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 of films 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 MovieWeb, Britt Hayes wrote that not every segment lands in this entry, but it’s “a solidly successful addition to the long-running anthology series.”
‘House on Eden’
If you’re a found footage horror fan, now’s the perfect time to subscribe to Shudder. V/H/S/Halloween is the big draw, but House on Eden is the more traditional, low-key found footage film. In the movie, a trio of ghost hunters visits the titular location, hoping to solve the mystery of a woman who went missing decades ago. The setup has all the hallmarks of a classic horror movie, from the abandoned building in the middle of the woods to the group of friends who are in over their heads. Over the course of the film’s runtime, the trio must decide if it’s worth risking their lives for whatever’s in the house just to get a viral video.
A Film About Content Creators by Content Creators
House on Eden proves that the standard for who can make a film has changed significantly over the past few decades. The movie was created by social media stars Kris Collins and Celina Myers, better known as their account names, KallMeKris and Celina Spooky Boo. Collins and Myers are the stars of the film, alongside its editor, Jason-Christopher Mayer, and they incorporate some of their social media background into the film. Their characters within the film are social media influencers, and House on Eden works as a commentary about influencers. While also noting that the film is not perfect, Bianca Piazza writes in her review for MovieWeb that House on Eden is “surprisingly warm and authentic.”
Best Movies Streaming on Apple TV+
‘The Lost Bus’
In The Lost Bus, Kevin McKay (played by Matthew McConaughey) is driving a bus with a teacher and her children when they notice a large fire. It’s the 2018 Camp Fire, which took place in California and took the lives of 84 victims. Kevin has to find a way to get the children to safety while avoiding the tragic fires. The Lost Bus is produced by Jamie Lee Curtis and Jason Blum and directed by Paul Greengrass, director of Captain Phillips and multiple films in the Jason Bourne series.
If ‘Speed’ Were a Disaster Film
It’s hard not to compare The Lost Bus to Speed. Both films focus on a character trying to get bus passengers to safety in dangerous circumstances. However, The Lost Bus separates itself from Speed in a few significant ways. The Lost Bus is based on a disaster that actually happened, and it feels more real than the bomb that requires the bus in Speed to maintain a certain speed. Speed is also more action-packed than The Lost Bus, which takes a more dramatic approach. It’s also a unique take on a disaster film, focusing not on the first responders and people whose homes are affected by the fires, but rather on those driving past and witnessing the scope of the disaster.
‘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.
Best Movies Streaming on Paramount+
‘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 leads up to his final performance, which was 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.
‘Winter Spring Summer or Fall’
In Winter Spring Summer or Fall (ever heard of commas?), Jenna Ortega plays Remi, a young adult with big aspirations. She’s about to graduate from high school, with plans to study law at Harvard. She meets Percy Hynes White’s character Barnes, who isn’t so prepared for the rest of his life. Over the course of a year, Remi and Barnes continuously run into each other and start to develop a relationship. Winter Spring Summer or Fall shows how their relationship and personalities change with each passing season.
What an Unrealistic Couple
What makes Winter Spring Summer or Fall different from other romance dramas is how bad the two main characters are for each other. When Remi and Barnes first meet, Remi is leaving an interview with Google, and Barnes is smoking with his friend. They realize immediately that they’re not meant for each other, but their many encounters lead them to fall for each other. In a way, it’s good, as their personalities rub off on each other in the best ways. Barnes convinces Remi to relax more, while Remi helps Barnes find more purpose in his life. It’s the kind of relationship that really only exists in movies, as Remi and Barnes probably would have struggled to keep even a friendly relationship in real life.
Best Movies Streaming on Peacock
‘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 2 has 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.
‘Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare’
The concept of Peter Pan luring children to his island sounds pretty horrific without the context of the original story. No wonder someone decided to turn this character into the villain of a horror movie. In Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, the character is a former circus performer who is now living in an abandoned house. In this film, Peter Pan still tries to take children Wendy and Michael away from their parents, but this time with darker intentions. It’s a twisted take on a classic story.
Welcome to the Public Domain Horror Universe
As characters have entered the public domain, filmmakers have begun using them in horror movies. One of the most notable examples is Steamboat Willie, which served as the prototype for Mickey Mouse and was used in two separate horror films, Screamboat and The Mouse Trap. The idea was popularized by Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, which spawned The Twisted Childhood Universe. Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare is the third film in the franchise, and it sets up many more. Expect Avengers: Endgame-style movies for this cinematic universe, as public domain characters will team up for future horror movies.
‘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.
‘Drop’
It seems that 2025 is the year for horror movies with one-word titles. Drop is one of the latest of these films, and that one-word title doesn’t begin to explain how wild the movie gets. The film follows Violet, a widowed therapist, as she reenters the dating scene. While she’s on a date at a restaurant on the top of a tower, she starts receiving threatening “drops” on her phone. The images Violet receives put herself and her family in danger, and she must find out who in the restaurant is dropping them before it’s too late. The movie is directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day) and produced by Michael Bay.
The Best Horror-Mystery This Year
Although Drop follows the lead of many other horror movies, it’s actually more focused on the mystery aspect of the plot. The movie relies heavily on suspense, with the scariest parts being brief and scarce. Each character is perfectly crafted to seem like a plausible suspect, making it harder for both Violet and the audience to find the mysterious dropper. With Christopher Landon having dropped out of Scream 7 right before directing this film, Drop is a glimpse into the horror and mystery that could have unfolded in the next Scream movie.
Best Movies Streaming on Netflix
‘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.
’28 Years Later’
Sony’s newest entry in its zombie franchise, 28 Years Later, shows viewers how the world has been impacted by a deadly virus after many decades. Europe is under quarantine, and a community of uninfected people has taken residence on Lindisfarne. Spike lives there with his mother, Isla, and his father, Jamie. They’re safe on the island until a conflict in the community with Jamie forces Spike to leave the island with Isla. Without the protection of the community, Spike is left to defend his mother from zombies, forcing him to also search for allies in a world that’s mostly become infected. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Ralph Fiennes, and Alfie Williams.
A Refreshing Return to What Made ’28 Days Later’ Special
It only took 28 Years Later 23 years to come out after the original, 28 Days Later, but that was plenty of time to make audiences excited. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. 28 Years Later is a return to form for the series, bringing back 28 Days Later‘s director, Danny Boyle, and writer, Alex Garland, after they weren’t involved with the lesser 28 Weeks Later in those roles. A sequel, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is already coming out next year, so now’s the perfect time to watch 28 Years Later on Netflix. It doesn’t even matter if you’re new to the franchise, as 28 Days Later doesn’t require viewers to watch the past two films in the series.
‘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 named 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 plays his character, Mr. Han, from the 2010 The Karate Kid remake. It’s rare for a movie to contain characters from an original film and that film’s remake, but it’s a move that pays off, as it’s fun to see LaRusso and Chan together.
‘Ruth & Boaz’
Ruth & Boaz is 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. As of September 28, it’s only behind KPop Demon Hunters, which has been in the top 10 every week since its release in June, staying in steady competition with all of Tyler Perry’s Netflix movies this year.
‘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 is helpful for changing its students’ lives, it’s also in danger 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 Irish historical drama Small Things Like These in 2024, but that 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.
‘Ice Road: Vengeance’
Liam Neeson has been in some wildly popular B-grade action films since the Taken series ended. With Ice Road: Vengeance, it doesn’t look like Neeson’s ready to stop anytime soon. In the film, Neeson plays an ice-road trucker named Mike, who’s driving to Mount Everest to scatter his younger brother’s ashes. On his way, Mike meets a man named Vijay and helps Vijay fight back against a group of mercenaries. Ice Road: Vengeance shouldn’t be confused with another one of Neeson’s action films, Cold Pursuit, where the only difference seems to be that Neeson’s character drives a snowplow instead of a truck.
This Liam Neeson Sequel Stinks
Ice Road: Vengeance is one of those films you should only watch if you’ve seen the original. In this case, it’s not because the movie requires so much context. It’s just not worth it if you’re not already committed to the Ice Road series. Ice Road: Vengeance is the sequel to The Ice Road, which has low Rotten Tomatoes scores with 43% from critics and 31% from audiences. That somehow wasn’t enough to stop the film from getting a sequel, with Ice Road: Vengeance coming to Netflix four years after the original. The sequel’s Rotten Tomatoes score is even lower, with critics giving the film a 13% rating and audiences a 24% rating. That’s not enough to stop Netflix and Prime Video viewers from watching the movie, but hopefully it’s enough to prevent a third film in the series.
‘The Wrong Paris’
Audiences were first treated to a film set in Paris, Texas, with the 1984 Wim Wenders film Paris, Texas. Netflix’s new romance film, The Wrong Paris, takes audiences back to the confusingly named location. In the movie, Miranda Cosgrove plays Dawn, who’s excited that she has been accepted into a prestigious art school in Paris, France. However, Dawn doesn’t have enough money to pay for school, so her sister suggests auditioning for a reality dating show called “The Honeypot,” which is set to have its next season in Paris. “The Honeypot” accepts Dawn for the season, but she’s surprised to learn the show is set in Paris, Texas. She’s even more surprised when she starts to fall for the show’s lead, a cowboy named Trey.
One of the Best Romances This Year
There are so many reality shows about dating that the market is arguably oversaturated. That doesn’t matter for The Wrong Paris, though, as “The Honeypot” is just a way to spark a romance between the two main characters. It’s a clever concept for a romance, which should certainly stand out against all the other romance films on Netflix. The Texas setting is also a plus, lending the romantic plot a nice Western feel.
‘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.
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, as both a point of tension with the main couple’s struggling marriage and one of the primary factors that helps conclude the movie.
‘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 the sense 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.
‘The Man in My Basement’
The Man in My Basement sounds like a creepy title, which is intentional, even though the movie starts rather innocently. The main character, Charles Blakey, lives in a house that has been owned by his family for generations. Charles is struggling to find money to keep the house when a man named Anniston Bennet knocks at Charles’ door. Anniston Bennet wants to live in Charles’s basement and offers to pay Charles a hefty amount. It’s a peculiar request, and Charles declines at first, before realizing he needs the money. The situation gets creepier when Anniston reveals that he wants to stay trapped in the basement.
A Film About Racism That’s Only Half There
The Man in My Basement, based on the book of the same name by Walter Mosley, centers on ideas about racism. Anniston, who’s played by Willem Dafoe, is a rich, white man, and he believes he needs to be punished for his privilege, which is why he wants Charles to trap him in the basement. On the other hand, Charles, played by Corey Hawkins, grapples with his heritage as he decides whether it’s worth selling his family’s African artifacts to save the house. However, MovieWeb critic Julian Roman writes in his review of the film that the discourse presented in The Man in My Basement doesn’t always work, writing, “What we get are N-bombs dropped for shock value and declarative prejudice that’s casually dismissed.”
‘I Don’t Understand You’
In I Don’t Understand You, Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells play a couple, Dom and Cole, expecting to adopt a baby from Candace (Amanda Seyfried). Before Candace’s baby is born, Dom and Cole decide to take an anniversary trip to Italy. Their trip is met with confusion, as Dom and Cole don’t speak Italian and struggle to understand directions from Italians. The movie takes a dark turn when the couple’s confusion leads to the death of a woman, and with Candace’s water breaking, Dom and Cole have to find their way out of the predicament.
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells Carry This Comedy
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells are extremely talented comedic actors, and they help carry the movie. Although the film has some horror elements, it’s really more of a comedy. The premise of using a language barrier to place Dom and Cole in these situations is already quite a humorous concept. Kroll and Rannells add plenty of jokes to the plot to keep audiences laughing, even when characters are dying onscreen.
‘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 that she’s pregnant, and goes to meet her ex, John (Karl Glusman), who 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 driver 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, as 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.
Best Movies Streaming on Prime Video
‘Maintenance Required’
Viewers who need a break from all the horror films on streaming can look to Maintenance Required as the perfect palate cleanser. The film is a new romantic comedy about two business rivals who accidentally fall in love. Madelaine Petsch plays Charlie, who runs an auto shop in Oakland with her female co-workers. After work days, she chats online with another user working in the car industry. What Charlie doesn’t know is that the user is Beau, the owner of Miller Boys, which just so happens to be her direct competitor. As Charlie starts to fall for Beau and learn who he really is, she also must decide how to keep her mechanic shop open as she struggles to compete with Miller Boys.
The Film Highlights Female Talent
The biggest strength for Maintenance Required is the film’s focus on assembling a strong, female-led cast. Madelaine Petsch, best known for her role in the Riverdale series, gets one of her best performances in Maintenance Required as Charlie. Charlie is joined by her two friends at her auto shop, Izzy and Cam. Izzy is played by Outer Banks star Madison Bailey, and Cam is played by Katy O’Brian, who has stunned in films like Love Lies Bleeding, Twisters, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. The cast of Maintenance Required also features a few funny men, with Jacob Scipio (Bad Boys: Ride or Die) playing Beau and comedians Matteo Lane and Jim Gaffigan playing supporting characters.
‘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 with his catalogue of films and TV appearances. 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.
‘The Map That Leads to You’
Romantic novels make for some great films, and that’s exactly what happened with The Map That Leads to You. The movie is based on the novel of the same name, which was written by JP Monninger. The story follows Heather, who’s on a trip through Europe with her best friends. The trip is supposed to be a chance for Heather to have fun before settling into the life she has planned for herself. However, she soon meets Jack, who’s trying to visit every location listed in his great-grandfather’s journal. Despite Jack having such different plans for his life from Heather, she instantly feels a connection and follows him on a journey.
Two Great Young Actors Pair Up
The Map That Leads to You showcases two powerhouse young actors as the romantic leads. KJ Apa plays Jack, and Madelyn Cline plays Heather. Their chemistry is almost unmatched, and it’s a testament to their acting skills. Viewers might recognize Cline from her role as Sarah Cameron in Outer Banks, or for her film roles in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Apa is better known for leading Riverdale as Archie for six years. The Map That Leads to You catches both actors at an intersection, before they hit new highs in their careers. Apa is about to play the legendary Jimmy Stewart in a biopic titled Jimmy, and Cline will soon appear alongside Johnny Depp in the Marc Webb film Day Drinker.
‘The Pickup’
Prime Video has gone all-in on action-comedies. The streaming service has released multiple new films in the genre, including Deep Cover, Heads of State, and now The Pickup. In the movie, Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson play armored truck drivers Russell and Travis. On the day the movie takes place, Russell is supposed to have his 25th anniversary dinner with his wife (played by Eva Longoria), but he must first deliver a payment to Travis. Unfortunately for Russell, the car is hijacked by Zoe (Keke Palmer) and her criminal crew. Zoe forces Russell and Travis to work with her in this film directed by Tim Story (Ride Along).
A Unique Heist Comedy
Action-comedies are popular right now, but it won’t be long until audiences get tired and move on to the next big genre of movies. The Pickup at least has a few unique qualities that help the film stand out in a saturated market. The movie features a heist, a great focus for an action film, as it allows for many twists and thrills. The fact that a heist movie is also combined with such a strong focus on comedy makes it much different from other heist films like Ocean’s Eleven and Heat. The Pickup also flips the script on typical heist movies by following the two people who are about to be robbed rather than the people planning the heist.
Best Movies Streaming on Disney+
‘Elio’
Pixar’s Elio follows an 11-year-old boy of the same name, who lives with his aunt, Olga, after his parents died. Elio is obsessed with aliens to the point that he wants to get abducted by them. Olga works for the Air Force, and one day, Elio sneaks into one of Olga’s meetings. He overhears rumors that aliens might be requesting a message from Earth, so Elio finds a device to send a message to space. Aliens receive the message and abduct Elio, thinking that he serves Earth as a space ambassador. Although this mix-up allows Elio to achieve his dream of meeting aliens, it also causes some problems with an alien warlord.
Pixar’s Newest Attempt at Science Fiction
Pixar is known for bringing animals, cars, and toys to life, but every so often, the animation studio ventures into the realm of science fiction. WALL-E broke ground by showing just how much characterization can be expressed by a character who doesn’t speak. Even though Lightyear didn’t perform well in theaters, it was still an interesting concept for Pixar, showing a fictional movie that’s supposed to be the inspiration for one of the studio’s most popular characters. Elio is the newest of Pixar’s sci-fi films, and the standout perk of the movie is its creative designs for aliens. Elio also includes the vocal talents of Zoe Saldaña, who’s famous for box office sci-fi hits like Avatar and Avengers: Infinity War.
‘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.
Best Movies Streaming on HBO Max
‘The Substance’
The Substance is sort of a meta take on how Hollywood works. In the film, Demi Moore plays Elisabeth, an old TV aerobics star who’s suddenly let go due to her age. A crash on her drive home puts her in the hospital, where she learns about a new drug called “The Substance.” The Substance allows her to transfer her consciousness to a younger woman named Sue, who’s played by Margaret Qualley. Sue becomes a hit on Elisabeth’s old show and starts to resent transferring consciousness, while Elisabeth starts deteriorating rapidly. The Substance is directed by Coralie Fargeat and also stars Dennis Quaid.
Time To Watch If You Haven’t Already
The Substance has been streaming on Mubi for almost a year now, and it switched over to HBO Max at the perfect time. With Halloween creeping up with each passing weekend, now’s the perfect time for audiences who missed The Substance to visit the creative body-horror. In the year since its theatrical release, the film has also accrued plenty of hype. At year-end awards events, The Substance did quite well, considering it was up against films like Anora and The Brutalist. Demi Moore won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture in the Musical or Comedy category. The Substance also won an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
‘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, who is known for creating the Guardians of the Galaxy films with 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 (played by 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.
‘Freaky Tales’
Visual anthologies usually work best as a TV series because the episodes already separate the different stories. It’s rare to see an anthology film, which makes new ones worth watching even more. Freaky Tales is a new anthology horror film focused on four stories set in Oakland, California, in 1987. Even though the segments have different stories, they’re connected by similar characters and themes. The stories explore Oakland’s history of rap and punk music, Nazi groups, and criminal connections. Freaky Tales is directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who also directed Captain Marvel together. The film’s stars include Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Tom Hanks, and more.
Dive Into Oakland History
Freaky Tales is a horror film, but it’s also a celebration of culture. The film is centered on real-life events that occurred in Oakland during the 1980s. For example, the last story in the movie begins with Golden State Warriors player Sleepy Floyd setting an NBA record, which actually happened. Freaky Tales‘ focus on ’80s Oakland is inspired by co-director Ryan Fleck’s experience growing up in the city at the same time. The film also features cameos from notable Oakland residents, including football player Marshawn Lynch and rapper Too Short.
‘Death of a Unicorn’
Most people think of unicorns as gentle and elegant creatures. That’s not the case in Death of a Unicorn. In the film, Elliott and his daughter, Ridley, are driving to a weekend getaway with Elliott’s boss. As they’re driving to the retreat, Elliott hits a unicorn with his car and puts it in the back of his car. Elliott’s rich boss finds out about it and wants to sell the unicorn’s magical healing properties. Unfortunately for the group, the unicorn’s parents also find out about their injured child and show up to ruin the characters’ vacation.
A Mythical Horror Comedy
Death of a Unicorn falls into the always-growing genre of horror-comedy movies. What sets this one apart is the stacked cast, featuring both old and new talent. Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, who seem to be two of the industry’s most beloved actors, take the lead as Elliot and Ridley. Richard E. Grant plays the boss, and Téa Leoni and Will Poulter play his family members. The cast also includes Anthony Carrigan (Superman), Sunita Mani (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and Stephen Park (Mickey 17). Although the actors spend a considerable amount of screen time being chased by the monstrous CGI unicorns, their comedic acting chops help make the film one of the better horror-comedies of the year.
