Are you prepared for an action-packed week featuring an array of new movies to stream across various OTT platforms? Dive into a weekend of cinematic delights with our handpicked selection of the hottest movie releases. This list is curated with movie recommendations for those of you who only want to watch the best out of the new movies that pop up on streaming. The list may also come in handy for you to stay updated with current releases on subscription-based OTT platforms and help you pick the best based on your taste and appetite.
The Best New Movies To Stream on Max
1. Babygirl (2024)
Where to Stream: Max | Dir: Halina Reijn
Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, is an emotionally charged erotic thriller that delves into desire, power, and consent. The story follows Romy Mathis (Nicole Kidman), a high-powered New York CEO who seemingly has it all—professional success, a loving family, and a stable marriage with her theater director husband (Antonio Banderas). But beneath her composed exterior lies a longing for sexual domination that her safe and supportive relationship can no longer fulfill. When a young, confident intern named Samuel (Harris Dickinson) enters her professional orbit, he ignites a dangerous and intoxicating affair that tests the boundaries of her control and self-worth.
As Romy navigates the complexities of her submissive desires and the moral ambiguity of her choices, Babygirl explores the emotional and psychological tension between pleasure and shame, empowerment and vulnerability. Reijn’s direction refuses to sensationalize the eroticism, instead grounding the narrative in raw performances—especially from Kidman, whose portrayal of internalized conflict gives the film its haunted pulse.
2. Queer (2024)
Where to Stream: Max | Dir: Luca Guadagnino
Luca Guadagnino’s Queer is a bold and emotionally raw adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel, exploring themes of obsession, unreciprocated desire, and the search for ultimate intimacy. Set in 1950s Mexico City, the film follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), an American man who drifts through life consumed by an intense and often self-destructive attraction to Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a younger man who remains emotionally distant. Their relationship, precariously balanced between companionship and transactional encounters, forces Lee into a spiral of desperation. As his yearning for closeness intensifies, he embarks on a hallucinatory journey involving psychedelic substances, hoping to bridge the gap between his emotions and Eugene’s detachment.
Blending Guadagnino’s signature sensuality with Burroughs’ hallucinatory storytelling, Queer shifts from an intimate character study to a surreal, feverish road trip. Featuring a standout performance from Craig, a mesmerizing score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and a supporting cast that includes Lesley Manville and Jason Schwartzman, the film is a deeply introspective dive into the complexities of love, addiction, and self-destruction.
Related to the Best New Movies to Stream – 20 Important Queer Movies Of The 20th Century
3. 2073 (2024)
Where to Stream: Max | Dir: Asif Kapadia
Directed by Asif Kapadia, 2073 is a bold and haunting fusion of science fiction and nonfiction that envisions a chilling post-apocalyptic future. Inspired by Chris Marker’s seminal 1962 short film La Jetée, the film follows a mute survivor, played by Samantha Morton, as she navigates a devastated world alone—scavenging and surviving in silence amid the ruins of society.
Set in the near future, the narrative weaves fictional storytelling with real-world documentary footage, exploring the grim path that led humanity to collapse. The film delves into pressing contemporary issues including the climate crisis, the rise of authoritarianism and the far right, rampant surveillance, genocide, and the unchecked advance of artificial intelligence. Through these themes, 2073 serves as both a warning and a lament—balancing the urgency of activism with the weight of existential dread.
4. Adult Best Friends (2024)
Where to Stream: Max | Dir: Delaney Buffett
Adult Best Friends is a comedy that explores the emotional growing pains of longtime friendship in the face of adulthood. Written by and starring Katie Corwin and Delaney Buffett, the film follows two inseparable best friends—also named Katie and Delaney—who have been close since childhood. When Katie gets engaged to her sweet boyfriend (played by Mason Gooding), she struggles to break the news to Delaney, a fiercely independent and free-spirited woman with no interest in settling down.
In an attempt to soften the blow, Katie invites Delaney on a nostalgic weekend getaway to their childhood beach town. What’s meant to be a heartfelt reunion quickly spirals into chaos, with awkward run-ins, oddball strangers, and a series of comedic mishaps testing their bond. As the two women drift apart and clash over their diverging paths, Adult Best Friends examines the tension between personal growth and loyalty, all wrapped in humor that ranges from heartfelt to cringeworthy. Making it one of our top picks for best new movies to stream on Max.
5. Companion (2025)
Where to Stream: Max | Dir: Drew Hancock
Companion plays with genre expectations to explore the dark undercurrents of modern relationships. Directed by debut filmmaker Drew Hancock and produced by Barbarian’s Zack Cregger, the film centers on Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid), a couple who meet in a whimsically awkward grocery store encounter and quickly fall into an intense romance. They soon head off to a remote cabin with another couple (played by Harvey Guillén and Lukas Gage) for what’s meant to be a carefree weekend. But things take a turn as the seemingly idyllic retreat—sponsored by a mysterious Russian millionaire, Sergey (Rupert Friend)—descends into a tense and eerie exploration of interpersonal dysfunction.
While Companion does feature a twist, it arrives early, and the rest of the film uses that reveal to pick apart toxic dynamics and entitlement within romantic partnerships. Blending horror, sci-fi, and satire, Hancock’s script critiques certain archetypes and social behaviors through increasingly unsettling interactions and sharp dialogue. The film is less about jump scares and more about the slow unraveling of trust and identity. Though its commentary can feel heavy-handed and its themes a bit over-articulated, we put the film as one of our top picks for new movies to stream on Max.
The Best New Movies To Stream on Netflix
6. Heart Eyes (2025)
Where to Stream: Netflix | Dir: Josh Ruben
Heart Eyes, directed by Josh Ruben, is a wildly inventive genre mash-up that merges a slasher horror film with the whimsical charm of a romantic comedy. Set in Portland during Valentine’s Day, the film centers on Ally (Olivia Holt), a career-focused advertising developer who has no interest in love—until she’s reluctantly paired with her new co-worker Jay (Mason Gooding) for a Valentine’s-themed campaign. What begins as a typical workplace rom-com setup takes a bloody detour when the city is gripped by fear of a mysterious killer dubbed the “Heart Eyes Killer” (HEK), who stalks and murders romantic couples.
As Ally and Jay begin to bond over their shared cynicism and loneliness on the most romantic day of the year, their chemistry inadvertently draws the killer’s attention. What follows is a clever, satirical unraveling of slasher movie tropes—complete with gruesome kills, flickering lights, and a self-aware tone—while still managing to deliver an emotionally grounded romance. The film balances bloody suspense with genuine intimacy, poking fun at genre conventions without undermining the characters’ sincerity.
7. Paddington in Peru (2024)
Where to Stream: Netflix | Dir: Dougal Wilson
Paddington in Peru finds Britain’s most beloved bear embarking on a heartfelt new journey into the Amazon rainforest. Now settled with the Brown family in London, Paddington’s peaceful life takes a turn when he receives a letter from Aunt Lucy’s Home for Retired Bears—she misses him deeply. Hoping for a meaningful family bonding trip, the Browns join Paddington on a visit to Peru, only to discover that Aunt Lucy has mysteriously gone missing.
What follows is an adventure-laced quest deep into the jungle, where Paddington, the Browns, and a spirited local guide (played by Antonio Banderas) set off to find her. Along the way, they encounter new characters like the enigmatic Reverend Mother (Olivia Colman), confront themes of growing up and change within the family, and embrace the comforting chaos that always seems to follow the marmalade-loving bear.
8. Nonnas (2025)
Where to Stream: Netflix | Dir: Stephen Chbosky
Nonnas is a heartwarming generational dramedy directed by Stephen Chbosky that tells the true story of Joe Scaravella (played by Vince Vaughn), a Staten Island construction worker grieving the loss of his beloved mother. In an effort to cope with his grief and honor her legacy, Joe decides to open an Italian restaurant where the chefs are all real-life nonnas—Italian grandmothers—who cook traditional meals using recipes steeped in love, memory, and cultural heritage.
As Joe builds this unconventional culinary space, he not only preserves fading traditions but also helps a group of elderly women find renewed purpose. The film stars a powerhouse cast, including Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro as the endearing grandmothers, with Linda Cardellini playing Olivia, a love interest who is also dealing with her own personal loss.
Related to the Best New Movies to Stream – Nonnas (2025) ‘Netflix’ Movie Review: Familiar but Charming Generational Dramedy Is Unabashedly Sincere
9. Havoc (2025)
Where to Stream: Netflix | Dir: Gareth Evans
Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans, is a gritty action-thriller set in a crime-ridden American metropolis where corruption bleeds into every corner of law enforcement. The story follows a bruised and battered detective named Walker (Tom Hardy), who finds himself caught between the criminal underworld and a crooked political system.
After a triad drug deal goes violently wrong, Walker is forced to track down Charlie, the son of a powerful politician, before rival gangs and a vengeful matriarch (Yeo Yann Yann) can get to him. As the city descends into chaos, Walker fights through a gauntlet of brutal encounters in order to save the boy, all while navigating shifting alliances, relentless violence, and his own moral decay. Powered by Gareth Evans’s signature bone-crunching action and Hardy’s grim presence, Havoc delivers a pulse-pounding descent into a world where survival often comes at the cost of justice.
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10. Bullet Train Explosion (2025)
Where to Stream: Netflix | Dir: Shinji Higuchi
Bullet Train Explosion is a thrilling action-drama set on Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen network. Acting as both a sequel and a reimagining of the 1975 classic The Bullet Train, the film follows the Hayabusa No. 60’s harrowing journey after a bomb threat turns a routine trip into a desperate race against time.
When a terrorist demands an impossible ransom, the crew and passengers must come together to survive, racing at high speeds to avoid detonation. As officials scramble for solutions and secrets unravel, the story highlights powerful themes of responsibility, forgiveness, and uncovering hidden truths. In a shocking twist, the bomber is revealed to be a young girl, Yuzuki, seeking revenge for a personal betrayal. Blending intense action with emotional depth, Bullet Train Explosion shows how courage and humanity prevail even in the direst moments.
Related to Best New Movies to Stream – Bullet Train Explosion (2025) Review: A Two-Hour Netflix Campaign for a Japanese Bullet Train Company
The Best New Movies To Stream on Prime Video
11. Look Back (2024)
Where to Stream: Prime Video | Dir: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Look Back (2024) is a poignant adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga, exploring the intertwined lives of two young manga artists, Fujino and Kiyomoto. This short film beautifully captures the emotional journey of their friendship, which begins as a competitive rivalry fueled by their mutual passion for art. Fujino, an outgoing and ambitious artist, is initially inspired—and intimidated—by Kiyomoto’s exceptional talent. As the years pass, their creative pursuits and contrasting personalities forge a deep connection that allows them to grow both individually and together.
The film delves into the unglamorous realities of the artistic life, illustrating how creativity often comes with emotional sacrifices. Through evocative and tactile animation, Look Back depicts the characters’ evolution from adolescence to adulthood, their struggles with self-worth, and the pressures of their chosen craft. At its heart, the story portrays the power of art to connect, heal, and reconcile, even in the face of unexpected tragedy. If you looking for new movies to stream on Prime Video, Look Back can be both an introspective and comforting watch.
12. Another Simple Favor (2025)
Where to Stream: Prime Video | Dir: Paul Feig
Paul Feig returns with Another Simple Favor, a glossier, more chaotic sequel to his 2018 mystery-comedy. Picking up years after the events of the first film, the story follows Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), now a semi-famous true-crime author, whose success is built on exposing the twisted past of her one-time friend Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). But just as Stephanie is riding high on her book tour, Emily — presumed locked away for good — resurfaces, freshly released from prison thanks to the legal muscle of her absurdly wealthy new fiancé from Italy.
Emily ropes Stephanie into flying with her to the glamorous coast of Capri to serve as maid of honor at her extravagant wedding. Of course, nothing is ever simple when Emily’s involved. As the lavish setting descends into a whirlwind of mafia entanglements, long-lost family members, and murder accusations, Stephanie finds herself once again unraveling a web of lies—except this time, she might be the one at the center of it.
Another Simple Favor dials up the melodrama, excess, and ridiculous twists, leaning harder into soap-opera aesthetics and dark comedy, while riding on the sharp chemistry between Kendrick and Lively. The result is an overstuffed but stylish escapade where murder meets fashion under the Italian sun.
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13. Unstoppable (2024)
Where to Stream: Prime Video | Dir: William Goldenberg
Unstoppable is a sports biopic that tells the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (played by Jharrel Jerome), a champion wrestler who was born with one leg. The film chronicles his journey from being underestimated and doubted to becoming a national champion, defying expectations at every turn. Alongside him is his mother, Judy Robles (Jennifer Lopez), a determined survivor of domestic abuse who fights relentlessly for her son’s dreams while navigating her own struggles.
Set in Mesa, Arizona, the story follows Anthony’s rise through the high school wrestling scene, where he constantly proves doubters wrong. Despite receiving a scholarship offer from Drexel, he chooses to stay close to home and join Arizona State University, where he must fight to earn a spot on the team. Under the skeptical but authoritative guidance of Coach Shawn Charles (Don Cheadle), Anthony faces intense challenges, both on and off the mat.
While the film follows the conventional beats of an underdog sports drama—complete with training montages, setbacks, and ultimate triumph—it gains authenticity by having Robles himself serve as a stunt double for the wrestling sequences. The emotional depth is further explored through his complex relationship with his stepfather, Rick (Bobby Cannavale), an authoritarian law enforcement officer, and his unwavering bond with his mother and siblings.
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14. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2023)
Where to Stream: Prime Video | Dir: Soi Cheang
Among our picks for the Best Films of 2024, “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” is set in the infamous Kowloon Walled City, a historically lawless area in Hong Kong once dominated by triad control. Directed by Soi Cheang, the film follows Lok (played by Raymond Lam), a refugee who escapes the clutches of ruthless triad leader Mr. Big (Sammo Hung) and finds sanctuary in the chaotic yet tightly-knit community of the Walled City. Under the mentorship of Cyclone (Louis Koo), the city’s de facto leader, Lok becomes part of a brotherhood of gang members and hustlers, including Shin (Terrance Lau), AV (German Cheung), and Twelfth Master (Tony Wu). Together, they navigate the treacherous dynamics of loyalty, survival, and camaraderie.
The film balances explosive action with heartfelt drama, portraying the unbreakable bonds forged between Lok and his newfound comrades. The brutal fight sequences, choreographed with the intensity and creativity characteristic of Hong Kong cinema, transform the dense, claustrophobic environment of the Walled City into an arena for bone-crunching battles. Beyond the visceral thrills, “Walled In” explores the generational shift within Hong Kong’s action genre, as veteran stars like Sammo Hung and Louis Koo symbolically pass the torch to a new crop of talent, making it one of our top picks for new movies to stream on Prime Video.
15. My Old Ass (2024)
Where to Stream: Prime Video | Dir: Megan Park
My Old Ass is a whimsical coming-of-age dramedy with a unique twist on time travel. Directed by Megan Park, the film centers on Elliot (Maisy Stella), an 18-year-old grappling with the anxieties of impending adulthood. As she celebrates her birthday at a lake house with friends and family, Elliot contemplates her transition to college, the complexities of her relationship with her classmate Chelsea (Alexandria Rivera), and her desire to hold on to the comforts of youth.
The story takes a sharp turn into the fantastical when an older version of Elliot (played by Aubrey Plaza) appears, warning her about choices that could shape her future—most notably, a boy named Chad (Percy Hynes White). Despite her future self’s warnings, young Elliot finds herself drawn to Chad, a witty and thoughtful boy who challenges her preconceived notions of destiny. This encounter sparks a journey of self-discovery, as Elliot navigates the tension between who she is and who she might become.
Through Elliot’s interactions with her older self, My Old Ass explores themes of personal growth, the uncertainty of adulthood, and the idea that knowing the future doesn’t necessarily mean being ready for it. Blending heartfelt drama with moments of humor, the film portrays Elliot’s struggles with her parents, her evolving identity, and her place in the world, all while balancing the absurdity and poignancy of time travel.
The Best New Movies To Stream on Apple TV+
16. Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
Where to Stream: Apple TV+ | Dir: Greg Berlanti
Fly Me to the Moon blends history with fiction. Set against the backdrop of the 1969 Apollo mission. Directed by Greg Berlanti and written by Rose Gilroy, the film reimagines the moon landing as part of a high-stakes marketing campaign to boost NASA’s public image during the waning days of the Space Race. The plot intertwines moments of comedic hijinks, romantic entanglements, and historical gravitas as it explores the interplay between innovation, ambition, and human connection.
Channing Tatum stars as Cole Davis, a dedicated but stoic NASA engineer grappling with the weight of past failures, including the tragic Apollo 1 disaster. Scarlett Johansson portrays Kelly Jones, a savvy marketing strategist who was brought in to transform NASA’s public perception and secure funding by creating an irresistible narrative about the moon landing.
Alongside Johansson and Tatum, the cast includes Woody Harrelson as a shadowy government figure, Ray Romano in a comedic supporting role, and a brief appearance by Colin Jost. Fly Me to the Moon is our top pick of new movies to stream on Apple TV+.
17. Fancy Dance (2023)
Where to Stream: Apple TV+ | Dir: Erica Tremblay
Directed by Erica Tremblay, Fancy Dance centers around an Indigenous woman named Jax, who is trying to care for her niece, Roki, after the girl’s mother disappears. Jax, determined to find her sister, takes matters into her own hands while also trying to ensure that Roki participates in a traditional powwow, a key cultural event.
The movie explores the challenges they face as they navigate life on a Native American reservation, where systemic neglect and prejudice are constant obstacles. The film deals with themes of family, resilience, and the harsh realities of life for Indigenous people in the United States. It offers a poignant look at the strength of family bonds and the importance of cultural traditions, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
18. The Gorge (2025)
Where to Stream: Apple TV+ | Dir: Scott Derrickson
The Gorge is a genre-blending action-thriller directed by Scott Derrickson, starring Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver. The film follows two elite snipers—Levi, a battle-scarred ex-Marine, and Drasa, a Lithuanian sharpshooter—who are stationed on opposite watchtowers overlooking a mysterious, heavily guarded chasm known as The Gorge. Tasked with monitoring the area for an unknown private organization, they soon discover that the gorge is home to horrifying mutated creatures, the result of a decades-old biochemical experiment gone wrong.
As their isolation draws them closer, Levi and Drasa form a forbidden bond, communicating through notes and gestures across the gorge. But when an accident forces them into the depths of the gorge itself, they uncover shocking secrets about their employers and the terrifying purpose of the research facility hidden within. With their lives on the line, they must fight both monstrous horrors and the sinister forces trying to keep the truth buried.
A mix of romance, horror, and high-stakes action, The Gorge is a pulse-pounding survival thriller that pits love against the horrors of science gone wrong.
19. Wolfs (2024)
Where to Stream: Apple TV+ | Dir: Jon Watts
George Clooney and Brad Pitt star as two fixers who are unexpectedly assigned to the same job in Jon Watts’ Wolfs. Clooney plays “Margaret’s Man,” who is hired by District Attorney Margaret (played by Amy Ryan) to clean up after a young man, known as “The Kid” (Austin Abrams), dies in a hotel suite. However, things get complicated when Brad Pitt’s character, “Pam’s Man,” another fixer, arrives.
The film follows the dynamic between the two lone-wolf fixers as they are forced to work together despite their preference for working alone. While the plot takes a backseat, focusing instead on the quirky, often combative relationship between the two characters, it also gives a glimpse into the lonely, meticulous lives they lead. Their dry wit and charismatic banter drive the film.
If you are looking for something entertaining to stream among the array of new movies on Apple TV+, Wolfs can be a great choice.
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20. Blitz (2024)
Where to Stream: Apple TV+ | Dir: Steve McQueen
Directed by Steve MacQueen, Blitz, is a is a World War II drama that tells the story of survival, sacrifice, and resilience amidst the relentless bombing campaign on London by Nazi forces during the Blitzkrieg. At the heart of the film is George (Elliott Heffernan), a mixed-race boy grappling with the dual challenges of growing up in a hostile world and surviving the horrors of war.
As the bombings intensify, George’s mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), makes the heart-wrenching decision to send him away to the countryside for safety while she stays in London, working in a munitions factory. However, George, unaware of the magnitude of her sacrifice, decides to abandon the train ride and make his way back home through a perilous journey filled with obstacles.
While McQueen touches on themes of racial persecution and solidarity in a fractured society, Blitz also delves into the emotional toll of war, capturing the struggles of a mother’s love and a child’s yearning for home. The film juxtaposes intimate, personal stories against the backdrop of widespread destruction, offering a human perspective on one of the most harrowing periods in British history.
The Best New Movies To Stream on HULU
21. Magpie (2024)
Where to Stream: Hulu | Dir: Sam Yates
Magpie is a psychological marital thriller that delves into the emotional chaos simmering beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic life. Directed by Sam Yates in his film debut and based on a story by Daisy Ridley (who also stars as the lead), the film follows Annette, a woman unraveling under the strain of motherhood, marital neglect, and emotional abandonment.
Annette and her husband Ben (Shazad Latif), a struggling writer, move from London to the countryside hoping for a fresh start. But while Ben becomes infatuated with the glamorous world of a film set—where their daughter is cast in a movie—Annette is left isolated with a newborn and a growing sense of resentment. Her psychological deterioration intensifies as Ben becomes increasingly absorbed in a fantasy affair with the film’s star, Alicia (Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz), leaving Annette teetering on the edge of madness.
Stylishly directed and noir-tinged, Magpie explores the emotional volatility of a woman pushed to the brink. The film is one of our top picks for the best new movies to stream on Hulu.
22. Small Things Like These (2024)
Where to Stream: Hulu | Dir. Tim Mielants
Small Things Like These, directed by Tim Mielants and starring Cillian Murphy, is a haunting drama set in Ireland during the winter of 1985. The film follows Bill Furlong, a humble coal merchant and family man, whose quiet life is upended when he uncovers disturbing evidence of abuse at a local Magdalene laundry—institutions notorious for imprisoning “unfit” young women under the guise of religious correction.
As Bill confronts the truth about what’s happening behind closed doors, the story becomes less about whistleblowing and more about the emotional toll of complicity and silence in a tightly knit community. Rather than delivering an exposé, the film narrows its focus on one man’s moral reckoning and his connection to this dark piece of Irish history.
Based on Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novella, the film is anchored by Murphy’s subtle, deeply expressive performance, exploring themes of generational trauma, guilt, and the quiet courage it takes to stand against systemic abuse.
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23. Summer of 69 (2025)
Where to Stream: Hulu | Dir. Jillian Bell
Jillian Bell’s Summer of 69 is a teen sex comedy with heart, following the awkward but determined Abby Flores (Sam Morelos), a socially invisible gamer girl nearing the end of her Catholic high school days. Known only to her online followers through her masked livestreams, Abby finally decides she wants to be seen—especially by Max (Matt Cornett), her longtime crush who has just broken up with his popular girlfriend.
When Abby hears a rumor from the school mascot that Max is into “69ing,” she comes up with a bold plan: to seduce him by becoming sexually confident. But there’s one big problem—Abby has no experience whatsoever. Enter Santa Monica (Chloe Fineman), a flamboyant stripper at a local club called Diamond Dolls. Abby strikes a deal to pay Santa Monica to coach her in sex appeal, using the money she had saved for a car. If you have a Hulu subscription, this is one of the better comedy movies to stream right now.
24. The Damned (2024)
Where to Stream: Hulu | Dir. Thordur Palsson
Directed by Thordur Palsson and starring Odessa Young and Joe Cole, The Damned is a chilling Arctic horror film that explores isolation, guilt, and survival. Set in a remote fishing outpost during a brutally cold winter, the story follows Eva, a young widow who has taken charge of the outpost after her husband’s death. As the harsh environment and dwindling resources strain the group, they are haunted—both psychologically and possibly supernaturally—by the consequences of a moral decision not to rescue survivors from a sinking foreign ship.
The film delves into the slow unraveling of sanity among the fishermen as they begin seeing eerie human-like figures and suffer fevered visions. As suspicions and guilt mount, Eva is forced to confront not just the growing terror around her, but also the darkness within—making decisions that blur the line between moral survival and monstrous instinct.
At its core, The Damned is a haunting meditation on survivor’s guilt, the weight of leadership in isolation, and how grief and fear can breed horror from within.
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25. The Line (2023)
Where to Stream: Hulu | Dir. Ethan Berger
Ethan Berger’s The Line is a harrowing drama that dissects the toxic traditions and power dynamics within an elite college fraternity. The story follows Tom Backster (Alex Wolff), a student from a modest background who sees his fraternity as a gateway to wealth, influence, and social ascension. Blinded by ambition, Tom embraces the fraternity’s ruthless culture, engaging in hazing and upholding its archaic, often racist, and misogynistic values to secure his place among privileged peers.
However, his perspective begins to shift when he meets Annabelle (Halle Bailey), an intelligent and independent Black student who challenges his passive acceptance of the fraternity’s oppressive traditions. As he also witnesses the unfair treatment of his fellow pledge Mitch Miller (Bo Mitchell) by a powerful junior member, Gettys O’Brien (Austin Abrams), Tom starts to question his loyalty to the brotherhood. Torn between maintaining his status and acknowledging the fraternity’s moral decay, he faces an internal crisis that forces him to confront his own complicity.
Similar to the Best New Movies to Stream – The Line (2023) ‘Tribeca’ Movie Review: A harrowing drama that depicts the paranoia about the fall of institutions
26. Strange Darling (2023)
Where to Stream: Paramount+w/Showtime | Dir: J.T. Mollner
Strange Darling is a twisty, high-energy thriller that plays with structure and audience expectations. Directed by JT Mollner and shot entirely on 35mm film, the movie follows a tense game of cat-and-mouse between a woman, known only as “The Lady” (Willa Fitzgerald), and a dangerous, cocaine-fueled pursuer called “The Demon” (Kyle Gallner). What begins as an encounter after a one-night stand quickly spirals into a violent chase through the Oregon wilderness.
Told in a non-linear six-act structure, the film gradually reveals its secrets, much like 2022’s Barbarian, keeping viewers guessing with each new perspective. With cinematography by Giovanni Ribisi and a retro-inspired aesthetic, Strange Darling blends horror, thriller, and dark romance elements. Its stylish visuals and cutthroat pacing create a thrilling yet unsettling experience, though some of its narrative choices may spark debate.
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27. Hard Truths (2024)
Where to Stream: Paramount+w/Showtime | Dir: Mike Leigh
Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths is a raw, emotionally piercing domestic drama that explores the quiet devastation of middle age, grief, and unspoken familial tensions. Centered on Pansy (played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste in a towering performance), a British woman reeling from the recent death of her mother, the film delves into the ways people cope—or fail to cope—with the crushing weight of everyday life.
Set in a working-class British suburb, Hard Truths doesn’t rely on plot twists or sweeping revelations. Instead, Leigh crafts a slow-burning portrait of a woman whose pain—both physical and emotional—has calcified into anger. Pansy lashes out at everyone around her: her emotionally withdrawn husband Curtley (David Webber), her silent and disconnected son Moses (Tuwaine Barrett), and even complete strangers in public. Her only mirror is her sister Chantelle (Michele Austin), who tries to offer warmth and optimism, though it rarely lands.
True to Leigh’s signature style, the film unfolds with naturalism and restraint, offering glimpses into fractured relationships and internal anguish without over-explaining. There are moments of unexpected humor—like a hilariously tense dentist scene—but they only sharpen the film’s bleak emotional edge. The most devastating scenes come in their quietest moments: a look, a pause, or the crushing silence that follows yet another failed attempt at connection.
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28. Novocaine (2025)
Where to Stream: Paramount+w/Showtime | Dir: Dan Berk and Robert Olsen
Novocaine is a high-concept action-comedy that centers on Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), a meek bank employee living with a rare condition called congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP)—a neurological disorder that prevents him from feeling physical pain. While most people would consider this a superpower, Nate knows firsthand that it’s more of a curse: every wound he suffers goes unnoticed until it’s too late, making everyday life a dangerous obstacle course.
Cautious and reclusive, Nate finds a flicker of connection in his vibrant new coworker, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), whose warmth begins to pull him out of his shell. But when a violent bank robbery results in Sherry’s abduction, Nate sets off on an unlikely and reckless rescue mission. Despite having no fighting skills or heroic instincts, his inability to feel pain turns him into an oddly resilient action figure—one who can take a punch (or several) and keep going.
Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Novocaine plays with genre expectations. While packed with bloody slapstick and juvenile humor reminiscent of Deadpool, it also explores the emotional toll of Nate’s condition. The film finds comedic gold in moments like Nate faking pain during a torture scene, while also acknowledging the mental and emotional costs of never knowing when you’re hurt.
29. The Last Stop in Yuma County (2023)
Where to Stream: Paramount+w/Showtime | Dir: Francis Galluppi
The Last Stop in Yuma County is set almost entirely within the suffocating confines of a remote Arizona diner. The story follows a soft-spoken knife salesman (Jim Cummings) who finds himself caught in a high-stakes hostage situation when two bank robbers—Beau (Richard Brake) and Travis (Nicholas Logan)—barge in while waiting for a delayed fuel truck.
Trapped alongside a local waitress (Jocelin Donahue) and other unlucky passersby, the salesman must navigate the volatile dynamics of the group as suspicion, paranoia, and desperation mount. What begins as a tense standoff gradually unravels into a bloody showdown, where survival becomes a matter of instinct and timing. With a throwback neo-Western style and bursts of shocking violence, director Francis Galluppi crafts a suspenseful, claustrophobic tale about ordinary people pushed to their breaking point.
30. The Return (2024)
Where to Stream: Paramount+w/Showtime | Dir: Uberto Pasolini
The Return is a raw and powerful drama that reimagines the final chapters of Homer’s Odyssey, focusing on Odysseus’s troubled homecoming after the Trojan War. Directed by Uberto Pasolini and based on a script partly developed from a draft by playwright Edward Bond, the film follows Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) as he washes ashore in Ithaca, burdened by PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and deep shame.
Disguised as a tramp, he secretly navigates a crumbling kingdom where his wife, Queen Penelope (Juliette Binoche), has stubbornly refused to remarry despite mounting pressure. Their son Telemachus (Charlie Plummer) wrestles with anger and confusion, while suitors like Antinous (Marwan Kenzari) vie for power. Stark, violent, and emotionally intense, The Return explores themes of war’s lasting scars, fractured masculinity, and the struggle to reclaim lost honor in a lawless world.
The Best New Movies To Stream on Peacock
31. Wicked (2024)
Where to Stream: Peacock | Dir: Baltasar Kormákur
Wicked (now known as Wicked: Part I), directed by Jon M. Chu, is a grand, visually dazzling adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The film reimagines the classic Wizard of Oz story from the perspective of Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, played by Cynthia Erivo.
Told as a retrospective by Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande), the story follows Elphaba from her childhood as an outcast due to her green skin to her time at Shiz University, where she unexpectedly befriends the popular and ambitious Glinda. As the two witches grow close, their destinies diverge—one seeking truth and justice, the other embracing power and status. The film explores themes of prejudice, identity, and female friendship, with Elphaba’s journey revealing the complexities of good and evil in the fantastical Land of Oz.
With extravagant set pieces, dazzling musical numbers, and standout performances—particularly from Erivo—Wicked is a bold, if occasionally overwhelming, spectacle that breathes cinematic life into one of Broadway’s most enduring tales.
32. Black Bag (2025)
Where to Stream: Peacock | Dir: Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag is a taut espionage thriller that strips away the glamour of spycraft in favor of a cold, calculated look at trust, deception, and institutional rot. Reuniting with screenwriter David Koepp, Soderbergh returns to the genre he explored in Haywire—but this time, the storytelling is sharper and more self-assured.
At the film’s center is George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), a London-based intelligence operative whose life is defined by secrecy. He’s married to fellow agent Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), and while their relationship appears stable on the surface—unusual honesty in a world of lies—it exists in a constant fog of withheld truths. In their line of work, the phrase “black bag” becomes shorthand for anything too classified to explain—even between spouses.
When George is assigned to uncover a mole within the agency, his suspicions lead uncomfortably close to home, placing Kathryn high on the suspect list. What unfolds is not an action-heavy mission, but a simmering battle of wits—where tense dinners, coded glances, and emotional deflections become weapons. Black Bag, currently streaming on Peacock, is one of our top picks this month for new movies to stream.
Related to Best New Movies to Stream – Black Bag (2025) Movie Review: Soderbergh Reuses and Refines His Spy Formula for His Best Film in Years
33. Last Breath (2025)
Where to Stream: Peacock | Dir: Alex Parkinson
Last Breath is a claustrophobic survival thriller based on the astonishing true story of deep-sea diver Chris Lemons, who was left stranded 100 meters below the surface after a catastrophic saturation diving accident. Directed by Alex Parkinson—who also helmed the documentary of the same name—the film dramatizes the 2012 incident where Lemons’ umbilical cable snapped during a mission, cutting off his oxygen supply and communication. With only minutes of breathable air left and unconscious from the fall, his chances of survival seemed nonexistent—until he miraculously lived to tell the tale.
The film stars Finn Cole as Lemons, whose resilience and quiet strength form the emotional core of the story. Alongside him are Woody Harrelson as the veteran diver Duncan Allcock, preparing for what may be his final dive, and Simu Liu as David Yuasa, a stoic team member forced to suppress emotion under pressure. With much of the action confined to the tight, underwater space, Last Breath immerses viewers in the terrifying unpredictability of deep-sea survival and is one of our top picks for new movies to stream on Peacock.
33. Speak No Evil (2024)
Where to Stream: Peacock | Dir: James Watkins
The 2024 remake of Speak No Evil, directed by James Watkins, reimagines Christian Tafdrup’s 2022 Danish horror with a surprising shift in tone and style. The film revolves around Ben (Scoot McNairy) and Louise (Mackenzie Davis), an American couple vacationing in Italy with their socially anxious daughter. They form an unexpected bond with an eccentric Irish couple, Patrick (James McAvoy) and Karen (Aisling Franciosi), who invite them to their remote cottage for a weekend getaway. Against their better judgment, Ben and Louise accept the invitation, embarking on an uneasy visit that gradually descends into chaos as their hosts’ erratic behavior escalates.
Unlike its predecessor, Watkins’ version leans into a darkly comedic exploration of social awkwardness and strained politeness, transforming the narrative into a cringe-comedy horror hybrid. Through exaggerated performances—especially McAvoy’s unsettlingly charismatic portrayal of Patrick—the film amplifies the absurdity of its characters’ decisions, masking the implausibility with an onslaught of awkward humor. This tonal shift reinvents the story, making it less of a psychological horror à la Funny Games and more of an unsettling farce that challenges social norms in a wickedly entertaining way.
34. The Wild Robot (2024)
Where to Stream: Peacock | Dir: Chris Sanders
Based on Peter Brown’s beloved book series The Wild Robot follows ROZZUM 7134, or Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot programmed to assist humans, who finds herself stranded on an uninhabited island after a violent storm. As Roz navigates this unfamiliar wilderness, she encounters the island’s wary animal inhabitants, who view her with suspicion or see her as nothing more than a pile of useful scrap.
Roz’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally causes the death of a family of geese, leaving behind a single unhatched egg. When the gosling finally emerges, it imprints on Roz, forcing her into an unfamiliar and deeply emotional role—that of a mother. With the guidance of a lonely fox (Pedro Pascal), Roz learns to care for her adopted child, challenging the limits of her programming and discovering what it means to grow beyond one’s original purpose.
The film explores themes of nature, identity, and the evolving definition of family, blending moments of warmth and humor with deeper reflections on survival and self-discovery.
35. Girl You Know It’s True (2023)
Where to Stream: Peacock | Dir: Simon Verhoeven
Girl You Know It’s True is a tender biopic that chronicles the meteoric rise and tragic downfall of Milli Vanilli, the infamous German pop duo of the late 1980s. Directed by Simon Verhoeven, the film follows Robert Pilatus (Tijan Njie) and Fabrice Morvan (Elan Ben Ali)—two young, vibrant performers who captivate audiences worldwide with their stylish looks and magnetic stage presence. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a devastating secret: Rob and Fab never actually sang their hit songs.
Discovered by music producer Frank Farian (Matthias Schweighöfer), the duo is thrust into the spotlight under the condition that they lip-sync to tracks recorded by other, lesser-known vocalists. As their fame grows, so does the pressure to maintain the illusion. Eventually, the truth comes out, and the scandal shatters their careers and reputations.
Through fourth-wall-breaking narration and emotional depth, the film paints Rob and Fab not just as frauds, but as victims of an exploitative music industry. With standout performances by Njie and Ali, Girl You Know It’s True reflects on the thin line between fame and infamy, offering a sympathetic look at two dreamers caught in a web of lies bigger than themselves. Now streaming on Peacock.
The Best New Movies To Stream on AMC+ w/Shudder
36. Starve Acre (2023)
Where to Stream: Shudder | Dir: Daniel Kokotajlo
Starve Acre is a chilling folk horror film directed by Daniel Kokotajlo, based on the novel by Andrew Michael Hurley. Starring Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark, the film follows Richard and Juliette, a married couple who move to Richard’s childhood estate, Starve Acre, with their son Owen. However, their new home harbors dark secrets tied to folklore, sacrifice, and a sinister entity known as Jack Grey.
When Owen begins hearing strange whispers and displaying violent tendencies, his parents struggle to understand what’s happening to him. After Owen’s sudden death from an asthma attack, grief consumes Juliette, while Richard becomes obsessed with resurrecting life from the land’s soil. As he unearths eerie secrets, he unknowingly steps into the same dark rituals that haunted his father.
A slow-burning psychological horror, Starve Acre explores grief, folklore, and the thin boundary between life and death, crafting a haunting tale that lingers long after the credits roll.
37. The Ugly Stepsister (2025)
Where to Stream: Shudder | Dir: Emilie Blichfeldt
The Ugly Stepsister is a disturbing reimagining of the classic Cinderella story—told through the eyes of the so-called “ugly” stepsister. Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, this Norwegian horror-comedy turns the familiar fairytale into a chilling body horror tale that explores themes of beauty, envy, and maternal manipulation.
The film follows Elvira (Lea Myren), a young woman constantly told she’s unattractive by her controlling, gold-digging mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp). Raised on fantasies of fairy-tale romance and a prince who can “rescue” her from her life, Elvira becomes obsessed with achieving beauty at any cost. When she learns that Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth) is holding a ball to choose a bride, Elvira is pushed into an increasingly horrific regimen of forced beautification—from sewn-in eyelashes to extreme dieting that involves swallowing a tapeworm egg.
As her prettier stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Naess) gains the prince’s attention, Elvira spirals into jealousy and rage. What follows is a grotesque and violent descent into madness and self-destruction, culminating in shocking scenes of mutilation and betrayal. Far from a fairy tale, the film presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrealistic beauty standards and the price women are often forced to pay to meet them.
Dark, disturbing, and brutally satirical, The Ugly Stepsister strips the Cinderella myth of its charm and reveals the rot underneath.
38. Frewaka (2024)
Where to Stream: Shudder | Dir: Aislinn Clarke
Frewaka is a haunting Irish folk horror film written and directed by Aislinn Clarke. Set in a rural Irish village, the story follows Siobhan, a nurse grieving the recent death of her mother. In an attempt to distance herself from her trauma, she takes up a palliative care job for an elderly woman named Peig. But as she settles into the isolated home, strange and unsettling occurrences begin to unfold—visions, folklore creatures, and a disturbing family connection.
The film explores themes of grief, generational trauma, and the oppressive weight of cultural and familial expectations, all through a psychological and folkloric lens. As Siobhan uncovers the eerie truth behind her ancestry, Frewaka gradually transforms into a chilling tale about the inescapable nature of the past.
39. The Rule of Jenny Pen (2024)
Where to Stream: Shudder | Dir: James Ashcroft
Based on Owen Marshall’s short story, The Rule of Jenny Pen is a psychological horror film directed by James Ashcroft, blending classic slasher thrills with a poignant meditation on aging and dignity. The film stars Geoffrey Rush as Stefan Mortensen, a once-formidable judge who is left paralyzed after a stroke and forced into an elder-care home. Struggling with his newfound vulnerability, Stefan soon encounters Dave Crealy (John Lithgow), a sadistic resident who terrorizes his fellow patients with the aid of his eerie baby doll, “Jenny Pen.”
Crealy embodies the deepest fears of aging—loss of control, humiliation, and helplessness—tormenting the home’s residents through psychological and physical cruelty. Despite his physical limitations, Stefan refuses to submit to Crealy’s reign of terror, setting the stage for a harrowing battle of wits and willpower. As the conflict escalates, The Rule of Jenny Pen transforms into a gripping struggle not just against a nightmarish villain but against the relentless march of time itself.
Related to the Best New Movies to Stream – The Rule of Jenny Pen (2025) Movie Review & Ending Explained: What Does Dave Crealy Signify?
40. Skincare (2024)
Where to Stream: AMC+ | Dir: Austin Peters
Directed by Austin Peters, Skincare is a psychological thriller that explores the cutthroat world of Hollywood’s beauty industry. Starring Elizabeth Banks as Hope Goldman, a renowned aesthetician on the brink of launching her exclusive skincare line, the film delves into themes of ambition, paranoia, and betrayal.
Hope has spent years cultivating a reputation as one of Los Angeles’ top facialists, catering to an elite clientele and perfecting the image of a confident, successful businesswoman. However, just as she prepares for her career-defining launch, a rival skincare expert, Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez), opens a boutique right across from her studio. His arrival sets off a chain of unsettling events that threaten to dismantle everything Hope has built.
As her business starts to suffer, Hope becomes increasingly paranoid, believing that someone is deliberately sabotaging her reputation. Her desperation leads her down a dark path, as she enlists the help of her life coach and friend Jordan (Lewis Pullman) to uncover the culprit. However, what starts as a rivalry soon spirals into a psychological thriller, making Skincare one of our top picks for new movies to stream on AMC+.
Related to Best New Movies to Stream – Skincare (2024) Movie Ending & True Story Explained: Who tried sabotaging Hope’s work, and why?
The Best New Movies To Stream on MUBI
41. Bring Them Down (2024)
Where to Stream: MUBI | Dir: Christopher Andrews
Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down is a bleak and atmospheric drama set in the remote Irish countryside, where generations-old tensions between two sheep-farming families escalate into an increasingly violent and tragic feud.
The film centers on Michael (Christopher Abbott), a brooding man who lives with his ailing father, Ray, speaking Irish as a testament to their deeply rooted traditions. Their neighbor Gary (Paul Ready) shares those old-school values but also harbors resentment toward Michael, in part due to their past—Gary is married to Michael’s ex-girlfriend, Caroline (Nora-Jane Noone). A tragic car accident in the past, which left Caroline scarred and took Michael’s mother’s life, has only deepened the divide.
In the present, Gary’s son Jack (Barry Keoghan), a volatile yet vulnerable young man, finds himself caught in the crossfire of his family’s animosity toward Michael. What begins as a bitter rivalry over land and livestock spirals into something far darker, with acts of vengeance and cruelty leading to devastating consequences.
Set against the haunting beauty of Ireland’s vast, lonely landscapes and our top pick for the best new movies to stream on MUBI, Bring Them Down is a grim and unflinching look at generational wounds, the inescapable grip of the past, and the destructive cycle of violence among men who have never learned another way to survive.
42. La cocina (2024)
Where to Stream: MUBI | Dir: Alonso Ruizpalacios
Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios and inspired by Arnold Wesker’s play The Kitchen, La Cocina (2024) is a raw, claustrophobic, and emotionally charged drama set in the overheated chaos of a Times Square restaurant’s back kitchen. The film dives headfirst into the lives of immigrant workers trapped in a relentless cycle of hustle, poverty, and fractured dreams, offering a bleak but sharply human portrait of survival in contemporary America.
The story begins with Estella (Anna Diaz), a young Mexican woman, arriving at The Grill in search of work. But instead of focusing solely on her journey, the narrative pivots to Pedro (Raúl Briones), a charismatic, flirtatious cook with a reckless streak and a complicated history with Estella’s family. Pedro shares a turbulent relationship with Julia (Rooney Mara), his pregnant girlfriend and a waitress at the restaurant. While Pedro sees the unborn child as a possible source of hope, Julia remains grounded in the harsh realities of their unstable life and limited means.
As tensions rise and a theft from the restaurant’s register sparks suspicion—especially toward Julia, who’s desperate for money—the kitchen becomes a pressure cooker, both literally and figuratively. Packed with ego clashes, racial tensions, and emotional landmines, the kitchen reflects the harsh, unsentimental truth about America’s working class, especially its immigrants.
43. Daaaaaali! (2023)
Where to Stream: MUBI | Dir: Quentin Dupieux
Quentin Dupieux’s Daaaaaalí! is a surreal, absurdist comedy-drama that embodies the eccentric mind of the legendary artist Salvador Dalí. The film follows Judith (Anaïs Demoustier), a young journalist assigned to interview the Spanish surrealist, only to find herself in an unpredictable, dreamlike experience where time and identity are fluid.
Dalí is portrayed by multiple actors—Édouard Baer, Jonathan Cohen, Pio Marmaï, and more—who seamlessly take over the role mid-scene, emphasizing the film’s rejection of linearity. Set to a whimsical score by Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter, the movie plays with backward sequences, fractured chronology, and an ever-looping narrative, capturing the artist’s theatrical persona and love for self-mythologizing.
Through its playful yet chaotic structure, Daaaaaalí! embraces the painter’s surrealist vision, much like the work of his collaborator Luis Buñuel. A bold, frenetic tribute to an artist who defied convention, Daaaaaalí! offers a bizarre yet fitting homage to one of the most enigmatic figures in art history.
44. The Girl with the Needle (2024)
Where to Stream: MUBI | Dir: Magnus von Horn
Set in the bleak aftermath of World War I, The Girl with the Needle follows Karoline, a young woman struggling with financial instability and the crushing weight of a world that offers her little hope. Forced to leave her home, she finds refuge in a dilapidated mansion with barely livable conditions.
Her circumstances take a turn when she falls in love with her employer, only to be abandoned when she reveals her pregnancy. Desperate and alone, Karoline crosses paths with Dagmar, a candy shop owner who secretly operates an adoption agency for struggling mothers. Hoping to find solace, she takes a job as a wet nurse for Dagmar, only to uncover a dark reality lurking beneath the surface.
Director Magnus von Horn crafts a suffocating atmosphere of despair, mirroring the emotional and societal decay of the post-war era. Shot in stark black-and-white cinematography by Michal Dymek, the film immerses viewers in its grim world, where trauma festers and trust is scarce. The film toplines our picks for the best new movies to stream on MUBI.
45. Grand Tour (2024)
Where to Stream: MUBI | Dir: Miguel Gomes
Grand Tour, directed by Portuguese auteur Miguel Gomes, is a whimsical tale set against the backdrop of the British Empire during World War I. At its heart, it’s a romantic, bittersweet chase across colonial Asia. The story begins in Rangoon, where Edward (played by Gonçalo Waddington), a jittery British functionary, anxiously awaits the arrival of his fiancée Molly (Crista Alfaiate), whom he’s been engaged to for seven years. But overwhelmed by doubt and nerves, Edward flees before she arrives, embarking on a journey that takes him from Singapore to Tibet, passing through cities like Bangkok, Saigon, Manila, Osaka, and Shanghai.
As Edward drifts from place to place, often mistaken for a spy, his life becomes increasingly disordered and dreamlike. Meanwhile, the indomitable Molly, armed with grit and a curious fainting condition, sets off in hot pursuit, her journey gaining narrative strength and energy as the film progresses. With its shifting black-and-white and color visuals, multilingual voiceovers, and playful mix of documentary and fiction, Grand Tour unfolds like a poetic travelogue and colonial-era farce.
However, beneath the surface lies a meditation on displacement, identity, and the nature of love in a world that feels too vast to pin down. It’s a film that blends melancholy and mischief, delivering an experience that is both bewildering and bewitching.
The Best New Movies To Stream on The Criterion Channel
46. Last Summer (2023)
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel | Dir: Catherine Breillat
Last Summer, directed by Catherine Breillat, is a daring and provocative French drama that delves into the complexities of forbidden desire and moral ambiguity. The film follows Anne (Léa Drucker), a middle-aged lawyer with a seemingly settled life, including a comfortable but passionless marriage to her older husband, Pierre (Olivier Rabourdin), and their two young daughters.
Anne’s world is disrupted when Pierre’s teenage son from a previous marriage, Theo (Samuel Kircher), comes to live with them after being expelled from school. Theo, a reckless and magnetic presence, upends the household dynamics. While he charms Anne’s daughters, his relationship with Pierre is fraught with contempt and unresolved guilt. As Anne attempts to integrate Theo into the family, she finds herself drawn to his impulsive and untamed nature.
Our best new movies to stream on Criterion Pick has director Breillat’s unflinching approach, which brings intensity to the narrative, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about desire, power dynamics, and moral boundaries.
47. The Breaking Ice (2023)
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel | Dir: Anthony Chen
Set in the picturesque town of Yanji, in northeastern China, Anthony Chen’s The Breaking Ice follows the lives of three young adults who form a deep connection over a brief but intense period.
The story centers on Haofeng, an introverted young man who arrives in Yanji for a wedding. There, he meets Nana, a spirited local woman, and Xiao, a lively and outgoing young man. Despite their different personalities and backgrounds, the three characters quickly bond and spend time together exploring the town, sharing their fears, desires, and secrets.
As they navigate their personal struggles, the film delves into themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning in life. The freezing winter landscape of Yanji serves as a metaphor for the emotional barriers each character faces. With its lyrical cinematography to boot, the film captures the beauty and isolation of the town, as well as its subtle yet powerful exploration of human connection and vulnerability.
48. Evil Does Not Exist (2023)
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel | Dir: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s profound ecological drama explores the delicate balance between nature and human development. Set in the small, tranquil mountain village of Mizubiki, the film focuses on the harmonious coexistence between the villagers and the surrounding untouched natural landscape. The story follows Takumi (Hitoshi Omika), a local handyman, and his daughter Hana (Ryo Nishikawa), as they live simple lives connected to the rhythms of nature.
The film’s peace is disturbed by the arrival of two urban outsiders, Takahashi and Mayuzumi, representatives from an entertainment company, Playmode. They propose building a glamping site in the village, which threatens to disrupt the village’s ecological balance by polluting the local water supply and endangering the pristine environment.
With stunning cinematography by Yoshio Kitagawa, Evil Does Not Exist is a visually and emotionally rich meditation on the fragile balance between human activity and the natural world.
49. All We Imagine as Light (2024)
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel | Dir: Payal Kapadia
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light is a deeply immersive, poetic exploration of womanhood, displacement, and longing in modern Mumbai. The film follows three women—Prabha (Kani Kusruti), Anu (Divya Prabha), and Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam)—each grappling with their own struggles while navigating the chaotic yet alluring city.
Prabha, a senior nurse in a run-down hospital, is trapped in a long-distance marriage with a husband who moved to Germany years ago. Her heart wrestles with a lingering attachment to the past, preventing her from embracing new possibilities. Anu, her younger roommate and a junior nurse, is entangled in a secret relationship with Shiraz (Hridhu Haroon), a Muslim man. Fear of societal disapproval looms over their love, intensified by India’s rigid sociopolitical climate. Meanwhile, Parvaty, an older hospital cook, faces eviction due to relentless gentrification, her home at risk of demolition without legal proof of ownership.
Kapadia weaves these personal narratives into a larger tapestry of Mumbai itself—a city of dreams and illusions, where impermanence defines existence. As the women momentarily escape to the seaside, the film’s visual language shifts, embracing the surreal and the transcendental. A sun-dappled love scene and a haunting, cathartic encounter between Prabha and a stranger mark moments of quiet epiphany, capturing the film’s essence of longing and transformation.
Related to Best New Movies to Stream – All We Imagine As Light (2024) ‘Cannes’ Movie Review: Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha are an Unforgettable Duo in Payal Kapadia’s Shimmering, Seductive, Masterful Ode to Mumbai
50. The Beast (2023)
Where to Stream: The Criterion Channel | Dir: Bertrand Bonello
Bertrand Bonello’s The Beast, starring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, is set in a dystopian future and centers on a character named Sirens (played by Léa Seydoux). This highly skilled and enigmatic individual is part of an elite team tasked with maintaining order and control in a fractured world. The narrative delves into her interactions with various characters, revealing the complexities of her role and the ethical dilemmas she faces.
While it can’t be categorized into a specific genre, the film dives into the characters’ external and internal struggles, highlighting the tensions between personal desires and the demands of their roles in society. As the story unfolds, it examines the nature of power, authority, and the human capacity for empathy and cruelty.
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