who also goes by the nickname of the titular “Eenie Meanie.” As a teenager, she was a legendary getaway driver, but she’s left that life behind. She’s just learned she’s pregnant and goes to meet her ex, John (Karl Glusman), whom she believes is the father. However, John is in debt to a powerful mob boss named Nico (Andy Garcia), who wants him to steal from a casino to pay off his debts. Edie must use her getaway-driving skills to help John pull off this heist while also deciding whether she truly loves him. The movie also stars Steve Zahn, Jermaine Fowler, Marshawn Lynch, and Randall Park.

The Spiritual Successor to ‘Baby Driver’

Eenie Meanie is a lot like Baby Driver, in a good way. Both films are heist films, allowing for some incredible twists and thrills. They’re both focused on a young and legendary getaway driver. The two films aren’t just focused on the heist, either; they both include subplots about romance. They share the same comedic tone as well. The main difference between the two is that Eenie Meanie is a little darker. The film is produced by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who wrote all three Deadpool films. Still, the similarities between the two run deep, making Eenie Meanie the perfect movie for those who enjoyed Baby Driver.

‘The Monkey’

Horror movies have had some great entries in 2025, and The Monkey is one of the best. The movie is based on a short story by Stephen King, and it’s adapted by Longlegs director Osgood Perkins. In the film, a pair of twins discover their father’s wind-up monkey toy. The brothers soon learn that activating the toy causes people around them to die in extreme ways, so they hide the monkey in a well. When the twins grow up, the toy monkey reappears in their lives, and the twins must figure out how to stop it before everyone they know dies.

Horror Royalty Brings ‘The Monkey’ to Life

The Monkey has a lot of big names attached to it. Osgood Perkins, son of Psycho star Anthony Perkins, is a rising name in the world of horror directors. Stephen King has also had a lot of successful movies in the past few years, so it’s no surprise that Perkins turned to one of his lesser-known stories for a movie idea. The film is also produced by horror movie legend James Wan, who has directed films such as Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring. Theo James, known for his role in the Divergent series, plays a dual role in The Monkey, portraying both of the twin brothers. Adam Scott and Elijah Wood appear in small roles, and Tatiana Maslany, who also appears in Perkins’ film Keeper later this year, plays the twins’ mother.

‘The Ugly Stepsister’

A mother who has lost her social status after being twice widowed makes a final attempt to keep the family’s name in good standing by marrying off her daughter, Elvira (Lea Myren), to a prince in The Ugly Stepsister. Ahead of a ball where he is to pick his betrothed, Elivra is subjected to extreme, experimental surgery to turn her beautiful. Meanwhile, her top competition, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss), with her innate beauty, leads Elivra into a world of self-obsessive body horror as she struggles with the pressures put on her and the harsh corrective surgeries.

A Dark Retelling of a Classic Fairy Tale

While horror hounds are already subscribed to Shudder, those who only like to dip their toes into the genre tend to overlook some of the platform’s phenomenal films, The Ugly Stepsister being one such standout. A wonderful subversion of the Cinderella story, Emilie Blichfeldt’s film delivers some gross-out body horror but with an underlying and scathing critique of beauty standards and unrealistic pressures placed on women. Beautiful yet disturbing, the movie has garnered a dedicated following and is set to be a future classic, easily one of the best horror films of the 21st century.

Best Movies Streaming on Prime Video

‘Hedda’

Hedda is an adaptation of the 1891 play Hedda Gabler, with Tessa Thompson playing the titular character. In the play, Hedda is newly married to George Tesman, but she’s already unhappy in her marriage. When she meets a former lover, Eilert, who is also a direct competitor of George’s, she becomes overly involved in his life, with disastrous results. This new film version of Hedda takes the main character’s same reckless qualities and reimagines them. Heddachanges Eilert into Eileen (played by Nina Hoss) and has all the events take place during one fancy evening. It’s a change that pays off, as the film sits at 91% on Rotten Tomatoes among critics.

Witness One of Hollywood’s Rising Directors

Hedda is directed by Nia DaCosta, who’s been one of the hardest-working directors in Hollywood since her first feature. DaCosta’s first feature was Little Woods (2018), a crime drama that also starred Tessa Thompson. After that, she directed a Candyman sequel with a script co-written by Jordan Peele, before taking on a Marvel film with 2023’s The Marvels. Hedda marks DaCosta’s fourth film in seven years, and she’ll be back next year as director of another anticipated horror sequel with 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

‘John Candy: I Like Me’

John Candy could easily be in contention for a “Mount Rushmore” with comedic actors. Candy, who died of a heart attack in 1994, left a profound legacy through his film and TV catalogue. He came up alongside Canadian comedians like Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Rick Moranis on the sketch show Second City Television before making his way into the world of film. He appeared in many classic comedies of the 1980s, such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Spaceballs, and Uncle Buck. In the ’90s, Candy made his way into a few dramas like JFK and Cool Runnings. Even though his career was cut short by his heart attack, Candy lives on as audiences rewatch his films. John Candy: I Like Me examines his long-lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.

A Collection of Stars’ Reflections

John Candy: I Like Me includes interviews with many of Candy’s most famous co-stars. Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Dave Thomas, who all worked with Candy on SCTV, talk about Candy in the documentary. Macaulay Culkin, now an adult, talks about having worked with Candy on Uncle Buck. Steve Martin talks about his time with Candy on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, the movie where Candy delivered his famous “I like me” speech that inspired the documentary’s name. Chris Columbus and Mel Brooks, who directed Candy in Home Alone and Spaceballs, respectively, also appear. John Candy: I Like Me is directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds.

‘Play Dirty’

This year has ushered in many great heist films, and Play Dirty is the newest. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, LaKeith Stanfield, and Rosa Salazar as three criminals who team up to pull a huge heist on a country. Their plan pits them against wealthy men, crime organizations, and even the army of the country they’re robbing. The film is filled with twists as the crew travels through New York City and beyond to earn the biggest payout of their lives. Play Dirty also stars Keegan-Michael Key, Tony Shalhoub, and Chukwudi Iwuji.

Witness Shane Black’s Return

Shane Black, director of Play Dirty, hasn’t made a movie in a while. His last film was the 2018 Predator movie, which was seven years ago. Fans have been waiting to see more of Black’s darker style of humor, and Play Dirty looks like the best option they can get. Those who are unfamiliar with Shane Black may still be familiar with some of his films. He wrote and directed The Nice Guys, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Iron Man 3, and he even created the Lethal Weapon series. With a 52% rating from critics and a 56% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, Play Dirty doesn’t live up to his past films, but it still has some of his typical action fused with comedy charm.

‘A Working Man’

In A Working Man, Jason Statham goes blue collar before he gets the chance to fight more bad guys. Statham plays Levon Cade, a former Royal Marine who now works in construction. Levon is friends with the owners of the construction company where he works, and when their daughter is kidnapped, he springs into action. He consults with one of his military friends, Gunny Lefferty (David Harbour), before he tracks down the kidnappers. Although fighting isn’t a problem for Statham’s character, he soon realizes there’s a lot more to the kidnapping as he uncovers a conspiracy.

Essential Viewing for Jason Statham Fans

Sure, A Working Man just came out, but it already feels like classic Statham. His role bears a resemblance to one of his most iconic roles, Frank Martin from The Transporter, as Frank and Levon are both former soldiers. With Levon taking revenge against kidnappers, it’s sort of like Jason Statham’s version of Taken. The film also has the action star working with some of his greatest collaborators. Sylvester Stallone, who starred with Statham in The Expendables franchise, wrote the screenplay for A Working Man. David Ayer, who directs Statham in The Beekeeper, serves as the director for A Working Man.

‘Playdate’

A well-meaning but bumbling father, Brian (Kevin James), decides to let his kid take part in a playdate with another father, the charming and charismatic Jeff (Alan Ritchson), to impress his son. Yet the playdate turns into a fight for survival when Brian learns of Jeff’s true identity, which has made him the target of relentless mercenaries. Caught up in a chase across suburbia in a minivan, Jeff and Brian become unlikely allies in the new comedy from John Hamburg of Along Came Polly, Why Him?, and I Love You, Man fame.

Family Drama Meets Action Comedy

Movies don’t always have to move or inspire; instead, they can aim to entertain, offering up that perfect piece of escapism. Playdatefits that bill; while it does little to break the mold, it is a fun comedic romp that blends family drama with action comedy, heart with humor, and brawn with Kevin James. While Kevin James can be inconsistent in his outings, much of the film’s success lies in the perfect pairing with Ritchson, and the two, with drastically different personas, play off each other throughout. An easy mid-week watch, Playdate is ideal for those wanting to have a laugh to themselves or share one with family or friends.

‘Mickey 17’

With gangsters hot on his trail, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) will do anything to save his life. This leads him to sign up as an “Expendable” on a mission to colonize the ice planet Niflheim. This job results in him dying countless times as the first man into a new territory, only to be regenerated and do it all again. Yet when a mistake results in two versions, his mere existence breaks a law, and Mickey 17 and 18 have to work together to hide their identities, ultimately drawing them into the inner workings of the colony.

A Sci-Fi Theatrical Flop That Deserves Love on Streaming

Mickey 17 is notable as a rare big-budget Hollywood project for Korean director Bong Joon Ho, who gained international acclaim with Parasite. While the movie flopped at the box office, its charm lies in showcasing the skill of one of the world’s most talented directors through a bizarre, unique sci-fi adventure. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, the film is visually stunning and immersive, and the performances are superb; Prime Video subscribers should give this one a shot, as many overlooked it in theaters.

Best Movies Streaming on Disney+

‘Joy to the World’

It’s time for some people to start mentally preparing for the winter holidays. This year, Disney is celebrating early with Joy to the World coming to Disney+ and Hulu. The film is filled with wintry backdrops and red and green decorations. There’s a romantic spirit in the air as Joy Edwards (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and Max (Chad Michael Murray) start to fall in love. Cozy up with a loved one as the air starts to get colder and let Joy to the World get you in the mood for the holidays.

Disney+ Gets a Hallmark Competitor

Joy to the World is like a Hallmark movie but with better advertising — just look at the poster of Chad Michael Murray staring at Emmanuelle Chriqui. In the film, Joy is a lifestyle guru who publishes cookbooks about her perfect family life. A TV network wants to film a Christmas special with her family in the country, but there’s a small problem. Joy doesn’t actually have a family. That’s where her best friend, Max, comes in, posing as her husband for the special. It’s the classic Hallmark-style tale of a successful woman who finds love in a small town when she least expects it.

‘Thunderbolts*’

When Julia Louis-Dreyfus first showed up as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it wasn’t clear what purpose she’d serve in the MCU. Her introduction finally pays off in Thunderbolts* when she assembles a team of ragtag superhumans to stop the world’s next big threat. Some of the characters include Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell). In the film, the superhumans must put aside their differences to stop a new character from destroying humanity. The film is essential viewing for Marvel fans, as it sets up the future of the MCU.

One of the MCU’s Most Emotional Movies

Marvel isn’t exactly known for producing the most emotionally relatable films. Audiences can struggle to connect to superheroes because their lives are so fantastical and action-packed. Thunderbolts* is a change of pace for the MCU, presenting a more emotionally grounded story. The film is focused on characters who don’t really have powers and feel more human. The movie also deals heavily with themes of depression and self-doubt. Characters try to come to terms with their past failures, and in the end, they learn to support each other.

‘Lilo & Stitch’

With the amount of Stitch merchandise Disney sells, it almost feels like he’s a bigger brand ambassador than Mickey Mouse. It was only a matter of time before Disney sought a way to bring the alien back to theaters. Lilo & Stitch is a remake of the 2002 animated film of the same name. The movie follows two parentless sisters living in Hawaii as they try to navigate life. The younger sister, Lilo, finds what she believes is a dog and adopts him under the name Stitch. Stitch is actually an alien, trying to escape other aliens who want to capture him, and he quickly causes chaos for Lilo and her older sister. The movie stars Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, and Hannah Waddingham.

A Classic Gets an Update

Most Disney remakes feel pointless, as they simply adapt the original stories to live-action. Lilo & Stitch tries hard to stand out, and while that might sound promising, it also might make devoted fans of the original angry. The movie makes some pretty big changes. Characters — mainly Jumba and Pleakley — look or sound different from their animated counterparts, and characters such as Captain Gantu aren’t even in the film. The ending has also been changed, which may shock some viewers. Even with these changes, Lilo & Stitch is one of Disney’s best remakes as it respects the original while creating something new. Director Dean Fleischer Camp does a great job capturing the characters’ emotions, resulting in a film that will have the family laughing and crying.

‘Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember’

Discovering that his father, Craig Hemsworth, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, Chris Hemsworth decides to take him on a journey across Australia, retracing his family history. The two share candid moments on their journey as they ride across the outback. The movie also touches on the science that is combating dementia and the importance of social bonds in treatment.

A Trip Worth Taking

While a slightly more niche entry, Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember is a challenging yet heartfelt watch that will deeply resonate with anyone who has experienced a loved one facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. The movie is an emotional journey through the past that not only celebrates the life of Chris Hemsworth’s father but also delves deeper into science, offering hope through its exploration of real-world research on dementia, memory therapy, and brain health.

Best Movies Streaming on HBO Max

‘Weapons’

Weapons is the second film from Barbarian director Zach Cregger, who started his career in the comedy troupe Whitest Kids U’Know. Cregger’s past work has excelled in horror while retaining his excellent comedic sense. Weapons might be the best example of Cregger’s style. The film starts with a class of children mysteriously disappearing into the night, leaving their parents confused. As one parent and the teacher of the class investigate more of the mystery, they discover an evil presence in their hometown.

The Best Horror Movie of the Year

Weapons is the best horror film this year, and it’s not even close. The movie excels in many aspects of horror, including suspense, supernatural elements, and scares. It’s genuinely thrilling, with specific details hidden for a big reveal in the second half of the film, which leads to a stellar ending. It’s not wholly scary either, as it balances some of its tensest moments with well-timed comedy. The movie also features a fantastic cast, which includes Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, and Austin Abrams, who will star in Cregger’s Resident Evil next year.

‘Sorry, Baby’

Sorry, Baby is a film based on the idea that life stops for no one. The film focuses on Agnes, who was sexually assaulted by her professor in college, with her professor facing no punishment from the college for his actions. Agnes, now a literature professor herself, is scarred by the event. She’s reminded of what happened just trying to live her daily life, with events like jury duty and talks with old friends bringing up her emotions from the past. Throughout the film, she relies on the support of her friends and strangers to help her through these difficult times.

An Outstanding Debut from Eva Victor

Sorry, Baby is the directorial debut for Eva Victor, who also wrote the film’s screenplay and stars as Agnes. Before Sorry, Baby, Victor played Rian on Showtime’s Billions. Sorry, Baby is a standout first film, as it encompasses many interesting characters that connect to a dark but important issue. Even though the film deals with such a heavy topic, it still manages to be funny at times. Expect more from Victor in the future, as Sorry, Baby is a hit, with 97% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and 84% from audiences.

‘Superman’

Superman is the world’s introduction to the movie side of the new DC Universe. The film is directed by James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, known for creating the Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel. David Corenswet plays Superman, and Nicholas Hoult plays his nemesis, Lex Luthor. In the movie, Lex Luthor attempts to convince the public that Superman poses a threat, while Superman strives to protect the innocent from oppressive leaders, giant monsters, and dimensional rifts. He’s also balancing his relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and the Justice Gang, which includes Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi).

The Best Superhero Movie This Year

Even with Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps in the mix, Superman is the best superhero movie this year. James Gunn’s adaptation of the iconic superhero is filled with humor, familiar faces, well-filmed action, and uplifting themes. It’s the greatest depiction of the beloved superhero since Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman, starring Christopher Reeve. HBO Max users seem to agree, as the film attracted 13 million viewers in its first 10 days. A script for a sequel titled Man of Tomorrow has already been greenlit, so now’s the time to watch Superman.

‘Bring Her Back’

October’s already here, which means the spooky Halloween season’s just getting started. It’s time to watch some new horror movies to get excited about the creepy holiday. Bring Her Back is one of the scariest picks for the season. The film follows two step-siblings, Andy and Piper, as they’re given a new home after the death of their father. Their new foster mother, Laura (played by Sally Hawkins), also lost a loved one, her daughter Cathy. It quickly becomes clear to Andy and Piper that her grieving is unnatural and that they’re not safe living with her.

A Second Outing for the ‘Talk to Me’ Directors

Bring Her Back is only the second feature film by directors Danny and Michael Philippou. Unsurprisingly, they’ve already made a movie like Bring Her Back at this point in their career, as their first film, Talk to Me, was a huge hit. Bring Her Back is the perfect follow-up for the directors, as it tells a different, original story while also allowing them to showcase their knack for horror. Bring Her Back was successful for the directors, earning an 89% critics score and a 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. With reviews like that, Danny and Michael Philippou don’t need to worry about whether they’ve made it as horror directors, especially when their sequel to Talk to Me has already been greenlit.

‘Final Destination Bloodlines’

Final Destination Bloodlines begins with a haunting nightmare. Kaitlyn Santa Juana’s character Stefani has recurring dreams of her grandma dying in a chain reaction at a young age. However, Stefani’s grandma had a vision before she would have died, which allowed her to warn the people in the tower, saving everyone. Unfortunately, Death felt robbed and began to kill the survivors as well as their offspring. Now, Death has caught up to Stefani’s family, and she must try to warn her family members before they suffer their cruel fates.

A Perfect Blend of Terrifying and Camp

Sometimes, the best horror movies are the ones that feel a little campy, and the Final Destination series certainly knows how to get campy. The deaths in the films are chaotically orchestrated, like a Rube Goldberg machine. They’re so over the top that they couldn’t happen in real life, but that’s what makes them entertaining. Final Destination Bloodlines has some of the wildest deaths in the franchise. The deaths occur in extreme ways, and they can get pretty terrifying, as most are filmed with practical effects. It makes for an actually frightening horror movie as well as some fun behind-the-scenes features.

‘Past Lives’

Exemplifying A24’s continued delivery of thought-provoking, inventive movies, Past Lives highlights Celine Song as a director to watch (she would follow up her debut feature with Materialists, also available on HBO Max). Past Lives focuses on two friends, Nora (Greta Lee), who left South Korea as a kid but kept in contact with Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), whom she feels she left behind in Seoul. After decades apart, the two get a chance to reconnect, meeting in New York. The joyful reunion is underscored by a deep sense of regret, of time lost, and of a love that could have been.

A Mature Romance Movie Perfect for Introspective Couples

A mature romance story that forgoes the regular tropes of “will they, won’t they,” Past Lives offers a nuanced look at love and the immigrant experience in America. The subtle yet impactful romance would garner critical acclaim, earning a Best Original Screenplay nomination at the Academy Awards. Yet it is not just the scripting, as the lush visuals here paint a rather romantic portrait of everyday life, from late-night strolls in a bustling New York to small talk over cocktails in a beautiful, life-affirming vision. A highly emotional journey, Past Lives is also the perfect film for a couple seeking a more poignant exploration of love, rather than the regular, light-hearted fare that dominates much of the genre.