There's a smart simplicity to the title Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant. Out the gate, you know the premise of this body-horror comedy: A woman gets pregnant by an alien and needs her mom's help. And you've got a sense of the movie's cheeky sensibility. But can this indie offering out of New Zealand meet the expectations audiences might have for such a wild title? Because if you're going to promise a weird-ass movie, you better deliver weird-ass. (Looking at you, Anaconda.) And I'm pleased to report that Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant does just that. 

All hail THUNDERLIPS, the Kiwi writing/directing duo who have made the leap from kooky commercials, candy-colored music videos, and wild short films to a feature that is one of the strangest films I've seen in at least the last decade, if not ever. Like, if you love the Daniels' Swiss Army Man, I predict your odd heart will adore the goofiness, gloppiness, and overall WTF of Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant. 

If you like big swing cinema, you won't want to miss this one. And there’s more to it than being utterly bonkers. 

Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant delivers on its promise and goes far beyond. 

Credited as THUNDERLIPS, Sean Wallace and Jordan Mark Windsor have crafted an absolutely deranged story that's hilarious, heartfelt, and unapologetically gross. 

Hannah Lynch stars as Mary, a twentysomething underachiever who still lives with her mum (Yvette Parsons) Cynthia, who is tirelessly — even gratingly — supportive. So, when Mum hears that a young man with a deformed penis has moved into their apartment complex, she suggests Mary seek him out. After all, Mum suggests, Mary's internet search history — which includes tentacle-porn anime — suggests she might be into that! 

Before you can say "get out of my room," Mary meets Boo (Arlo Green) in the community laundry. Some awkward conversation leads to clumsy mutual masturbation, not only revealing Boo’s gossiped-about genitalia — which looks kind of like a clam with tentacles and testicles — but also ends in a fateful ejaculation that sizzles through Mary's clothes and — you guessed it — gets her pregnant. 

Mary's understandably peeved about this predicament. Thankfully, her mum is happy to help her get post-coital contraceptives. But simple human medicines won't stop this sperm. Boo's mom, Ann (Jackie van Beek), will explain: He's part alien because she was impregnated decades before during an abduction. So, his seed isn't of this world. And it's causing Mary all kinds of hilarious and horrifying problems, like a hyper-accelerated pregnancy. 

Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant is uniquely and unabashedly hilarious. 

As shown in laugh-out-loud comedies like What We Do in the Shadows and The Breaker Upperers (both of which also feature van Beek), New Zealand comedy at its best is an intoxicating blend of dry humor and absurd premises. Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant has such a stellar sense of humor, which perfectly suits its setting. One moment, we're watching a pretty typical dust-up between a surly twentysomething daughter and her chipper mum; the next we're seeing another mum gently chastising her half-alien son for masturbating, because his blue/electric ejaculate makes the lights in the building flicker. Let's not annoy our new neighbors, sweetie! 

THUNDERLIPS fills their fucked-up and funny film with such comical contrasts. Mary is ornery, snarling at everyone from her mum to her otherworldly baby daddy, and a small army of doctors who treat them both like science experiments as they seek help. Boo is the absolute opposite: wide-eyed, passive, and mumbling. (Though he says he has an OnlyFans account, where he's more of an exhibitionist. But he doesn't show his face.) 

Then there's their mums. As sniping as Mary is, her mother is endlessly cheery, with Ann being dryly shut-down in contrast. Altogether they make for a chaotic collective as they maneuver through modern medicine trying to stop this pregnancy, which is speeding along in hours instead of months. And just as THUNDERLIPS won't shy away from showing off the alien junk in Boo's boxers, they won't balk at exploring the mind-breaking weirdness of pregnancy. 

Mary is plagued by strange rashes, projectile vomiting, and her boobs growing abruptly and intensely. Standard stuff, right? Wrong. We're not talking Knocked Up or Neighbors-styled pregnancy jokes. THUNDERLIPS pushes it further, with a clear Aliens influence, but with bold splashes of color that keep the body horror from gestating into nightmares. And that all culminates into a totally bonkers ending with a setting that pushes the pregnancy weirdness to a whole new level. 

Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant is gross and deeply human. 

Mary is a bitch. But watching her be bossed about by her well-meaning mom, impregnated by the bozo next door, and then poked and prodded by doctors with curiosity but little caring, it's easy to see why. She's having to advocate for herself in a world where too many people assume women not only want to be mothers but just should be. 

At no point does Mary want this baby, so her pursuit of an abortion is the main thrust of the plot. Everyone around her speaks with either a comically flat effect or in a jaunty tone, making it clear she feels surrounded by fools. "Why must you make this all so humiliating?” she understandably bellows at a doctor. 

Lynch is incredible in every moment of righteous rage. THUNDERLIPS rejects the Hollywood pressure to create a heroine who is feminine, gorgeous, kind, or even talented. Like Muriel's Wedding, Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant centers on a loser who is compelling without being inspiring. Lynch brings brilliant verve into this role, colliding with her daffier co-stars while grounding this unhinged tale of accidental alien pregnancy through gritted teeth and a hard stare. Every time she tells someone she's "alien pregnant" it's funny, because of how frank — and frankly pissed-off — she is. Mary may be accused of being mean, but she's rightfully furious at the world around her that would bully her into the role of mother. 

THUNDERLIPS shows a keen sensitivity to this maternity pressure without getting sentimental. By making her pregnancy so extra(terrestrial), they bolster her feeling that the world has gone mad around her. The final act, which involves several female perspectives on pregnancy and parenthood, finally creates a safe space for Mary. And the conclusion is well-earned yet shocking in its subversion. 

On its surface, Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant plays like an outrageous midnight movie, rich in wild jokes, gross-out gags, and racy sci-fi spectacle. But beneath that, THUNDERLIPS has built a compelling mother-daughter tale that empathetically probes the choice to be child-free. So, if you see this for the unapologetically unhinged comedy, you won’t be disappointed. But you might walk away with some refreshing representation and weirdly prepared food for thought as well. 

Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant was reviewed out of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

American cinema has long been fascinated by professional fighters. Rocky, Raging Bull, The Fighter, The Wrestler, Cinderella Man, Creed, Million Dollar Baby, Girlfight, Ali, The Hurricane, Warrior — the list goes on and on. Within this sports subgenre, actors like Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Russell Crowe, Will Smith, Hilary Swank, Michael B. Jordan, and many more have made their mark, with rave reviews, big box office, award nominations, and big wins. So, it's a shrewd move for Dwayne Johnson to prove he's ready to leap from smoldering action-comedy star to dramatic heavyweight with The Smashing Machine. 

The pro wrestler formerly known as The Rock has spent decades building broad appeal as a movie star, ranging from the lip-curling machismo in the Fast and Furious franchise to the bouncy bravado of his voicework as Maui in Moana to a swath of half-baked action movies that coast on his broad shoulders and signature smile. But with The Smashing Machine, Johnson sheds his larger-than-life persona to disappear into the role of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

The ways he does this are laudable, but the results are mixed because of writer/director Benny Safdie's challenging choices in constructing this narrative and reconstructing his leading man's face. 

The Smashing Machine reveals the out-of-the-ring struggles of Mark Kerr. 

Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." Credit: A24

Picking up in 1997, the Safdie-scripted drama follows the beginning of Kerr's MMA (mixed martial arts) career within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Set across several years, The Smashing Machine ushers audiences to Japan, where Kerr would compete in Pride FC, then back to the U.S., where he trained while carrying on a tumultuous romantic relationship with Dawn Staples (played here by Johnson's Jungle Cruise co-star Emily Blunt). 

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Rather than centering his narrative around a particular goal — like winning a belt or defeating a particular nemesis — Safdie chooses a more scattershot approach. A smattering of scenes across Kerr's highs and lows aim to capture the contrast of "The Smashing Machine" in the ring, where he was mighty and intimidating, to the man behind the persona, who was gentle, even when battling his own demons. However, without a driving narrative, the film feels meandering, lacking momentum.

The Smashing Machine shies away from sports drama cliches, with mixed results. 

Benny Safdie, writer/director of "The Smashing Machine," holds a camera in the film's final sequence. Credit: A24

Elements of Kerr's story are pretty common within the pro fighting industry. Take a look at Dark Side of the Ring for many examples. The incredible demand put on a fighter's body and the ruthless training regimen can encourage abuse of painkillers and other drugs to cope with the physical strain. However, Safdie's so matter-of-fact about Kerr's intravenous drug use that it almost seems harmless. There's a casualness to how Mark is shown readying an injection, doing so while getting dressed and carrying on a conversation, that almost suggests his drug use is not a problem, but part of a routine. But a vague but vicious argument with Dawn shortly after suggests Kerr's losing his grip. 

It might be lauded that Safdie and Johnson (who is also a producer on The Smashing Machine) aren't interested in making Kerr's real-life low points into a gaudy spectacle. But little is given to otherwise illustrate his battle here. Safdie's script reveals a near-fatal overdose through a phone call between Dawn and Mark's friend/colleague Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader). His time in rehab happens entirely offscreen. Thus, much of his struggle with addiction is limited to strained jokes about doctors who offer him over-the-counter painkillers and his passive-aggressive comments to Dawn, when she returns from a boozy meal with friends. Essentially, the punches feel pulled, outside the ring and inside too. 

The Smashing Machine won't let audiences get close to Mark Kerr. 

Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt embrace in "The Smashing Machine." Credit: A24

Safdie rejects the standard of Hollywood boxing movies by keeping his cameras firmly outside of the ring. A cavalcade of other directors have used close-ups to give audiences an unblinking look at everything from the fear or confidence flashing on the fighter's face to the sweat and blood streaming down their muscles. But Safdie won't let us any closer than the fans in the film, stuck behind the ropes. It's a choice that echoes his aim of authenticity over Hollywood razzle-dazzle. But it literally and emotionally keeps us at a distance. 

Other forms of authenticity work better. Handheld camera lends energy and a hazy excitement to everything from Mark striding to the arena to his grappling with a hysterical Dawn. A soundtrack of late '90s/early '00s songs (like Sublime's "Santeria" and Sugar Ray's "Every Morning") played in the background help audiences time-travel back to his heyday. But most impactful is Safdie's unconventional casting choices.

As he's done in past films like Uncut Gems, he peoples The Smashing Machine with nonactors. In this case, to play Mark's friends and rivals, the director brought in fighters Ryan Bader, Oleksandr Usyk, Satoshi Ishii, James Moontasril, Cyborg Abreu, and Marcus Aurélio, many making their acting debuts. They bring an earthiness and earnestness to the film, with Bader being a terrific standout, seemingly effortless in scenes of professional drama and domestic bliss. 

In terms of Johnson's performance, authenticity meant asking the actor to bulk up and to wear facial prosthetics and meticulously detailed wigs to resemble Kerr. And here's where Safdie's choices hurt Johnson most. 

Dwayne Johnson is incredible in The Smashing Machine, but the prosthetics are a problem. 

Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." Credit: A24

Props to the make-up team — the prosthetics are seamless and do the job of erasing the familiar face of The Rock. This transformation gives Johnson the space to create a performance that is distinctly separate from his own personas in pro-wrestling and as the leading man of many an action franchise. Do they make him look like Mark Kerr? I'm less convinced. But we've seen plenty of thespians get Oscar gold for hiding their famous features to better inhabit a character. (That includes Charlize Theron in Monster, Brendan Fraser in The Whale, and Nicole Kidman in The Hours, just to name a few.) 

The problem is that while these prosthetics erase The Rock, they also inhibit Johnson's face. Sure, his performance here is more nuanced than in his splashy blockbusters. An early scene where Kerr, bruised and battered, gently explains his work to a little boy and a judgmental grandmother is gracefully done. The softness in his tone is reflected in a gentle physicality as he insists there's camaraderie outside the ring. Later, this gentleness reemerges as he talks to his fellow fighters and as he pleads with a spiraling Dawn. (Blunt gives her best to a role that is achingly archetypal, painting Dawn as a volatile drunk with a Jersey Shore thirst for fashion and fighting). However, this performance is often cut off by the brow bone of the prosthetic. 

Creating a ledge that throws a dark shadow, the make-up too often makes it hard to see Johnson's eyes. So, much like being pushed out of the ring in the fight scenes, we're pushed out of Mark's experience by not being able to see how he's feeling. In a showier Johnson performance, this might not be an issue, as he can ooze emotion out of big gestures and bellowing line delivery. But here, nearly every aspect of the film is aiming for subtlety, to better explore the shades of gray of Kerr. And without seeing his eyes, we're too often left in the dark. 

In the end, Johnson gives a career-defining performance that should well prove he can handle meatier, even artier fare. Blunt gives her all in a thankless role, and Safdie, in his feature-length directorial debut without his brother/Uncut Gems co-helmer Josh Safdie, takes some big swings. It's a shame he didn't have a sharper eye on what was hitting, and what was leaving his audience needing more.

The Smashing Machine is now streaming on HBO Max.

UPDATE: Jan. 22, 2026, 2:41 p.m. EST "The Smashing Machine" was reviewed out of its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in this article, originally published on Sept. 20, 2025. It has been updated to include the latest streaming information.

From the first musical moments of The Testament of Ann Lee, I was enraptured. Admittedly, I went in knowing nothing of its subject, an 18th-century religious figure who led the Shakers, a sect also known as the "Shaking Quakers" because of the physicality of their worship. However, the opening thrums of music and the graceful yet powerful thrust of bodies in an inexplicable dance number in a dark forest entranced me and made me eager to know more. 

From this intriguing opening, The Testament to Ann Lee stretches beyond the bounds of historical drama by embracing the music and movements that define the Shaker religious practice. In that, wonder is born onscreen, reflecting their faith in a God that honors such performance as exaltation. 

Written by The Brutalist's screenwriters Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet, this is a sweeping American tale of love, faith, community, and creativity that is challenging, enchanting, and awe-inspiring. 

The Testament of Ann Lee reveals the birth of a religious community in America. 

Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Helmed by Fastvold, The Testament of Ann Lee charts the life of the eponymous religious leader, not only through dramatic scenes of hardship and joy but also through musical numbers that reflect the Shakers' culture. 

As a young girl in England, Ann is horrified by her vicious father, in both his prohibiting the speech of his many children, but also in his dominion over his wife's body for his own sexual desires. Still, as a young maiden, Ann (Seyfried) strives to be a good wife to her rugged husband (Christopher Abbott), giving in to his demand for sex despite her own lack of interest. That is, until a series of miscarriages convinces her that chastity, hard work, and song is a better way for her to serve God. 

This belief will earn her devoted followers, including her brother William (Thunderbolt*'s Lewis Pullman), the resolute Mary (Thomasin McKenzie), and an American preacher (Tim Blake Nelson). However, as this boundary-pushing woman preaches of God and these tenets from England to New York, she will earn her the ire of her lusty husband and the violent rejection of those unmoved by the Shakers' song. 

Amanda Seyfried is a marvel in The Testament of Ann Lee. 

Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Seyfried is no stranger to musicals, but this one is very different from the Broadway adaptations she's starred in before. Forget the bouncy glee of Mamma Mia! or the resounding theatricality of Les Misérables. The motions here feel more akin to modern dance, the song more mantra then belted or cheered.

Limbs of conservatively dressed Shakers shoot forth sharply, pausing in the air as if awaiting a signal or a sign, then plunging in a new direction. Their bodies rise and fall in a rhythm they create through their shared song. In the film's opening, they move through a forest, dancing in unison, throbbing together like one living organism. Through this connection in movement, Fastvold instantly and effectively communicates that this is a community that lives, loves, and suffers together. 

This sentiment of union through hardship is bolstered with every successive song-and-dance number. For instance, when Ann endures a series of miscarriages, a song, deep-throated and aching, pulls her through one to the next, the motions of sex, birth, and loss connecting across scenes to create a sense of flow and growing agony. For it's not just her loss. Others' arms embrace her across scenes of conception and birth, expressing a physical connection, but also ones that scar her. Thus, Seyfried is not just the film's center, but the core of its company. 

As Ann is resolute in her faith, Seyfried carries a certainty, whether working to construct a colony, the sect's signature chairs, or a better bond with her "children" — meaning her followers, who call her "Mother." Yet certainty doesn't make for stoicism. Seyfried's portrait is awash in jubilation, agony, and earnestness. Her eyes echo this fervor, even in climactic moments of violence. But it's in the song and dance that this role becomes extraordinary. In every motion and note, Seyfried leads the cast as Ann leads her people in the film, resolute and radiant. 

Mona Fastvold's vision in The Testament of Ann Lee is rapturous. 

Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Like The Brutalist, The Testament of Ann Lee tackles decades of an immigrant's life in an America that welcomes their labor and violently rejects their culture and autonomy. Set in different eras, the films work together as a timeless and dynamic diptych of this country's melting pot, sometimes warm, often scorching. But beyond America, Fastvold's film sings the song of a woman who fought without raising a fist for the sanctity of community and glory of art. 

Choreographer Celia Rowlson-Hall creates movements that feel modern yet don't clash with the period piece's production design. Her dances evoke passion but not sexuality, reflecting Lee's tenets of faith. Alone, one dancer might seem strange — creating some understanding of the suspicion of the neighboring New Yorkers. But joined by the company, they become glorious, a reflection of what wonders our simple mortal figures can manifest, through work and the embrace of our souls. 

The music by composer Daniel Blumberg was inspired by Shaker hymns. Their lyrics, deceptively simple and repetitive, draw us in through the rounds. The music around them strange, experimental, yet inviting. Thus, we are welcomed in — not only to their story but to the feeling of their exuberance. 

Told in movements, broken up by title cards quoting Bible verses like "The Woman Clothed by the Sun With the Moon Under Her Feet," The Testament of Ann Lee swells and swoons like an orchestra playing an epic opera. Less an investigation into her testament and more a reveling in its passion and resilience, this drama is dynamic and dreamy. It may not make you a believer, but it may well leave you awestruck.

The Testament of Ann Lee opens in wide release Jan. 23.

UPDATE: Jan. 22, 2026, 1:46 p.m. This review was first published on Sept. 21, 2025, as part of Mashable's coverage of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It has been updated in anticipation of its wide release.

I fell in love with Arco from its very first frames.

In these opening moments, a flock of birds soars towards a cluster of towers jutting into the clouds, each holding up platforms covered in greenery and wind turbines. The image is utopian, yet there's a slightly foreboding to it. What led humanity to move to the sky? What lies below the clouds? The answer, unsurprisingly, is ecological disaster of our own making.

That tension between beauty and hard truths fuels the entirety of Arco, as French director Ugo Bienvenu pairs a charming tale of friendship with a sobering look at the realities of climate change. It's a glorious sci-fi journey, one told through the most remarkable animation you'll see this year.

What's Arco about?

The people who live on the platforms from Arco's opening scene are able to time travel. They fly to the past with the help of colorful cloaks and light-refracting crystals, bringing rainstorms and rainbows as they go.

Kids under the age of 12 are not allowed to use this technology, which doesn't sit right with 10-year-old Arco (voiced by Juliano Valdi in the English-language dub). So what does this aspiring adventurer do? He steals his sister's cloak and jets off to 2075, only to find himself stuck there. Thankfully, he has a newfound friend in Iris (voiced by Romy Fay), who is determined to help him get back to his own time.

Arco is another formidable animated film about climate change.

Credit: Courtesy of NEON

While Arco's future is an idyllic one, fueled by renewable energy and a deep connection to nature, Iris' version is far more troubling — and hits closer to home.

Iris lives in a suburb that would seem right at home in our current moment, apart from a few changes. Her robot caretaker Mikki (voiced by Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo), as well as her town's hordes of robot laborers, speaks to significant technological advancements. So, too, do the holograms her workaholic parents (also voiced by Portman and Ruffalo) use to communicate while they're away at work.

But the most telling difference between our present and Iris' future is that of the protective bubbles that pop up around people's houses during ever-frequent destructive weather events. The threat of severe storms looms over the town, while kids talk casually about their families preparing for disaster in the face of encroaching wildfires. Clearly, this is a society that lives with the impacts of climate change, yet makes no large-scale attempts to mitigate its effects for future generations. (Sound familiar?)

Arco knows that climate change — and humans' acceleration of it — is what led his ancestors to make their way above the clouds. Through his eyes, everyday elements of Iris' world become accelerants of oncoming ecological collapse, such as the town's cars, or the excess of grocery stores, as opposed to his family's homegrown approach.

Bienvenu is never too heavy-handed in his messaging around climate change. Still, each of these world-building details combine to build a growing background sense of dread, one that only makes Iris and Arco's friendship all the sweeter by comparison. They offer up hope in a rapidly deteriorating world.

Arco's treatment of climate change recalls two of 2024's most outstanding films, Flow and The Wild Robot. Like Arco, each present worlds impacted by ecological calamities. However, these are not grand, sweeping stories of saving the world, but rather stories of the innocents — like Flow and The Wild Robot's animals, or Arco's young Iris and Arco — who have no choice but to endure these storms. In addition to Flow and The Wild Robot, Arco is further proof of animation's ability to communicate the realities of climate change to younger and older audiences alike.

Arco is a downright stunner.

And what animation is on display in Arco! A comic book artist himself, Bienvenu translates his 2D illustrative style to the big screen. The effect is glorious, reminiscent of the fantastical works of Jean Giraud (aka Mœbius) and the films of Studio Ghibli.

In addition to the rainbows and solarpunk sky towers of Arco's future, Bienvenu finds wonder in the 2075 timeline. The forests of Iris' town are lush wonderlands, while her school provides unexpected opportunities for escapism. Each classroom can transform into a variety of environments, from galaxies to underwater landscapes, offering Bienvenu and his team opportunities to flex their animation muscles and take Iris and Arco's adventure to new heights.

Another highlight of the animation is the mysterious trio of men (voiced by Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, and Flea) who are tracking Arco down. They each rock colorful suits, bowl cuts, and rainbow glasses, and their bumbling attempts to find Arco are among the funniest and most visually distinct moments of the film.

In a mainstream animation landscape dominated by 3D-animated films, Arco's visuals are a testament to the enduring power of 2D work, as well as French filmmakers' commitment to the medium. If you love animation, run, don’t walk — or better yet, fly by rainbow — to catch it.

Arco opens in NYC and L.A. on Jan. 23, after an awards-qualifying run in 2025. It will open nationwide Jan. 30.

UPDATE: Jan. 22, 2026, 12:04 p.m. This review was first published on Nov. 14, 2025. It has been updated to reflect theatrical availability.

The 2026 Oscar nominations have arrived! Sinners, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Hamnet have plenty to celebrate. Casting made its debut as the Academy's brand-new category. And incredibly some much-raved about films got nothing at all.

We've shown you the nominees. We've bemoaned the snubs. Now, let's look at the pleasant surprises that came out of the 98th annual Academy Awards nomination announcements.

Oscar surprise: Sinners breaking Oscar history

Michael B. Jordan plays twins Smoke and Stack in "Sinners." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Some Oscar prognosticators have been saying for months that Best Picture is a lock for One Battle After Another. However, Ryan Coogler's Sinners scored more nominations that the Paul Thomas Anderson thriller, and set a new record for Oscar nominations with a whopping 16 nods! As someone who's been rooting for Sinners since I first saw that barnburner of "I Lied to You" last spring, I was cheering at these nominations like I did when Sammie escaped Remmick's clutches! Sure, some nominations at this point seemed a guarantee, including Best Picture and Best Song. But seeing so much of the cast get recognized along with Coogler as writer, director, and producer? I'm ecstastic.

Oscar surprise: Delroy Lindo, Sinners

Delroy Lindo as Delta Slim in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sinners." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Some might not be surprised that Delroy Lindo was among Sinners nominations. But unlike Michael B. Jordan and Wunmi Mosaku, who both got Critics Choice nominations and various guild awards, Lindo has been largely overlooked. And not just this past year! Lindo has been a mesmerizing actor for decades, working with Spike Lee (Malcolm X, Crooklyn, Da 5 Bloods), Danny Boyle (A Life Less Ordinary), and Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty). So, you better believe we whooped with excitement when Lindo finally scored his first Academy Award nomination at 73 years old for our favorite movie of 2025.

Oscar surprise: The Ugly Stepsister

Elvira wears a nose brace in "The Ugly Stepsister." Credit: Shudder

Makeup and Hairstyling is often a curious pocket of Oscar nominations, where movies that are weirder and wilder get a chance to shine. So when I heard The Ugly Stepsister called out among Frankenstein, The Smashing Machine, and Sinners, I cheered in excitement. This twisted fairytale made Mashable's list of the best horror movies of 2025, because of its stomach-churning and thought-provoking reimagining of Cinderella. And as this nomination suggests, what this step-sibling goes through in pursuit of beauty is grisly business. Beauty hurts, or so I've been told.

Oscar surprise: F1 for Best Picture

Brad Pitt stars in F1. Credit: Apple Original Films

F1 landing a Best Picture nomination is the kind of curveball that immediately lights up the group chat. On paper, it's a sleek, star-driven racing film anchored by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the kind of polished spectacle that can feel more surface than story — not the most obvious Academy pick. Still, I'll happily accept any Oscars scenario that includes Lewis Hamilton, seven-time F1 champion and producer, getting his moment on Hollywood’s biggest stage. — Crystal Bell, Culture Editor

Oscar surprise: Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue

Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl and Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina in director Craig Brewer's "Song Sung Blue." Credit: Sarah Shatz / Focus Features

Admittedly, this one isn't the most stunning surprise. Kate Hudson is riveting in Song Sung Blue, a moving biopic about a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning and Thunder, who gets through their darkest moments through the power of song. Her portrait of Claire "Thunder" Sardina has been critically acclaimed — in part for her masterful delivery of a Milwaukee accent — and scored a Golden Globe nod for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. However, Hudson has been falling behind in the Best Actress conversation, as awards prognosticators focused on Hamnet's Jessie Buckley and If I Had Legs I'd Kick You's Rose Byrne. So, she must be singing a happy tune this morning.

Oscar surprise: It Was Just an Accident

Credit: NEON

Iranian writer/director Jafar Panahi's latest It Was Just An Accident has been collecting accolades and awards since it took home the Palme D'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. So, we weren't remotely surprised to see this compelling revenge drama score a nomination for Best International Feature Film, alongside The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sirāt, and The Voice of Hind Rajab. However, in this American awards show, it's rare to see a screenwriting nomination for a screenplay that's not in English. Yet Panahi, alongside script collaborators Nader Saïvar, Shadmehr Rastin, and Mehdi Mahmoudian, achieved this! Previous foreign language screenplays to earn this nomination include Anatomy of a Fall, Parasite, and A Separation.

However, some film fans online have suggested that It Was Just An Accident deserved more, declaring it was snubbed in Best Director and Best Picture.

How to watch: The 98th Oscars airs live on March 15 on ABC and Hulu.

The 2026 Oscar nominations are out, and movie watchers are noticing a considerable absence: Wicked: For Good, the sequel to 2024's Wicked.

Sequels usually don't receive the love their predecessors did, but given the noms For Good received for other accolades, it's surprising it was completely shut out of the Academy Awards.

For Good racked up five nominations for this year's Golden Globes, including for the two stars (Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Cynthia Erivo and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande), Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and two for Best Original Song. But For Good did go home empty-handed at the end of the night.

Also consider that Part One received a whopping 10 Oscar nominations last year across different categories, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress, and won two trophies: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

And sequels are sometimes given their flowers at the Academy Awards — think of Toy Story 3, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Dune: Part Two, to name some recent examples.

So Wicked: For Good's total snub defies something, if not gravity. See the full list of movies that are nominated here.

The Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards have had their say. Now it's time for the Oscars to determine the best cinematic achievements of 2025. This morning in a live presentation from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater, Academy Award nominee Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards.

While fans of Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Marty Supreme had plenty of reason to celebrate, Wicked fans have reason to battle cry. And that's not all.

Who got snubbed at the Oscars 2026? Let's get into it.

Oscar snubbed: Wicked: For Good, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in "Wicked: For Good." Credit: Universal Studios

Last year, Wicked earned 10 Oscar nominations, including nods for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as magical frenemies Galinda and Elphaba. But alas, neither won. With the direct sequel Wicked: For Good, theater kids across the U.S. were rooting for these bold belters to get the gold. To our utter shock, Wicked: For Good got zero Academy Award nominations. Not even the impressive costumes or production design scored love from the Academy. And apparently the new songs ("No Place Like Home" and "Girl in the Bubble") couldn't compete against the record-breaking force of Sinners ("I Lied to You") and Kpop Demon Hunters ("Golden").

Oscar snubbed: Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal stars as William Shakespeare in "Hamnet." Credit: Agata Grzybowska / Focus Features

Chloé Zhao's Hamnet garnered eight Oscar nominations, including Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Picture. But Paul Mescal, who played a heartbroken William Shakespeare opposite Oscar-nominated Jessie Buckley, got nothing. As big fans of Mescal's gut-wrenching Sad Boy skills, we're a bit stunned.

Sure, in my review out of TIFF, I warned that Hamnet's nuanced portrait of parental grief wasn't the kind of high drama that Oscar reels favor. But with Mescal's poignant "to be or not to be" — and the ache in how he delivered the line "Where is he?" — Mashable's Entertainment team felt certain Mescal was sitting pretty for Oscar night.

Oscar snubbed: Guillermo del Toro

Oscar Issac as Victor Frankenstein in "Frankenstein." Credit: Ken Woroner / Netflix

After decades of dreaming, monster-loving moviemaker Guillermo del Toro delivered his opus with a unique and haunting Frankenstein. While this bold Netflix release did score nine nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay (both of which would go to del Toro), this visionary helmer did not get the Best Director nod. If you hear a harrowing bellow outside your window, it's me, wailing at this cinema injustice. I called Frankenstein del Toro's masterpiece, and I stand by it.

Oscar snubbed: Chase Infiniti

Chase Infiniti and Regina Hall get tense in "One Battle After Another." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

One Battle After Another earned this incredible ingénue nominations for the Critics Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, and the BAFTAs. Yet the Academy has ignored Chase Infiniti. Sure, One Battle After Another isn't hurting for accolades, having scored 13 nominations, including Best Picture and noms for stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Teyana Taylor. But those acting honors make Infiniti's absence hit all the harder, because this rising star managed to stand up onscreen to DiCaprio and Penn, both major stars going hard in intense scenes. In the face of that challenge, Infiniti didn't melt. She didn't match them; she outshone them, just as her character in the film did!

Oscar snubbed: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle

Credit: Copyright_©Koyoharu Gotoge_SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

The Oscars' Best Animated Feature lineup — Arco, Elio, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2 — is stacked, but the absence of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle feels glaring. The film wasn't just a hit; it was a full-on cultural moment, pulling in over $722 million worldwide and reminding everyone how mainstream anime has become. And with Disney already represented by Zootopia 2, it's hard not to question why the Academy made room for a second Disney slot with the deeply mid Elio instead of recognizing the scale — and impact — of Infinity Castle. — Crystal Bell, Culture Editor

Oscar snubbed: No Other Choice

Lee Byung-hun in "No Other Choice." Credit: BFI London Film Festival

Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice got nothing! It was one of the best films of 2026, critically acclaimed and more than worthy of Oscar nods, notably for star Lee Byung-hun's slowly unraveling performance. The biting social satire, which takes aim at the hyper-competitive capitalist market, gained nominations at the Golden Globes for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Picture (Non-English Language), and Best Actor (Musical or Comedy). No Other Choice almost made to the Oscars; it was the shortlisted South Korean entry for the Best International Feature category. Yet this incredible film was nowhere to be seen during Wednesday's Oscars nominations announcement. Make it make sense. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: The 98th Oscars airs live on March 15 on ABC and Hulu.

Ryan Coogler's Sinners has just hit an Oscars record out of the park.

The lauded genre-bending vampire film starring Michael B. Jordan has landed a whopping 16 Academy Award nominations, announced in a ceremony on Thursday morning.

Per the New York Times, Sinners beat the three previous record-holders, which held 14 nominations each: All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).

Fellow nominees One Battle After Another landed 13 nods, Marty Supreme earned nine, and Hamnet got seven nominations.

So, what Oscars is Sinners up for?

Beyond the all-important Best Picture, Coogler is nominated for Best Directing and Best Writing (Original Screenplay).

Jordan is up for Best Actor in a Leading Role alongside Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).

Also in the acting realm, Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku are nominated for Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role, respectively.

Production and design nominations for Sinners include Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Production Design. The film is also up for Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Casting, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.

Plus, Ludwig Göransson is nominated for Best Music (Original Score) and, along with Raphael Saadiq, Best Music (Original Song) for "I Lied to You."

How to watch: The 98th Oscars airs live on March 15 on ABC and Hulu. Check out the whole list of 2026 Oscar nominees — and who got snubbed?

When it came to movies, 2025 was outstanding. Critics and audiences alike were awed by such sensational films as Sinners, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and No Other Choice — just to name a few. But which of these will earn a coveted Oscar nod? Today's the day we find out.

Academy Award nominee Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards in a live presentation from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. So how many of our favorites made the list? And who didn't?

Sinners got a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, One Battle After Another scored 13, Marty Supreme earned nine, and Hamnet received seven nominations, but nothing for our favorite sad boy, Paul Mescal.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Best Actor in a Supporting Role 

Benicio Del Toro – One Battle After Another 

Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein 

Delroy Lindo – Sinners

Sean Penn – One Battle After Another 

Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value

Best Actress in a Supporting Role 

Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value 

Amy Madigan – Weapons

Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners 

Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another

Best Animated Short Film 

"Butterfly"

"Forevergreen"

"The Girl Who Cried Pearls"

"Retirement Plan"

"The Three Sisters"

Best Costume Design

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Frankenstein 

Hamnet 

Marty Supreme

Sinners

Best Live Action Short Film

"Butchers Stain"

"A Friend of Dorothy"

"Jane Austen's Period Drama"

"The Singers"

"Two People Exchanging Saliva"

Best Makeup and Hairstyling 

Frankenstein 

Kokuho

Sinners 

The Smashing Machine 

The Ugly Stepsister

Best Music (Original Score) 

Bugonia

Frankenstein

Hamnet

One Battle After Another

Sinners

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Will Tracy – Bugonia

Guillermo del Toro – Frankenstein

Chloé Zhao and Maggie O'Farrell – Hamnet

Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar – Train Dreams

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Robert Kaplow - Blue Moon

Jafar Panahi - It Was Just an Accident

Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme

Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value

Ryan Coogler – Sinners

Best Actor in a Leading Role 

Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another 

Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon 

Michael B. Jordan – Sinners 

Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent

Best Actress in a Leading Role 

Jessie Buckley – Hamnet 

Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I'd Kick You 

Kate Hudson - Song Sung Blue

Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value 

Emma Stone – Bugonia 

Best Animated Feature Film 

Arco

Elio

KPop Demon Hunters

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Zootopia 2

Best Picture

Bugonia

F1

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

The Secret Agent

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Train Dreams

Best Casting

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

The Secret Agent

Sinners

Best Cinematography 

Frankenstein

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

Sinners

Train Dreams

Best Directing 

Chloé Zhao – Hamnet

Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme

Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value

Ryan Coogler – Sinners

Best Documentary Feature Film 

The Alabama Solution

Come See Me in the Good Light

Cutting Through Rocks

Mr. Nobody Against Putin

The Perfect Neighbor

Best Documentary Short Film 

"All the Empty Rooms"

"Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud"

"Children No More: Were and are Gone"

"The Devil is Busy"

"Perfectly A Strangeness"

Best Film Editing

F1

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Best International Feature Film 

The Secret Agent 

It Was Just an Accident 

Sentimental Value

Sirāt 

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Best Music (Original Song) 

"Dear Me" - Diane Warren: Relentless

"Golden - Kpop Demon Hunters

"I Lied to You" – Sinners

"Sweet Dreams of Joy" – Viva Verdi!

"Train Dreams" – Train Dreams

Best Production Design 

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

Sinners

Best Sound

F1

Frankenstein

One Battle After Another

Sinners

Sirāt 

Best Visual Effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash 

F1 

Jurassic World Rebirth

The Lost Bus

Sinners

How to watch: The 98th Oscars airs live on March 15 on ABC and Hulu.

The life of a cinephile knows no rest! Today is not only the day when cheers and jeers are sounding across Hollywood as the nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards hit, but it's also the opening day for the Sundance Film Festival, where Oscar buzz begins.

It was last year at Sundance that Rose Byrne began to be heralded for her ruthlessly intense performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. The fest also premiered the sublimely twisted fairytale The Ugly Stepsister, the couples nightmare of Together, and Eva Victor's brilliant directorial debut Sorry. Baby. So what can we look forward to in 2026?

Mashable has probed the Sundance Film Festival guide for the movies sure to spark debate, garner buzz, or leave audiences rattled. Here are our picks for the must-sees of Sundance 2026.

1. Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant

Credit: Sundance

Kiwi comedy has gifted American audiences such treasures as What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and The Breaker Upperers. Now it's giving us the utterly deranged and delightful Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant.

This New Zealand comedy from the directing duo THUNDERLIPS centers on a surly millennial underachiever (Hannah Lynch) whose hasty hook-up with an awkward neighbor (Arlo Green) leads to — well — getting alien pregnant. See, he's part alien, which explains why his junk is pretty otherworldly. But from this unintended pregnancy spirals a comedy about motherhood that's hilarious, subversive, pretty gross, and surprisingly heartwarming.

Starring: Hannah Lynch, Yvette Parsons, Arlo Green, and Jackie van Beek

How to watch: Mum, I'm Alien Pregnant is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time.

2. Everybody to Kenmure Street

Credit: Sundance

If you're in need of a sign that a single act of solidarity can make a big difference, you'll relish the documentary Everybody to Kenmure Street. Documentarian Felipe Bustos Sierra, who previously explored with Nae Pasaran how a Scottish workers' protest made waves in Chile, offers another tale of resistance on Scottish soil.

In May of 2021, a diverse neighborhood in Glasgow was disrupted by a UK Home Office raid that targeted two Muslim residents on the first day of Eid. Before the two could be whisked away for possible deportation, their neighbors spontaneously joined together in an impactful and peaceful civil resistance. And it all began with one bloke chucking himself under the van so the two abducted men couldn't be carted away.

Through interviews with the people who were there that day, Sierra offers a poignant and thought-provoking story that's all too relevant as ICE invades American cities, streets, and homes. However, the most mind-bending bits of this documentary come from the everyday folks who shared their stories, but not their faces. For instance, the bloke under the van chose not to be shown, so his interview is recreated by Emma Thompson, who's wrapped in a denim jacket, using a deep Scottish accent, and staged under a van. If you can't wrap your head around that, all the more reason to seek out Everybody to Kenmure Street.

Starring: Emma Thompson and Kate Dickie

How to watch: Everybody to Kenmore Street can be viewed at the festival in person or through Sundance's streaming platform from Jan. 29, 10 a.m. ET, to Feb. 2, 1:55 a.m. ET. Buy your ticket here.

3. Buddy

Credit: Sundance

Remember the viral sensation that was Too Many Cooks? Well, the wild mind behind that and other Adult Swim offerings is making his feature directorial debut with a horror comedy called Buddy.

The logline offers only this: "A brave girl and her friends must escape a kids' television show." But the early buzz is that this movie basically imagines what would happen if a Barney taping went sideways in the most outrageous way possible. If that's not enough to entice you, check out that cast.

Starring: Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, and Patton Oswalt

How to watch: Buddy is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time.

4. When a Witness Recants

Credit: Sundance

Last year, Sundance had a strong showing in true crime docs, premiering the critically acclaimed Zodiac Killer Project, The Perfect Neighbor, and Predators. This year, we've got our eye on When a Witness Recants, the latest from documentarian Dawn Porter (Luther: Never Too Much, The Sing Sing Chronicles).

Collaborating with Ta-Nehisi Coates, Porter explores a case close to the author's heart. In 1983, Coates was a middle schooler in Baltimore when the city was rocked by the robbery and murder of a teen boy. From there, coerced testimony would lead to a major miscarriage of justice that still ripples through the community. What went down and what it means today is sure to hit hard.

How to watch: When a Witness Recants is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time.

5. The Gallerist

Credit: Sundance

Director Cathy Yan gifted us the supremely entertaining Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). So her name alone is enough for us to be giddy in anticipation of her film follow-up, The Gallerist.

Then, the perturbing premise promises to skewer the posh art world with a psychological twist. Natalie Portman stars as a gallerist desperate to impress an art influencer played by Zach Galifianakis. But when the work from her aspiring star (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) doesn't wow him, she'll literally sell a corpse as art to make her mark. Color us intrigued.

Starring: Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Catherine Zeta-Jones

How to watch: The Gallerist is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time.

6. Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story

Credit: Sundance

Perhaps you don't know the name Maria Bamford, but chances are good you've heard her work. Outside of being a stellar stand-up comedian who uses funny voices and powerful punchlines to bring light to dark topics, she's a prolific voice actor who's worked on Futurama, Rock & Morty, Adventure Time, BoJack Horseman, Big Mouth, Harley Quinn, and many, many more shows.

This documentary, however, is more in line with her stand-up, which has long dealt with her mental health journey with brilliant humor and insight. Directed by Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story charts the course of Bamford's childhood in Duluth, Minnesota, to her discovery of stand-up in college, chasing her dream of comedy to Los Angeles, and beyond.

Starring: Maria Bamford

How to watch: Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time.

7. The Moment

Erupcja, 100 Nights of Hero, and now The Moment — Charli XCX is all over cinema... at the moment. But where the first two movies have the pop star playing different roles and sinking into fictional settings, The Moment is a mockumentary in which Charli XCX presents a look at her life and work through an A24 lens.

What does that mean? We can't wait to find out. Lucky for those not at Sundance, you won't have to wait long!*

Starring: Charli XCX, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Hailey Benton Gates, Isaac Powell, and Alexander Skarsgård

How to watch: Following its Sundance premiere, The Moment opens in theaters on Jan. 30.

8. Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass

Credit: Sundance

The State is back with a new movie. David Wain and Ken Marino (Wet Hot American Summer) reteamed for the screenplay of Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, and while Wain directs, fans of the American comedy troupe will clock some familiar faces in the supporting cast.

However, it's Zoey Deutch who stars as Gail Daughtry, a bride-to-be whose road to wedlock is disrupted when her fiancé uses his celebrity hall pass. Essentially, he slept with a celebrity crush, so now, before she's hitched, Gail wants to get even by bedding her own: Jon Hamm.

Good sign for Gail's efforts, Jon Hamm is listed in the cast! Bad sign: Marino probably won't have this leaning romantic fantasy. Ready your body for a wacky sex comedy.

Starring: Zoey Deutch, Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Ken Marino, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Ben Wang, Sabrina Impacciatore, Joe Lo Truglio, Mather Zickel, Tobie Windham, Fred Melamed, Michael Cassidy, and Kerri Kenney-Silver

How to watch: Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time.

9. Saccharine

Credit: Sundance

Writer/director Natalie Erika James has been sculpting a sensational reputation in horror with her harrowing feature debut Relic and the ambitious Rosemary's Baby prequel Apartment 7A, which was downright spectacular. For her next offering, James digs back into body horror with Saccharine.

Midori Frances stars as Hana, a medical student who is convinced that losing weight will solve her misery. But when a dubious miracle pill causes paranormal activity around her, Hana realizes she's at risk of losing way more than the pounds she intends.

If you're craving gory, unhinged horror with a slathering of social commentary, sink your teeth into Saccharine.

Starring: Midori Francis, Danielle Macdonald, and Madeleine Madden

How to watch: Saccharine is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical and streaming details are unknown at this time, but Independent Film Company has purchased the U.S. and UK distribution rights for this movie. So stay tuned!

10. Wicker

Credit: Sundance

This comedy, starring Olivia Colman, promises to redefine the term "boyfriend material."

Writing/directing duo Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, who previously delivered the sci-fi comedy Save Yourselves!, have reteamed for this medieval tale, in which a fisherwoman (Colman) commissions a basketmaker to weaver her a husband. Naturally, this bespoke wickerman is played by Pillion's Alexander Skarsgård. Sold.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, Elizabeth Debicki, Marli Siu, and Nabhaan Rizwan

How to watch: Wicker is playing at the Sundance Film Festival. Theatrical or streaming details are unknown at this time.

Shingo Yamashita's Cosmic Princess Kaguya! presents a virtual world so dazzling and well-run you'll wish it actually existed. 

The Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 opening sequence director's feature debut is set both in reality and in the virtual world of Tsukuyomi, offering a level of expert world-building. With an almost two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the film feels like it could have been a miniseries, instead keeping you locked into the world of protagonists Iroha (Anna Nagase) and Kaguya (Yuko Natsuyoshi) for three distinct acts.

It's the latest of a three-film deal between Netflix and Japanese animation studio Studio Colorido — following Hiroyasu Ishida's gorgeous Drifting Home and Tomotaka Shibayama's My Oni Girl — Kaguya! is actually a collab with Yamashita's own Studio Chromato. But it's also the latest triumph of an original anime film from the streaming service, following dreamy co-productions like Wit Studio's Bubble.

A modern fairy tale rooted in gaming and streaming culture, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! not only offers a sweet story of love, independence, connection, and finding your voice, but also imagines a simply beautiful online space devoid of the internet's worst elements. With a soundtrack of Vocaloid (AI singing synthesisers created by Yamaha) producers including HoneyWorks, kz (livetune), ryo (supercell), Aqu3ra, yuigot, and 40mP, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! imagines the ultimate tech-fuelled social gaming experience, with the creator economy front and centre. 

But first, it starts with a baby in a glowing rainbow telephone pole.

What is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! about?

Credit: Netflix

Yamashita's film not only draws narrative inspiration from the Japanese folktale The Tale of Princess Kaguya (aka The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter), but the characters are well aware of it. The story, from Japan's classical Heian period (794-1185), follows a man who finds a baby inside a glowing bamboo stalk, and cares for her with his wife — they call her Kaguya-hime or "Shining Princess”. She grows into a young woman extremely quickly, revealing she's no regular human (in fact, she's from the moon). Time grows short for Kaguya on Earth, as her lunar home beckons.

The tale has been retold for centuries (including in Sailor Moon), most recently by Studio Ghibli with Isao Takahata's Oscar-nominated The Tale of the Princess Kaguya — and as far as shadows go, the lauded animation studio casts a long one. However, Yamashita and co-writer Saeri Natsuo find a contemporary approach, reshaping long-told characters through online connection, fandom, and gaming culture.

In this present-day version, a baby girl is found by songwriter, gaming streamer, and hardworking student Iroha (voiced by Anna Nagase), not within a bamboo stalk but a glowing telephone pole. Understandably stressed out, Iroha is plunged into single parenthood overnight. However, it's not for long, as the mysterious infant grows quickly into a boisterous girl (Yuko Natsuyoshi) who says she hails from the moon — Iroha recognises the Bamboo Cutter similarities and names her guest Kaguya.

Credit: Netflix

Kaguya's arrival is not easy for Iroha at first. Having left home before graduating high school, Iroha is fiercely independent, spending every waking hour working or studying, paying all her own bills, and putting her hopes on a scholarship to the University of Tokyo. "Work, study, work, food" is Iroha's schedule for summer break, and her estranged relationship with her family is complicated. Kaguya is her polar opposite, a hurricane of impulsive, irresponsible, vivacious energy who drains Iroha's bank account without a thought and finds childlike wonder in literally everything. 

By night, Iroha uses a contact lens-enabled VR gaming device to exist in the virtual world of Tsukuyomi, a creative realm run by AI livestreamer and idol Yachiyo Runami (Saori Hayami), whom Iroha worships. And it's in this wondrous platform that Kaguya finds her personal drive: to enlist Iroha's unsung musical talents to become a top streamer and idol — a quest for virality that starts, naturally, with googling "how to become a streamer." Sadly, like the folktale, their time together is on the clock.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! actually gets online gaming, streaming, and fandom

Credit: Netflix

Within Tsukuyomi, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! builds a sparkling testament to gaming mechanics, idol fandom, and the creator economy. The platform's innovative avatar customisation menus and skins mean wondrous animated costumes, hair, and makeup design, and players can tailor their in-game transports (why wouldn't you and your friends all have matching tiger motorbikes online?).

The actual world-building of Tsukuyomi is fascinating to take in, all through cinematographer Daisuke Chiba's dazzling shots. Creativity and popularity are the ultimate currencies in a world where "everyone's a performer." Players can earn both real-world money and in-game currency as creators by building their supporters, who buy tickets to tune in to livestreams of concerts held at Tsukuyomi venues. Notifications pop up in front of players to remind them of events, and virtual market stalls sell merch and food items, though taste and smell technology is still in development. And notably, there's an entry-level tier that allows gamers to simply enjoy being unstressed and surrounded by abundance in the virtual world — "Even a broke girl like me can have all the fun she wants in here," Iroha tells Kaguya.

But there's also a major gaming element here, with performers gaining fame through streamed multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games with other players. There are even in-game news broadcasters and esports commentators. Events encourage players to earn supporters, with the Yachiyo Cup proving a core narrative propeller for the film — every streamer in Tsukuyomi competes to earn the most new fans in a month. The prize? A live collab concert with Yachiyo herself.

Here, Kaguya and Iroha come face to face with their competition: a trio of gamers called Black Onyx, led by popular streamer Mikado (Miyu Irino), with an army of supporters known as "Bunnies." And it's through this rivalry that we're gifted one of the film's very best sequences: a second-act showdown in a MOBA game that boasts some incredible combat choreography and quickfire editing by Ryōta Kinami. And it's not the only jaw-dropping sequence.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a feat of simply dazzling animation

Credit: Netflix

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is the kind of animated adventure that leans into the genre's possibilities, seeing physical space as something to be optimised and disrupted. Though the film's animation is at its best within the neon and pastel virtual world of Tsukuyomi — where production effects aren't constrained by physics — Yamashita also spends time offering up the beauty of the real world, as Kaguya and Iroha find spending time together IRL can be just as magical as their virtual adventures.

Yamashita also plays with animated genres throughout the film, dancing between various forms to fill backstory, from adorable 8-bit gaming sequences to a style akin to traditional Japanese scroll painting. And thanks to musical sequence director Naoya Nakayama, the Vocaloid songs shimmer through the screen. It's this fluidity of stunning visual storytelling, high-energy editing, and a sense of limitless imaginative potential that makes Cosmic Princess Kaguya! such a vivid environment to experience. But at its core, our protagonists exude humanity, authenticity, and pure connection, two stars in a love story that transcends reality. 

Though the tale may be classical, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! feels wildly contemporary, offering a brilliant modern take with an understanding of digital culture, fandom, and connection — online or off, Earthly or lunar.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is streaming on Netflix Jan. 22.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

22. The Big Fake

Forging great artworks is not an easy criminal task — you have to make the viewer believe they're looking at the work of ancient masters like Monet, Michelangelo, or Magritte. It’s the key talent of Toni Chichiarelli (Pietro Castellitto) of Netflix’s The Big Fake, a glitzy drama from Italian director Stefano Lodovichi (The Guest Room). Set in '70s Rome, the film sees Toni drawn into a glamorous underworld of wheeling and dealing in fakes, which gets more tumultuous and dangerous with each masterpiece. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Pietro Castellitto, Giulia Michelini, Andrea Arcangeli, Pierluigi Gigante, Aurora Giovinazzo, Edoardo Pesce, and Claudio Santamaria

How to watch: The Big Fake debuts on Netflix on Jan. 23.

21. Drops of God, Season 2

Consider yourself a bit of a sommelier? Could you blind taste a glass in front of you? Well, Apple TV's French-Japanese drama Drops of God takes the world of wine extremely seriously. Based on the Japanese manga series of the same name, Drops of God Season 1 followed the death of wealthy wine boss Alexandre Léger (Stanley Weber), who pitted his traumatised daughter Camille (Fleur Geffrier) and dedicated student Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita) against each other in a super somm-off — all to inherit his covetable private wine cellar. This season, there are even more quaffable questions about Léger they'll try to resist answering — but these two can't help themselves when it comes to identifying wine. — S.C.

Starring: Tomohisa Yamashita, Fleur Geffrier, and Tom Wozniczka

How to watch: Drops of God Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes Wednesdays.

20. Free Bert

Stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer get his own sitcom with Free Bert. Known as a shirtless party animal, Bert finds himself in complicated terrain as his daughters get accepted into an elite private school. Sure, all parents embarrass their kids. But being known as the comedian who doesn't wear his shirt? Next-level cringe.

With family fun and plenty of f-bombs, Free Bert is a show of class conflict and ballsy comedy. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Bert Kreischer, Arden Myrin, Chris Witaske, and Mandell Maughan

How to watch: Free Bert is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Skyscraper Live

Alex Honnold is about to do something wild, dangerous, and frankly, flummoxing.

The daring Free Solo pro climber gained fame for becoming the first person to climb Yosemite's El Capitan without safety ropes. Now, he is set to do it again — only this time he's picked Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world at 101 stories high. And he's going to do it live on Netflix, in real time.

Honnold's rope-free skyscraper climb will come with live commentary from sports anchor Elle Duncan, with special guests dropping by throughout. Honnold has checked in on Instagram, posting that he was "getting over my jet lag and feeling pretty good. Getting psyched!" — S.C.

Starring: Alex Honnold, Elle Duncan, Emily Harrington, Mark Rober, Seth Rollins, and Pete Woods

How to watch: Skyscraper Live streams live on Netflix Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.

18. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

I have no love for these latest relaunched Ghostbuster movies. They retconned the best bits of the previous franchise to turn Egon into a deadbeat dad whose death left behind a sullen daughter (Carrie Coon) and precocious grandkids (Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard), who must bust ghosts despite their generational trauma.

I called Ghostbusters: Afterlife a "soulless ode to nepotism." Yet I admit this frosty sequel isn't so bad. In my review, I wrote, "This makes for a new chapter that is overcrowded with characters, CGI ghouls, and science yelling. While at points, there's jokes that actually land (thanks to the likes of Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt), overall, this sequel is a confounding mix of fan service and inexplicable choices meant to cater to a broad audience." — K.P.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts, Kumail Nanjiani, and Patton Oswalt

How to watch: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is now on Hulu.

17. Finding Her Edge

Attempting to ride the coattails of HBO's wildly popular sports romance Heated Rivalry, Netflix's latest romance is also set on the ice. Adapted from Jennifer Iacopelli's YA novel and very loosely inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, Finding Her Edge follows figure skater Adriana Russo (Madelyn Keys), whose quest for corporate sponsorship sees her in a pretend relationship with her skating partner, Brayden (Cale Ambrozic). But what of her former skating partner, Freddie O’Connell (Olly Atkins), who also happens to be Adriana's first love?

Reader, you might be thinking, didn't Netflix already have an ice skating YA series? You'd be correct; Netflix cancelled ice skating drama Spinning Out, starring Kaya Scodelario, after just one season in 2022. Hmmm. — S.C.

Starring: Madelyn Keys, Cale Ambrozic, Harmon Walsh, Alexandra Beaton, and Olly Atkins

How to watch: Finding Her Edge is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Handsome Devil: Charming Killer

If you're craving a new true crime watch, this three-part documentary series could scratch that itch — or leave you irritated.

Handsome Devil: Charming Killer dives into the homicidal rampage of Wade Wilson, who, because he shares his name with a certain MCU anti-hero, has been dubbed the "Deadpool Killer." The facts of the case are harrowing, involving a string of assaults, two of which turned into cold-blooded murder. Yet when Wilson's case made headlines, lots of people flocked to social media to swoon over this "handsome devil."

This mini-series attempts to explore the charm (and manipulation) that lured men and women to pursue him romantically while he was behind bars, even as he was on trial for multiple homicides. Alongside lawyers and journalists, the filmmakers also interview a couple of Wilson's exes — including a former fiancee that began their relationship after his arrest. Yet they fall short of answering some nagging questions. The show's makers seem most interested in the shocking details of the crimes and the troubling fans who rose around him than they do the deeper impacts of the case and the online harassment Wilson's survivor faced.

While this one is shocking, it's more infuriating than informative. I'd keep scrolling for a much better true crime doc below. —K.P.

How to watch: Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is now on Paramount+.

15. Queer Eye, Season 10

There's been a lot of talk recently about Queer Eye behind the scenes, from alleged feuds to one cast member retreating from promo citing fears of "being bullied." It's been a long road of exposés and of responses. So, after 10 seasons of uplifting makeovers, a whole town revamp, and groundbreaking onscreen representation, it's a strange vibe knowing Queer Eye is dropping its final episodes amid it all. Set in Washington, D.C., the final season will see Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent meeting, making over, and inspiring folks from the capital while reflecting on the show's legacy. It's a weird time to bid farewell to one of the most feel-good shows on TV knowing what we know and/or suspect about how the cast really feels about each other. — S.C.

Starring: Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, and Jeremiah Brent

How to watch: Queer Eye Season 10 is now streaming on Netflix.

14. WWE: Unreal, Season 2

Digging its anchor further into the world of WWE, Netflix takes you behind the scenes of the complex production puzzle that is wrestling with docuseries Unreal — and there's a brand-new season. This time around, director Chris Weaver and showrunner Erik Powers give you a seat in Gorilla Position, tracking the road to SummerSlam 2025 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, through writing, choreography, technical production, backstage drama, and more. Expect appearances by Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Naomi, and many more. — S.C.

Starring: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, R-Truth, Iyo Sky, Naomi, Chelsea Green, Penta, and Lyra Valkyria.

How to watch: WWE: Unreal Season 2 is now on Netflix.

13. Venom: Let There Be Carnage

This 2021 superhero movie dared to ask what's better than one extraterrestrial symbiote running amok on Earth? The answer? Two extraterrestrial symbiotes running amok on Earth.

This Spider-Man spinoff sequel stars Tom Hardy as ever-in-trouble Eddie Brock and his symbiote frenemy Venom. This chaotic duo finds their world rocked when an interview with serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson, dusting off that Natural Born Killers energy) gets infected, transforming him into the monstrous Carnage.

In her review for Mashable, Alison Foreman wrote upon the film's release, "Despite the chaos, Let There Be Carnage is supremely watchable. You’ll follow the main narrative with ease, find respite in the moments Michelle Williams’ Anne is forced to take control of her ex-boyfriend(s), and otherwise have an amazingly weird time. It’s breezy, yet bold; silly, yet compelling; a flurry of fuckery you won't want to miss. If you liked the first Venom, you'll enjoy his second outing just as much. After all, 'we are Venom' and three years later, that’s still rad as hell." — K.P.

Starring: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, and Woody Harrelson

How to watch: Venom: Let There Be Carnage is now on Disney+.

12. Star Search

No need to check your calendar. Star Search, the reality TV competition series before we even called it that, is back. Anthony Anderson steps into Ed McMahon's shows, taking the role of host of this talent competition, while Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen will serve as judges for a flood of aspiring singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and surprising performers.

The original series ran from 1983 to 1995, and featured appearances from the likes of Aaliyah, Adam Sandler, Alanis Morissette, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Dave Chappelle, Beyoncé, and Pitbull. So, watching this Netflix relaunch means you could be watching the a new star be born — live! — K.P.

How to watch: Star Search debuted on Netflix January 20, with new episodes airing live on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

11. Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!

Mel Brooks is a living legend of comedy. Since his outrageously funny directorial debut, 1967's The Producers, Brooks has been making audiences cackle with a long list of sensational spoofs like Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs (to name a few). But how much do you know about the man behind the masterclass of silliness?

In this two-part documentary, Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio look back on Brooks' incredible career and life with the man himself, his collaborators, and a slew of comedians who see him as an inspiration. — K.P.

Starring: Mel Brooks, Ben Stiller, Bill Pullman, Dave Chappelle, Conan O'Brien, and many more

How to watch: Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! is now streaming on HBO Max.

10. Um, Actually, Season 11

Do you love trivia? Or being pedantic? Well, then Dropout's Um, Actually is the show for you! Each week, host Ify Nwadiwe challenges three players to find the error in long-winded facts about everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Doctor Who to Lord of the Rings and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. And unlike at a party, where such attention to detail can be downright grating, here, it's pretty hilarious.

But hey, remember. It's not enough to be right. You got to start your answer with "Um, actually." After all, this is basically Jeopardy! for funny nerds, like Dimension 20's Brennan Lee Mulligan and Critical Role's Matt Mercer. But that's not all. Take a look at the guest list for Season 11, and feel free to geek out in anticipation. — K.P.

Starring: Ify Nwadiwe, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Matt Mercer, Erika Ishii, Jordan Myrick, Angela Giarratana, Zac Oyama, Jarvis Johnson, Ally Beardsley, and Oscar Montoya

How to watch: Um, Actually Season 11's premiere is now streaming on Dropout.

9. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is the gift that keeps on giving. Created by the late Stephen Hillenburg, the Nickelodeon cartoon series that debuted in 1999 has offered over 300 episodes, spin-off shows like Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show, plus a growing list of movies. And it just doesn't get old to see this gleeful fry cook giggle.

In The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the titular hero is on a quest to become a swashbuckler, like his mentor/boss Mr. Krabs. The ghost pirate known as The Flying Dutchman promises he can get SpongeBob to his goal. But curiously, it's not the goofy goober's bravery or swordsmanship that attracts the attention of this nefarious figure, it's his outstanding bubble-blowing abilities.

This adventure is supremely silly, action-packed, and ultimately sweet. If you're looking for a movie to shut your brain off and just enjoy, you'd be hard-pressed to make a better choice than this. — K.P.

Starring: Tom Kenny, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown, Ice Spice, Arturo Castro, Mark Hamill, Regina Hall, and Rodger Bumpass

How to watch: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

The Bear star Jeremy Allen White unleashes his inner Bruce Springsteen in this musical biopic from writer/director Scott Cooper. Instead of focusing on the Boss' career as a whole, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere zeroes in on the making of Springsteen's sixth studio album, Nebraska, which he recorded sparsely on a four-track in his bedroom. The film parallels the production with Springsteen's struggles with depression, crafting a solemn portrait of the musician.

While White turns in an admirable performance as Springsteen, the rest of the film pales in comparison, hitting standard biopic beats like troubled childhoods and the flashes of genius that lead to a great song. As I wrote in my review, "While the film's music remains classic as ever, and while White does an admirable job channeling Springsteen, Deliver Me From Nowhere fails to deliver anything revelatory about the actual emotions behind the music."* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Marc Maron, and David Krumholtz

How to watch: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere comes to Hulu on Jan. 23.

7. Smosh Hospital

YouTube comedy collective Smosh skewers your favorite hospital dramas in this ridiculously fun, partially improvised live show, now available on VOD.

In the vein of The Pitt, ER, and Grey's Anatomy, Smosh Hospital follows the personal and professional lives of the nurses and doctors working at Loving Embrace Memorial. There's just one catch: Each character is played by two actors, and every time one of them breaks, the other takes their place. The result is a madcap improv carousel where everyone tries to make their scene partners laugh.

You'll get more mileage if you're already a Smosh fan, especially when it comes to the show's many inside jokes, but if you've got 90 minutes to spare and need a break from the tension headaches caused by The Pitt, this is a worthy cure. — B.E.

Starring: Angela Giarratana, Courtney Miller, Shayne Topp, Arasha, Tommy Bowe, Trevor Evarts, Olivia Sui, Amanda Lehan-Canto, Anthony Padilla, Chanse McCrary, Damien Haas, Keith Leak, Noah Grossman, and Spencer Agnew

How to watch: Smosh Hospital is available for purchase on VOD until Feb. 1.

6. Mother of Flies

Do you know the Adams family? We're not talking the fictional spooky, ooky ones. We're talking the real-life filmmaking family behind such trippy indie horror movies as The Deeper You Dig, Hellbender, and Hell Hole.

Their latest, Mother of Flies, is written, directed by, and starring mother Toby Poser, father John Adams, and their youngest daughter, Zelda Adams. This witchy story follows a young woman with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Having convinced her father to drive her deep into the woods to meet a self-proclaimed witch (Poser), the pair set out on a strange adventure of faith and fear. Creepy and trippy, Mother of Flies is sure to make your skin crawl. — K.P.

Starring: Toby Poser, Zelda Adams, Lulu Adams, and John Adams

How to watch: Mother of Flies debuts on Shudder on Jan. 23.

5. The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins

From the creators of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 30 Rock comes a mockumentary sitcom that teams up Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe.

Blending a barrage of pop culture references with daffy humor from comedy masters, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins centers on the eponymous former NFL star (Morgan), who was publicly disgraced over a gambling scandal decades ago. Looking to reboot his image, he invites a high-strung documentarian (Radcliffe) into his home, where he's coddled by his young girlfriend, his spoiled son, his dopey bestie, and his manager/ex-wife. But can they all agree on a vision for how this has-been should be seen?

If you like Robert Carlock and Sam Means' previous shows, you'll like relish their latest as well. Frankly, the chaotic possibilities of Morgan and Radcliffe alone have us hooked. — K.P.

Starring: Tracy Morgan, Erika Alexander, Precious Way, Jalyn Hall, Bobby Moynihan, and Daniel Radcliffe

How to watch: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' premiere is now streaming on Peacock, with new episodes on Sundays.

4. Merrily We Roll Along

In 2023, the hottest ticket on Broadway was Merrily We Roll Along. Sure, the Stephen Sondheim show flopped when first launched in 1981. But this revival offered Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, three dynamic and massively talented performers who each got a Tony Award nomination for their work here. (Groff and Radcliffe won, and so did the show for Best Revival of a Musical).

But don't fret if you couldn't get into this heralded live event, because their incredible performances were recorded for posterity — and home viewing.

Directed by Maria Friedman, Merrily We Roll Along is the story a friendship between three aspiring dreamers — told in reverse. The show begins with movie producer Franklin Shepard (Groff) hosting a wild party in his lavish home, where his best friend, Mary Flynn (Mendez), is throwing back booze and throwing out barbs, while his former collaborator, Charley Kringas (Radcliffe), is nowhere to be seen. From there, the show works back to through their highs and lows, to their idealistic youth. It's a stunner of a production, in no small part because of the charismatic trio's verve in tackling such tough material. But be warned, this could kick you into a mid-life crisis — whatever your age. — K.P.

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez

How to watch: Merrily We Roll Along is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Cosmic Princess Kaguya!

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! hits Netflix this week, promising a dazzling trip through the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi, all set to music composed with Yamaha's unique singing synthesizer software known as Vocaloid. The feature debut of Shingo Yamashita (Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen) the anime film is inspired by Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, with songs by Vocaloid producers like HoneyWorks, kz (livetune), ryo (supercell), Aqu3ra, yuigot, and 40mP.

Moon-born Kaguya (voiced by Yuko Natsuyoshi) befriends Earthling, songwriter, and honour student Iroha (Anna Nagase). Not wanting to return to her lunar home, Kaguya instead wants to become Tsukuyomi's top idol, with Iroha's help. But they'll first need to meet "the diva of Tsukuyomi," Yachiyo (Saori Hayami), and suss out the competition.

"Shingo Yamashita's Cosmic Princess Kaguya! presents a virtual world so dazzling and well-run you'll wish it actually existed," I wrote in my review. "A modern fairy tale rooted in gaming and streaming culture, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! not only offers a sweet story of love, independence, connection, and finding your voice, but also imagines a simply beautiful online space devoid of the internet's worst elements." — S.C.

Starring: Yuko Natsuyoshi, Anna Nagase, and Saori Hayami

How to watch: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart

Elizabeth Smart's survival story is horrific; however, this documentary is hopeful. Among interviews with police officers, witnesses, and the Smart family, Elizabeth herself speaks of her experience with an incredible clarity and a sharp wit that will inspire and may even have you cackling at the expense of her criminal captor.

In 2002, Smart's story made national headlines, first when the 14-year-old was abducted from her family home in the middle of a summer night. Nine months later, the nation was in awe when she was found alive.

The first half of Benedict Sanderson's documentary recounts the details you might remember from the coverage at the time, about the crime, the suspects, and the flummoxed cops. In the second half, Smart reveals what she endured in captivity, but also what she's learned about survival, letting go of shame, and moving on. A thoughtful mix of darkness and light, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is a true crime doc well worth your time. — K.P.

Starring: Elizabeth Smart

How to watch: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is now streaming on Netflix.

Best of Streaming this week:
The Beauty

Ryan Murphy's latest series, The Beauty, opens with a bang, as Bella Hadid spontaneously combusts after going on a Paris catwalk killing spree. (I dare you not to get hooked after that.)

Hadid's character Ruby is one of many supermodels infected with the Beauty, a sexually transmitted disease that turns its hosts into the most beautiful versions of themselves. Side effects include blowing up, which is why FBI agents Madsen and Bennett (Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall) are on the case. In their search, they'll cross paths with the wealthy Corporation (Ashton Kutcher), who plans to sell the Beauty to the masses — and kill anyone who stands in his way.

What follows is a heady cocktail of body horror and corporate conspiracies, punctuated by the occasional on-the-nose commentary on beauty standards. (Of course, the show is adhering to the same standards it critiques, creating a feedback loop of aggravation that never lets up throughout the show.) In the end, though, The Beauty is at its best when it's unhinged, and it's unhinged often. As I wrote in my review, "The Beauty is Ryan Murphy at his Ryan Murphy-est, which is to say that it's maximalist, deranged chaos." — B.E.

Starring: Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Ari Graynor, Bella Hadid, Ben Platt, Billy Eichner, Isabella Rossellini, Jessica Alexander, Julie Halston, Lux Pascal, Meghan Trainor, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Peter Gallagher, and Vincent D’Onofrio

How to watch: The first three episodes of The Beauty are now streaming on Hulu.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Anyone who grew up in the '80s is in for a treat, with Amazon MGM Studios dropping the first glimpse of live-action He-Man (Nicholas Galitzine) in a teaser for Masters of the Universe.

The teaser itself gives little away — it's pretty much a 30-second promo for the actual trailer dropping tomorrow — but we do see some brief glimpses of the heroes based on Mattel's famous action fantasy franchise.

Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Kristin Wiig, Jared Leto, and Idris Elba make up the incredibly stacked cast.

Masters of the Universe is in theaters on June 5.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck became Hollywood golden boys with Good Will Hunting before the childhood friends forged their own distinct paths in movie-making. Now they reunite for writer/director Joe Carnahan's The Rip, a Netflix action-thriller that's currently streaming.

In The Rip, Damon and Affleck play narcotics police officers whose long-time friendship is challenged when they discover $20 million in cash. Should they steal "the rip"? Their team is divided over the temptation to turn corrupt cops. And to hammer home some of the film's most dramatic moments, Carnahan blasted music between setups to give his cast, which includes Catalina Sandino Moreno and Sasha Calle, a sense of the tone he was building.

In an interview with Mashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, Carnahan, Damon, Affleck, Moreno, and Calle spoke about this use of music on set. Then Carnahan shared how he used an unconventional audio tool for the film's final moments. To hammer home the loss Affleck and Damon's characters feel over the death of their captain, Jackie Velez (Lina Esco), Carnahan recorded audio of their children and moms yelling "Jackie!" so he could play that on set.

Affleck explained how "trigger objects" can be a tool for actors to channel an emotion, and how that came into play in shooting The Rip.

The Rip is now streaming on Netflix.

If Stephen Graham's Golden Globes win for Adolescence has you hungering to see him onscreen again, you may well thrill at Heel's first trailer.

Once more, Graham plays a father fiercely protective of his family and determined to raise his boys right. But where the patriarch in Heel might seem like a bespectacled pushover, the reveal that he's got a teen boy locked up in the basement suggests this character has an even darker side than the devastated dad of Adolescence.

Directed by Jan Komasa, Heel centers on a family who resides in a remote home in the English countryside. There, they hold captive "bad boy" Tommy (Anson Boon), who patriarch Chris and his wife Kathryn (Andrea Riseborough) attempt to train to be a civilized young man. Their methods involve shackles, self-help video tapes, and beatings. But can Tommy be tamed? Or will he strive to escape?

On the festival circuit, Heel was known as Good Boy, not to be confused with the dog-fronted haunted house film. In my review out of TIFF, I cheered Graham and Riseborough's performances, and declared, "If you're seeking funky and fucked-up entertainment, Good Boy Heel should scratch that late-night movie itch."

So keep an eye out for this one.

Heel opens in theaters and on demand on March 6.

There are two periods of your life. There's before you see Ralph Fiennes absolutely devour an Iron Maiden musical number in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and there is after. And oh, how I pity anyone who's still living in the "before."

The electrifying sequence comes in the third act of Nia DaCosta's zombie banger, when Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell) brings his "Fingers" to the Bone Temple for an audience with Satan, aka Old Nick. Except the devil they encounter isn't really Old Nick. It's actually Dr. Ian Kelson (Fiennes), the temple's contemplative architect.

However, Dr. Kelson is under strict orders from Jimmy to sell the illusion that he is Old Nick. If he doesn't comply, he can kiss his life goodbye. So what does Dr. Kelson do? Throws on a leather jacket; daubs charcoal all over his eyes, teeth, and bare chest; and performs the literal hell out of Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast."

We're talking singing while climbing a pyramid of bones. Pyrotechnics. Drugging your audience so they trip out while you blast your decades-old Iron Maiden vinyl across the post-apocalyptic landscape. My eyes? Peeled. My jaw? Dropped. My hands? Raised throughout the entire grand finale in preparation for the applause Kelson so richly deserved. Based on the loud whoops and cheers that followed his fiery grand finale, the audience in my screening felt the exact same way.

Masterfully executed by DaCosta and Fiennes, the scene burns with high-stakes theatricality, the same kind that makes you ask "Can they really pull this off?" during an incredibly taxing Broadway number or a particularly rocking solo at a concert. But what I really associate Kelson's level of performance with is that holy grail of entertainment: a RuPaul's Drag Race Lip Sync for Your Life.

Ralph Fiennes in "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple." Credit: Miya Mizuno / Sony

A Lip Sync for Your Life is reality TV's best elimination challenge, one where two drag queens must perform a lip sync number on the spot — simultaneously! — in order to avoid being booted from the competition. Over the span of a single lip sync, you get everything: banger songs, dance moves to die for, all held together by the scorching tension of fighting to stay in the game.

And you know what fits the bill on all those criteria? Kelson's "The Number of the Beast" performance. Sure, he's not performing against an opponent, but he, like Drag Race's bottom two queens, is using a musical performance to avoid dire consequences. In the queens' case, that consequence is the horrible blow of being told to sashay away by RuPaul. In Kelson's case, that's the very real threat of Jimmy feeding him his own intestines. You be the judge of what's scarier.

On top of being a literal lip sync for his life, Kelson's showstopper really is proof he'd crush Drag Race. His drag name? Old Nick, of course. When he's not lip syncing to Iron Maiden, he's turning it out to Duran Duran.

We know Old Nick's got the lip syncs covered, but his gaunt makeup and leather number prove he'd nail a design challenge. He's also got the chops to crush acting challenges: Look no further than his phony sermon to Jimmy and his Fingers. And remember Drag Race's random interior design challenges where queens had to decorate a club or a bathroom? The man built a temple out of human bones; I think he'd be fine.

But what about the reading challenge? Could the kind Kelson really muster up that much shade? No worries if not. He could just call on another Fiennes character: Cardinal Lawrence from Conclave, a film that drew several Drag Race comparisons itself.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now in theaters.

Critics are raving about Nia DaCosta's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and a big part of why is the absolutely sensational climax, in which Ralph Fiennes channels his inner metal god to perform Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast" before an awed Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell) and his remaining Fingers. 

Last year, O'Connell himself stunned audiences with a dizzying collision of horror and dance with Sinners, in which he played the singing, Irish-jigging vampire Remmick. With The Bone Temple, O'Connell counted himself lucky to witness three-time Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes transforming from the mild-mannered Dr. Ian Kelson into a fire-twirling Satan, rocking out to an epic song.

In Mashable's Say More episode with DaCosta and O'Connell, the English actor described his reaction watching Fiennes perform this on set as "mindblown," saying, "Here's this legend of the game, fully going for it." 

For more from Mashable's Say More interview, check out the full episode on YouTube.

How did the Iron Maiden dance number in The Bone Temple come together? 

Credit: Sony Pictures

DaCosta reveals this devilish lip sync was in the Alex Garland screenplay, which as a whole made her eager to come on as director. However, reading this particular scene on the page, she thought, "Well, this could end my career. It's like, how do you make this work?"

Across 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple, Dr. Ian Kelson is a bit of an odd duck in the post-apocalypse. He lives in a bunker under a towering ossuary he's made of the bones of the dead. Between that and staining his skin an orangey-red with iodine, he's an intimidating figure at a distance — mistaken for Satan himself by Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman) and her sir, Lord Jimmy Crystal. But up close, he's a soft-spoken, educated man, eager to offer comfort and compassion however his skills and dwindling supply of drugs will allow. 

However, under threat of torture and death, the good doctor must masquerade as Satan himself to con the Fingers, as Jimmy demands. Cue Iron Maiden. 

Using the hand-crank record player he's had squirreled away in his bunker and a flurry of remarkable DIY theatrics, Kelson not only awes Jimmy and the Fingers — who admittedly have never seen a rock show of any sort — but also excites the theater audience. 

Both times I've seen Bone Temple (so far), once Kelson's performance concluded, the audience broke into applause and cheers of elation. But staring at the script, DaCosta was aware of how big a swing such a scene is. 

"I think at this point in my career, I've learned to just, like, trust the process and the collaborators," she said. "And that was, like, absolutely that. So Shelley Maxwell, my choreographer; Gareth [Pugh] and Carson [McColl], our costume and production designers; the special effects team; stunts; hair; makeup — like, everyone just came together. And once we [could] see what we want[ed] to do… It was just amazing. And then Ralph having to do that [performance] for hours and be basically naked."

She then deferred to O'Connell, asking, "There was one day where you guys just came at night to see the full thing, right?"

"Yeah," O'Connell concurred, adding, "It was a bit of a crescendo moment. All departments, set design, costumes, a big, big ring of fire and things. They are amazing moments anyway, them crescendo times. But for me, it was very hallucinogenic." 

DaCosta shared his affection for this time on set, declaring, "It was just so insane. It was so fun." She cheered her production team for their detail-oriented work, saying that in the end, they had so much they could "only do the very best ideas." The director added, "I had the best collaborators. Then Ralph killed it. And then the way that Jack and the other Jimmies responded to it was just so — because [their] response is really what the scenes about — like, what he's doing is amazing, but it's really about how these Jimmies are seeing this person." 

For DaCosta, whatever doubts she had looking at the script for the first time were allayed once she saw the first rough cut of Fiennes' dance footage. "On the [shoot] day, I was like, 'That's amazing," she recalled, adding, "When [editor Jake Roberts] sent me that [scene], while we were still shooting, I was like, 'All right, thank God. We're good."

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now in theaters.

When 28 Years Later hit theaters last summer, audiences were awed not only by Danny Boyle's blistering new vision of zombie horror, but also by the curious introduction of Jimmy Crystal. 

Played by Sinners' Jack O'Connell, Jimmy instantly captivated audiences, who were ravenous to see more of him in the 28 Years Later direct sequel The Bone Temple. But can you handle what director Nia DaCosta has in store as she takes the reins for the second film in this emerging trilogy? 

Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko welcomed O'Connell and DaCosta to our Say More couch to dig into all things Bone Temple. When it came to Jimmy Crystal, the pair shared how they made sense of the madman whose biggest influences are The Teletubbies, Jimmy Savile, and his horrific childhood trauma. 

Bone Temple's Jimmy was shaped by tragedy and TV. 

Credit: Sony Pictures

Jimmy bookends 28 Years Later, beginning as a boy fleeing his family's home — which is under attack by the infected — seeking sanctuary in the nearby church where his father is a vicar. But before you can say "Amen," Jimmy's father gives himself over the infected horde while preaching it’s what God wanted.

This harrowing intro leaves Jimmy alone and terrified, cradled around the cross necklace his father has just given him. Then Alex Garland's screenplay winds into the coming-of-age story of a young boy named Spike (Alfie Williams), who is on his own 28 years after we see Jimmy in the opener. The two cross paths in the film's bonkers finale, where Spike is being chased by the infected only to be rescued by Jimmy and his fighting "Fingers," a youth gang of seven who all dress like their "lord." 

At the time of 28 Years Later's release, Mashable covered how the costumes and sound effects of this zombie-slaying sequence mirrored the Teletubbies show that played on the TV as young Jimmy's sisters were slain. We also noted how Jimmy's blond Lancelot haircut and favoring of tracksuits with gaudy gold chains echoed the look of British TV personality Jimmy Savile, who would later be outed as a serial child predator. 

Where audience members might have seen these Savile signatures as a warning that Jimmy might not be trustworthy, we speculated that Jimmy wouldn't know that's the signal he's dropping, because he wouldn't have known the horrible truth about Savile. 

DaCosta confirmed our suspicions. "He perverts a lot of things," she said of Jimmy, but noted that in the world of 28 Years Later and Bone Temple, "Culture ended in 2001." Notably, Savile wasn't publicly exposed as a sexual predator until after his death in 2011. So, to Jimmy, Savile was worth admiring, just as he admires the Teletubbies. And his fixation on these elements of 2001 culture extend to his Fingers, like Jimmima (Emma Laird), who dutifully performs the "Dipsy dance" from Teletubbies while wearing jelly sandals and carrying a long-dead Tamagotchi. 

O'Connell said he could relate to Jimmy on this level, saying, "I was finding myself quite enthusiastic, because I was nostalgic about that period anyway." 

Beyond that, O'Connell spoke of how Jimmy has "deep-seated trauma based on seeing his family get mauled to death in front of his very eyes." Yet O'Connell was pleased that Garland's script and DaCosta's vision didn't let Jimmy off the hook for the violence he enacts because of his trauma. Instead, it gave him a foil in Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes). "What I love — also — about the film is we see Jimmy's unfettered depravity," he said, "with Dr. Kelson, with his advancements in medicine and the inquisitive mind, wanting to know what it was about the infected — and if it is curable. You have these two plots unfolding simultaneously and then they meet… You've got ultimate darkness meeting hope." 

Nia DaCosta digs into the twisted faith of Jimmy Crystal. 

Credit: Miya Mizuno / Sony

Some of the most ghoulish moments in Bone Temple are not when the infected attack, but when Jimmy and his Fingers do. Invading a farmhouse, they take four people captive, and then give them "charity" — a term Jimmy has twisted to mean torture, like flaying the skin from their torsos. When he's not giggling over violence or recounting Teletubbies episodes to his amused apostles, he's twisting his own story into one where he is Satan's son, Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, born to raise hell. 

"Jimmy corrupts everything," DaCosta said, "Even with, like, the Teletubbies, he calls them the 'Teletummies.' It's also about how he remembers a thing. His entire dogma is built around this misremembered death of his father. You know, like, 'Oh yeah, my dad is Satan, because he thinks that's what he saw [when his dad was mobbed by the infected in the church]." 

Speaking to when Jimmy preaches, the director said, "Those scenes in particular were so fun, because for me, that's when, when reading the script, I thought, 'OK, I know this character now.'" 

Nia DaCosta reveals what Jimmy and Samson have in common. 

Credit: Miya Mizuno / Sony

When shooting scenes involving Jimmy's dark dogma and its violent rituals, DaCosta had a clear vision of how it would look. "It was really important to me to hold on to like, we're gonna sit on these actors and watch them," she explained, "Because this is when we as an audience get to see the person that he is, not just the monster. Because every monster has a person in there, which is also sort of like the infected." 

She added that Jimmy had a commonality with the infected Alpha, Samson, saying, "It's like they're infected — they're not actually monsters. They're sick. So, that was just super important to me." 

Tying this back to Jimmy and Kelson, the Satanist tyrant and the "atheist doctor," DaCosta said, "It is really beautiful to watch Kelson tease out — sort of like in a psych eval — 'So you talk to your dad in your head?' But also you realize, like, Jimmy actually did think he might see his dad [at the Bone Temple], and he's lonely, you know? You kind of feel that in the scene," she concluded, turning to O'Connell to add, "I thought you played that beautifully."

How's that.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opens in theaters Jan. 16.

Boasting a corporate jargon title associated with evading responsibility, Park Chan-wook's anti-capitalist parable No Other Choice might feel too real to those burned by modern employment.

Based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel The Ax and written by Park, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Don McKellar, the film provides biting social commentary by asking the question: Is killing for the role you want a morally sound choice in this economy?

Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan sat down with Park and No Other Choice star Lee Byung-hun to discuss the film's skewering of the hyper competitive job market.

"We all live in the capitalist system, we all comply to it, and we're all trying very hard to survive in it as well. And we don't often question the system itself," Park told Mashable. "But when we do come upon the question of 'what if we could live in a different situation?' it leads to a very tricky state where you're considering ideas of getting rid of the system, or we're brainstorming ideas to take action to destroy the system. It's a very difficult state to be in.

"Regardless, in order to maintain the system, we still need to question the system as well. So in the film, I didn't want to make it too theoretical. I wanted to follow the individual and through that process, lead the audience to ask themselves their own questions about the system."

Said individual in No Other Choice is paper company employee Yoo Man-soo (Lee), who loses his job in a cruel company restructure. With his family to provide for, including his wife Mi-ri (Crash Landing on You's Son Ye-jin) and two kids, Man-soo scrambles to find work — and when an opportunity arises, he takes drastic measures.

Lee Byung-hun in "No Other Choice." Credit: BFI London Film Festival

"When [Park] approached me to say, 'let's tell the story together,' I really enjoyed the message [of the film] and the questioning. I found it very meaningful to tell as an actor," Lee told Mashable. "To play this very ordinary man, a family man who faces a very tragic reality, and is scrambling desperately to make things work, and eventually ends up making this very extreme decision."

Notably, the film makes a modern nightmare out of the job interview, as Man-soo faces the dreaded, often dehumanising process in his search for work.

"I guess I haven't gone on a lot of job interviews, personally, but I have been in many instances in which I have to evaluate actors for auditions, so I've seen how nervous people are when they are in the state of getting evaluated," said Park. "In addition, earlier in my career, I had a lot of meetings with producers to pitch my stories to them, which is also like an interview. So because I've been on both sides of a so-called interview, I know how difficult it is to be in that situation.

"Especially as an Asian, we are always taught to be humble, and humility is considered a very important trait in our lives. So to be in a situation where you have to sell yourself and hide your weakness while also being humble, it's even harder, which I think is especially harder for us in Eastern culture more than people in the West."

Watch the full interview above. No Other Choice is now in cinemas in the U.S., with the UK release set for Jan. 23.

Last summer, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland brought fresh life to the zombie franchise 28 Days Later with 28 Years Later, a jaw-dropping marvel of a horror movie. So, Candyman director Nia DaCosta had a dizzyingly high bar to hit with this year's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a direct sequel that plunges deeper into the curious characters of the ossuary-building Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), the infected Alpha Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry), and the dynamic cult leader, Jimmy (Jack O'Connell).

Critics have been universally blown away by DaCosta's frightening and fascinating film. In her review for Mashable, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko cheered, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a phenomenal film. As a sequel, it builds the saga of Spike without retreading its predecessor's steps. As a zombie movie, it delivers scenes of gut-churning violence and haunting loss. As a horror film, it is sublime, gorgeous, rich in visual splendor, surging with feeling, and intoxicating in its unexpected twists. Simply put, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple fucking rules."

So it was with great excitement that Mashable welcomed DaCosta and O'Connell to the Say More couch to celebrate Bone Temple, while shouting out their 2025 work — three of which made our best films of the year list — 28 Years Later, Sinners, and Hedda.

Above is the first five minutes of the conversation between Puchko, O'Connell, and DaCosta, tapping into how they came to be a part of this franchise and the dream that is working with Boyle.

For more from the interview, including insights into Jimmy's perverse cult and that show-stopping Kelson dance number, check out the full episode on YouTube.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now in theaters.

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Run like a rage zombie to your nearest theater, because after over two decades, Cillian Murphy is reprising his role from 28 Days Later in Nia DaCosta's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. And what this means for the franchise has got us foaming at the mouth for the next installment.

Murphy, who played survivor Jim in Danny Boyle's original 28 Days Later, did not appear in 2025's 28 Years Later, also directed by Boyle. However, he did serve as an executive producer, and Boyle confirmed that Murphy would be back as Jim in The Bone Temple.

Now, audiences can see what Jim has been up to in the 28 years since the Rage Virus ravaged Great Britain. He doesn't show up until the very end of The Bone Temple, but his appearance does give us an idea of what to expect from the third installment in the 28 Years Later trilogy.

What happens at the end of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?

By the end of The Bone Temple, both Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell) have perished, the result of a fiery confrontation within Kelson's memorial to the dead. Finally free of Jimmy, Alfie (Spike Williams) escapes with Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman), who reveals that her real name is Kelly.

From there, The Bone Temple makes like Heated Rivalry and goes to the cottage. In the film's case, the cottage is the same place Jim, Selena (Naomie Harris), and Hannah (Megan Burns) escaped to at the end of 28 Days Later. Now, the house in Cumbria is cozy and lived-in, stocked with books and food and all the signs of setting down roots in a place for decades.

The ending scenes sees Jim quizzing his daughter on a history test he'll be assigning her. Selena, presumably the young girl's mother, and Hannah are nowhere to be found. Have they died or been rescued? Or are they just away from the house at the moment?

Either way, two people who are decidedly not Selena and Hannah are approaching the cottage. It's Spike and Kelly, and they're on the run from a horde of Infected. Jim's daughter wonders whether they should help them, to which he replies, "Of course." Cue the credits — and my burning anticipation for the third 28 Years Later film.

What will happen in the third 28 Years Later film?

Obviously, Jim will play a larger part in the third 28 Years Later film, which Boyle has confirmed he'll direct. (That is, unless he dies saving Spike and Kelly, but I can't imagine that happening after the hype around Murphy's return.) Perhaps he takes Spike and Kelly in for a bit. Based on just the few minutes we spend with him and his daughter, their life is an infinite upgrade from Sir Jimmy and his ritual killings.

There are still a few loose story threads writer Alex Garland could pull into the third installment, if he so chooses. Spike's father Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) may be tracking his son across the mainland. And Cathy (Mirren Mack), the pregnant woman who escaped from Jimmy, may come back into the fold as well, as this trilogy has been consistently fascinated by pregnancy and raising children post-Outbreak.

Whatever happens, after 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, I'm seated and ready for whatever Boyle and Garland throw at us.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is now in theaters.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

23. The Hillside Strangler

In 1977, a string of stranglings in Los Angeles had women terrified and police stumped. Dubbed the Hillside Strangler, this mysterious serial killer abducted women from ages 12 to 28, raped and murdered them, before leaving their bodies to be discovered by horrified passersby. The LAPD launched a dogged manhunt that eventually led to not one but two killers: cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono.

The resulting criminal trials would set a new record for the longest in U.S. history, involving 400 witnesses, 1,800 exhibits, and over 50,000 pages of testimony, according to A&E. Now, MGM+'s four-part documentary The Hillside Strangler takes true crime fans back to this notorious case with an unexpected perspective. Not only do we hear from detective Frank Salerno, who played a prominent role in the investigation, but Bianchi himself, who is still alive and in prison, shares his story on the murders that scarred Los Angeles. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Hillside Strangler debuts on Jan. 18 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on MGM+.

22. Riot Women

Punk's not dead in BBC and BritBox's Riot Women, from Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright, streaming this week in the U.S. The six-part series sees five women — Kitty Eckersley (Rosalie Craig), Jess Burchill (Lorraine Ashbourne), Beth Thornton (Joanna Scanlan), Yvonne Vaux (Amelia Bullmore), Holly Gaskell (Tamsin Greig) — forming a punk rock band in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. Between their jobs, dating lives, and families, they enter a local talent competition, and find it's the outlet they've been craving. But there are secrets ready to come out... — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Rosalie Craig, Lorraine Ashbourne, Joanna Scanlan, Tamsin Greig, and Amelia Bullmore

How to watch: Riot Women is now streaming on Britbox.

21. The Curious Case of..., Season 2

This true crime series is addictive, but also the kind that can leave you feeling ill. From the creators of the troubling docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, season one of this sort-of spinoff had episodes on the legal battles of Jackass alum Bam Margera, YouTuber turned convicted child abuser Jodi Hildebrandt, and a pair of morticians who were caught giving clients fake remains. So, what could possibly be planned for Season 2 of this Investigation Discovery series?

Per ID: "In the season 2 premiere episode, 'Death by Detox?' will unpack Dr. Robert O. Young, a former college tennis star and a descendant of Brigham Young, who lands on the national best seller list for his ph Miracle book series, which pushes an alkaline diet, the tentpole of which is an avocado-based green smoothie, that grows in popularity. Suddenly, Young's business is booming — he's selling books like hot cakes, he creates his own holistic supplements, and his roster of wealthy, high-profile clients grows. But despite his success and popularity, Young is no Doctor and his 'miracle' cure has left broken hearts and devastated families in his wake."

Do you dare watch? — K.P.

How to watch: The Curious Case of... Season 2 debuted on January 12 at 10 p.m. ET and is now streaming on HBO MAX.

20. What Drives You with John Cena, Season 2

John Cena isn't just a former pro-wrestler turned movie star. He's also a car enthusiast who strives to inspire. So naturally, he's combined those passions in the cleverly titled What Drives You.

The premise of this series is pretty straightforward. Cena rolls up to the homes or studios of famous folks who love cars. While they talk about these luxury rides, Cena also offers soft-pitch interviews that explore his subject's life, creative passions, and drive. Season one featured Blink 182-drummer Travis Barker, American rapper Jelly Roll, pro wrestler Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, and YouTuber turned human punching bag, Logan Paul. Season two teases new stars and cars, which you can see in the trailer above. — K.P.

Starring: John Cena, Mookie Betts, Kane Brown, Charlotte Flair, and Saweetie

How to watch: What Drives You with John Cena Season 2 debuts on Roku on Jan. 16.

19. Hijack, Season 2

Remember when Idris Elba singlehandedly saved a flight from disaster in Apple TV's thrilling Hijack? Well, he's back at it again, except this time, he's swapped planes for trains. (What's next, automobiles?) Hijack Season 2 sees Elba return as corporate negotiator Sam Nelson, who's embroiled in a hostage crisis on a Berlin underground train. How will he wrangle his way out of this one? And more importantly, will Sam ever have a normal commute?* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Idris Elba, Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Archie Panjabi, Christian Näthe, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Lisa Vicari, Toby Jones, Karima McAdams, and Christiane Paul

How to watch: Hijack Season 2 debuted on Apple TV on Jan. 14.

18. The Boyfriend, Season 2

Japan's first same-sex reality dating show premiered in 2024, and now The Boyfriend is back for Season 2. Though the setting has changed from a summer house and coffee truck in Tateyama to a winter lodge in Hokkaido, the framework is the same: Ten gay men aged 20 to 40 live together for two months to potentially find a partner. Who could find love this season? — S.C.

How to watch: The Boyfriend Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Black Phone 2

With The Black Phone, director Scott Derrickson and screenwriter C. Robert Cargill brought Joe Hill's scary short story to vivid life with a stranger-danger tale featuring an instantly iconic killer. Played by Ethan Hawke, the Grabber snatched boys from the quiet streets of a cozy small town, keeping them in a dark, dank, and seemingly inescapable basement, until he deigned to kill them — while he wore a creepy white mask. But with the help of his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) and a squad of ghosts of murdered boys, young Finney (Mason Thames) managed to survive. However, even the death of the Grabber can't keep him away.

In Black Phone 2, Finn and Gwen are now teenagers, and she is plagued by disturbing visions of dead boys at a far-off winter camp. Together, they will travel to Alpine Lake to unlock the mysteries behind these calls from beyond the grave. And hey, the plot is convoluted and determinedly grim. But if you like the Grabber, then him coming back in some supernatural sinister form should be lure enough. — K.P.

Starring: Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Demián Bichir, and Ethan Hawke

How to watch: Black Phone 2 begins streaming on Peacock on Jan. 16.

16. The Running Man

So you walked, didn't run, to see The Running Man in cinemas? Well, now you can watch it at home, with Edgar Wright's Stephen King adaptation getting a digital release this week. Think Glen Powell running for his life from a keen-eyed group of hunters in a dystopian future where such a situation is primetime entertainment. Think Colman Domingo dropping lines like "my bouche was not amused" as the high-maintenance host of the titular program. Think a storyline way closer to King's 1982 paperback than the Arnold Schwarzenegger film of the '80s.

Unfortunately, don't think this will be the best movie you watch this week. As Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "In the end, The Running Man is a sloppy collage of violence, action, and cheap jokes that is far more style than substance." Unexpectedly, however, the film has a connection to...Pennywise? — S.C.

Starring: Glen Powell, Katy O'Brian, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin

How to watch: The Running Man is now playing on Paramount+.

15. The Rip

Longtime best buddies and Good Will Hunting golden boys Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite onscreen for writer/director Joe Carnahan's cop thriller The Rip.

Damon and Affleck star as a a pair of Tactical Narcotics Team members in Miami who get called in to check out a stash house tip on a Friday night. While their team is accustomed to confiscating hundreds of thousands of dollars, uncovering a cache of $20 million could make even a good cop go bad. Will this team decide to steal "the rip" from an unknown cartel? Will that temptation tear them apart?

While the premise and the cast — which includes Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor — is promising, the movie itself is a lot of macho posturing and uninspired action leading to an ending that's pretty unsatisfying! — K.P.

Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler

How to watch: The Rip debuts on Netflix on Jan. 16.

14. Rebuilding

2025 was the year of Josh O'Connor. Audiences could catch him as a priest in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, an art thief in The Mastermind, and a music student in The History of Sound. Now, you can also catch him in Western mode in 2025's Rebuilding, coming to digital this week. O'Connor stars as Thomas "Dusty" Fraser Jr., a cowboy who loses his ranch to devastating wildfires. The loss means he has to move to a FEMA camp, where he reconnects with his daughter and ex-wife and gains a new community. — B.E.

Starring: Josh O'Connor, Lily LaTorre, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan

How to watch: Rebuilding is available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

13. Rental Family

Writer/director Hikari thrilled Netflix subscribers in 2023 with the darkly comic limited series Beef. In her follow-up, she offers a radical shift in tone and message with Rental Family, a feel-good drama about finding one's home.

Brendan Fraser stars as American actor Phillip Vanderploeg, who moved to Japan for work but has been struggling for years to get gigs. So, when an unconventional acting job comes along, he reluctantly takes the role(s). Rental Family is a curious company, where its employees fill in for their clients as whatever people they need: a friend, a husband, a mistress, or even a dad. While Phillip is uncomfortable deceiving people, like the little girl whose single mom has hired him to play the father the child has never met, he finds joy and purpose in becoming a facet in these lives, however unusual the path there. But as Phillip grows too comfortable in certain roles, he risks not only his job but also the well-being of those who've come to love him. While Rental Family veers into sentimental, and even simplistically preachy territory, it is a charming story of personal growth and enduring love. — K.P.

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto

How to watch: Rental Family is now available for rental or purchase on Apple TV.

12. Phineas and Ferb

There's 104 more days of summer vacation for stepbrothers Phineas (voiced by Vincent Martella) and Ferb (voiced by David Errigo Jr.) to fill with fanciful inventions in this revival of the beloved animated series. While it's been 10 years since Phineas and Ferb's last episode aired, and five years since the last movie spin-off, the revival will make you feel like no time has passed at all. Phineas and Ferb are still crafting unforgettable summer adventures, Candace (voiced by Ashley Tisdale) is still trying to bust them, and Dr. Doofenshmirtz (voiced by Dan Povenmire) and Perry the Platypus (voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) are still locked in an epic battle of good and evil.

The result is a sweet blast of nostalgia for viewers who grew up watching Phineas and Ferb, and a delightful treat for younger, newer viewers. Plus, new episodes mean new songs — which ones will join the likes of "Busted," "Gitchee Gitchee Goo," and "S.I.M.P. (Squirrels in My Pants)" as tried-and-true Phineas and Ferb bangers?* — B.E.

Starring: Vincent Martella, David Errigo Jr., Ashley Tisdale, Caroline Rhea, Dee Bradley Baker, Alyson Stoner, Dan Povenmire, and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh

How to watch: New episodes of Phineas and Ferb debut on Disney+ on Jan. 17.

11. The Upshaws, Part 7: Final Season

After four seasons, The Upshaws is saying farewell, with creators, stars, and executive producers Regina Hicks and Wanda Sykes delivering a final season of the family sitcom this week. With 12 episodes, Part 7 will give a send off to the Upshaws from Indianapolis, but not before a last run of antics from Bennie (Mike Epps), Regina (Kim Fields), and their children — and of course, Regina's sister Lucretia (Sykes). — S.C.

Starring: Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, Kim Fields, Diamond Lyons, Khali Spraggins, Journey Christine, and Jermelle Simon

How to watch: The Upshaws Part 7: Final Season debuts on Netflix on Jan. 15.

10. Agatha Christie's Seven Dials

Broadchurch and Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall adapts and directs this three-part mini-series, based on Agatha Christie's detective novel The Seven Dials of Mystery.

Mia McKenna-Bruce stars as Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent, whose quiet life in 1925 England is rocked when her love interest dies unexpectedly in her family's home. Determined to uncover the truth — no matter how terrible — she begins an investigation. And Sherlock fans will likely thrill to see that aiding her is one Superintendent Battle, played by Martin Freeman. — K.P.

Starring: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman, Edward Bluemel, Nyasha Hatendi, Corey Mylchreest, Guy Siner, and Alex Macqueen

How to watch: Agatha Christie's Seven Dials debuts on Netflix on Jan. 15.

9. Can This Love Be Translated?

Kim Seon-ho (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) and Go Youn-jung (Alchemy of Souls) star in Netflix's new Korean rom-com. Written by the Hong sisters and directed by Yoo Young-eun, Can This Love Be Translated? follows interpreter Joo Ho-jin (Kim) and famous actor Cha Mu-hee (Go), who pair up while filming a travel reality dating show called Romantic Trip. Love languages might be fake according to science, but could this K-drama prove otherwise? — S.C.

Starring: Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, Sota Fukushi, Choi Woo-sung, and Lee Yi-dam

How to watch: Can This Love Be Translated? debuts on Netflix on Jan. 16.

8. Primal, Season 3

Master animator Genndy Tartakovsky's Emmy–winning series Primal is back, with a big shakeup. The show's main Neanderthal, Spear (voiced by Aaron LaPlante), died at the end of Season 2. In Season 3, though, he's back — as a zombie. The massive creative swing keeps this prehistoric epic fresh, offering up new opportunities for self-discovery, gore, and some surprisingly funny fight scenes. (Sometimes, your rotting corpse just falls apart mid-battle, you know?) — B.E.

Starring: Aaron LaPlante

How to watch: Primal Season 3 is now on HBO Max, with new episodes streaming every Monday.

7. One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things Season 5

Whether you loved or hated the ending of Stranger Things Season 5, you should check out One Last Adventure, a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the fifth and final season. Director Martina Radwan spent a year with the Stranger Things writers' room and production team, and the result is an intimate peek into the creative process behind one of TV's biggest hits.

One Last Adventure has already stirred up its fair share of controversy within the Stranger Things fandom. Season 5's detractors have moved from theorizing that there's a secret ninth episode to believing the Duffer Brothers used ChatGPT to write Season 5, due to a shot of a blurry tab icon that might be the ChatGPT logo. However, Radwan confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she didn't see any unethical use of generative AI in the writers' room. — B.E.

Starring: The Duffer Brothers

How to watch: One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Ponies

Craving a bit of intrigue? Then, you might appreciate Peacock's new espionage thriller series, Ponies, created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson.

Set in 1977, Moscow, the show focuses on undercover CIA, or more specifically the wives of two slain agents who are determined to uncover the truth of their husbands' demises. Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson star as new widows Bea and Twila, who are both officially "PONIs" — persons of no interest — as far as the KGB is concerned. So, who better to probe the mysteries of Moscow to unearth what even their agent husbands could not? Imagine Laverne & Shirley colliding with a Mission: Impossible plotline, and you'll have some sense of what's in store. — K.P.

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester, Artjom Gilz, Nicholas Podany, Petro Ninovskyi, and Vic Michaelis

How to watch: Ponies debuts on Peacock on Jan. 15.

5. Dust Bunny

After giving audiences such sensational (and sensationally twisted) shows as Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies, and Hannibal, Bryan Fuller makes his feature directorial debut with a monster movie that feels like Amélie meets Léon: The Professional.

The story centers on a young girl (Sophie Sloan), plagued by the monster (a massive dust bunny) under her bed. So, naturally, she looks for a hitman to take care of the creature. Lucky for her, there's one living in her building. And he's played by Hannibal's Mads Mikkelsen. The result is a monster movie that is whimsical, gnarly, thrilling, and fun.

In my review, I wrote, "Dust Bunny is exactly the kind of movie fans should expect from Fuller, but it's also wildly surprising. As soon as it ended, I wanted to watch it again — not just for the fun of it, but to assure myself it was real and not some strange dream sparked from too much sour candy."* — K.P.

Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sheila Atim, David Dastmalchian, and Sigourney Weaver

How to watch: Dust Bunny is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Song Sung Blue

"Sometimes you just need a feel-good movie and a good tearjerker, and writer/director Craig Brewer delivers both with Song Sung Blue," I wrote in my review.

Based on the incredible true story of Lightning and Thunder, a Neil Diamond cover band out of Milwaukee, Song Sung Blue tells a story of love, music, and how both can help us overcome incredible tragedy. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as the married musical couple at the film's center. Together they craft electric chemistry, rousing song numbers, and a love story that hits with the force of a runaway car.

As I concluded in my review, "All this makes for a feel-good movie that can be jarringly intense, because the bad times can come out of nowhere. (C'est la vie!) But like a great Neil Diamond song, Song Sung Blue will find its way into your heart, where it will linger."* — K.P.

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi

How to watch: Song Sung Blue is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Twinless

One of the best movies you might have overlooked in 2025, Twinless is a dark comedy written and directed by James Sweeney, who also co-stars. But don't expect a vanity project.

Sweeney stars as Dennis, a young gay man in Portland, Oregon, who struggles to make lasting connections. That is, until he meets Roman (Dylan O'Brien) in a support group for people grieving the loss of a twin. At a glance, these two seem like total opposites. But they share something in common, though it's not what Roman — or the audience — might assume. What begins as a comedy with sharp observational humor soon plunges into exciting psychological terrain. O'Brien has been cheered by critics for his spectacular performance, while in my review, I praised Sweeney for his writing and direction, writing, "Twinless is a jewel of queer cinema, rough, radiant, and beguiling. Seek it out. Then watch it again." — K.P.

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, James Sweeney, Aisling Franciosi, Chris Perfetti, François Arnaud, Tasha Smith, Lauren Graham, Susan Park, Cree, and Katie Findlay

How to watch: Twinless begins streaming on Hulu on Jan. 16.

2. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Ever wish that Star Trek got a bit more high school? Then you'll squee over Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Teen drama meets sci-fi thrills with this new series from Gaia Violo, which focuses on the school where cadets learn the ways of Starfleet, meaning science, diplomacy, and bravery — for starters.

If that genre mash-up alone isn't enough to get you giddy, then how about this: Holly Hunter stars as Captain Nahla Ake, a tough-as-nails commander with a sharp mind, a compassionate heart, and a breezy attitude that already has me swooning. Then, along with a terrific ensemble cast, rich with rising stars, THE Paul Giamatti stars as Nus Braka, a space pirate who is this first season's Big Bad. Could this be as good as it sounds? I can assure you, it's better. — K.P.

Starring: Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, Zoë Steiner, Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, and Oded Fehr

How to watch: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres on Paramount+ on Jan. 15, with its first two episodes available at once. New episodes will air weekly.

Best of Streaming this week:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Westeros is back on TV in HBO's latest Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. You'll find no large-scale battles or dragons here, though. Instead, this series, which takes place about a century before Game of Thrones, focuses on the unlikely friendship between hedge knight Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his new squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). This unusual pair is off to a tournament at Ashford Meadow, where jousting, sword fights, and displays of chivalry await.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' smaller scale works wonders, offering up a lighter, funnier take on Westeros. Claffey and Ansell's charming chemistry only elevates this take further, and the result is a surprisingly sweet series bursting with warmth. As I wrote in my review, "It's a welcome switch-up in HBO's Game of Thrones lineup, and proof that the world of Westeros can be more than just a brutal cage match between warring families. More than that, though, it's a balm for the soul." — B.E.

Starring: Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Finn Bennett, Bertie Carvel, Tanzyn Crawford, Daniel Ings, and Sam Spruell

How to watch: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on HBO and HBO Max at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 18.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Harry Lighton's critically acclaimed BDSM romance Pillion hits U.S. theaters just in time for Valentine's Day, and you can get in the mood by watching the latest trailer from A24.

Based on the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones, who co-wrote the film with Lighton, Pillion stars Harry Melling as introverted parking attendant Colin. A chance encounter leads him to meet his polar opposite in self-assured motorcycle club leader Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), and it's not long before the pair embark on a Dom/sub relationship.

While the confident Ray is engrained in BDSM culture, this is Colin's first sexual relationship. What follows is an exploration of kink that earned rave reviews out of its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

As Siddhant Adlakha wrote in his review out of Cannes, "Lighton's electric, modern-day British drama explores a master-slave relationship that's as upsetting as it is invigorating. Led by a pair of fine-tuned performances from Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the movie walks a fragile tonal tightrope with remarkable flair, resulting in one of the finest (and most crowd-pleasing) experiences at this year's Cannes Film Festival."

To see the beginnings of Colin and Ray's unlikely romance for yourself, check out the above trailer, which features a back alley tryst and several awkward scenes of Colin trying to explain his new interests to his parents.

Pillion hits theaters Feb. 6.

With 28 Days Later, director Danny Boyle and Alex Garland rewrote the rules of the zombie genre. With 28 Years Later, they did it again by rejecting the tropes they themselves had forged. No longer were zombies (or to be more accurate, infected persons) merely running mindless, fueled by a ravenous rage. Some had grown smart and brawny, becoming Alphas, while others grew slow and wriggled on the ground. No longer were audiences to be fed on the grim carnage of a city decimated by a rampaging virus. Instead, the filmmakers offered a picturesque wilderness and a touching — while scary as hell — coming-of age tale. Now, Boyle has entrusted The Bone Temple, the second chapter of Garland's emerging 28 Years Later trilogy, with American filmmaker Nia DaCosta, who grows this saga with sensational daring and depth.

Much like "superhero movie" has become a nebulous concept as more filmmakers push the boundaries on the subgenres' expectations, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a zombie movie, but also much, much more. Thanks to riveting performances from Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Chi Lewis-Parry, and Erin Kellyman, this horror offering — like its prequel and also like 2025's other smash horror hit, Sinners — transcends the grimier aspects of the genre to unearth something gnarly and sublime. 

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple unfurls the mystery of Jimmy. 

Credit: Miya Mizuno / Sony

After wowing audiences with a vampire jig in Sinners, O'Connell stunned us by popping up at the end of 28 Years Later as a dubious savior, modeled after the Teletubbies and Jimmy Savile. He's a self-proclaimed prince with a band of manic minions, all of whom dress in his uniform of Lancelot blonde hair and a velour tracksuit. They all call themselves Jimmy (or some variant thereof), and they've taken in runaway Spike (Williams). But despite their wide smiles and stellar skills at slaying the infected, this is not a safe community for Spike to join. 

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We first met Jimmy at the beginning of 28 Years Later, as a child who watches his pastor father willingly get eaten alive by a horde of zombies. Whether inspired by the scene or traumatized by it (or a little of both), adult Jimmy has since started his own religion — a perversion of his father's Christian father, a brand of Satanism that crowns him son of Satan.

With a twisted sense of humor and an iron fist, he rules over not only his Jimmy-named gang, but also any survivors who have the misfortune to cross his path. But what will happen when Jimmy and his crew run into Dr. Ian Kelson (Fiennes), a seeming madman with skin dyed red by iodine and a home surrounded by human remains built into a bone temple? As teased in the film's trailer, this becomes the central conflict of the 28 Years Later sequel, creating a fascinating collision of religion versus science in a post-apocalyptic landscape. But that's not all. 

Garland's script also plunges deeper into the minds of Kelson and his Samson (Lewis-Parry), the Alpha infected, who stalks like a lion through the fields and woods. And still beyond that, Spike — who is more a supporting character here — tries to understand his place in a kingdom run on madness and blood. His only ally seems to be Jimmy Ink (Eleanor the Great's Kellyman), a sharp-eyed girl who spies the holes in her devil prince's preaching. 

The Bone Temple is gory and glorious. 

Credit: Miya Mizuno / Sony

I hesitate to tell you more about the plot of the movie, because the discovery of it was exhilarating. Typically, zombie movies have a pretty direct quest: Survive the night. Even 28 Years Later tapped into that, with a first act that presented Spike and his dad running for their lives as they are tirelessly chased by an Alpha — a magnificent sequence, gorgeous and harrowing. As in that scene, the cold, brilliant stars shine down on a landscape of human suffering, utterly indifferent. But this time, there are men looking back up at them, finding a moment amid the pain and fear and surviving to inhale wonder. 

Kelson's plotline pushes that — to steal a line from Star Trek and Station Eleven — "survival is insufficient." Even a man who makes a temple of bones needs conversation, music, and dancing. Kelson pursues these things with an openness that is both heart-warming and terrifying, due to the risks he takes in their pursuit. 

Like Coogler did with Sinners, DaCosta unites horror and song and dance to a tremendous effect in The Bone Temple. Sure, there are scenes of zombie carnage and human depravity, in keeping with the franchise's toll of blood. And these are deeply unnerving. Yet the sequence that had the audience in my screening not only awestruck during, but then applauding and cheering afterwards, was one of dance. It was an extraordinary surprise, and the thrill of it still surges in my heart and stings my eyes with tears for the sheer excitement. Afterwards, my reaction on Letterboxd was, "My brain feels like pop rocks." 

Nia DaCosta makes her best movie yet with The Bone Temple. 

Credit: Miya Mizuno / Sony

DaCosta started out strong with the indie thriller Little Woods. Then, she took on one bold follow-up after another, reviving Candyman with a daring sequel, then helming the superheroine ensemble adventure The Marvels. Admittedly, amid these studio projects, her thumbprint was muddied, and the reviews were mixed. But then came Hedda, a sexy and pulsating interpretation of Anton Chekhov's Hedda Gabler that reimagines the classic anti-heroine as gifted, Black, queer, and freshly furious about being thwarted. 

With Hedda, DaCosta reignited the fire that sparked in Little Woods, fueling it with her recurring leading lady, Tessa Thompson, who delivers a scorching performance bolstered by composer Hildur Guðnadóttir's seething score, made up of orchestrated human moans and gasps. Guðnadóttir reteams with DaCosta for The Bone Temple. Seamlessly, these artists pick up where Boyle left off, expanding his world without losing themselves to it. The heat of emotion that swelled and strategically overwhelms in Hedda burns on here. The music swarms to emphasize mounting fear, fury, or even bliss. Yet this is not the only music that will feed the fire of The Bone Temple. A precious record player warbles familiar tunes diegetically that take on a sharper meaning in a world gone mad. And so perhaps we can relate, listening to songs from seemingly simpler times with a nostalgia that is addictive. 

Jack O'Connell is menacing and marvelous in The Bone Temple. 

Credit: Courtesy of Sony Pictures

All of this, and O'Connell too. That Sinners, 28 Years Later, and 28 Years: The Bone Temple should all be released within 12 months of each other feels like an embarrassment of riches for horror fans. That O'Connell sets the screen ablaze in all of them is just extraordinary. 

He delivers on the promise of Jimmy's mesmerizing intro in 28 Years Later with a portrait of a power-hungry fool whose ego is dangerously fragile. Far from flatly scary or simply deranged, O'Connell brews Jimmy with curiosity, charisma, and a terrifying spontaneity. At any moment, Jimmy seems capable of any mad demand. And so we shiver, but cannot look away. 

His tingling intensity makes for a bewildering chemistry opposite Fiennes' serene doctor. And then into this mix is young, sweet Spike and the enigmatic Jimmy Ink. Williams is once more moving as a little boy adrift in a big, bad world. Kellyman, however, is extraordinary as a smart girl who's learned the power of viciousness and strategic submission. Then. Lewis-Parry brings new depths to the Alpha Samson, making for scenes terrifying and tremendous.

Now, as you might expect from the second film of a trilogy, The Bone Temple won't tie up all these threads. Thankfully, what is left to dangle isn't frustrating. This film tells a satisfying story, then promises another chapter — with a reveal that's sure to make fans of 28 Days Later shriek with delight. 

Ultimately, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a phenomenal film. As a sequel, it builds the saga of Spike without retreading its predecessor's steps. As a zombie movie, it delivers scenes of gut-churning violence and haunting loss. As a horror film, it is sublime, gorgeous, rich in visual splendor, surging with feeling, and intoxicating in its unexpected twists. Simply put, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple fucking rules. I left the theater rattled and elated. I can't wait to go again. 

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opens in theaters Jan. 16.

KPop Demon Hunters remains forever shining with the smash-hit Netflix film taking home Golden Globes for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song for eternal banger "Golden."

Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans accepted the award on Sunday night alongside producer Michelle Wong, shouting out their relatable female characters like HUNTR/X's Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.

"Thank you to the Golden Globes and for everyone who believed that a movie so deeply rooted in Korean culture could resonate with a global audience," said Kang onstage. "Through this film, we really wanted to depict female characters the way that we know women, which is really strong and bold, really silly and weird, and really hungry for food — and sometimes a little thirsty."

Damn right! Couch! Couch! Couch! Couch!

Watch Ejae's acceptance speech for "Golden" and check out the whole list of Golden Globes award winners and nominees.

KPop Demon Hunters keeps goin' up, up, up with the smash-hit Netflix film taking home Golden Globes for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song for eternal banger "Golden."

Singer-songwriter Ejae, who co-wrote and performed the record-breaking, chart-topping song, accepted the award with co-writers Mark Sonnenblick and Lee Hee-joon.

"When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream to become a K-pop idol, and I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough," said Ejae onstage. "So I leaned on songs and music to get through it. Now I'm here as a singer and a songwriter."

"It's a dream come true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other boys, and everyone from all ages get through their hardship and to accept themselves," she said.

"I just want to say this award goes to people who've had their doors closed at them. I can confidently say rejection is redirection, so never give up."

Ejae then finished with a quote directly from her own "Golden" lyrics: "It's never too late to shine like you were born to be."

Watch director Maggie Kang's acceptance speech and check out the whole list of Golden Globes award winners and nominees.

Sinners took home two awards during the Golden Globes on Sunday, including best original score and the award for cinematic and box office achievement. Ryan Coogler's lauded film made a whopping $368 million worldwide at the box office, breaking more than one record.

"I just want to thank the audience for showing up," said Coogler onstage during his acceptance speech. "This movie was made by hundreds of people. We don't always be working in the film business, wear tuxedos, and look glammed up — it's usually a grind. We'll be wearing like, performance fishing gear and being in the swamps."

Coogler then noted the importance of Sinners being released in cinemas.

"It was an honour on this movie to know it was getting a theatrical release. We would remind people every day, in the dog days of summer, in New Orleans, like, 'Hey, big movie, people gonna see this, big theatre.' We didn't know that they would show up, so we just want to say thank you that they did. It meant the world to us," he said.

"We created a very special community and family making this film, grinding every day while many of us were away from our own families at home," said producer Zinzi Coogler onstage. "Thank you for pouring into this story. You are all masters of your craft at an elite level and it was an honour to share this space with you."

Check out the whole list of Golden Globes award winners and nominees.

If I Had Legs I'd Kick You star Rose Byrne took home Best Female Actor (Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy) at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, giving a speech that ranged from thanking writer-director Mary Bronstein to bearded dragons.

"We shot this maybe in 25 days for like, $8.50," Byrne said. "This is a tiny film, so this is a huge thing to be up here. And my brother's my date — thanks, George. Thanks, my mum and dad who bought Paramount+ so they could watch the Golden Globes from Sydney."

Lastly, Byrne thanked her husband, Bobby Cannavale, who wasn't in attendance. "He couldn't be here because he's getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey. So thank you, baby."

Check out the whole list of Golden Globes award winners and nominees.

Hamnet star Jessie Buckley took home Best Female Actor (Motion Picture – Drama) at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, giving a moving speech that thanked basically the entire cast and crew of Chloé Zhao's film.

"This is not a normal feeling or situation to be in, but thank you Golden Globes," said Buckley accepting her award. "Chloe, Paul, Maggie, Max, Emily, Jacobi, Joe, the 400 extras, I adore you. I would rave in that Globe for the rest of my life with you."

Buckley highlighted the international nature of the Hamnet crew who told the story of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, and the loss of their son Hamnet, whose death occurred years before the playwright penned Hamlet.

"It was such an extraordinary set to be part of, because we were telling the story of probably the most famous Brit that ever lived. We had a Chinese director, a lot of Irish, a mostly Polish crew, beside our British family," she said, before thanking one crew member in particular.

"Actually, I'd really like to thank our grip Tomac, because during shooting, Tomac started to disappear a little bit during the shoot, and I found him one day at the back of his truck, and he was chopping up potatoes and onions and meat. He brought his ginormous cast iron pot over from Poland, and he was making soup — and this soup started turning up on set, it was delicious. Thanks, Tomac, for bringing your pot to set."

Check out the whole list of Golden Globes award winners and nominees.

Looking to fuel up your Netflix queue with some high-octane action?

Whether you're a fan of wild Westerns, cunning detectives, high-swinging superheroes, ravenous zombies, rowdy thieves, or hard-hitting heroines, Netflix has a movie pitch-perfect for every kind of adrenaline seeker.

We know scrolling through the streaming app can be a chore when all you want to do is Netflix and chill. So, we've taken out the hard step by highlighting the most stunt-stuffed, battle-powered, high-speed films the streamer has to offer.

Here are the best action movies on Netflix, streaming right now.

21. Back in Action

Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Aptly titled, Back in Action not only refers to the plotline of this charming espionage comedy but also the return of its stars to the spotlight.

Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz co-star as a couple of spies who fake their deaths to flee their dangerous jobs once they learn they've got a baby on the way. Cut to 15 years later, when they're middle-aged with a cozy suburban life that's interrupted by an unexpected visit from some former colleagues. To keep their kids safe, they'll need to go on one more mission. And things get pretty zany — and yeah, corny too. But there's an undeniable pleasure in watching Diaz and Foxx bounce off each other's energy.

In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Don't overthink it. Turn on Back in Action, and allow the star power and nostalgia for the heyday of '90s rom-coms, the peak of Cameron Diaz fame, and the fun of all that wash over you."* — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Back in Action is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Train to Busan

Like your action with a blood-splashed buffet of horror? You, my fright-seeking friend, will love Train to Busan.

This South Korean horror thriller imagines what would happen if a zombie outbreak hit a rail train full of average people. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, Train to Busan focuses on a workaholic father who's taking the train with his young daughter to spend her birthday with his ex-wife in Busan. But this dad will have to prove himself when their fellow passengers become flesh-craving, limb-contorting beasts. The action sequences on this journey are nerve-shreddingly intense, thanks to a clever use of contortionists and the screen presence of South Korean action star Don Lee. You'll never look at a train — or a flight of escalators — the same way again. — K.P.

How to watch: Train to Busan is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Upgrade

The always-welcome Logan Marshall-Green stars here as Grey, an auto mechanic who gets sucked into a nefarious world of cyber-horror when a car crash leaves him paralyzed and his wife dead. Implanted with an untested computer chip that can control his limbs and "fix" his paralysis, Grey's mind starts communicating with the technology, which in turns starts egging him on. After all, why just walk when you can be a kick-ass super-soldier? Needless to say, as in any good RoboCop spin, the corporations are not to be trusted when it comes to our best interests. — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Upgrade is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Land of Bad

Land of Bad seems fairly generic at first glance. A ragtag group of soldiers (portrayed by both Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth, American Gods star Ricky Whittle, and former Gilmore guy Milo Ventimiglia) find themselves stranded behind enemy territory in the Philippines and they must, you know, get the heck out of there. Russell Crowe plays "Reaper," a drone pilot who provides air support to the group on the ground by yelling into a telephone a lot. This is nothing we've not seen before!

And yet the movie's actually a solid B-movie slice of old-fashioned action movie entertainment. The film is directed and co-written by William Eubank, whose previous credits include one of the most underrated action-thrillers of recent times, 2020's Underwater with Kristen Stewart. Like that film, Land of Bad doesn't rewrite its genre, but it does bring the action and thrills efficiently and well. — J.A.

How to watch: Land of Bad is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Kraven the Hunter

Credit: Sony Pictures

Okay. So you're probably thinking, "Why is a movie with a 15% on Rotten Tomatoes on a best-of list? Is Netflix really so thin on good action?!" I hear you. But look, while Kraven the Hunter is not a great film, or even a good one, it is wildly fun. And the action is a major part of that! 

This Spider-Man spinoff centers on the comic book villain Kraven the Hunter (Aaron Johnson), but makes him less a poacher and more a bad-guy hunting vigilante. And along the way, there's other Spidey characters haphazardly looped in, like Aleksei "The Rhino" Sytsevich (Alessandro Nivola), Calypso (Ariana DeBose), and The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott). But the real fun comes in some fight scenes so violent that Sony's sheer reckless rebellion in the face of MCU PG-13 standards is worth the watch. Like, Kraven bites off a dude's nose. And that's not the climax of a fight. Come on. You want to watch that.  — K.P.

How to watch: Kraven the Hunter is now streaming on Netflix.

16. The Union

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry team up for an action-comedy that is surprisingly charming! He's a Boston everyman who works construction by day and by night hooks up with local hotties (including his former seventh-grade English teacher). She's a globe-trekking secret agent — and his high school girlfriend — who shows up at their old dive bar out of the blue to invite him in on a secret mission. Together, they're working for The Union.

Explosive espionage action blends with rom-com chemistry as Wahlberg and Berry delve into car chases, gun fights, and plenty of bouncy banter. J.K. Simmons brings gruff bravado, while Evil's Mike Colter delivers breathtaking swagger. Full of thrills, fun, and verve, The Union is a great pick for movie night at home.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Union is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Coming back onto the scene 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III flopped, this fourth installment of the comedic crime-solving adventures of Detroit police officer Axel Foley has no right to be as good as it is. Not only did screenwriters Will Beall, Tom Gormican, and Kevin Etten have to manage how public opinion has shifted when it comes to cops who play by their own rules, but also how to approach Axel's wise-cracking sense of humor that traditionally put just about everyone in its crosshairs. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F manages both in a way that gives fresh life to the character without casting aside the fans who loved his wild ways.

As I wrote in my rave review, "Eddie Murphy is as good as ever as Axel Foley." Plus, he's got his old friends, like John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot back and in action. It's an absolute blast to see all these energies colliding, and yet there's room for newcomers, like the dynamic Taylour Paige and the ever-solid Joseph Gordon-Levitt, both of whom prove to be compelling foils to the ever-quipping Murphy. "In the end, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F isn't just a great sequel, or an awesome action-comedy; it might just be the most entertaining movie of [2024]."* — K.P.

How to watch: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Credit: Frank Masi / Sony Pictures

Nearly 30 years after their first adventure as cop buddies Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back with the Bad Boys' franchise's fourth installment. Bad Boys For Life co-helmers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah also returned, bringing their high-octane brand of action into a stunt-packed epic about loyalty and redemption.

When the late Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) gets dragged for alleged ties to corruption, it's up to Mike and Marcus to find the truth and clear his name. In her review of this action-comedy, Mashable contributor Monica Castillo praised this rousing return, writing, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die is an entertaining reminder of what made the original movie work all those years ago." — K.P.

How to watch: Bad Boys: Ride or Die is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Damsel

Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Netflix has invested big in Millie Bobby Brown. Not only has the English ingenue been leading Stranger Things for years, but also she's becoming an outright action star through movies she has headlined and produced for the streamer, including a pair of Enola Holmes adventures and the fearsome fairy tale Damsel. Here, Brown stars as Elodie, a dutiful damsel destined to wed a handsome prince (Nick Robinson)! But rather than happily ever after, her deceitful groom pitches her into a dragon's pit. However, that's far from the end of her story. She'll fight her way to salvation and vengeance, one fiery sequence at a time.

In her review, Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote, "Boasting some inventive twists and a heartfelt lead performance from Brown, Damsel may not be groundbreaking fantasy, but it is a thrilling ride." — K.P.

How to watch: Damsel is now streaming on Netflix.

12. KPop Demon Hunters

Officially the most popular Netflix original movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters delivers a little bit of everything: romance, action, comedy, and a totally addictive soundtrack.

The story stars with K-pop trio HUNTR/X, who, when they aren't making bops like "Golden," are battling demons to protect the very souls of their fans. But just as they think they're on the verge of building an impenetrable barrier with their songs, the demons fight back with a boy band of their own. The Saja Boys are comically hot, delivering smooth moves, devious plans, and plenty of slapstick. Plus, they've got a tiger, who is cute, creepy, and silly to boot! Whether it's the martial arts action sequences, the swoon-worthy song-and-dance numbers, or the cheeky sense of humor that's grabbed fans of all ages, KPop Demon Hunters is sure to thrill. And hey, now there's a sing-along version too. — K.P.

How to watch: KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

11. The Harder They Fall

Credit: David Lee / Netflix

Put 'em up, as this is hands-down one of the best action movies in the Wild West.

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, The Harder They Fall defiantly redefines the predominantly white Western, boasting an incredible cast of Black stars: Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, and Delroy Lindo. A tale of heroes and villains, the film follows Nat Love (Majors) on his quest for revenge against the formidable Rufus Buck (Elba). But he'll have to make his gunslinging way through "Treacherous" Trudy Smith (Regina King) and Cherokee Bill (Stanfield) first. Even before the opening credits roll, you'll fall hard for this one. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: The Harder They Fall is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Enola Holmes

Credit: Netflix

Sherlock Holmes's much cooler little sister is an overlooked young action hero in Enola Holmes. Based on author Nancy Springer's popular book series The Enola Holmes Mysteries, the film puts the great detective's savvy 16-year-old sibling on the case, played with energetic spoonfuls of gumption by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. She's set to solve the greatest mystery of her young life: to find her missing mother (Helena Bonham Carter) through a series of deliberately cryptic clues — all while breaking the fourth wall and confiding in the audience, thanks to Fleabag director Harry Bradbeer and His Dark Materials' Jack Thorne's sharp screenplay.

Stepping into the footsteps of her famous brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and avoiding those of her stuffier misogynist brother Mycroft (Sam Claflin), Enola's case leads her on a wild ride through Victorian-era England, with more than a few fistfights and butts to kick along the way. And lucky for you, the sequel is even better. — S.C.

How to watch: Enola Holmes is now streaming on Netflix.

9. They Cloned Tyrone

Credit: Netflix

With this 2023 release, co-writer/director Juel Taylor pulls plenty of inspiration from Blaxploitation. John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris star as a drug dealer, a pimp, and a sex worker who undercover a nefarious conspiracy that's happening underneath their neighborhood. Taylor and fellow screenwriter Tony Rettenmaier weave in wild twists, fly fight scenes, irreverent humor, and swaggering style for what our critic called "a propulsive comedy-thriller with weight." As bold as it is star-studded, you won't want to miss They Cloned Tyrone. And stay for the credits, trust us. — K.P.

How to watch: They Cloned Tyrone is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Kill Boksoon

Credit: No Ju-han / Netflix

Gil Bok-Soon (Jeon Do-yeon) is a single mother who often finds herself at odds with her teenage daughter. She's also a highly skilled and successful assassin. Kill Boksoon is a fantastic action film that sees its main character head straight from a brutal killing to the grocery store so she can get dinner on the table. It's one hell of a hook that sucks you in immediately. The fight scenes are hypnotic and the cinematography ambitious and exciting. It's a gripping thriller that makes plenty of space for the complex emotional reality of its characters.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Kill Boksoon is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Triple Frontier

Credit: Netflix

This Netflix adventure has Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal coming together as a group of former Special Forces who plan an elaborate heist in South America. But after things get out of hand, their survival skills are put to the ultimate test.

Putting a talented cast in a tension-filled scenario, Triple Frontier is the type of gritty thriller that's hard to turn away from. — Brooke Bajgrowicz, Entertainment Fellow

How to watch: Triple Frontier is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Okja

Credit: Netflix

Blending drama with fantasy/adventure and weaving in a very real message about the horrors of the meat industry, Bong Joon Ho's Okja is a beautifully unique creature feature, striped with action.

The film follows Mina (Ahn Seo-hyun), the granddaughter of a farmer in South Korea who has spent the last 10 years rearing a genetically modified super-pig called Okja as part of a breeding project spearheaded by a grim U.S. corporation. This movie is dark in places, magical in others, and poignant overall, asking us to stop and reflect on the dark side of an industry the majority of us are complicit in. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal make for an entertaining pair of villains, too.* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: Okja is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Da 5 Bloods

Credit: Netflix

Spike Lee copters audiences back to the Vietnam War with Da 5 Bloods, a daring film that's part drama, part war movie, and part heist flick. Named for a squad of Black U.S. Army soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division, Lee's critically heralded 2020 joint follows this band of brothers through a treacherous war zone, then rediscovers them in a present where they're seeking to uncover the past — and a big payday.

Sequences of brutal battles, narrow escapes, and high-tension hijinks make Da 5 Bloods an enthralling watch. Though inspired by history, it's impossible to predict where Lee's story will lead. Our guides on this intense journey through time, loss, war, and brotherhood are Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Chadwick Boseman. Together, they and Lee create an American war film that can't be missed. — K.P.

How to watch: Da 5 Bloods is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Army of the Dead

Credit: Netflix

Sometimes all you want is to grab hold of that action-o-meter and crank the dial, hard, to a solid 11. Army of the Dead more than delivers on that front, opening with a musical montage of guns and exploding body parts — and it only gets gorier from there. Zack Snyder's story follows a band of mercenaries hired to steal $200 million from a casino in Las Vegas. The problem? Vegas has been invaded by zombies, the city is quarantined, and the military is planning to blow the entire thing up with a tactical nuclear strike. The sprawling cast includes Dave Bautista, Omari Hardwick, Hiroyuki Sanada, Garret Dillahunt, and Ana de la Reguera, as well as a digitally added Tig Notaro.

What follows is a gloriously silly romp that refuses to take itself too seriously, propelling us through a series of explosions and bullets while the story twists and turns through a 148-minute runtime that feels oh, so much shorter. — S.H.

How to watch: Army of the Dead is now streaming on Netflix.

3. The Old Guard

Credit: Netflix

Folks looking for that summer blockbuster thrill, search no further than The Old Guard. Based on the superhero comic books of the same name, director Gina Prince-Bythewood's movie sucks viewers into a slick, well-crafted world of action and narrative that isn't particularly unique but delivers its formulaic pieces with enough precision to keep you invested.

Charlize Theron crushes as the ass-kicking leader of an immortal warrior fight crew, with performances by Harry Melling, Marwan Kenzari, KiKi Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Veronica Ngo, Matthias Schoenaerts, and more.* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter 

How to watch: The Old Guard is now streaming on Netflix.

2. RRR

You've never seen an action movie quite as bombastic or as bromantic as RRR. Director S.S. Rajamouli draws loosely from history to tell the story of Indian freedom fighters Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.). Over the film's three-hour runtime, the two unwittingly face off in the search for a kidnapped girl, become the best of friends, and square off against villainous English colonizers.

Any of RRR's action sequences would be the pinnacle of a lesser action movie, but the film seems determined to outdo itself with showstopper after showstopper. Take when Raju faces down hundreds of protesters and wins, or when Bheem fights a tiger bare-handed. Would you believe me if I told you those happen within the first 20 minutes? The action — and the movie — only get more awesome from there. — B.E.

How to watch: RRR is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Godzilla Minus One

Credit: Toho Company Ltd / Everett / Shutterstock.com

You don't know Godzilla until you see Godzilla Minus One. The American movies featuring the classic kaiju go for huge monster-versus-monster face-offs, bogged down by tedious human characters. But writer/director Takashi Yamazaki reclaims the Japanese icon with a movie that gets the balance between rampaging monster action and human drama just right.

Set near the close of World War II, Godzilla Minus One proves a fascinating tale of atomic age terror. Ryunosuke Kamiki stars as a kamikaze pilot who first flubs his mission, then crosses paths with the giant lizard with atomic breath. Survivor's guilt torments him, even as he cobbles together a found family of fellow survivors. This cast of characters is dynamic, making the scenes of simple home-cooked meals just as satisfying as sequences of town-trampling destruction. Actually, one deeply informs the other. Because while the movie's jaw-dropping special effects rightfully won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, it's the emotional impact of them that makes this Godzilla hit harder than any contemporary. Even on the small screen, you'll be in awe.* — K.P.

How to watch: Godzilla Minus One is streaming on Netflix.

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Credit: Netflix

Netflix

 

Get Deal

* denotes the entry comes from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EST This list was first published on May 24, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

Nothing feels as good as a deep, genuine laugh. It's an expression of joy! It's a workout. It's a sign that you're having a good time.

Netflix has a dazzling selection of comedy movies that give you that good-time feeling on demand. Whether you're craving action-spiked shenanigans, quirky coming-of-age adventures, awkward humor, stranger-than-fiction silliness, madcap musical numbers, or crime with a spree of laughs, there's a perfect pick for you. And we've made singling it out all the easier by highlighting the most hilarious below.

Here are the funniest movies now streaming on Netflix.

28. Cora Bora

Megan Stalter stars in "Cora Bora." Credit: Brainstorm Media

If Too Much has you craving more Megan Stalter, you'll want to catch up with this underseen gem. Directed by Hannah Pearl Utt, Cora Bora centers on the titular musician (played by Stalter), who has left Portland and her girlfriend (Jojo T. Gibbs) behind to pursue her dreams in LA. The couple's open relationship allows each to explore other connections — or, in Cora’s case, endure an awkward one-night stand with a sexy Flat Earther (Thomas Mann). But when Cora begins to fear that her girlfriend is catching feelings for someone else, it prompts the chaotic bisexual into a hasty homecoming.

In my review out of the film's SXSW premiere in 2023, I cheered, "Cora Bora proves a sensational cringe comedy, spiked with wicked humor, skin-crawling awkward scenarios, and an ardent — if wounded — heart. Deftly dancing from brash jokes to tender dialogue, Stalter reveals a riveting range and stirring screen presence. Simply put, it’s easy to fall for Cora Bora." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Cora Bora is now streaming on Netflix.

27. Paddington in Peru

We could all use some Paddington in our lives, so why not kick back and enjoy Paddington in Peru? Sure, it's not the masterpiece that is Paddington 2, but director Dougal Wilson still crafts a charming adventure in its own right in his directorial debut.

This time around, Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) is headed back to his homeland of deepest, darkest Peru, with the Brown family in tow. In his quest to find his missing Aunt Lucy, he'll cross paths with a high-energy, guitar-playing nun (Olivia Colman) and a cartoonish, disguise-loving boat captain (Antonio Banderas). Colman and Banderas elevate Paddington's journey from funny to downright outrageous, proving that there are few things more fun than watching seasoned performers let their freak flags fly. Check out their work and the rest of Paddington in Peru, and see why Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko called it "the movie we need right now." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Paddington in Peru is now streaming on Netflix.

26. Saturday Night

Credit: Hopper Stone / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Unjustly overlooked at release in the fall of 2024, this frantically funny romp from Juno and Young Adult director Jason Reitman details the 90-minute lead-up to the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in October of 1975. The ensemble cast is packed, with Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O'Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin. 

Add Gabriel Labelle as Lorne Michaels, the man with the wild and crazy plan himself, and the fact that this movie managed to only be 90 minutes long with all of these characters (plus a dozen more I don't even have room to list) is a real miracle in itself. Plenty of people do get shafted time-wise — notably, most of the women, which is pretty crappy given the show's own track record shafting women back in the day — but Saturday Night definitely captures the chaos and hilarious mayhem that Michaels managed to funnel into a comedy revolution. — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer

How to watch: Saturday Night is now streaming on Netflix.

25. Nonnas

Speaking of delicious, this comedy written by Liz Maccie and directed by her husband Stephen Chbosky will have you craving a home-cooked Italian meal.

Inspired by the true story of the restaurant Enoteca Maria, Nonnas stars Vince Vaughn as an average Joe who channels his grief over losing his mother and grandmother into a tantalizing new venture. He uses his inheritance to build a new restaurant in Staten Island, and hires Italian grandmothers (or nonnas) to become the chefs using their family recipes. Personalities clash, but ultimately these strong-willed women come together to create something stupendous.

It's a feel-good comedy full of love, joy, and laughs.* — K.P.

How to watch: Nonnas is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Heart Eyes

Credit: Christopher Moss

Valentine's Day gets a horror-comedy makeover in Heart Eyes, from director Josh Ruben (Werewolves Within). The titular slasher only kills on Feb. 14, when they target happy couples in love. This year, the Heart Eyes killer has marketers Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding) in their sights. There's just one problem: Ally and Jay aren't a couple, even though a coffee shop meet-cute and undeniable chemistry seem to suggest otherwise. Can these star-crossed acquaintances and definitely not lovers survive the night and convince the Heart Eyes Killer they're totally platonic?

What follows is a cross between gory slasher and romantic comedy, and if you're a fan of both genres, chances are you'll be charmed by Heart Eyes. As Mashable contributor Kimber Myers wrote in her review, "Heart Eyes is a gory good time for those who are likely to swipe right on an off-kilter love story and a horror comedy." — B.E.

How to watch: Heart Eyes is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Cunk on Life

Comedian Diane Morgan has been gifting the world with her character of Philomena Cunk for a glorious decade and a half now. A dim-witted investigative journalist who butts heads with the real-world leading minds on each subject, Cunk proved to be a one-woman feast of absolute nonsense. The character Cunk started getting her own specials in 2016 with Cunk on Christmas, followed by Cunk on Britain and the epic globe-trotting mockumentary series Cunk on Earth (also streaming on Netflix).

Morgan's expanded her reach all the way to Cunk on Life, her latest side-splitter that tries to uncover the very meaning of existence itself across its humble 71-minute runtime. Does Cunk succeed? Well, Cunk definitely thinks she does, every damn time. But if not, at least we'll get to hear some Technotronic in the process, dammit! — J.A.   

How to watch: Cunk on Life is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley. Credit: Netflix

Eddie Murphy returns as wise-cracking Detroit police officer Axel Foley. 30 years after Beverly Hills Cop III, this sensational sequel sees Foley returning to Los Angeles to fight a new foe, reunite with old friends, and reconnect with his estranged daughter.

Reprising their supporting roles are Beverly Hills Cop co-stars John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot. New to the crew is Taylour Paige as Axel's hard-headed daughter, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a local ally, Nasim Pedrad as a flustered real estate agent, and Kevin Bacon as a smirking antagonist. The sparks will fly. The punchlines hit powerfully. The soundtrack is fire. And just like that, the heat is back on! — K.P.

How to watch: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Between Two Ferns: The Movie

Credit: Adam Rose / Netflix

Zach Galifianakis' awkward celebrity interview web series Between Two Ferns might not seem like fodder for a full-length movie, but Between Two Ferns: The Movie goes double meta by presenting his success on Funny or Die as an insult to the actor's intention to host a "serious" interview show. Galifianakis the character sets off to correct the assumption that his original show is a joke by interviewing even more celebrities, like John Cho, Keanu Reeves, Tiffany Haddish, and more. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Between Two Ferns: The Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

20. Do Revenge

Credit: Netflix

Looking for a revenge flick that pays tribute to teen classics like Mean Girls, Heathers, Cruel Intentions, and more? Then check out Do Revenge, a dark comedy sure to join the canon of iconic high school movies. Students Drea (Camila Mendes) and Eleanor (Maya Hawke) couldn't be more different... apart from the fact that both have major bones to pick with people who ruined their reputations. They decide to team up and execute one another's revenge plans, which leads down a winding road of morally dubious choices, snappy one-liners, and excellent outfits.

Mendes and Hawke have great chemistry, but it's Sophie Turner who damn near steals the show in a bit part that simply must be seen to be believed.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Do Revenge is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Always Be My Maybe

Credit: Netflix

What if the one who got away got a second chance? Back in the day, Sasha and Marcus were tight as a slap bracelet. But one fumbled night in a sweaty backseat seemed to shatter their future together.

Fifteen years later, she's a world-renowned chef and he's — well — he's working for his dad's HVAC business and playing with his band on the side. Still, fate arranges for them to reconnect, which could mean Marcus (Randall Park) has a shot to show Sasha (Ali Wong) how he feels. Comedy ensues as the stakes get high when Keanu Reeves crashes the party, being all weird and hot and having the audacity to be Keanu Reeves! This Nahnatchka Khan-helmed laffer also boasts appearances by James Saito, Charlyne Yi, Karan Soni, Daniel Dae Kim, and Michelle Buteau.* — K.P.

How to watch: Always Be My Maybe is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Dolemite Is My Name

Credit: François Duhamel / Netflix

Chronicling the true story of late comedian Rudy Ray Moore — also known as Dolemite — this Eddie Murphy vehicle is worth every minute of viewing.

An outrageous showbiz comedy, Dolemite Is My Name is at once a poignant look at the life of an underdog and an unbelievably good time. With supporting performances by Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, and more, this biopic offers more beat-for-beat joy than many of its fictional counterparts. Sensational, aspirational, and electric: You'll love it. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Dolemite Is My Name is now streaming on Netflix.

17. The Polka King

Credit: Netflix

Sometimes true crime can lead to some pitch-perfect dark comedy. This is the case for this outrageous offering, which stars Jack Black as infamous scammer/local celebrity Jan Lewan. Black brings all the rock star panache you need to understand how Lewan could be so beguiling to the Pennsylvanian retirees who surrendered their savings to the self-proclaimed Polka King.

Screenwriters Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky gave this story of fraud and showmanship shape. But they wisely trusted in the local flair of the terrific 2009 documentary The Man Who Would Be Polka King to provide some of the wildest lines of dialogue. Plucking directly from interviews with the friends, family, and victims of Jan Lewan, this comedy feels stranger than fiction but is jaw-droppingly real. Salty supporting turns from Jenny Slate, Jacki Weaver, and Jason Schwartzman bring added fun.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Polka King is now streaming on Netflix.

16. The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Credit: Netflix

Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf's Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who's battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a wall-eyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

The Mitchells' adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Co-directors Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe infuse Katie's excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. The Machines is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Credit: Netflix

Writer/director Rian Johnson follows up his critically heralded whodunnit with a sequel that's even more explosive than Knives Out. Southern gentleman/detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back, drawling deductions and whipping out witticisms, much to the chagrin of a group of wealthy and conniving friends.

It was supposed to be a murder mystery weekend where homicide was just a game. But when tech scion Miles Bron (Edward Norton) brings together his closest friends and worst enemy, real blood will be spilled, and the game is afoot! Joining in on the comically chaotic fun are Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., and Jessica Henwick. — K.P.

How to watch: Glass Onion is now streaming on Netflix.

14. The Forty-Year-Old Version

Credit: Jeong Park / Netflix © 2020

The Forty-Year-Old Version isn’t just any film about a struggling New York artist, but one about a Black female playwright who’s continually held back from creating something authentic to her perspective. Radha Blank's autobiographical directorial debut, which she also wrote, produced, and stars in, is a searing, funny, and unabashedly honest look at the compromises Black creatives are pushed to make in a world dominated by whiteness.

A teacher approaching her 40th birthday, Radha (Blank) gets the chance to produce one of her plays — only after she refuses to write a slave musical. But forced to change her vision to appease white audiences, Radha considers a totally different medium to express herself: becoming a rapper. The Forty-Year-Old Version may be one of the most slept-on Netflix originals, and it’s a shame we've yet to see another film from Blank since, itself an indictment of an industry that fails to continually platform raw and honest Black storytelling.* — Oliver Whitney, Contributing Writer

How to watch: The Forty-Year-Old Version is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Vampires vs. the Bronx

Credit: Netflix

Want a movie that's got excitement, comedy, a scorching message about the evils of gentrification, and is a kid-friendly romp? Then take a bite out of Vampires vs. the Bronx.

Oz Rodriguez's PG-13 horror-comedy centers on Afro-Latino teens who recognize that a flurry of missing person posters and an influx of rich white folks with tote bags means bad news for the neighborhood. Together, they team up Monster Squad-style to take down the bloodsuckers and save their community. With a sharp wit, a warm heart, a rich sense of atmosphere, and an equal appreciation for the Blade movies and '80s Amblin, Vampires vs. the Bronx is an easy watch full of rewards.* — K.P.

How to watch: Vampires vs. the Bronx is now streaming on Netflix.

12. The Breaker Upperers

This hidden gem comes from New Zealand, the fertile comedy ground that gave us Taika Waititi, Flight of the Conchords, and What We Do in the Shadows. Waititi collaborators Jackie van Beek, James Rolleston, and Jemaine Clement team up for a deeply quirky buddy comedy about two long-time besties with a bonkers — but brilliant — business model.

Need someone to dump your partner so you can avoid a messy confrontation? Call on Jen and Mel (co-writers/co-directors/co-leads van Beek and Madeleine Sami). For a reasonable fee, these fearless Breaker Upperers will impersonate police officers, play pregnant, or even fake your death to help you ghost an ex. Whatever the shenanigans, van Beek and Sami sparkle. Booming with wild humor and big heart, this comedy is guaranteed to leave you cackling.* — K.P.

Where to watch: The Breaker Upperers is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

With its reputation for wacky musical numbers, the Eurovision Song Contest is ripe for parody. Luckily for Eurovision lovers, the contest gets the send-up it deserves in this gloriously goofy flick starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. They play the Icelandic musical duo Fire Saga, who find themselves in the Eurovision spotlight. There, they discover that the famed competition is a world of cutthroat competitors, glitzy costumes, and many, many bops.

Eurovision Song Contest is full of larger-than-life characters and ridiculous humor, but it's also teeming with Eurovision references that will have fans laughing and cheering. For every "Jaja Ding Dong," there's a joyful Song-A-Long — and both are great! Pair all that with pitch-perfect comedic performances from Ferrell and McAdams, and you have a comedy that will both have you in stitches and win your heart. (Best of all, if you weren't a Eurovision fanatic before seeing this movie, you'll definitely be one by the time it ends.)* — B.E.

How to watch: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is now streaming on Netflix.

10. The Thursday Murder Club

Celia Imrie, Helen Mirren, Naomi Ackie, Pierce Brosnan, and Sir Ben Kingsley in "The Thursday Murder Club." Credit: Giles Keyte / Netflix

Sir Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie bring to life the brilliant pensioners at the heart of Richard Osman's best-selling novel The Thursday Murder Club.

In the charming retirement village of Cooper's Chase, a club made up of a former M16 agent, a once-feared union activist, a wise therapist, and a cheerful retired nurse use their lifetimes of skills to crack cold cases. But when fresh blood is spilled in their social circle, the Thursday Murder Club hunts for clues, leading them to spooky settings and dangerous people.

Director Chris Columbus offers a cozy crime thriller that's sure to delight fans of the book series. And we suspect it'll hook newcomers too, as his cast dazzles with every quip and daring deduction. — K.P.

How to watch: Thursday Murder Club is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Hit Man

Richard Linklater and Glen Powell reunite for Hit Man, a rom-com that is killer in all sense of the word.

Powell plays Gary Johnson, a college professor whose side gig as an undercover hit man leads to an unexpected meet-cute with would-be client Madison (Andor's Adria Arjona). The pair's connection (and electrifying chemistry) sparks a delightful game of false identities, reinvention, and twisted love that toggles between hilarious, thrilling, and sexy at a moment's notice. Oh, who am I kidding; sometimes it's all three at once!* — B.E.

How to watch: Hit Man is now streaming on Netflix.

8. One of Them Days

Credit: Anne Marie Fox / Sony Pictures

Produced by Issa Rae, One of Them Days stars Keke Palmer and SZA as best friends scraping by in Los Angeles — and rent is due! Unfortunately, a shady boyfriend seems to have made off with their payment. If they don't scramble together enough cash to appease their crooked landlord, aspiring painter Alyssa (SZA) and waitress Dreux (Palmer) will be out on the curb. These inventive girlfriends go through a wild array of hijinks along the way, crossing paths with a vicious romantic rival, a big-mouthed busybody, a ruthless gangster, and Dreux's muscle-bound crush whose nickname is "Maniac." As the ticking clock comes closer and closer to climax, you'll be worn out from cackling.

The script by Syreeta Singleton is crackling with jokes, and director Lawrence Lamont pitches his cast into some grade-A slapstick. While this comedy's dynamic leading ladies are reason enough to give One of Them Days a watch, they're bolstered by a supporting cast that includes Katt Williams, Maude Apatow, Janelle James, Gabrielle Dennis, and Dewayne Perkins. — K.P.

How to watch: One of Them Days is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Credit: Netflix

Our pals Wallace the inventor and his loyal pup Gromit have been running around for nearly four cracking decades now, but their latest adventure (and only their second feature-length film, after 2005's The Curse of the Were-Rabbit) proves they've lost not a whit of their vim and verve. Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl happily proves to be yet another gut-busting bit of British whimsy from Aardman Animation head Nick Park and his team of clay-playing creatives.

Vengeance Most Fowl sees our cheese-loving duo facing down a familiar foe — the diabolical penguin mastermind Feathers McGraw, who was last seen being sent off to imprisonment in the City Zoo in the classic 1993 short The Wrong Trousers. Hacking into Wallace's latest invention, a garden gnome robot named Norbot that he's created to do all of the yard work, Feathers builds himself an army of killer gnomes all programmed to do his bidding. And he wants nothing more than to bid adieu to his nemesis Wallace! — J.A.

How to watch: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Wicked Little Letters

Want something cheeky? Then you'll relish the bawdy, four-letter fun of this British comedy. Set in the quaint seaside town of Littlehampton in 1920, Wicked Little Letters centers on a scandalous batch of missives. Someone in this charming place is writing truly nasty letters and mailing them anonymously. Meek Christian and old maid Edith Swan (Oscar winner Olivia Colman) is convinced the author of these horrid letters is none other than her next-door neighbor Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley), who is not only found of cursing but also Irish and a single mum to boot. But Rose won't take such accusations lying down. A battle of wills kicks off that pulls in much of Littlehampton, including a wide-eyed constable (We Are Lady Parts' Anjana Vasan) determined to crack the case once and for all. While this movie involves swearing, terms like "foxy-ass" mean it's the kind of cursing you could comfortably watch with your mum, chuckling all the while. — K.P.

How to watch: Wicked Little Letters is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Shiva Baby

Some people find this 2020 cringe comedy from writer-director Emma Seligman to be so stressful that it stops being a comedy altogether, to which we give a hearty boo. Sure, it's one of the most claustrophobic experiences you can have outside of an escape room that's caught on fire, but Rachel Sennott is a comic genius who spins every moment of horror into gold!

Before the two teamed up again in 2023 for the LOL-worthy Bottoms, Seligman and Sennott gave us this small-scale story of college student Danielle, who is attending a Jewish funeral reception where absolutely everything goes wrong. Sitting shiva is never a party, but Danielle's parents (a brilliantly funny Fred Melamed and Polly Draper) are hard on her case. Then her ex-girlfriend Maya (an equally funny Molly Gordon) shows up, and that's awkward. What else could go wrong? Glad you asked! Danielle's secret side gig as a sugar baby is jeopardized when her main client (Danny Deferrari) shows up with his shiksa wife and their newborn baby. Now throw all of this drama into the smallest three rooms you can imagine, all stuffed with the loudest people eating the driest crackers you have ever seen, and enjoy! — J.A.

How to watch: Shiva Baby is now streaming on Netflix.

4. KPop Demon Hunters

HUNTR/X eats ramen in "KPop Demon Hunters." Credit: Netflix

Officially the most popular Netflix original movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters delivers a little bit of everything: romance, action, comedy, and a totally addictive soundtrack.

The story stars with K-pop trio HUNTR/X, who, when they aren't making bops like "Golden," are battling demons to protect the very souls of their fans. But just as they think they're on the verge of building an impenetrable barrier with their songs, the demons fight back with a boy band of their own. The Saja Boys are comically hot, delivering smooth moves, devious plans, and plenty of slapstick. Plus, they've got a tiger, who is cute, creepy, and silly to boot! Whether it's the martial arts action sequences, the swoon-worthy song-and-dance numbers, or the cheeky sense of humor that's grabbed fans of all ages, KPop Demon Hunters is sure to thrill. And hey, there's a sing-along version now too. — K.P.

How to watch: KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Between the Temples

Filmmaker Nathan Silver has been churning out extremely oddball indie films for the past 15 years without a whole lot of fanfare, but he finally found a sliver of mainstream attention in 2024 with Between the Temples, a tender and relatively straightforward (for him) comedy starring the one-of-a-kind twosome of Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane. Schwartzman plays Ben, a recently widowed cantor at the local synagogue, while Kane plays his former elementary school music teacher Carla, who comes to him after deciding she wants to have the bat mitzvah she didn't get to have as a child. The two spark, their families clash, and big life lessons are learned. And if you could bottle the off-kilter chemistry between these supreme character actors, you'd have magic, which is just what this movie, singular and sweet, is. — J.A. 

How to watch: Between the Temples is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Kneecap

Credit: Helen Sloan / Sony Pictures Classics

Like 8 Mile with way more vowels, Kneecap tells the true life story of the titular band while starring the band members as themselves. The hip-hop trio of Liam Óg "Mo Chara" Ó Hannaidh, Naoise "Móglaí Bap" Ó Cairealláin, and JJ "DJ Próvaí" Ó Dochartaigh portray their own rise from rough-and-tumble beginnings in West Belfast to their place atop the Irish charts, which stands out since they rap in the Irish language, which was well out of favor at the time, having been usurped by the English colonizers. Their music rises on the tide of the language's popular reclamation, but Kneecap is hardly a linguistics lesson — it's a hilarious and wildly entertaining drug-fueled riot of anarchic artistic expression. Oh, and Michael Fassbender plays Naoise's da, which I guess makes him the Kim Basinger of this situation?  — J.A.

How to watch: Kneecap is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Parasite

Bong Joon Ho's Parasite is not just a deeply dark "eat the rich" comedy, it's also a Best Picture winner. And for good reason.

Co-written and direct by Bong, Parasite centers on an impoverished family, scraping by in a basement apartment in Seoul, South Korea. When son Kim Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) scores a coveted job as the personal tutor to the youngest child of the wealthy Park family, he sees an opportunity for his father (Song Kang-ho), mother (Jang Hye-jin), and sister (Park So-dam) to get in on the payday. It'll just take some careful strategizing — or, well — flat-out scamming.

Bong and his crackling cast had audiences cackling over these crafty con artists in the film's first and second acts. However, Parasite isn't just a class-conflict comedy but also a scathing critique of a capitalist culture that holds up the haves and scorns the have-nots, so things go from dark comedy to just downright dark in the film's finale. Not for the faint of heart, Parasite is a marvel that'll have you laughing, gasping, and maybe even crying by its end. — K.P.

How to watch: Parasite is now streaming on Netflix.

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Credit: Netflix

Netflix

 

Get Deal

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list. 

UPDATE: Aug. 28, 2025, 2:21 p.m. EDT This list was originally published on March 26, 2020. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Netflix.

"I did not come here to poke at your trauma," is not a thing I, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, expected to say to anyone, much less Scottish action star Gerard Butler. When we sat down to celebrate the release of Greenland 2: Migration with a game of "Slash or Pass," I'd prepped to talk about disaster movies, having no idea how many actual disaster scenarios Butler has faced off-screen.

"My life is a disaster," he laughed while playing the game. But you should watch for yourself to see Butler coolly explain all the stressful scenarios he's survived. Then you too will know that, when in danger, we should look for Gerard Butler.

In our round-up of disaster movies, we touched on Titanic, Airplane!, Geostorm, Twister, The Happening, and of course, Greenland and Greenland 2: Migration. The sequel sees Butler reprise the role of engineer/family man John Garrity, who successfully got his wife and son to safety as the world-threatening comet Clarke barreled to Earth. This time, he'll face natural disasters and man-made menace to get his loved ones to a new "green land," a place of peace, clean air, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Greenland 2: Migration is now in theaters.

In case this week hasn't stressed you out enough, Greenland 2: Migration has arrived to kick your cortisol levels into overdrive.

Incredibly, this sequel to Greenland imagines an even worse-case scenario to the first film's premise. Sure, the 2020 disaster movie featured a massive comet called Clarke that was barreling toward the Earth so fast and furious it was sure to destroy most of the world's population and life as we know it. But what if, five years later, the survivors have a new series of Herculean obstacles to face before they can find any kind of peace? 

Greenland 2: Migration throws earthquakes, tsunamis, and radiation storms with vicious lightning at the Garrity family — and that's all in the first 20 minutes. From there, the story takes them on a dangerous trek to find a "promised land" where they can live happily ever after. But beneath all this action and disaster, this sly sequel is about the challenge of being a good dad as Gerard Butler's family man, John Garrity, gives everything he has to save his family at every turn. 

Brace yourself, because Greenland 2: Migration will have you gasping and crying before those credits roll. 

Greenland 2: Migration imagines a brave new world of horror and hope. 

Credit: Lionsgate

Set five years after Clarke first pitched the Garrity family into a frantic flight to a high-security bunker in Greenland, this sequel shows a world transformed by the comet's impact. The globe is pockmarked with impact craters and death. In voiceover, John (Butler) explains that at least 75% of the world's population has been wiped out. Those who survived struggle against radiation that makes it dangerous to be outside without a special mask.

In their bunker, the Garritys' new community shares resources and debates what the future can look like. Rations are running low and tremors shake the bunker, threatening to shatter it. But scientists theorize that the crater where the biggest chunk of Clarke hit could become a new cradle of life. It's said the air and water there is pure, the land rich and ready to be cultivated. Plus, the furious natural disasters that plague this bunker don't get past the new mountains formed by the crater's impact. 

Determined to give his 15-year-old son Nathan (Roman Griffin Davis) and his wife Allison (Morena Baccarin) the best life this world can offer, John asks them to pack up and trek from Greenland to this promised green land in the South of France. But getting there won't be easy. 

It's not just that nature is ruthlessly indifferent to the remnants of humanity. What resources and terrain that remains is being fought over. Marauders make the roads dangerous, while what's left of London is a scene of riots. As in Greenland, the Garrity family will see the best and worst of humanity, finding vicious foes and earnest friends. And through it all, John doggedly pushes his family forward. 

Greenland 2: Migration has a grimmer tone. 

Credit: Lionsgate

The experience of watching Greenland was similar to a panic attack. One sequence after another made things harder for the Garritys, the plot playing out like the escalating worst-case scenarios that anxiety can trigger. And on top of that, the ticking clock of Clarke's impact made for chest-tightening tension. There was an incredibly prolonged sense of scramble to the first film, which separated John and Allison, forcing them to fight not only to survive but to find each other, all while keeping their young son — who has diabetes that requires insulin — safe.

In Greenland 2: Migration, there's less excitement and more sadness. The frenzy of being chased out of their spacious and pristine suburban home is swapped for a speedy fleeing of a crumbling bunker, where all they own can be shoved into a backpack or two. Inexplicably, the only mention of Nathan's diabetes is that he should grab as much insulin as he can before they leave the bunker. Shouldn't insulin be refrigerated? Wouldn't he run out eventually? Shhhh, this movie doesn't have time for your petty logic.

In the first film, the Garritys were everyday folks. Now, they are trauma-hardened refugees, alert and scared, but not as panicked as they were on day one. This shifts the feeling of the movie from fearful to a world-weariness that weighs heaviest on John, because he knows something the others don't. In the first act, it's hinted that John's scavenging trips to recover resources from the radiation-rich outside world have irrevocably hurt his health. His ragged cough becomes its own ticking clock: Can he get his family to safety before his time is up? 

Gerard Butler is riveting in Greenland 2: Migration. 

Gerard Butler stars in "Greenland 2: Migration." Credit: Lionsgate

Butler's long been a solid choice as an action lead. Here, his broad shoulders stand strong against a sea of physical assaults from water, fire, stone, and man-made violence. His signature growl roars to boost the morale of his family as they face nauseating challenges, like traversing a rope bridge during an earthquake. But it also purrs low and alluringly to offer comfort to his loved ones. This is a man not only looking to make it to tomorrow, but all too aware that he's paving the path for his son's future one hard-won step at a time. There's a throbbing heartbreak to that.

The existence of the whole world was under threat in the first film. Here, the stakes are more immediate, personal, and devastating; mortality takes on a new meaning for an aging father who's increasingly aware he'll never see his boy become a man. 

Screenwriters Mitchell LaFortune and Chris Sparling neatly knit this emotional thread into the barrage of action set pieces. Director Ric Roman Waugh (Greenland) brings disaster-rich pages to vivid life, reimagining major cities and natural landmarks as wastelands or life-or-death obstacle courses. There's plenty of nightmare fuel in what the Garrity family faces. Yet Greenland 2: Migration doesn't quite hit the way the first one did. 

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I'm not sure if that's the movie's fault or mine. This sequel does have a more elegiac tone, and understandably so. Outside of John's declining health, what he's seen in the last five years is that even the end of the world as we know it does not guarantee that mankind will get our shit together and embrace community and kindness. Even as he's taking down a bad guy with a gun, there's a look of sorrow in his eyes, because this struggle just won't end. But am I projecting? On my way to see this film and on the way home afterwards, I couldn't help but doomscroll through horrifying news headlines about violence, war, and cold-blooded murder. I'm aware that this hopelessness might be my own. I might have brought it into my understanding of the film. Or this sequel is reflecting a fear that's in the zeitgeist right now.

To be fair, Greenland 2: Migration does offer sparks of hope, both in compassionate people met along the way and a climax that strives for heart-warming. And it is soul-lifting to see Butler as the dad who won't ever give up. Waugh's message with the movie seems to be a recognition that the evils and violence of the world can be overwhelming, even for the strongest among us. But there's still value in fighting for a better tomorrow. Still, after all the horrors seen on screen and off, this sequel is less entertaining than it is a determined reminder of how much cruelty in the world is not caused by an act of God, but acts of man. 

Greenland 2: Migration is now in theaters.

As an actor, Bradley Cooper can be exciting and explosive because he refuses to take himself all that seriously. In critically heralded films like Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, even Guardians of the Galaxy, where he voiced Rocket Raccoon, he gamely plays the fool, egotistical, wrathful, and/or uncouth. Yet as a filmmaker, Cooper is tediously serious, even when making the divorce-centered comedy Is This Thing On? 

Curiously, Cooper doesn't star in his latest, as he did in past directorial efforts A Star is Born (2018), and Maestro. Instead, he cast himself as the silliest character in his latest directorial effort, while Will Arnett, who co-wrote the screenplay with Cooper and Mark Chappell (See How They Run), headlines alongside Laura Dern. 

Together, they play a middle-aged couple navigating the end of their 20-year marriage. But don't expect the fireworks of the troubled couples from his last two directorial efforts. Instead, these two have a mutual split that's more aching than angry. To cope, the soon-to-be ex-husband turns his pain into a new hobby: stand-up comedy. Yet the results aren't all that funny or profound. 

Is This Thing On? feels old-school in a bad way. 

Laura Dern and Will Arnett with director Bradley Cooper on the set of "Is This Thing On?" Credit: Jason McDonald / Searchlight Pictures

Relying on cliches and a premise done recently and very well by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Is This Thing On? feels like a lost film from the late 2010s, when joking about dad bods was remotely fresh. Arnett stars as Alex Novak, who by day wears a suit for the sort of job the movie doesn't care about, and by night is stumbling into comedy clubs in New York city, looking for an open mic. Does he have dreams of doing stand-up professionally? Nope. It's more that tired meme: Men will do anything except go to therapy. 

So, Alex goes up on stage and starts talking about his life, his wife Tess (Dern), and his penis, in search of — what — attention? Absolution? I'm not sure even he knows. Scoring a few laughs thrills Alex, but he seems even more grateful for the community of comics (most of them women and people of color) who immediately embrace him and offer pointers. Because a realm where straight white guys really need a helping hand is stand-up comedy, right? 

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Where Midge Maisel's journey was about becoming great at stand-up, Alex's story is never about going pro, or even getting particularly good. Neither is it about becoming a member of the comic community so ready to embrace him. Instead, Is This Thing On? is a tedious, navel-gazing tale of a mediocre man doing the very least and feeling sort of bad about it. But hey, a female character who exists only to mock and fuck Alex says he's a "good" person. So, there's that. 

Bradley Cooper loves a broken man and the strong woman who takes his bullshit. 

Laura Dern and Will Arnett play husband and wife in "Is This Thing On?" Credit: Jason McDonald / Searchlight Pictures

Admittedly, I've never been much for Cooper's movies. A Star Is Born was a remake after a remake, but at least its dusty, toxic romance gave us a sensational Lady Gaga performance. As for Maestro, Cooper threw himself into mastering the intricacies of conducting an orchestra, but co-wrote and directed a Leonard Bernstein movie that was fueled by biphobic stereotypes, like that bisexual people are irrepressibly lusty and can't (or won't) commit to a monogamous relationship. Both films in tone and aesthetic pine for Hollywood's Golden Age of big stars and big drama, but in doing so, drag dated ideas along with them. Set today, Is This Thing On? is less egregious on these points, but not when it comes to the tiresome gender roles of a messy man and the incredible woman who loves him. In this case, it's taken to a comical extreme. Alex is an amateur comic; his wife is a former Olympian volleyball player. 

Alex is often gruff and rumpled, looking very much the part of a man on the brink of divorce. The close-ups employed in Matthew Libatique's cinematography are practically suffocating, and repeatedly go directly into the protagonist's eyeline. So, whether he's tripping into a punchline or speaking sincerely to Tess, Alex is looking right at the camera, directly addressing the audience, perhaps asking us to love or at least see him. 

However, it's unclear how self-aware Is This Thing On? is about Alex's emotional state. Sure, as the movie goes on, he begins to own his mistakes in the past, but less so in the present. He and Tess have two young sons together. And over the course of the movie, Alex — who has moved out of the family home — acts more like a guest than a parent. When a birthday party is thrown at their house, he arrives late with no gift or anything in hand. When it's time to clean up, Libatique's frame shows other partygoers gathering absurd amounts of streamers that have been scattered around the lawn, while Alex chats with his flighty friend Balls, a deluded actor played by Bradley Cooper.

Is This Thing On? isn't funny, but its supporting players have their moments. 

Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper play friends in "Is This Thing On?" Credit: Jason McDonald / Searchlight Pictures

To reiterate: Alex is not all that funny as a stand-up, in part because he tells tired jokes about dad bods and in part because he goes all Joker on occasion, turning his self-loathing on his audience. However, there's something brave and refreshing in suggesting someone can be into the performing arts as a hobby without being good at it, much less being successful. Cooper's character drives this point home, as he's the kind of New York actor who has been in the business for decades but has never broken through. 

Entering with a pratfall that sprawls him out on the floor, spilling a full quart of milk for a splashy punchline, Balls is ever-convinced he's on the brink of his moment. With a wide smile and chaotic charisma, he waxes poetic about the joys of being an understudy or cowhand #4. And though this makes him a clown within Alex's story, his final scene suggests he's found the key to happiness, and isn't bothered by other people's ideas of success. He's a goofball, but aspirational. 

Elsewhere, Christine Ebersole is hilarious as Alex's pestering mother. Though only in the film briefly, she makes the most of every moment, nailing that backhanded mom humor that cuts and spurs cackles. Her intense energy plays well off of Arnett's low-key grumbling, as does Dern's hard-forged warmth. The film's tension becomes the will-they-won't-they of Tess and Alex's relationship, asking if this is really the end or not. Dern, flowing from charmed to impatient to furious and back again, carries a lot of the movie's emotional weight. However, the film never commits to her enough to make this a two-hander. So, in the supporting role of the wife/could-be ex-wife, she's left to have emotional breakthroughs not on the Comedy Cellar stage, but on the phone with friends or family. Perhaps this is meant to show how one-sided their marriage had become, Tess left alone at home, calling out for help. But I suspect I'm giving Cooper too much credit there. 

In the end, I lost patience with this movie about a man who is remarkable in no particular way. Is This Thing On? is like its hero, unremarkable. The humor occasionally hits, but more often doesn't. Though the narrative around divorce here is refreshingly lacking in the sort of cliched Kramer vs. Kramer or Marriage Story vitriol, its open-hearted exploration of a marriage on the rocks never seems to recognize the strangling gender norms at its core. The performances are solid from the supporting cast, including former pro footballer Peyton Manning and a smattering of actual stand-ups — like Chloe Radcliffe, Jordan Jensen, and Reggie Conquest. Then there's Arnett, who post-BoJack Horseman seems cozy in the role of a lost middle-aged loser seeking validation through performance. But ultimately, I wasn't rooting for this marriage to work out or fall apart. I was just waiting for someone to flash the light and bring this exasperating set to an end. 

Is This Thing On? is now in theaters.

UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2026, 4:50 p.m. EST This review was first published on Oct. 10, 2025, as part of Mashable's coverage of the 2025 NYFF. It has been updated to reflect the movie's theatrical release.

Picture this: A man wrapped in wires strolls into your diner, claims he's from an apocalyptic future, and asks for your help in saving the world. What do you do?

That's the bizarro situation that kicks off Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, an upcoming sci-fi adventure from director Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango) and writer Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Sam Rockwell stars as Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die's man from the future, who comes bearing terrible news of the end of the world. The film's latest trailer hints at the AI nature of this apocalypse, from sinister VR headsets to children staring mindlessly at their phone screens.

What can stop the fast-approaching end times? According to Rockwell's character, the answer lies in a Los Angeles diner, which holds the "perfect configuration" of people who can save humanity. Played by the likes of Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, and Juno Temple, can this crew of unlikely heroes truly bring the world back from the brink of destruction?

Jury's still out on that question, but there's no denying that Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die looks suitably bonkers. Shootouts with bad guys in pig masks, writhing masses of wires, a terrifying baby doll robot... These are just some of the wacky sights that await in the film's newest trailer. Check out the full chaos for yourself above.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die hits theaters Feb. 13.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

11. Tron: Ares

43 years after Tron awed audiences with its groundbreaking visual effects and tale of AI gone awry, Tron: Ares is a movie that also exists.

Directed by Joachim Rønning, this sequel to Tron: Legacy stars Jared Leto as Ares, a Master Control Program created by tech scion Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters). Tasked with kidnapping Dillinger's professional rival Eve Kim (Greta Lee), Ares blasts from the virtual world into the real one. But before you can say Turing test, he's beginning to second guess his mission and his master.

Look, the plotline is convoluted and confusion. The movie is a mess. As I wrote in my review, "Tron: Ares is heavy-handed, dunderheaded, and over earnest, but also occasionally funny, charming, sexy, and thrilling." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges

How to watch: Tron: Ares is now streaming on Disney+.

10. A Thousand Blows, Season 2

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight turned out one of the best British shows of 2025 with A Thousand Blows, and there's more where that came from. Adolescence stars Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, and Small Axe star Malachi Kirby all return after a highly successful awards run for another round of the Victorian London-set Hulu/Disney+ drama series.

Kicking off one year after the events of Season 1, this season sees East End boxers Hezekiah Moscow (Kirby) and Henry "Sugar" Goodson (Graham) not in a good place, either of them, from the looks of the trailer. Forty Elephants queen Mary Carr (Doherty), her protégé Alice Diamond (Darci Shaw), and exiled temp leader Eliza Moody (Hannah Walters) are back and ready to reunite Mary's all-women gang of thieves for a major heist. But first, Mary'll have to reclaim gang power from Indigo Jeremy (Robert Glenister), who lords over them from the other side of the Thames.* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Erin Doherty, Malachi Kirby, Francis Lovehall, James Nelson-Joyce, Jason Tobin, Hannah Walters, Morgan Hilaire, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Jemma Carlton, Nadia Albina, Tom Davis, Daniel Mays, Stephen Graham, Darci Shaw, Gary Lewis, Susan Lynch, and Robert Glenister

How to watch: A Thousand Blows, Season 2 debuts on Hulu on Jan. 9.

9. Plainclothes

If Heated Rivalry has you craving more tales of forbidden love, Plainclothes might intrigue.

Written and directed by Carmen Emmi, this Sundance thriller stars Tom Blyth as a '90s vice cop tasked with undercover duty in men's bathrooms. He's on the hunt for gay men cruising for sex. But what happens when he catches feelings for a suspect?

Now, we won't promise Plainclothes will offer the queer joy of the cottage ep. But this critically heralded drama is sure to entrance. — K.P.

Starring: Tom Blyth, Russell Tovey, Maria Dizzia, Christian Cooke, Gabe Fazio, Amy Forsyth, John Bedford Lloyd, Darius Fraser, and Alessandra Ford Balazs

How to watch: Plainclothes is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

8. Coldwater

The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln heads up Paramount+'s new psychological thriller set in the small Scottish town of Coldwater. Created and written by Northern Irish playwright David Ireland, and directed by Shetland's Lee Haven Jones and Andrew Cumming, the series sees Lincoln as John, a man who moves his family from London after a violent event. As his family find their feet in their new neighbourhood, John bonds with his neighbour Tommy (Trainspotting icon Ewen Bremner), whose "man about town" charm could conceal something sinister. Feels like the bitter cold type of series perfect for this time of year. — S.C.

Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Ewen Bremner, Indira Varma, and Eve Myles

How to watch: Coldwater debuts on Paramount+ on Jan. 9 with new episodes weekly.

7. Marcello Hernández: American Boy

If you don't know the name Marcello Hernández, you might know him as his Saturday Night Live character Domingo. This SNL cast member broke out from the pack with a sketch about a suave parody-singing ladies man. And now, he's got a comedy show all his own.

With this stand-up special, Hernández digs into his childhood in Miami, life with his mother, and his (arguably misplaced) outrage at Full House. With a big smile, some solid dance moves, and lots of energy, he delivers a special that's devotedly silly and pretty personal — though you might wish (as I did) that some of the setups were more specific so the punchlines could hit harder. However, the bit on Ana from Child Protective Services is terrific. — K.P.

Starring: Marcello Hernández

How to watch: Marcello Hernández: American Boy is now streaming on Netflix.

6. His & Hers

Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal team up for a steamy and twisted thriller, adapted from Alice Feeney's 2020 novel of the same name. They play an estranged married couple who parted over a shared tragedy, and reunite reluctantly as a murder case hits home.

Anna (Thompson) is a TV journalist who has a close tie to the woman murdered on a dark lane in her hometown. Jack is a local detective that's been assigned to the case. But as he seeks a suspect, dark secrets — his own, his wife's, and other loved ones' — bubble to the surface.

Told over the course of six episodes ranging from 39 to 46 minutes, His & Hers offers a gnarly crime tale that will have you gasping, squealing, and maybe even howling with laughter. This one gets wild. — K.P.

Starring: Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, Marin Ireland, and Rebecca Rittenhouse

How to watch: His & Hers debuts on Netflix on Jan. 8.

5. The Traitors, Season 4

The campiest competition show is almost back, bringing with it more backstabbing, more reality stars playing detective, and more killer Alan Cumming outfits. This time around, contestants include Real Housewives stars Lisa Rinna and Dorinda Medley, who's returning after being first out on Season 3; Olympic figure skaters Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski; and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars winner Monét X Change, who I'm hoping can avenge her sister Bob the Drag Queen. The real question, though: Who can top the ridiculousness of Tom Sandoval earnestly singing backwards nursery rhymes through a phone?* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Alan Cumming, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Caroline Stanbury, Colton Underwood, Donna Kelce, Dorinda Medley, Eric Nam, Ian Terry, Johnny Weir, Kristen Kish, Rob Cesternino, Lisa Rinna, Mark Ballas, Maura Higgins, Michael Rapaport, Monét X Change, Natalie Anderson, Porsha Williams, Rob Rausch, Ron Funches, Stephen Colletti, Tara Lipinski, Tiffany Mitchell, and Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho

How to watch: The Traitors Season 4 premieres Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. ET.

4. Zodiac Killer Project

One of the most buzzed-about discoveries out of Sundance 2025 was Charlie Shackleton's Zodiac Killer Project. The documentarian was setting out to explore a fringe theory about the Zodiac Killer's identity. But partway through development, he lost the rights to the book he was using as source material. So, what to do?

Shackleton gets meta with it by making a movie about the movie he wanted to make, thereby creating a scorching investigation into how true crime docs are constructed. For most of this movie, I wondered if Shackleton believed the Zodiac Killer theory he was exploring, or just thought it'd make a good movie. By the end, I had my answer. And this doc may change the way you look at true crime docs (and their "evocative B-roll"). — K.P.

How to watch: Zodiac Killer Project is now available for rental or purchase on Apple TV.

3. Predator: Badlands 

Do you want to set a record for the most times you say "hell yeah" over the course of 90 minutes? Then you need to watch Predator: Badlands, the latest film from the franchise's excellent new shepherd Dan Trachtenberg (Prey).

Predator: Badlands marks the first time in Predator history that a Yautja is a film's protagonist. The lead in question is Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a runt by Yautja standards who decides to prove himself to his cold-hearted father by hunting the "unkillable" Kalisk. His quest takes him to Genna, a planet brimming with deadly flora and fauna. There, he'll find an unlikely companion in Weyland-Yutani android Thia (Elle Fanning). The two join forces in an unlikely partnership that's as surprisingly sweet as it is badass, and what follows is a pulse-pounding adventure brimming with awesome new aliens, bold action, and one of 2025's best onscreen friendships. Predator fans and franchise newcomers alike, you're in for a treat. — B.E.

Starring: Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning

How to watch: Predator: Badlands is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

2. Industry, Season 4

Thanks to The Pitt and new Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, January is a busy month for HBO's buzziest titles. But between those two tentpoles, be sure to make time for HBO's criminally underrated finance drama, Industry. 

Season 4 picks up in the wake of Season 3's game-changing finale, which shut down Pierpoint & Co.'s London trading floor and scattered Industry's cast. Now, ambitious trader Harper Stern (Myha'la) runs her own fund, while her longtime frenemy Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela) settles into married life to Henry Muck (Kit Harington). But when payment processor Tender makes waves in the markets, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the company's rise. So begins a riveting saga of power, desire, and politics, with Industry pulling out all the stops in what I called its "most ambitious season yet." Tune in and get obsessed. — B.E.

Starring: Myha’la, Marisa Abela, Kit Harington, Ken Leung, Max Minghella, Miriam Petche, Sagar Radia, Toheeb Jimoh, Charlie Heaton, Amy James-Kelly, Roger Barclay, Andrew Havill, Kiernan Shipka, Kal Penn, Jack Farthing, Stephen Campbell Moore, Claire Forlani, and Edward Holcroft

How to watch: Industry Season 4 premieres Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Best of Streaming this week:
The Pitt, Season 2

Fifteen of the most stressful episodes of TV you'll ever see are headed your way, which can only mean one thing: The Pitt is back!

HBO Max's Emmy–winning medical drama returns for another shift, this time taking place on July 4th. To celebrate, Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) and his team will have to deal with holiday-specific injuries like grill burns and firework accidents, an abandoned baby, and the hospital being forced to go analog.

As if that weren't enough, this shift is also Dr. Robby's last — for now. He's taking a sabbatical, and his replacement attending, Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), has arrived in the ED a day early. Their tense partnership forms the backbone of The Pitt's second season, which proves just as gripping and timely as its first. As I wrote in my review, "[T]he show remains empathetic, educational, and totally unforgettable." — B.E.

Starring: Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Sepideh Moafi

How to watch: The Pitt Season 2 premieres Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Paranormal investigators and sceptics never have a great time of it in horror films, and A24's undertone looks like it will be absolutely no exception.

Director Ian Tuason follows podcast host Evy Babic (Nina Kiri) who debunks supposedly haunted audio records, only to find herself — you guessed it — becoming haunted by one.

One for fans of Lucy Campbell and Matt Vesely's 2024 micro-budget Australian sci-fi horror Monolith, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff Yung also star.

undertone is in theatres March 13.

The first trailer for Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience is here, and as someone who saw this tour four times across four different cities, including the Los Angeles stop at SoFi Stadium, it immediately dropped me back into the controlled chaos that defines a Stray Kids concert.

Speaking from personal experience, the trailer captures what made the world tour such a defining moment for Stray Kids: momentum. These weren't shows that eased you in. They hit hard from the jump, stacking explosive choreography, blistering rap verses, and emotional pivots into a set designed to never let the energy dip. Bang Chan anchoring the chaos, Changbin and Han trading rapid-fire intensity, Hyunjin and Felix commanding the stage with physicality and presence, Lee Know's razor-sharp movement, Seungmin delivering steady vocals while casually instigating chaos, and I.N grounding it all with sincerity — every member played a specific role in keeping that engine running.

And now, fans will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how they brought it all together.

Anchored by footage from the sold-out SoFi Stadium performances in Los Angeles, the film documents a turning point for the K-pop act. Seeing Stray Kids command a venue of that size on their first global stadium tour made clear just how far they've grown not only as performers, but as artists confident enough to trust their own vision on the biggest possible stage.

Directed by Paul Dugdale (Taylor Swift: Reputation Stadium Tour) and featuring documentary segments directed by Farah X (The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion), The Dominant Experience is built for scale. The film opens globally on Feb. 6, 2026, screening in IMAX®, SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX where available. (Do I want to be physically pelted in the back every time the bass drops or Changbin spits a verse? Honestly...maybe.)

Tickets are already on sale at STRAYKIDSMOVIE.COM, and if the trailer is any indication, this concert film is a snapshot of Stray Kids at full force.

On Wednesday, SAG-AFTRA announced the nominations for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards), and there are two frontrunners: One Battle After Another and Sinners.

Fresh off its Critics Choice Award win for Best Picture, One Battle After Another picked up a record-breaking seven nominations, including nods for Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor, as well as nominations for the entire cast and the stunt ensemble. Following closely on its heels is Sinners, which earned five nominations, for Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, the entire cast, and the stunt ensemble.

One Battle After Another and Sinners have been the two frontrunners going into the 2026 awards season, and with both films' considerable Actor Awards nominations, that race shows no signs of letting up. Other contenders on the film side include Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme. On the TV side, The Studio leads with five nominations, while The White Lotus and Adolescence each picked up four.

Read on for the full list of nominations for the 2026 Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA.

Film nominations

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another

Sinners

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another

Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon

Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Jesse Plemons, Bugonia

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue

Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another

Emma Stone, Bugonia

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Miles Caton, Sinners

Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another

Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein

Paul Mescal, Hamnet

Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Odessa A’Zion, Marty Supreme

Ariana Grande, Wicked: For Good

Amy Madigan, Weapons

Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners

Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

F1

Frankenstein

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

One Battle After Another

Sinners

TV nominations

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

The Diplomat

Landman

The Pitt

Severance

The White Lotus

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary

The Bear

Hacks

Only Murders in the Building

The Studio

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Sterling K. Brown, Paradise

Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Walton Goggins, The White Lotus

Gary Oldman, Slow Horses

Noah Wyle, The Pitt

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Britt Lower, Severance

Parker Posey, The White Lotus

Keri Russell, The Diplomat

Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus

Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Ike Barinholtz, The Studio

Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This

Ted Danson, A Man on the Inside

Seth Rogen, The Studio

Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

Kathryn Hahn, The Studio

Catherine O’Hara, The Studio

Jenna Ortega, Wednesday

Jean Smart, Hacks

Kristen Wiig, Palm Royale

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series

Jason Bateman, Black Rabbit

Owen Cooper, Adolescence

Stephen Graham, Adolescence

Charlie Hunnam, Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series

Claire Danes, The Beast in Me

Erin Doherty, Adolescence

Sarah Snook, All Her Fault

Christine Tremarco, Adolescence

Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

Andor

Landman

The Last of Us

Squid Game

Stranger Things

The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA stream live on Netflix on March 1 at 8 p.m. ET.

Heated Rivalry has audiences hot and bothered and hungry for more. But it'll likely be two years before rival hockey pros Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) return with Season 2. So what are we to do until then?

Fans are split on this. Some will tell you to plunge into the source material, Rachel Reid's Game Changer book series, which offers several spicy, hockey-centered MLM novels. Others might suggest Ember & Ice, a Quinn audio erotica drop, which reunites Williams and Storrie as winged fairies yearning for each other. (It debuted so big, the app crashed.)

Still others will recommend the "gay fever dream" that is the Interview with the Vampire TV series, as it shares an enemies-to-lovers plotline and Ilya definitely has his Brat Prince moments. However, as a big fan of the Anne Rice-inspired series, I'll warn that Interview with the Vampire is much more about tragedy and trauma than it is queer joy. So, my top recommendation for those thirsting for more of a Heated Rivalry vibe would be the upcoming A24 offering Pillion.

How do Heated Rivalry and Pillion compare?

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams in the finale of "Heated Rivalry." Credit: Sabrina Lantos / HBO Max

An adorably eager Harry Melling stars as Colin, a timid virgin, who falls hard for a BDSM leather daddy named Ray — played by a strapping Alexander Skarsgård. This English romantic drama has earned buzz on the film festival circuit in 2025. In his review out of Cannes, Siddhant Adlakha called it "some of the most entertaining drama and comedy you're likely to see this year."

It's also hot, funny, and moving. But even at a glance, Pillion and Heated Rivalry have some striking similarities. Both Heated Rivalry and Pillion are based on novels; the former Rachel Reid's book of the same name, the latter Adam Mars-Jones's Box Hill. As Heated Rivalry was created by Jacob Tierney and Pillion written and directed by Harry Lighton, both adaptations are not only queer MLM romances with graphic sex scenes, but are also made by gay men.

Beyond that, their plotlines have a lot in common: A dark-haired young man who is very close to his parents falls for a swaggering, macho blonde who seems his polar opposite. To the surprise of others, they become lovers, thanks to the blonde initiating their first sexual encounter and being his new partner's first top. Though their relationship is initially about sex, they will grow to care for each other, leading to an awkward family meal where the blonde gets to know his lover's parents (for better or worse!).

However, from this meet-the-parents point Pillion speeds down a different path. While Colin and Ray won't ride off into the sunset like Shane and Ilya, Pillion is nonetheless a story of queer joy — but also kink.

Pillion offers BDSM kink, yearning, and heart.

Harry Melling's "Pillion character poster." Credit: A24

Alexander Skarsgård's "Pillion" character poster. Credit: A24

Who says BDSM can't be sweet? Often, in the media, the kinks that involve bondage, dominance, discipline, submission, sadism, or masochism are painted with a scandalous brush that regards them as depraved and dangerous. The Fifty Shades trilogy was released with much hand-wringing over a woman surrendering herself to BDSM dominance by a man. House of Hammer, a documentary exposé about Armie Hammer, misrepresented the BDSM community by positing it as a space ripe for misogynistic abuse. And the Hellraiser franchise has been turning BDSM gear and the pleasure/pain dynamic into nightmare fuel since 1987. Occasionally, however, a movie comes along that showcases such kinks without condemnation, instead celebrating the pleasure found in the pain, the joy found in giving in, and the intimacy that can bloom between a dominant and a submissive. Following in the footsteps of such pro-BDSM film as Secretary and Babygirl comes Pillion. But unlike its sisters in kink, this offering has men in the dom and sub roles.

Like Heated Rivalry, Pillion is a tale of opposites attract that is hot, hilarious, and heartwarming. (But first and foremost: hot!) From the very start of Lighton's film, the stark contrast between his lovers is comically clear in how they present themselves to the world.

Their meet-cute is at an English pub, where Colin (Melling, who famously played Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter movies) is crooning in a tweed hat and pastel-striped blazer, performing as part of a barbershop quartet alongside his dad (Douglas Hodge). It's a wholesome hobby that actually reflects the earnestness of Colin in all things, even his emerging interest in kink. Which is piqued by the tall, strapping blonde called Ray (Skarsgård) who's playing darts in the corner with a gang of rowdy bikers, all snug in leather, metal, and fetish gear.

When Ray makes a move on Colin, he's as shocked and titillated as a blushing Shane was when Ilya got randy in the showers. Unlike Shane Hollander, Colin is out to his family, so he is quick to tell his parents that he has a date with a biker. (They're so supportive that Colin's dad lends him a leather jacket to wear — ill-fitting though it may be!)

Where meeting the parents is the emotional climax of Heated Rivalry, it's the midway point of Ray and Colin's journey. With a firm hand, Ray leads Colin by the dog collar into a dom-sub relationship, demanding the young man be submissive, including cooking, cleaning, dressing to Ray's liking (in leather and metal), and surrendering his body for wrestling foreplay and anal sex.

New to this BDSM scene, Colin is often wide-eyed and awkward, but always consenting. Their first sexual encounter is subversive, sensual, and so fumbling that it's laugh-out-loud funny. Yet Pillion never urges the audience to laugh at Colin. Instead, the deep empathy of Lighton's approach and Melling's vulnerable performance urge us all to imagine ourselves in Colin's shoes. Who among us hasn't had a crush that made us willing to risk looking like a fool? Like Shane, Colin is earnest and vulnerable in his longing and eventually loving of his partner. But unlike Shane, Colin never experiences any shame for his queerness or desires.

Pillion and Heated Rivalry use sex as a tool of self-discovery.

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams share a shower in "Heated Rivalry." Credit: Sabrina Lantos / HBO Max

Both romances portray lovers who learn more about themselves through their sexual relationship with each other. Colin's journey, however, is not about coming to terms with being queer. It's about opening himself up to new experiences, and then setting boundaries as he understands what he wants.

For much of the film, he's happy to go along with whatever Ray wants. But as their relationship evolves, Colin doesn't just "yes and" all of Ray's commands, but pushes back, demanding more emotional intimacy. Now, their "cottage" moment is less private, more provocative — involving full frontal nudity and group sex — but still sweet. On a picnic table at a camping retreat, Ray gives in to Colin's need for more romance while meeting his need for BDSM kink. And watching them both thrill in this moment is as exciting as when Ilya says he's going to Shane's cottage.

Pillion won't probe Ray's psyche as deeply as Heated Rivalry does Ilya's. There will be no tragic backstory and little idea of what Ray does outside of Colin. Yet Ray doesn't feel unknowable because of Skarsgård's nuanced performance. While Melling offers a portrait that is so vulnerable you may well blush to see his exposed wanting, Skarsgård seems initially a snarling sex god. But as Ray lets Colin into his home, Skarsgård works a glint of softness and excitement into Ray's aloof demeanor. In these moments of flickering vulnerability, we get a sense of who Ray is outside of his persona as a dom. And surprisingly, it'll be Colin who pushes Ray out of his comfort zone.

Lighton's script bonds us to Colin, urging us to understand the thrill of discovery of kink, the swoon of being under the grip of an astoundingly hot lover, and the trembling fear of not being enough to keep them happy. But it's when Colin brings Ray into his world that a new side of this smoldering dom unlocks. It's a sequence that feels more rom-com than anything in Heated Rivalry, the kind of sequence you could imagine in a Richard Curtis movie, climaxing in a gleeful, affectionate tumble in a public park. And then comes a moment, small and unspoken but definitive. Their relationship will never, can never, be the same.

Alexander Skarsgård dominates in the kinkiest and sweetest movie of the year.

Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård go on a first date in "Pillion." Credit: A24

But it's Melling who makes Pillion a marvel. Scenes of Ray's seduction will make the audience swoon, yet it's Melling's dedicated openness that makes Pillion feel authentic instead of like some splashy Hollywood fantasy. This isn't 50 Shades of Gray sleek and glamourous. This is wilder, richer, and infinitely more enthralling. Pillion is not only sexy and exciting, but also funny, poignant, and a shining beacon to all those trembling about letting their freak flag fly. 

Perhaps Ray is how we might wish to seem to a new partner, mysterious and breathtakingly cool. Colin is how we might fear being seen, so earnest that it’s “cringe.” Like Heated Rivalry, these two very different lovers represent mystique and openness. One will draw you in, but you need the other to keep a relationship growing. Whether it's Shane and Ilya or Colin and Ray, this is the lesson of both romances.

This tricky emotional growth is often glossed over in Hollywood sex scenes with a sweeping orchestral score and chaste coverage. Yet, these stories of gay men in love offer nudity, graphic sex, romantic fantasy, and in the end, an earnest, unapologetic reality. The English film and Canadian series are bolder and yet more delicate, and thereby electrifying and life-affirming.

Both these queer relationships begin with a risky hook-up, then grow through chemistry and an embrace of sex and exploration. Through these steamy and ardent romances, Pillion and Heated Rivalry challenge us: What more might we experience and enjoy if we — like the lovers themselves — dared to open ourselves up? 

Heated Rivalry is now on HBO Max. Pillion opens in theaters on Feb. 6.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is hitting Netflix in a few weeks, and there's a shiny new trailer to psych everyone up.

The feature debut of Shingo Yamashita (Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen) the anime film is inspired by Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, set to songs by Vocaloid (AI singing synthesisers created by Yamaha) producers including HoneyWorks, kz (livetune), ryo (supercell), Aqu3ra, yuigot, and 40mP.

A mysterious baby from the moon found in a telephone pole (stay with me) grows quickly to become Kaguya (voiced by Yuko Natsuyoshi), who befriends honour student Iroha (Anna Nagase) on Earth. Kaguya has one goal: to become a top idol and streamer in the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi. And it's all very pretty.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is streaming on Netflix on Jan. 22.

Robin Hood as a merry rogue robbing the rich to give to the poor couldn't be much further from the image of a bearded Hugh Jackman in the trailer above.

In A24's The Death of Robin Hood, Jackman plays an ageing version of the legendary outlaw, haunted by his violent past as he lies injured from battle.

Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett, and Noah Jupe also star in this latest from A Quiet Place: Day One writer/director Michael Sarnoski.

The Death of Robin Hood is "coming soon" to theaters.

What if Ready or Not looked like a grindhouse movie? Well, sibling filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti — who brought us It: Chapter 1 & 2 as well as Welcome to Derry — give us a look at what that kind of freaky film might look like with the first trailer for They Will Kill You.

The Muschiettis are producers on the action-horror-comedy, which is directed by Kirill Sokolov (No Looking Back) and written by Sokolov and Alex Litvak (Predators). They Will Kill You stars Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2, Joker) as a young woman who comes to a high-rise apartment complex called The Virgil looking for work. But all too soon, she learns she's been selected as the next human sacrifice from a demonic cult.

Myha’La, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette co-star — several playing foes looking to take down Beetz's would-be maid. But this sacrifice isn't happening without a fight.

While the premise has a whiff of Ready or Not — unwitting not rich girl gets tricked into a life-or-death battle in a posh location — They Will Kill You offers a distinctive style, even in this trailer. There are vivid colors, quirky uniforms, and violence that is gory and gonzo, recalling the splashy and willfull absurdity of grindhouse horror. So, if you are giddy to see Beetz kicking butt and cracking skulls, mark your calendars.

They Will Kill You opens only in theaters in March 27.

The holidays are a time of caring, giving, and huge amounts of stress. Pluto TV gets it. So they created their Holidays Are Brutal collection, a list of action-packed movies to help you work out some of that tension, including Charlie’s Angels, Rush Hour, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Gladiator, Blade 1-3, The Mummy, and The Mummy Returns. But that's not all.

To celebrate the holidays with some chaotic fun, Pluto TV offered fans a free and festive rage-room experience. Visitors were welcomed to pick up a bat, a crowbar, or a hammer and have at Christmas tree ornaments, pretty plates and glasses adorned with reindeer and Santa Claus imagery, and some movie-themed props like a potted Love Fern (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and at a set of drums (Stepbrothers).

Mashable didn't just announce these rage-room festivities. We joined in, going wild like a Grinch come Christmas. And it was an absolute blast.

Enjoy the video, where Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko goes Harley Quinn, slinging a bat at all manner of yuletide trimmings, while Executive Producer Mark Stetson captures the mayhem — sometimes in slo-mo!

And here's wishing you a smashing good holiday season.

The Holidays are Brutal collection is now streaming on Pluto TV for free.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite as Miami cops for Netflix crime thriller The Rip, joined by a stellar cast including Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor.

Written and directed by The Grey's Joe Carnahan, the film sees the longtime Good Will Hunting pals as part of a drug busting unit who make one hell of a discovery during a raid: a casual $20 million cash stash. Thing is, some of them kind of knew about the treasure thanks to a cheeky tip, which means someone knows they knew. And now someone's made a direct call to the police threatening the lives of everyone in the stash house. Now, it's a wild trust exercise between getting out of there alive (and rich) or not.

The Rip cast also includes Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler, so expect this one to be one of Netflix's early 2026 buzz-prompters.

The Rip debuts on Netflix Jan. 16.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for the final chapter of Netflix's major series, twisted true crime stories, a heavy dose of nostalgia, or some divine comedy, we're here for you.

7. The Home

Craving something creepy? Well, if you want holiday horror, we got you covered. If you want the best horror movies of 2025, we have 25 films to offer. If none of that appeals, there's also The Home, which managed a 30 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Saturday Night Live alumnus Pete Davidson stars as Max, a young vandal who's been tasked with community service at an old folks home as recompense for his offenses. But something sinister is happening within the walls of the home. Max begins to notice strange occurrences and uncovers wild secrets, leading to gnarly revelations, but few satisfying scares.

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Starring: Pete Davidson, John Glover, and Bruce Altman

How to watch: The Home is now playing on Starz.

6. Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story

The twisted story of Jodi Hildebrandt and how she harmed the family of YouTuber Ruby Franke has been the subject of a lot of true crime television. But this film, clocking in at an hour and 41 minutes, dives more deeply into Hildebrandt's background. Documentarian Skye Borgman (Abducted in Plain Sight, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish) talk to Hildebrandt's former patients and experts to get an understanding of how she built a cult around the promise of a healthier, happier Mormon marriage.

Along with outlining the crimes of Hildebrandt and Franke, which included child abuse, Evil Influencer considers how the disgraced therapist's own trauma tied to sexist gender dynamics in the church may have led to her perverse form of empowerment. Make no mistake, though: Borgman probes for an explanation without suggesting any of it is an excuse for what happened to the Franke kids.

How to watch: Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Good Night, and Good Luck: Live From Broadway

OK, if you don't keep up on Broadway news, this one is a bit confusing. 20 years ago, George Clooney co-wrote, directed, and co-starred in a historical drama called Good Night, and Good Luck, which featured David Strathairn in the lead role of American journalist Edward R. Murrow.

In 2025, Clooney took a play version of Murrow's story to Broadway, with himself in the lead. After five Tony nominations, the show closed. But on June 8, 2025, Clooney and company performed it live on CNN for all of the nation to see. Now, you can stream this recording of Good Night, and Good Luck whenever you want. See for yourself if it lives up to the hype.

Starring: George Clooney, Ilana Glazer, Glenn Flesher, Clark Gregg, Carter Hudson, Paul Gross, Christopher Denham, Fran Kranz, Marc Brandt, Will Dagger, and Georgia Heers

How to watch: Good Night, and Good Luck: Live from Broadway is now available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Eternity

One of the best comedies of 2025 is now on digital. Co-written and directed by David Freyne, Eternity imagines an afterlife where you get to pick what your heaven looks like. But there's one catch: You only get to pick once. So, when Larry Cutler (Miles Teller) dies after decades married to his lovely wide Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), he decides to wait in a purgatory that looks like a train station for his bride to rejoin him. There's just one problem: Larry is Joan's second husband. Her first was Luke (Callum Turner), a handsome war vet who died in their youth, and he's also waiting at the not-so-pearly gates. So, who will she choose?

In my review out of the film's TIFF premiere, I cheered, "Eternity delivers a charming parody of romantic comedies without mocking the viewers who love them. The conflict between two kinds of romantic love, and the two robust love interests on offer, makes for exciting tension. The wild spin of their stories leads to moments silly, sexy, and warm. Yet Eternity's afterlife backdrop allows for a slew of more provocative jokes to sneak through. The result is a rom-com that's smart, sensational, and swoon-worthy. "

Starring: Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, John Early, Olga Merediz, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph

How to watch: Eternity is now available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.

3. The X-Files

Cue the theme song, and let's time travel back to 1993, when two very different FBI agents were paired up for cases strange and supernatural. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) was a woman of science, a doctor, and skeptic. Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) was a true believer in all things conspiracy and paranormal, or generally seen as "spooky."

For 11 seasons, these two not only cracked strange cases of monsters and madmen, but also waltzed the will-they-won't-they so intensely that a generation of nerds was in a chokehold. Now, ahead of Ryan Coogler's re-imagined X-Files reboot, you can revisit Chris Carter's original series for all the chills, thrills, and sex appeal.

Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, and Mitch Pileggi

How to watch: All 11 seasons of The X-Files are now streaming on Pluto TV.

2. Indiana Jones film series

The word "iconic" gets thrown around a lot these days. But Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones is truly iconic. Put that man in some khaki, with a brown fedora and a whip in hand, and generations swoon over the rugged masculinity and sharp intellect that is Indiana Jones.

If the holidays have you craving, action, adventure, sex appeal, nostalgia, or Nazis getting annihilated by divine force, you can't do better than the Indiana Jones movies. And Disney+ is kicking off 2026 by offering the lot. From Raiders of the Lost Ark and Temple of Dune to The Last Crusade, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the 2023 treasure that is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, you can enjoy the hottest man in archaeology fighting, flirting, and facing off against evil foes, vicious rituals, and snakes. (Why'd it have to be snakes!?)

Starring: Harrison Ford

How to watch: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull all begin streaming on Disney+ on Jan. 1. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is currently streaming on Disney+.

Best of Streaming this week: Stranger Things, Season 5: Volume 3

It's wild to think that it's been nearly 10 years since Stranger Things debuted on Netflix, causing a fresh interest in '80s nostalgia and all things Dungeons & Dragons. We've watched as Eleven and her friends fought monsters from the Upside Down while traversing the tricky terrain of teendom. And after Volumes 1 and 2, Season 5's third and final volume will compete their story.

Well, sort of. Netflix is launching a Strangers Things animated spinoff in 2026 — but it's more a filler adventure that takes place between Seasons 2 and 3. And that show — called Stranger Things: Tales from '85 — doesn't boast the OG cast for its voices. So, as you ready yourself for the final chapter of this not-so-never-ending story, savor the journey and the friends made (and maimed) along the way.

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke

How to watch: Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 3 premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

It's dizzying to look back on 2025, as it was a phenomenal year in cinema, offering a panoply of supreme horror, superb streaming offerings, and star-stuffed stunners. And yet, 2026 is already looking to rival all that awesome with a sensational slate all its own.

Mashable has scoured the upcoming release calendar looking for the movies that are sure to intrigue in 2026. Superhero movies are coming back in a big way with new films featuring characters from Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, Fantastic Four, and much much more. Video games will offer fresh inspiration as Silent Hill, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat all launch new movie adaptations. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reteam onscreen, while Keke Palmer, Pedro Pascal, and Tom Cruise are going on wild new journeys.

Horror fans have lots of reasons to rejoice, as sequels from frightening franchises like 28 Days Later and Scream will hit alongside original offerings from Damien McCarthy, Curry Barker, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. And that's not all. Whether you're craving comedy, science fiction, action, drama, or the kind of movie that refuses to fall safely in any of these categories, 2026 has some cinema to be excited about.

So, scroll and scroll. Below, Mashable's listed all the movies in 2026 you ought to know about right now.

January 2026 movie releases

Greenland 2: Migration

In 2020, Gerard Butler had audiences at the edge of their seats with the nerve-shredding apocalyptic thriller Greenland. In that disaster movie, everything that could go wrong did, and then some. And yet, the family of three at its center survived!

Greenland 2: Migration picks up five years after the comet Clarke hit Earth with massively devastating effects. In their bunker, John Garrity (Butler), his family, and their neighbors are running out of resources. There's scientific speculation that a far-flung crater in southern France could grant them a new home, untouched by Clarke's worst effects. But getting there will be a harrowing journey, studded with new obstacles and fresh fears to face. Can the Garrity family survive this too? We're already holding our breath to find out.

Starring: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roman Griffin Davis, Amber Rose Revah, Gordon Alexander, Peter Polycarpou, William Abadie, and Tommie Earl Jenkins

How to watch: Greenland 2: Migration opens in theaters on Jan. 9.

Dead Man's Wire

Director Gus Van Sant (Milk) takes on a bizarre true crime case with Dead Man's Wire. Bill Skarsgård stars as Tony Kiritsis, an American man who'd become an infamous kidnapper with the help of some meticulously twisted wire and a 12-gauge Winchester 1400 sawed-off shotgun.

On February 8, 1977, Kiritsis marched into his mortgage broker's offices and took an employee hostage. Why? Kiritsis felt he'd been cheated by the system, and that his only way out was to make a scene that the cops, the media, and the public could not ignore. Dead Man's Wire closely follows Kiritsis and his victim (Dacre Montgomery), churning tension from the former's unraveling mental state and penchant for violence. Bringing bravado to this stranger-than-fiction thriller is Colman Domingo as a radio DJ who unexpectedly gets in the mix.

Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha'la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino

How to watch: Dead Man's Wire opens in limited release on Jan. 9, expanding on Jan. 16.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland resurrected the 28 Days Later film series with 28 Years Later, a zombie thriller so scary it ranked high on both our best horror films of the year and our best films of the year list. For its sequel, Boyle steps aside, entrusting the helm — and Garland's script — to Hedda director Nia DaCosta. And we're stoked to see what she brings to the developing saga of young Spike (Alfie Williams), a boy raised in a UK razed by the Rage Virus.

This sequel promises to take us deeper into the strange kingdom of Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell), whose bizarre introduction at the end of the last film had fans freaking out with theories. How will Spike fare within this curious community? What will become of Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), who surrounds himself with human bones and wonders if there's a cure for the Rage Virus? And what about that baby? We can't wait to find out what DaCosta and company have in store.

Starring: Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry

How to watch: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple opens in theaters on Jan. 16.

The Rip

Writer/director Joe Carnahan (The Grey) reunites real-life besties Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for a crime drama that's sure to thrill. Here, the pair play partners pulled apart by greed and mistrust. Can you handle it?

Inspired by true events, The Rip focuses on a band of Miami cops who unearth millions in cash in a derelict stash house. Sure, their job is to seize it and turn it over as evidence. But the urge to make off with $20 million is intense. Soon, no one in the crew of "good guys" knows who to trust.

Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, Kyle Chandler, Néstor Carbonell, and Lina Esco

How to watch: The Rip debuts on Netflix on Jan. 16.

A Useful Ghost

One of the most surprising films I saw in 2025 was this treasure out of Thailand. The premise amused me: A ghost tries to be of use by possessing a vacuum cleaner. But I could not imagine how writer/director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke would spin that kooky setup into something hilarious, heartfelt, and thought-provoking.

Far from a scary story, A Useful Ghost is a comedy with some deeply dark turns. It begins when a self-proclaimed "Academic Ladyboy" (Wisarut Homhuan) realizes his new vacuum is coughing up dust at night. He calls a repairman, who instead of just fixing the machine explains there's a ghost in it. What follows is this hot repairman named Krong (Wanlop Rungkumjad) unfurling a complex saga of two ghosts who'd thrown themselves into vacuums to stay close to their lovers. A story of love, manipulation, politics, and historical tragedy unfolds.

In my review out of the Toronto International Film Festival, I wrote, "With A Useful Ghost, Boonbunchachoke delivers a a delirious vision, a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy that demands to be seen and adored. It's just phenomenal."*

Starring: Davika Hoorne, Witsarut Himmarat, Apasiri Nitibhon, Wanlop Rungkumjad, and Wisarut Homhuan

How to watch: A Useful Ghost opens in theaters on Jan. 16.

Cosmic Princess Kaguya!

Anime fans, rejoice! Shingo Yamashita, who's worked on sequences for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura, makes his feature directorial debut with Cosmic Princess Kaguya!

Inspired by the Japanese folklore The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, this animated epic centers on Iroha Sakayori, a busy high school student whose life radically changes when she finds a mysterious baby. Sci-fi, fantasy, and internet culture collide in this new movie. Plus, Netflix promises a bopping soundtrack featuring music from ryo (supercell) — creator of the Hatsune Miku hit “Melt” — kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot. 

Starring: Yuko Natsuyoshi, Anna Nagase, and Saori Hayami

How to watch: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! debuts on Netflix on Jan. 22.

Clika

Music producer Jimmy Humilde’s production company offers an underdog story for the internet age.

Co-written and directed by Michael Greene, Clika centers on a small-town musician named Chito (JayDee) with a big dream. When a clip of him performing goes viral, he strives to secure his place in the new wave of Mexican-American music. But fame isn't an easy game to master.

Per Sony Pictures, "In a story of ambition, tradition, and self-discovery, Chito is ultimately forced to confront the choices he’s made in his relentless pursuit to reach his dream."

Starring: JayDee, Concrete, DoKnow, Laura Lopez, Nana Ponceleon, Percy “Master P” Miller, Peter Greene, and Eric Roberts

How to watch: Clika opens in theaters on Jan. 23.

Mercy

Imagine if AI was all that stood between you and execution. That's the premise of Mercy. Named for a program where an AI judge (Rebecca Ferguson) prosecutes without the pesky human obstacles of lawyers or juries, this sci-fi thriller stars Chris Pratt as a detective who helped build the program — and is now at its mercy.

When this hero cop's wife is murdered, he's accused of the homicide. Waking up strapped to a chair before the judge, he has just 90 minutes to prove he's not guilty — or else he'll be executed. Can he outwit the AI in time? And does this movie need to be seen in IMAX? We'll see in 2026.

Starring: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson, and Annabelle Wallis

How to watch: Mercy opens in theaters and IMAX on Jan. 23.

Return to Silent Hill

Though this is the third installment in the Silent Hill franchise inspired by the video games of the same name, this follow-up to Silent Hill: Revelation is actually based on the story from the game Silent Hill 2. That means Return to Silent Hill is more reboot than sequel.

This journey into mind-bending hell begins with a love letter. James Sunderland (Jeremy Irvine) is grieving the death of his beloved wife, when a letter from her calls him back to their "special place" — Silent Hill. Far from a cozy walk down memory lane or a place to find closure, Silent Hill is a place of nightmare fuel, and now this lovelorn man must struggle to make it out alive.

Starring: Hannah Emily Anderson, Jeremy Irvine, Robert Strange, Evie Templeton, Pearse Egan, Eve Macklin, and Emily Carding

How to watch: Return to Silent Hill opens in theaters on Jan. 23.

The Moment

Erupcja, 100 Nights of Hero, and now The Moment — Charli XCX is all over cinema... at the moment. But where the first two movies have the pop star playing different roles and sinking into fictional settings, The Moment is a mockumentary in which Charli XCX presents a look at her life and work through an A24 lens.

What does that mean? We'll all have to wait to see when director Aidan Zamiri's latest hits theaters.

Starring: Charli XCX, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Hailey Benton Gates, Isaac Powell, and Alexander Skarsgård

How to watch: The Moment opens in theaters on Jan. 30.

Send Help

Sam Raimi has gifted audience the gnarly thrills of the Evil Dead trilogy and the first Spider-Man trilogy. Now, he's showing the comedy and horror of office culture with the psychological thriller Send Help.

Rachel McAdams stars as a mousy office worker who's bullied by her younger, cocky male boss (Dylan O'Brien). But when a plane crash lands them both on a desert island, the power dynamic is flipped as he must depend on her to survive. Imagine the third act of Triangle of Sadness, but as a whole revenge plot. Yeah, we're seated.

Starring: Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien

How to watch: Send Help opens in theaters on Jan. 30.

February 2026 movie releases

Pillion

Want something sexy, sweet, and solidly kinky? Then mark your calendars for Pillion.

Based on Adam Mars-Jones' 2020 novel Box Hill, this British film blends comedy and BDSM to unfurl a queer romance that sparks a tender and taboo tale of self-discovery. Coming a long way from Harry Potter, Harry Melling stars as Colin, a sheepish young man who lives with his parents and sings in a barbershop quartet for fun. But once he crosses paths with a leather daddy biker named Ray (a perfectly cast Alexander Skarsgård), his life will change forever.

While Pillion offers scenes of graphic sex and frank depictions of BDSM culture, its tone is determinedly sweet. Like, imagine if Richard Curtis went harder with that stand-in thread in Love Actually. That's the vibe, and it's hot.

Starring: Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård

How to watch: Pillion opens in theaters on Feb. 6.

Cold Storage

Based on the novel by Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp, Cold Storage is a thriller about contagion that's sure to churn your stomach and give you goosebumps. (I read the book.)

Imagine if the future of humankind laid in the hands of two "minimum wage guards" at a self-storage facility. Stranger Things' Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell star as this motley pair of coworkers who are forced to save the world when a deadly fungus begins spreading from a long-forgotten military facility. Their only guide on this journey is Liam Neeson. Which is a great start! But from the trailer, you can see things will get messy.

Starring: Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell, and Liam Neeson

How to watch: Cold Storage opens in theaters on Feb. 13.

Crime 101

You might not know his name, but Bart Layton has been making some of the most thought-provoking true crime films of the last 15 years. In 2012, he delivered the mind-bending documentary The Imposter, which delved into a missing persons case that's way, way stranger than fiction. In 2018, he blended fact and fiction — well, narrative and documentary filmmaking — with American Animals, which used big-name actors to reenact a crime while the real criminals reflect on the movie's making in talking-head interviews and on the set. Now, he's adapting Don Winslow's 2010 novella Crime 101. Expect twists and WTF turns.

Chris Hemsworth stars as a dashing thief who's been plaguing Los Angeles with one heist after another. When he meets a dissatisfied insurance broker (Halle Berry), he finds a new partner in business. But with a determined cop (Mark Ruffalo, because naturally) on his tail, his days may be numbered.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Nick Nolte

How to watch: Crime 101 opens on Feb. 13.

GOAT

Do you love animals and basketball? Well, GOAT is coming to make your dreams come true.

From Sony Animation, the studio that brought us Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, comes an underdog story about a goat who dreams of being the Stephen Curry of "roarball." Sure, this hard-hitting sport tends to favor players with hulking muscles, like rhinos, gorillas, and bears. (Oh my!) But for a kid with heart — and a motley team of misfits — anything can happen. Right?

Boasting some eye-popping animation, big names in the voice cast (including Stephen Curry himself), and a playful sense of humor, GOAT looks like a winner.

Starring: Stephen Curry, Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, and Patton Oswalt

How to watch: GOAT opens on Feb. 13.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die

American filmmaker Gore Verbinski has a wide array of adventure movies to enjoy, from Mouse Hunt to The Ring to Pirates of the Caribbean and Rango. He's given us wild family-friendly romps, a blood-curdling horror remake, and madcap live-action. So what could he have coming next? Well, it stars Sam Rockwell, so the sky is the limit.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die centers on a man from the future (Rockwell) who's determined to save humanity from the AI threat he knows is coming. You might be thinking The Terminator or The Matrix. But with Rockwell playing a seemingly unhinged and deeply grizzled time traveler, the vibes are far more Sorry to Bother You or The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Count us in.

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, and Michael Peña

How to watch: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die opens on Feb. 13.

Wuthering Heights

Academy Award and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Emerald Fennell brought us the snarling revenge thriller Promising Young Woman, then the gnarly psychological thriller Saltburn. Next, she's adapting Emily Brontë's classic novel, Wuthering Heights, with Barbie and Frankenstein's monster as her leads.

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as lovers Cathy and Heathcliff, whose rough romance has thrilled and frustrated readers since 1847. Some have criticized this casting, noting how these actors don't meet Brontë's descriptions of the characters. However, an adaptation can be especially thrilling when filmmakers buck expectation, and given Fennell's track record and the film's Charli XCX soundtrack, this period piece is sure to start discourse. (See Nia DaCosta's hot-as-hell Hedda). And frankly, this trailer has us craving... cinema. Craving cinema.

Starring: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell

How to watch: Wuthering Heights opens on Feb. 13.

How to Make a Killing

Emily the Criminal's director John Patton Ford returns with The Running Man's Glen Powell for How to Make a Killing.

This eat-the-rich comedy centers on blue-collar dude Becket Redfellow (Powell), whose mother came from inherited wealth — but she got disowned. Her now-grown son, however, stands to make a fortune if and when seven estranged family members die. So, why not pull himself up by his bootstraps and get proactive with some familicide? Payback is bloody business.

Starring: Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Ed Harris, Topher Grace, Jessica Henwick, Zach Woods, and Bill Camp

How to watch: How to Make a Killing opens on Feb. 20.

Scream 7

Scream 7 continues the frightening franchise that has had highs (Scream 1, 2, and 4) and lows (3, 5, and 6). But the trailer above suggests Paramount is getting back to what fans loved about the first one: Neve Campbell fighting like hell, Ghostface wreaking havoc around Woodsboro, and the return of Matthew Lillard!

Look, we've got fan theories on how Stu Macher could return. But for now, we're just stoked to see Sidney leading her daughter (who is named TATUM!) through a Final Girl survival crash course. We're with Lillard, who you can hear at the end of the above trailer declare, "This is gonna be fun."

Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Timothy Simons, and Mark Consuelos

How to watch: Scream 7 opens on Feb. 27.

March 2026 movie releases

The Bride

On paper, The Bride has prestige pic written all over it: Maggie Gyllenhaal (Academy Award–nominated writer/director of The Lost Daughter) writes and helms a new film starring Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley and Academy Award winner Christian Bale. And it's inspired by a classic Universal film, James Whale's iconic 1935 offering The Bride of Frankenstein. But look at this trailer. The Bride is not playing it prestige or remotely safe.

This bold reinvention imagines Frankenstein's monster as a gangster in 1930s Chicago, who entreats pioneering scientist Dr. Euphronious (five-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening) to build him a mate from the remains of a murdered woman. It's a love story that's wild, criminal, and intoxicating.

Starring: Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz

How to watch: The Bride opens in theaters and IMAX on March 6.

Hoppers

We Bare Bears creator Daniel Chong directs this furry adventure from Disney and Pixar, which centers on 3D-printed animal bots that can contain human consciousness. So, it's like Black Mirror, but without being horrifying.

When teen Mabel hijacks this tech to become a beaver, she also becomes an unexpected hero to a joyful swatch of animals facing deforestation because of greedy humans. The "Joan of Arc" comparison in the trailer is worrying, though. Like, we know things didn't end great for Joan. But Pixar won't burn a teen girl's brain at the stake, right? Unless this is Pixar's Black Mirror...

Starring: Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Amy Sedaris, and Meryl Streep

How to watch: Hoppers opens in theaters on March 6.

Alpha

One of my personally most-anticipated films coming out in 2026 is Alpha, the latest from Julia Ducournau, who has previously brought us such twisted and thrilling films as the cannibal coming-of-age drama Raw and the unhinged family drama/serial killer thriller Titane.

Named for the 13-year-old girl at its center, Alpha follows what happens when she comes home to her single mom with a tattoo on her arm. Now, if you don't know Ducournau's work, you might be thinking this is some scoldy drama that skews into after-school special territory. But from the trailer, which leans hard on Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' "The Mercy Seat," you get a sense of how surreal and unnerving Ducournau gets.

Starring: Tahar Rahim, Golshifteh Farahani, Mélissa Boros, Emma Mackey, Finnegan Oldfield, and Louai El Amrousy

How to watch: Alpha opens in theaters on March 27.

Project Hail Mary

Calling out to all the space nerds — and just those of us who revel in cinema! Project Hail Mary is adapted from a novel by Andy Weir (who famously wrote The Martian, which became an epic Matt Damon movie). It's directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The LEGO Movie, 21 Jump Street, and Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse), with an adapted screenplay from Drew Goddard (The Martian). And it's starring Barbie's Ryan Gosling, Anatomy of a Fall's Sandra Hüller, and The Bear's Lionel Boyce. On paper, this movie maths hard to excellence.

Set on an Earth where the sun is dying, Project Hail Mary follows scientist Ryland Grace (Gosling) on a mission to save the day. Along the way, he makes an alien friend he calls "Rocky." And they find they have key things in common. Like a love of Oasis? I mean, probably, right?

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub

How to watch: Project Hail Mary opens in theaters and IMAX on March 20.

Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour

Billie Eilish has a stage presence like no other. And whether you got to experience her unique brand of ballads and bravado on her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour or not, you have the chance to see the stage show in 3D, plus get a taste behind the scenes.

Don't call this a concert doc. Directed by Eilish and James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour promises to be "an innovative new concert experience" that employs groundbreaking tech to blow audiences away. What does that mean? Man, I don't know. But are you as stoked as I am to find out?

Starring: Billie Eilish

How to watch: Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour hits theaters in 3D on March 20.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

In the hit horror-comedy Ready or Not, scrappy newlywed Grace Le Domas (Samara Weaving) managed to outwit and outlast her devilish in-laws. But now she's got a new game to play, and it's not just her life on the line.

Still bruised from her last life-or-death game, Grace learns the High Council families are going "double or nothing" with her. It's a new level of horror, with a clutch of rich and ruthless families competing to kill Grace and her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton). There will be blood, and plenty more eat-the-rich thrills.*

Starring: Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, David Cronenberg, and Elijah Wood

How to watch: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come opens in theaters on March 27.

April 2026 movie releases

Mother Mary

David Lowery has wowed critics with a surreal array of films, ranging from the artsy A Ghost Story to the whimsical Pete's Dragon to the mind-bending The Green Knight. With Mother Mary, he offers two highly acclaimed actresses facing off over passion and fashion. And yeah, we're intrigued.

Anne Hathaway stars as Mother Mary, a pop star who's long been away from the spotlight. On the eve of her comeback performance, she returns to Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel), a bold costume designer — and the best friend that Mother Mary betrayed. The trailer gives a sense of the trippy visuals. And with original music performed by Anne Hathaway and written and produced by Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX, and FKA twigs, Mother Mary is sure to be a sensationally engaging audio experience.

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, Atheena Frizzell, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay, Isaura Barbé-Brown, Alba Baptista, Sian Clifford, and FKA twigs

How to watch: Mother Mary opens in theaters in April.

The Drama

On the surface, Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) look picture-perfect as a couple. Beautiful and charming, they seem destined to have a happy wedding day. But The Drama comes from writer/director Kristoffer Borgli, who's made such nightmarish movies Dream Scenario and Sick of Myself. So, you've been warned.

As their nuptials get closer, they begin to unravel. An A24 movie about weddings? Save the date. This will be wild.

Starring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates, and Zoë Winters

How to watch: The Drama opens in theaters on April 3.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie was a smash hit. So Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black are back, reprising their voice-acting roles as Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, and Bowser, respectively. But this time, the action and adventure is leveled up as the video game antics go interstellar.

Seeking to free his father, Bowser Jr. (voiced by The Smashing Machine director Benny Safdie, because sure, why not?) joins the fight. He's drawing Mario and his crew into the stars. There, they'll find flashy new terrain and new characters, including Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson.

Starring: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Benny Safdie, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Brie Larson

How to watch: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie opens in theaters on April 3.

Normal

English filmmaker Ben Wheatley has previously thrilled action fans with the shoot-'em-up Free Fire. And now, he's bringing that energy into a satire about a "normal" American town, where everyone has guns — and has them aimed at the interim sheriff, played by Bob Odenkirk.

Sure, the folks of Normal, Minnesota, seem friendly. But beneath their smiles lies a dark conspiracy. And while they welcome newcomer Ulysses as the face of law in their town, they won't stand for him sticking his nose where it's not wanted. I saw this one out of the Toronto International Film Festival and can assure you it's a wild, very violent ride.

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, Lena Headey, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod

How to watch: Normal opens in theaters on April 17.

May 2026 movie releases

The Devil Wears Prada 2

The word "iconic" gets thrown around a lot these days. But there's no denying that The Devil Wears Prada movie adaptation was iconic. The fashion had audiences gagging on the eleganza of Andy Sachs' stylish journey of self-discovery working under the iron fist that was Runway magazine's editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) — herself a thinly veiled Anna Wintour. Who among us hasn't yelled "gird your loins" in a clumsy Stanley Tucci impersonation? Or felt smug about cerulean ever since we first heard that epic monologue?

Well, the bitches are back. And we are giddy to see what's next as the teaser trailer suggests the power dynamic in this one has Andy and Miranda as peers? Maybe even frenemies? We can't wait to see how this turns out. Say it with me: GIRD YOUR LOINS!

Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B. J. Novak, Simone Ashley, and Pauline Chalamet

How to watch: The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in theaters on May 1.

Hokum

Among my most anticipated of 2026, Hokum unites two scorching forces of horror. Damian McCarthy, the Irish filmmaker behind Caveat and Oddity, teams with Adam Scott (Krampus, The Monkey) for Hokum.

A devotee of practical effects and freaky folklore, McCarthy is building a distinctive and thrilling brand of scares. In his latest, he casts Scott to play a reclusive novelist named Ohm Bauman, who travels to a far-off Irish inn to spread the ashes of his late parents. While there, he hears creepy tales of a witch who haunts the honeymoon suite. Call it "hokum," if you will. But Ohm begins fall victim to strange occurrences and bizarre visions, drawing him deeper and deeper into nightmarish secrets of the past.

Starring: Adam Scott

How to watch: Hokum opens in theaters on May 1.

Mortal Kombat II

Director Simon McQuoid and company are back with a sequel to 2021's Mortal Kombat. And like the video game that inspired both movies, this martial arts fantasy film is so violent that Warner Bros. already released a red-band trailer. So, buckle up.

Going for some fish-out-of-water comedy, Mortal Kombat II focuses on washed-up American action hero Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), who goes from swatting away intrusive fan boys to training for the titular to-the-death showdown. Surrounded by fearsome warriors like Kitana, Raiden, and Scorpion, how could a guy whose biggest flex is his handsomeness possibly stand a chance? We are game to find out.*

Starring: Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada

How to watch: Mortal Kombat II opens in theaters and IMAX on May 8.

The Sheep Detectives

Mashable's Entertainment team is giddy about the sheer absurdity of this one. It sounds like a Mad Libs come to life. Hugh Jackman stars as a shepherd who loves reading murder mystery novels to his flock. So when he's murdered, who better to crack the case than his sheep, voiced by the likes of Emma Thompson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, and Patrick Stewart? This adaptation of the cozy murder mystery Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann was written by The Last of Us' Craig Mazin.

This is what we call shear entertainment.

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Emma Thompson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby

How to watch: The Sheep Detectives comes to theaters May 8.

Obsession

YouTuber Curry Barker scored plenty of buzz out of the Toronto International Film Festival, where Obsession made its world premiere. His gnarly horror-thriller won the People's Choice Award in the Midnight Madness section, and Focus Features acquired the indie effort for a whopping $14 million. And it all began with a twisted wish.

Michael Johnston stars as Bear, a young man who only has eyes for Nikki (Inde Navarrette), a childhood friend who's just not into him. That is until he uses a "One Wish Willow." Sure, it looks like a cheap novelty. But magic takes over, transforming Nikki into being utterly obsessed with Bear. And so begins a parable about autonomy and desire. Be warned: This is not a date movie.

Starring: Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter

How to watch: Obsession opens in theaters on May 15.

I Love Boosters

Credit: NEON

Following the critical acclaim of Sorry to Bother You and I'm A Virgo, celebrated rapper/filmmaker Boots Riley returns with I Love Boosters. Here's everything we know about it.

The sci-fi comedy follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Ahead of its theatrical release, I Love Boosters will debut as the Opening Night film of the 2026 SXSW film festival in Austin, Texas. And peep that cast!

Starring: Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza Gonzalez, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, and Demi Moore

How to watch: I Love Boosters opens in theaters on May 22.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

Fans thrilled over Pedro Pascal as the "bedroom-voiced" bounty hunter Din Djarin (aka the Mandalorian) and his adorable "baby Yoda" co-star, Grogu. So, naturally, Disney spun the spinoff series into a big budget movie all its own.

Director Jon Favreau (Elf, Iron Man) is at the helm of this stellar adventure. And the first trailer reveals some sense of the action, sci-fi spectacle, and — of course — the adorableness of its little green icon. Plus, we get a glimpse of Alien star Sigourney Weaver as Colonel Ward and The Bear's Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba. All that and IMAX too? Can you handle it?

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, and Jonny Coyne

How to watch: The Mandalorian and Grogu opens in theaters and IMAX on May 22.

June 2026 movie releases

Masters of the Universe

The comic turned cartoon series is becoming a film once again! The Idea of You's Nicholas Galitzine stars as Prince Adam, who has the power to become the sword-wielding warrior with a Lancelot haircut, He-Man.

In this version, Adam's story begins on Earth, where he has crashed — but he's been separated from his sword, his only connection to his homeland of Eternia. Cut to nearly 20 years later, he's called upon to defend Eternia from the evil of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto because sure, why not. Per the official synopsis, "But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man: the most powerful man in the Universe!"

Starring: Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, Idris Elba, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Sasheer Zamata, James Purefoy, Charlotte Riley, and Kristen Wiig

How to watch: Masters of the Universe opens in theaters on June 5.

Power Ballad

Musician turned moviemaker John Carney has rolled out a series of musical dramas, from the Oscar–winning Once to the critically adored Sing Street and the less-beloved Begin Again and Flora and Son. This time, the Irish artist leans more into comedy with the help of Paul Rudd.

The Anaconda star plays a wedding DJ opposite Nick Jonas, who portrays a fading rock star. One fateful night leads the latter stealing an unpublished song from the former, reigniting his career while leaving the DJ in the dust. Presumably hilarious hijinks follow.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Jack Reynor, and Havana Rose Liu

How to watch: Power Ballad opens in theaters on June 5.

Scary Movie 6

The Scream franchise is back in 2026, so why not the spoof franchise that launched to mock it? We have no idea what the plot of Scary Movie 6 will be. But it reteams Marlon Wayans with A Haunted House helmer Michael Tiddes, as well as Scary Movie stars Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Shawn Wayans, and Chris Elliott.

Starring: Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Jon Abrahams, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Dave Sheridan, and Chris Elliott

How to watch: Scary Movie 6 opens in theaters on June 12.

Disclosure Day

Steven Spielberg reteams with Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp for an original sci-fi drama that has quickly become one of the most anticipated movie releases of 2026.

Emily Blunt stars as a TV weather reporter who becomes keenly aware humans are not alone in the universe. Assisting her in understanding this world-changing truth is Wake Up Dead Man's Josh O'Connor. That team-up alone should thrill. Add to that the visionary director behind such sci-fi classics as Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, and you have us seated.

Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo 

How to watch: Disclosure Day opens in theaters and IMAX on June 12.

Toy Story 5

Even Woody and Buzz can't escape the threat of technology pushing them out of their jobs! The cowboy and space ranger face a new foe in Toy Story 5 as their growing child/owner Bonnie is absolutely giddy over getting a frog-shaped tablet called LilyPad (voiced by Tron: Ares' Greta Lee).

With Disney embracing AI in all kinds of controversial ways, including bringing their characters to Sora, what will this Pixar (which is owned by Disney) movie have to say about the encroachment of tech in toys? Will LilyPad be the kind of AI that's spooking parents by talking to kids about knives and kink? Probably not. But will Buzz and Woody embrace LilyPad as they eventually did Trashy? We'll have to wait and see.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Blake Clark, John Ratzenberger, Ernie Hudson, Tony Hale, Anna Faris, Conan O'Brien, Greta Lee, and Melissa Villaseñor

How to watch: Pixar's Toy Story 5 opens in theaters on June 19.

Supergirl

At the end of Superman, DC fans got to meet Krypto's chaotic pet parent, Kara. And this summer she gets her own movie, based on the comic mini-series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, written by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely.

House of the Dragon's Milly Alcock headlines as the eponymous superheroine, who is getting cosmically smashed as she parties on planets with a red sun. But then, she crosses paths with an alien girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), who's on a quest of vengeance. How does this lead to former Aquaman Jason Momoa playing the bounty hunter Lobo? We don't know yet. But we're pumped to find out.

Starring: Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa

How to watch: Supergirl opens in theaters on June 26.

July 2026 movie releases

Moana

Ten years ago, John Musker and Ron Clements made the rapturous animated adventure Moana —  complete with a rousing soundtrack from Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Opetaia Foaʻi. A sequel would follow to mixed reviews. And now comes the inevitable live-action remake, as Moana follows in the steps of so many Disney classics before it.

Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia stars as Moana. Dwayne Johnson is back as Maui. Bringing prestige to the remake is the Broadway director of Hamilton, Thomas Kail, who was also behind the critically acclaimed limited series Fosse/Verdon. Together, can they make something familiar and fresh to thrill audiences all over again? We'll see this summer.

Starring: Catherine Laga'aia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen

How to watch: Moana opens in theaters on July 10.

The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan adapts Homer's The Odyssey, which follows Trojan War hero Odysseus on his long journey home to wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway). Matt Damon stars as the warrior who, along the way, encounters the monster cyclops Polyphemus, the seductive and savage sirens, and Circe, a witchy goddess played by Charlize Theron.

Made for IMAX, this adaptation is sure to be epic.

Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron

How to watch: The Odyssey opens in theaters and IMAX on July 17.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton returns to the MCU to helm the next chapter in Peter Parker's saga, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. After his collision with alternate timelines left Peter forgotten in his own, he'll suit up as Spider-Man to fight new challenges.

Taking a look at the cast, you can get a sense of where this MCU offering may go. But we've been thrown for a loop before. (Yeah, we're still spinning from the prom night reveal.)

Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, Tramell Tillman, and Marvin Jones III

How to watch: Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theaters on July 31.

August 2026 movie releases

Coyote vs. Acme

Samy Burch awed critics with her blisteringly camp screenplay May/December. Her follow-up should have been the Looney Tunes live-action comedy Coyote vs. Acme. But in a decision that had the internet and Hollywood outraged, Warner Bros. Pictures opted to shelve the finished film as a tax write-off. Sure, that happens. But rarely with a movie that boasts an Oscar–nominated screenwriter, a world-famous franchise tie-in, and stars like John Cena, Will Forte, and Lana Condor. Thankfully, WB eventually sold the film, so we'll finally get to see it this summer.

It's hard to imagine the story within in this Looney Tunes offering will be wilder than the one behind it. But being that it's set in the ACME factory, manufacturer of much of Wile E. Coyote's wacky weapons and tools, it could be next-level bonkers. Here's hoping.

Starring: Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor, P. J. Byrne, Tone Bell, Martha Kelly, and Eric Bauza

How to watch: Coyote vs. Acme opens in theaters on Aug. 28.

September 2026 movie releases

Clayface

James Gunn's relaunch of the DC Universe is giving an undersung Batman villain — who happens to be a shapeshifter made of clay — his chance in the spotlight. In HBO Max's animated series Harley Quinn, Clayface is a fame-obsessed actor who can't turn down the chance to polish his craft by shapeshifting into a shallow co-ed or a sassy divorcee. But the behind-the-scene team here suggests Clayface is going another way.

Horror master Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Fall of the House of Usher) and Hossein Amini (Obi-Wan Kenobi) have screenplay credits, while James Watkins (Speak No Evil, The Woman in Black) is directing. So, we suspect this spin on Clayface will veer into horror.

Starring: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, and Max Minghella

How to watch: Clayface opens in theaters on Sept. 11.

Sense and Sensibility

2025 marked the 30th anniversary of Ang Lee's Oscar–winning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. So, it's about time the Dashwood sisters came to cinemas again!

Georgia Oakley directs this adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, which follows the misadventures of sisters Elinor and Marianne as they cope with money troubles and romance.

Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw

How to watch: Sense and Sensibility opens in theaters on Sept. 11.

Practical Magic 2

Witchy sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) are back, and ready to take on the curse that dooms their family to heartbreak. Joining these leading ladies in their magical reunion are Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest, reprising their roles as the awesome aunts. Plus, Lee Pace is involved. So, we're sold.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Xolo Maridueña, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, Stockard Channing, and Dianne Wiest

How to watch: Practical Magic 2 opens in theaters on Sept. 18.

October 2026 movie releases

Digger

Mexican director Alejandro G. Iñárritu has gifted cinema with bold, winding dramas like The Revenant, Birdman, and Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths. Now, he's teaming with action star Tom Cruise... for a comedy?

Look, it's not that Cruise can't do comedy. And even in the silhouette of him in the teaser above, he's giving Tropic Thunder-levels of makeover. But this project just gets more mysterious the more we learn about it. Cruise stars as a man named Digger Rockwell. As per the official synopsis, "The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's savior before the disaster he's unleashed destroys everything."

We're befuddled, but intrigued.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, Robert John Burke, Burn Gorman, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman

How to watch: Digger opens in theaters on Oct. 2.

Verity

Following It Ends With Us and Regretting You, Verity is the third of novelist Colleen Hoover's books to be adapted into a star-studded movie. But this one is easily poised to be the biggest yet.

Based on her best-selling novel of the same name, Verity stars Dakota Johnson as ghostwriter Lowen Ashleigh, who's been hired to complete an unfinished novel by famous author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway), who's been catatonic following a car collision. To complete the book, Lowen moves into the Crawford home, getting to know Verity's husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett). But there's something strange going on in this house. And we're not talking The Housewife strange...

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Josh Hartnett

How to watch: Verity opens in theaters on Oct. 2.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender

Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender will have Netflix's second season of their live-action remake series coming in 2026 as well as this feature-length animated adventure. Director Lauren Montgomery has cred in this franchise, having worked as a storyboard artist on the Last Airbender cartoon series and its sequel The Legend of Korra.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender will be set between the shows, meaning Aang and the gang are all grown up — and facing down a new, world-threatening challenge.

Starring: Eric Nam, Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Román Zaragoza, Steven Yeun, Dave Bautista, Taika Waititi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Freida Pinto, and Ke Huy Quan

How to watch: The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender opens in theaters on Oct. 9.

The Social Reckoning

In 2010, Aaron Sorkin translated the birth of Facebook into the Academy Award–winning screenplay for David Fincher's The Social Network. Now Sorkin's back as writer and director for The Social Reckoning.

This companion piece to the first film looks to explore the 2021 Facebook leak, which revealed the social media platform's harmful effects on society. Academy Award winner Mikey Madison stars as whistleblower Frances Haugen, while Succession's Jeremy Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg.

Starring: Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison, Bill Burr, Wunmi Mosaku, Billy Magnussen, Betty Gilpin, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Anna Lambe, Sierra Capri, Portia Doubleday, and Tehmina Sunny

How to watch: The Social Reckoning opens in theaters on Oct. 9.

Street Fighter

Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter movies in the same year? Now that's a head-to-head we can get behind.

Based on the popular Capcom video game, Street Fighter follows estranged street fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) as they are reluctantly reunited when Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament. But come on. Who cares about the plot when you've got roundhouse kicks like those being launched in the trailer above?

This adaptation looks bonkers, and we are geeking out.

Starring: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Roman Reigns, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Vidyut Jammwal, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, and Jason Momoa

How to watch: Street Fighter opens in theaters on Oct. 16.

Whalefall

OK. So of all the film movie plotlines I've researched in writing this list, this is my favorite for the sheer WTF of it all.

Based on the novel by Daniel Kraus, Whalefall centers on a scuba diver (Austin Abrams) who is seeking his father's remains in the ocean when he is swallowed by a sperm whale, giving him only an hour to escape or die. See what I mean? If you want to add Kraus' novel to your library queue, join the club.

Starring: Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd

How to watch: Whalefall opens in theaters on Oct. 16.

Remain

M. Night Shyamalan, a writer and director renowned (or arguably infamous) for his big twists, teams with romance novelist Nicholas Sparks for Remain, a novel and movie adaption they collaborated on together.

The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as New York architect Tate Donovan, who travels to Cape Cod to design a vacation home for his best friend. While grappling with grief over the death of his sister, Tate meets a young woman named Wren (Phoebe Dynevor) who turns his world upside down. What's that mean? Your guess is as good as ours.

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Phoebe Dynevor, Ashley Walters, and Julie Hagerty

How to watch: Remain opens in theaters on Oct. 23.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom

Aardman Animation is back with another romp starring Shaun the Sheep! And this one is perfect for Halloween. (It's never to early to be stoked for spooky season.)

It's Halloween eve in Mossy Bottom Farm when a bumbler farmer tramples the pumpkin patch. Naturally, Shaun the Sheep tries to save the day with a unique science experiment. Then, a strange beast rises from the woods!

How to watch: Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom opens in theaters on Oct. 31.

November 2026 movie releases

The Cat in the Hat

Dr. Seuss has gifted the world with terrific books, kooky characters, and an aesthetic of wonder and whimsy. That world is being brought to new life with Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat. Just check out the trailer above to get a taste of the joy in store.

Bill Hader lends his voice to the mischievous Cat in the Hat, who's notorious for missions gone sideways. But can he turn things around by going on his wackiest adventure yet? At the very least, he'll show us a thing or two.

Starring: Bill Hader, Xochitl Gomez, Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Paula Pell, Tiago Martinez, Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera, Bowen Yang, and Tituss Burgess

How to watch: The Cat in the Hat opens in theaters on Nov. 6.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Ever wonder what life was like for Haymitch before he was the grizzled mentor to Katniss? Well, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping gives us that harrowing backstory, taking fans back 24 years to Haymitch's youth, when he was a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games (aka the Second Quarter Quell).

Playing as a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and a prequel to The Hunger Games (2008), The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the 2025 novel from Suzanne Collins.* A star-studded cast dives into characters new and previously established, vicious and fabulous. Let the games begin.

Starring: Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

How to watch: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters on Nov. 20.

Hexed

Disney Animation's big fall movie will be Hexed. Directed by Jason Hand and Josie Trinidad, this animated adventure follows "an awkward teenage boy and his Type-A mom, who discover that what makes him unusual might just be magical powers that will turn their lives and a secret world of magic upside down."

How to watch: Hexed opens in theaters on Nov. 25.

Narnia

After the massive success of Barbie, writer/director Greta Gerwig is taking on an ambitious adaptation as her follow-up. Based on the C.S. Lewis books The Chronicles of Narnia, this fantasy film will plunge audiences into the magical world of talking animals and exciting adventures, focusing on Lewis's sixth novel, The Magician's Nephew.

Netflix has revealed little else about the film adaptation, beyond the cast, which includes David McKenna as Digory Kirke, Beatrice Campbell as Polly Plummer, Daniel Craig as Uncle Andrew, and Emma Mackey as Queen Jadis.

Starring: David McKenna, Beatrice Campbell, Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, and Denise Gough

How to watch: Narnia opens in theaters on Nov. 26.

December 2026 movie releases

Jumanji 3

Jake Kasdan's directed Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: the Next Level, and now the upcoming sequel, Jumanji 3. No details on the plot have been confirmed. But with the return of Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Danny DeVito, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Kevin Hart, fans of this franchise can expect a return to the video game world and the smoldering and roundhouse-kicking avatars we've come to love.

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Danny DeVito, Burn Gorman, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Kevin Hart

How to watch: Jumanji 3 opens in theaters on Dec. 11.

Avengers: Doomsday

What do we know about Avengers: Doomsday? Directing duo Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, are back to bring together what looks to be their biggest cast yet.

The announced ensemble promises heroes from across the MCU, including the Fantastic Four and X-Men. Robert Downey Jr. also returns, not as Tony Stark but as Fantastic Four foe Doctor Doom. And — as the teaser above reveals — Chris Evans is back as Captain America.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, and Robert Downey Jr.

How to watch: Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters and IMAX on Dec. 18.

Dune: Part Three

Director Denis Villeneuve will return audiences to the the world of Frank Herbert's sprawling sci-fi book series with Dune: Part Three.

Timothée Chalamet reprises his role as Paul Atreides, also known as Muad'dib. Having become the Padishah Emperor, he's got more power than ever before. But that's not a good thing. While a galaxy-wide holy war is being perpetrated in his name, his visions of the future have him feeling trapped by fate. Meanwhile, the return of an old friend and the rise of his sister bring new complications.

With fans of this franchise swooning over Villeneuve's ambitious adaptation, the daring filmmaker is sure to bring the biggest spectacle yet to the film's next chapter.

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert Pattinson

How to watch: Dune: Part Three opens in theaters and IMAX on Dec. 18.

Werwulf

American writer/director Robert Eggers has forged his reputation on period-piece horror with a gothic flare, like The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu. So, what does this daring filmmaker offer us next? How about a werewolf drama with dialogue in Middle English?

Set in 13th-century England, Werwulf will unfurl a tale of a village tormented by a stalking beast. Things are sure to get hairy.

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson

How to watch: Werwulf opens in theaters on Dec. 25.

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable feature.

Netflix has a vast library of movies to choose from, including comedies, action movies, true crime documentaries, and thrillers. But so many choices can be overwhelming. What if all you know is you want to see something good and new? Well, we've got you covered.

Mashable's Entertainment team has dedicatedly watched the best (and worst) Netflix has to offer. From this, we've curated the ten best Netflix original movies of 2025. Whether you want mind-bending sci-fi, nerve-rattling suspense, heart-warming comedy, mind-blowing animated adventures, toe-tapping musicals, or soul-shivering horror, you'll find something worth watching (and even rewatching) below.

Here are the best Netflix movies of 2025.

20. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep

The Witcher fans were gifted another animated film this year, helping ease the wait between seasons of the live-action Netflix series. Directed by The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf's Kang Hei Chul and animated by South Korea's Studio MIR, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep sent us on a deep seaside quest into a looming war between humans and merpeople, based on The Witcher author Andrzej Sapkowski's short story "A Little Sacrifice."

Unexpectedly for The Witcher universe, Sirens of the Deep mirrors Disney's version of Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale The Little Mermaid, but with incredibly violent and thrilling animated action. Sadly, the romance scenes are deeply awkward. However, in a treat for fans that makes it worthwhile, the film sees Doug Cockle, who voiced Geralt of Rivia in the games, returning to the role, alongside Joey Batey and Anya Chalotra, who played bard Jaskier and sorcerer Yennefer in the TV show. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Doug Cockle, Joey Batey, Anya Chalotra, and Christina Wren

How to watch: The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Back in Action

Aptly titled, Back in Action not only refers to the plotline of this charming espionage comedy but also the return of its stars to the spotlight.

Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz co-star as a couple of spies who fake their deaths to flee their dangerous jobs once they learn they've got a baby on the way. Cut to 15 years later, when they're middle-aged with a cozy suburban life that's interrupted by an unexpected visit from some former colleagues. To keep their kids safe, they'll need to go on one more mission. And things get pretty zany — and yeah, corny too. But there's an undeniable pleasure in watching Diaz and Foxx bounce off each other's energy.

In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Don't overthink it. Turn on Back in Action, and allow the star power and nostalgia for the heyday of '90s rom-coms, the peak of Cameron Diaz fame, and the fun of all that wash over you." — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz. Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, Kyle Chandler, and Glenn Close

How to watch: Back in Action is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Delicious

If you loved Parasite or Knives Out, you'll appreciate the dark humor at play in Delicious, an eat-the-rich movie out of Germany.

Written and directed by Nele Mueller-Stöfen, Delicious follows a German family of four on their annual retreat to their luxurious French villa. Arriving in the midst of a protest, these tourists shrug off the political unrest, lounging about and leaving out their dirty dishes because their usual maid is away. Lucky, then, that they run into experienced maid Teodora (Carla Díaz) — not so lucky it's with their car.

Despite this rocky start, Teodora gets close to each family member, tapping into their deepest desires and fears. Pretty early on, you may figure out what she and her rebellious friends in service are up to. But that doesn't take away from this movie's biting climax. — K.P.

Starring: Valerie Pachner, Fahri Yardım, Carla Díaz, and Naila Schuberth

How to watch: Delicious is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Nonnas

Speaking of delicious, this comedy written by Liz Maccie and directed by her husband Stephen Chbosky will have you craving a home-cooked Italian meal.

Inspired by a true story of the restaurant Enoteca Maria, Nonnas stars Vince Vaughn as an average Joe who channels his grief over losing his mother and grandmother into a tantalizing new venture. He uses his inheritance to build a restaurant in Staten Island, and hires Italian grandmothers (aka nonnas) to become the chefs using their family recipes. Personalities clash, but ultimately these strong-willed women come together to create something stupendous.

It's a feel-good comedy full of love, joy, and laughs. — K.P.

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, Linda Cardellini, and Susan Sarandon

How to watch: Nonnas is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Plankton: The Movie

Can't get enough of SpongeBob SquarePants? Well, Netflix is dedicated to bringing fresh fun to the pineapple under the sea. In 2024, the streaming service premiered Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, and this year brings the debut of Plankton: The Movie.

Mr. Krabs' pint-sized nemesis has long been dedicated to wicked schemes and Krabby Patty recipe heists. But it turns out that all that focusing on his wicked mission has left his robot wife Karen feeling unfulfilled! So, how does she get back at her spouse for his out-of-whack work-life balance? She boots him and aims to take over the world herself. As she runs amok, he must team up with SpongeBob to repair his marriage — and save Bikini Bottom from her wrath while they're at it.

This daffy animated comedy directed by Dave Needham is an absolute hoot for SpongeBob fans of all ages. Cue it up for a family movie night! — K.P.

Starring: Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown, and Rodger Bumpass

How to watch: Plankton: The Movie is now streaming on Netflix.

15. USS Callister: Into Infinity

Okay, technically Black Mirror's USS Callister: Into Infinity is a TV episode, not a movie. But since it's feature-length, and since it's way better than much of Netflix's other 2025 film fare (looking at you, Electric State!), it more than deserves this spot.

Black Mirror's first official sequel episode, Into Infinity picks up in the wake of Season 4's USS Callister. Nanette Cole (Cristin Milioti) and the rest of the spaceship's crew are now fighting for their lives within the video game Infinity. And their in-game actions are drawing the suspicion of Infinity's real-world players. Nanette will have to reconnect with her outside self and Infinity head James Walton (Jimmi Simpson), sparking uneasy alliances and game-changing reveals about the nature of Infinity itself.

The result isn't as strong as the original USS Callister, but watching Black Mirror channel both Star Wars and Fortnite is oodles of fun — not to mention a delightful palate cleanser after Black Mirror Season 7's bleaker offerings. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks, Osy Ikhile, Paul G. Raymond, and Jesse Plemons

How to watch: USS Callister: Into Infinity is now streaming on Netflix.

14. The Quilters

Jenifer McShane's The Quilters is a hidden treasure on Netflix. This award-winning documentary short film takes viewers behind the walls of a maximum-security prison in Missouri, where incarcerated men are finding a road to redemption one quilt at a time.

In a small room, buzzing with the sound of sewing machines and the cutting of fabric, they gather to create incredible crafts for a good cause. Each quilt they make is donated to a foster kid in the surrounding counties. Each quilt is a chance for these people — many convicted of violent crimes — to discover their creative side and to give something back. Their story is marvelously heart-warming, and incredibly feels thorough even with a 33-minute runtime! — K.P.

How to watch: The Quilters is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Fixed

Animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack) delivers an outrageous comedy with his extremely NSFW new film, Fixed. The movie centers on a dog named Bull (voiced by Adam DeVine), who learns he's about to be neutered. With that awful news hanging over his head, he embarks on one last night of debauchery with his doggie friends — and his balls.

Those balls are on full display throughout the film, which leaves little about dog genitalia (or dogs' sex lives) to the imagination. (If you've ever clamored for the Cats "butthole cut," then Fixed is for you.) The movie only ups the crassness from there, but it also sprinkles in some surprisingly touching discoveries about friendship and self-esteem.

As I wrote in my review, Fixed features "an earnest, sweet message in a purposefully crude package, and one that leaves room for more character development and self-discovery than Fixed's initial premise may have you think."* — B.E.

Starring: Adam DeVine, Idris Elba, Kathryn Hahn, Fred Armisen, Beck Bennett, Bobby Moynihan, Michelle Buteau, River Gallo, Grey DeLisle, and Aaron LaPlante

How to watch: Fixed is now streaming on Netflix.

12. A House of Dynamite

What if you had 19 minutes before nuclear war kicked off? What could you possibly do to stop it? Or, failing that, what unfinished business would you want to tackle? This is the nauseating question at the center of A House of Dynamite. Academy Award–winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) teams with Zero Day writer Noah Oppenheim — and an all-star cast — to show what it might look like if one of the United States' enemies launched a missile at one of our nation's major cities.

Boasting a star-studded cast, this ensemble drama pitches audiences from politicians to military leaders to intelligence officers and the president (Idris Elba) all trying to make the most of those 19 minutes. Told in three chapters, the 19 minutes replay again and again from different perspectives, illuminating for civilians what an American response to such nuclear aggression could look like. But be warned, this movie will give you anything but a happy ending.* — K.P.

Starring: Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, and Jason Clarke

How to watch: House of Dynamite is now streaming on Netflix.

11. The Thursday Murder Club

Based on the popular mystery novel by Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club focuses on a quartet of pensioners who use their diverse set of skills to solve cold cases over tea and cake.

This cozy crime comedy stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as the eponymous club, which sets out to solve a decades-old murder but finds fresh blood. In a resplendent retirement community in England, this dynamic foursome crack jokes as they crack into the case with the help of local police and some unsavory suspects.

If you loved the book, you'll relish director Chris Columbus' earnest adaptation. If you haven't read the books, use this as your launchpad to get into a series that of novels that is downright addictive!* — K.P.

Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Richard E. Grant, Tom Ellis, Geoff Bell, Paul Freeman, Sarah Niles, and Ingrid Oliver

How to watch: The Thursday Murder Club is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Steve

Max Porter's novella Shy is adapted into a movie ensemble drama with Steve. Cillian Murphy stars as the eponymous teacher who's on a first-name basis with his students, rowdy teen boys who are seeking a second chance at a remote reform school in rural England.

As I wrote in my review out of TIFF, "Steve offers complicated portraits of the troubled youth in a reform school, and the grown-ups assigned to their care. The resulting film is an emotional roller coaster and a call to action, demanding its audience rethink their views of such schools and those within them."

It's a feel-good film overall. But for potential trigger warnings on sensitive topics, please check out our full review.* — K.P.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, Simbi Ajikawo (Little Simz), and Emily Watson

How to watch: Steve is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Train Dreams

Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella comes to life in Train Dreams, Netflix's moving historical drama from Sing Sing collaborators Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley. Running from 1917 to 1968, the film follows railroad worker Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) through life in 20th-century America, weaving history through Robert's personal triumphs and tragedies.

As I wrote in my review, "It's a slow-going, sombre film at times, a historical essay at others, and it won't be everyone's cup of sarsaparilla. However, the true heart of this moving film is a subtle, sensitive performance by Joel Edgerton, one immersed in Bryce Dessner's meticulous score and Adolpho Veloso's lush cinematography, and concluded with the unmistakable spirit of Nick Cave."* — S.C.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy

How to watch: Train Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Nouvelle Vague

Richard Linklater goes full French New Wave in Nouvelle Vague, an homage to director Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless. The film chronicles the making of Breathless, from Godard's (Guillaume Marbeck) first pleas to direct a film to the casting of Jean Seberg (Zoey Deutch) and Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin). It also taps into the chaos of the shoot, much of which was improvised over a 20-day period.

Nouvelle Vague is as loving a tribute to Breathless as can be, with Linklater shooting in black and white and a 4:3 aspect ratio to emphasize the French New Wave feel. Occasionally, Linklater's reverence can get in Nouvelle Vague's own way, as it feels like he's checking off film history boxes. Where Nouvelle Vague really excels is the downtime between shooting, which is thankfully most of the movie.

As I wrote in my review, "Nouvelle Vague proves a sweet tribute to an influential film movement, one that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you're a French New Wave fan, come for the Breathless tributes, but stay for the hangout vibes."* — B.E.

Starring: Guillaume Marbeck, Zoey Deutch, and Aubry Dullin

How to watch: Nouvelle Vague is now streaming on Netflix.

7. In Your Dreams

Netflix goes to dreamland in In Your Dreams, a charming animated adventure directed by Pixar alum Alex Woo. The film introduces siblings Stevie (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (voiced by Elias Janssen), who go on a quest through their dreams to find the Sandman (voiced by Omid Djalili). Legend has it that he can grant a wish, and Stevie and Elliot's is that he can fix their parents' (voiced by Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti) strained marriage, so they can be a happy family again.

In Your Dreams is chock-full of playful creations, from the delectable landscape of Breakfast Town to Elliot's riotous stuffed animal companion Baloney Tony (voiced by Craig Robinson). But it's the focus on parental conflict — and Stevie and Elliot's reaction to it — that truly makes In Your Dreams special.

As I wrote in my review, "None of In Your Dreams' dreamland chaos would mean anything if it wasn't rooted in Stevie and Elliot's anxieties about their parents' marriage, which the film portrays with unflinching honesty... It's a thoughtful, mature portrayal of how parents can grow distant yet still love each other."* — B.E.

Starring: Craig Robinson, Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elias Janssen, Gia Carides, Omid Djalili, and SungWon Cho

How to watch: In Your Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Cheese-loving inventor Wallace (voiced by Ben Whitehead) and his trusty beagle Gromit make a triumphant return in Aardman and Netflix's Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which received a 2025 Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Vengeance Most Fowl sees Wallace and Gromit face off with a foe from their past, The Wrong Trousers villain Feathers McGraw. Now behind bars, this dastardly penguin's got a scheme to take down Wallace and Gromit once and for all — one that involves an army of evil smart gnomes and a zoo prison break.

What follows is classic Wallace & Gromit. Incredible Claymation set pieces and Rube Goldberg-esque inventions abound, all held together by the sweet yet comedic interplay between the oblivious Wallace and the hyper-competent Gromit. But it's the film's stand against AI — represented here by smart gnome Norbot (voiced by Reece Shearsmith) — that lends it an especially fresh edge, one that emphasizes the loving craft that goes into every Wallace & Gromit film. As I wrote in my review, "When you're watching Vengeance Most Fowl, or any stop-motion animated movie, you're keenly aware that you're watching the culmination of years' worth of effort... That appreciation of effort and process is something no speedy Norbot or other AI could give you, and Vengeance Most Fowl rightfully wants you to know that." — B.E.

Starring: Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, and Reece Shearsmith

How to watch: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is now streaming on Netflix.

5. Left-Handed Girl

Netflix has such flashy, star-studded fare that Left-Handed Girl might be easy to overlook. But don't miss out, because this coming-of-age story is uniquely tender, funny, and tense. Additionally, a prestigious indie filmmaker had a hand in its creation, and it has some Oscar potential of its own. This is the solo directorial debut of Taiwanese American filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou, who is a longtime collaborator with Oscar–winning writer/director Sean Baker (Anora). Tsou and Baker co-wrote the screenplay, and Baker also edited and produced the film. Left-Handed Girl, which has been selected as the Taiwanese entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, feels like a sister film to Baker's The Florida Project, which followed a young girl and her single mom who find joy while living in poverty. 

Left-Handed Girl follows a family of three — a mom and her two daughters — as they move to Taipei for a new life. Working at a noodle shop stall in the night market, they swiftly become part of the community. But temptations for cheap thrills and sticky-fingered fun are everywhere, and could irrevocably harm the girls' reputations. While there's dramatic and tragic turns in this drama, its ending is ultimately uplifting, reflecting the earnest humanity that Baker's known for. Don't overlook it.* — K.P.

Starring: Janel Tsai, Shih-Yuan Ma, Nina Ye, Brando Huang, Akio Chen, and Xin-Yan Chao

How to watch: Left-Handed Girl is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Wake Up Dead Man

Writer/director Rian Johnson returns with his third installment of the Knives Out franchise. And this time, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is going gothic.

Set in a decaying church, Wake Up Dead Man follows the impossible case of a Monsignor (Josh Brolin) murdered in an empty room. His most loyal parishioners are all suspects, as is the new priest (Josh O'Connor), who's been seen publicly quarreling with the late Monsignor. Beyond unearthing motives and secrets, Blanc and an unlikely ally will also have to mine the local lore and religious superstitions to uncover the killer.

As I cheered in my review out of TIFF, "Ultimately, like the Benoit Blanc mysteries that came before it, Wake Up Dead Man is sharply written, passionately brought to life, and thoughtfully built, with allusions galore in its costumes, characters, novels, lore, and more."

Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church

How to watch: Wake Up Dead Man comes to Netflix on Dec. 12.

3. KPop Demon Hunters

Officially the most popular Netflix original movie of all time, KPop Demon Hunters delivers a little bit of everything: romance, action, comedy, and a totally addictive soundtrack that's gone platinum.

Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans begin their enthralling musical with K-pop trio HUNTR/X, who, when they aren't making bops like "Golden," are battling demons to protect the very souls of their fans. But just as the girl group thinks they're on the verge of building an impenetrable barrier with their songs, the demons fight back with a boy band of their own.

The Saja Boys are comically hot, delivering smooth moves, devious plans, and plenty of slapstick. Plus, they've got a tiger who is cute, creepy, and silly to boot! Whether it's the martial arts action sequences, the swoon-worthy song-and-dance numbers, or the cheeky sense of humor that's grabbed fans of all ages, KPop Demon Hunters is sure to thrill. And hey, there's a sing-along version too. What more could we ask for? How about a sequel?* — K.P.

Starring: Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, and Lee Byung-hun

How to watch: KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Jay Kelly

"George Clooney delivers one of the best comedic performances of his career in Jay Kelly," I wrote in my NYFF review of Noah Baumbach's latest.

In a bit of masterful casting, Baumbach has Clooney play a world-famous movie star who is unflappably charming and a bit of a buffoon. Thus, when Jay Kelly (Clooney) is faced with a mid-life crisis, he orders his entourage to follow him on an impromptu European tour, where he hopes to find solace in his cinematic legacy while reconnecting with his daughters. This makes for an ensemble comedy that's as hilarious and smart as it is star-stuffed. As I concluded in my review, "In the end, Jay Kelly is a clever crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to amuse and make you think."

Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, and Greta Gerwig

How to watch: Jay Kelly is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Frankenstein

Oscar Isaac stars as the titular doctor, a mad scientist determined to overcome his childhood trauma of losing his mother (Mia Goth) by resurrecting an exquisite corpse (Jacob Elordi). However, this creature proves more than a science project or a pet. He yearns to grow, to learn, and to love. But in a world that cannot understand him, his quest will be violent and heartbreaking.

In my review out of TIFF, I proclaimed, "As a whole, [Guillermo] del Toro's Frankenstein is a marvel. His vision is clear and mesmerizing. His ensemble is electrifying. His adaptation is unique, soulful, and unforgettable. The man who loves monsters has just made his masterpiece: It's rich, rapturous, and ruthlessly interrogates what it means to be human, with all of our glory and our flaws." — K.P.

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz

How to watch: Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix.

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list.

As the holidays approach, it is time to reflect. On how we've spent the year? On how we want to better ourselves or the world in the year ahead? Uh, sure. But I meant on which horror movies hit us the hardest.

2025 was a booming time for horror. Cinema titans like Ryan Coogler, Danny Boyle, and Guillermo del Toro brought fresh excitement to the genre, by bending it with tales twisted and compelling that went beyond the staunch idea of "horror." Indie filmmakers brought out grisly tales of grief, love, and codependency, bringing fresh blood to subgenres like psycho-biddy thrillers, body horror, and haunted house stories.

Remakes of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Wolf Man reimagined classics, while sequels like Final Destinations Bloodlines, I Know What You Did Last Summer, M3GAN 2.0, The Black Phone 2, The Conjuring: Last Rites, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, and 28 Years Later invited us back into frightening yet familiar realms. Simply put, so many horror movies came to theaters and streaming that even with a list of 25 of the best, a bunch of solid entries didn't make the cut. But did your frightening faves?

Here are Mashable's top 25 horror movies of 2025, and where to see them.

25. Together

My expectations were sky-high for Together, as critics began buzzing about it out of Sundance last January. Real-life spouses Dave Franco and Alison Brie star as a couple on the brink of breaking up in this body-horror offering. He's a musician, struggling in drive and follow-through. She's a teacher whose work pulls them away from the city and the friends they know. So, while she's got a new job and new friends, he's spiraling, freaking out about their future — and a bizarre and very local missing persons case.

If you've seen the teaser posters or the trailers, you know that writer/director Michael Shanks takes the fear of codependency to a flesh-melting place. Yup, these two are drawn to each other in ways deeply gross. But for all the critics' praise, Together felt tame coming in the wake of the truly audacious body horror that was The Substance. Still, if you're craving something sick and sickening, it should entertain.

Starring: Dave Franco and Alison Brie

How to watch: Together is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

24. Shelby Oaks

Watching writer/director Chris Stuckmann's Shelby Oaks, horror lovers will easily spot influences from The Blair Witch Project, Lake Mungo, Barbarian, and more. But rather than making this religious horror film feel derivative, it gives its lore a meta echo of authenticity. In a sense, Shelby Oaks feels like it exists in the same world as those movies without ever directly referencing them.

The film centers on a determined woman named Mia (a riveting Camille Sullivan) who's been searching for her missing sister Riley (a haunted Sarah Durn) for 12 years. Shelby Oaks plays at times like a faux documentary recounting the clues of the case, but soon slides into a more traditionally narrative film as Mia's quest to find Riley reignites after an inexplicable visit and resulting violence. As she follows her sister's last known steps in the ghost town of Shelby Oaks, things get darker and more twisted. And it's a devilish final act that will have horror lovers giddy.

In his review out of the Fantasia International Film Festival, Mashable contributor Jason Adams wrote, "It's twisty as hell, bears some ace performances, and truly gifts audiences with some very sticky and very spooky images. Most of all, it marks the emergence of a horror filmmaker worth keeping an eye on."

Starring: Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Keith David, Sarah Durn, Derek Mears, Emily Bennett, Charlie Talbert, Robin Bartlett, and Michael Beach

How to watch: Shelby Oaks is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

23. Death of a Unicorn

The directorial debut of writer/helmer Alex Scharfman presents a deranged reimagining of unicorns. Instead of portraying them as glorious, glittery creatures of light and innocence, Death of a Unicorn presents them as bloodthirsty, beefy beasts, capable of mind-blowing violence. But to be fair, they have their reasons.

Paul Rudd stars in this horror comedy as a Elliot, sniveling lawyer desperate to reconnect with his college-attending daughter (Jenna Ortega). But on their way to visit the mountain estate of the Leopolds — a family dynasty of wealthy pharmaceutical execs —  Elliot accidentally hits a baby unicorn with his car. Before you can say "Sackler," the Leopolds are scheming a way to turn baby unicorn blood into a profitable new product. And let's just say the unicorn's parents are not pleased. A gruesome rampage will follow.

While critics were mixed on this wild ride, I wrote in my review, "Death of a Unicorn is a monster movie that is riotously funny, unapologetically dark, and ultimately heartwarming."

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant

How to watch: Death of a Unicorn is now streaming on HBO Max.

22. Queens of the Dead

Tina Romero struts in the footsteps of her late father, George A. Romero, by creating a zombie movie that pays tribute to his Night of the Living Dead movies, but through a determinedly comedic and queer lens.

Queens of the Dead follows the hilarious mayhem that breaks out when a zombie contagion hits Bushwick's queer night club scene. Katy O'Brian headlines as a party promoter who's given her blood sweat and tears to build a safe space to dance, flirt, and revel. But when an undead drag queen hits the dance floor, her life is also on the line. Offering a mindful and willfully silly array of queer archetypes, Queens of the Dead is a movie by queer horror fans for queer horror fans. Or as I put in my review, "Drenched in neon, steeped in attitude, and radiant with queer joy, this movie is beyond fine; it's fierce, funny, and fabulous."*

Starring: Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Riki Lindhome, Jack Haven, Cheyenne Jackson, and Margaret Cho

How to watch: Queens of the Dead comes to Shudder on Dec. 19.

21. Lurker

Written and directed by Alex Russell, Lurker is All About Eve for the influencer generation. This psychological thriller follows a young man named Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) who works retail in L.A., but dreams of fame and fortune. So, when he crosses paths with rising music star Oliver (Archie Madekwe), he weasels his way into Oliver's entourage. This gives him a taste of the good life he covets. And he'll do anything to keep it. 

While many movies on this list are celebrated for how surprising they are, Lurker offers a different kind of terror. It's not that the movie is predictable. It's that Russell never hides from how dark his anti-hero's heart is or how blind his ambition. Pellerin is chilling as a sociopathic social climber. So when his eyes lock onto something, it's like watching a shark close in. You know the bite is coming, and your whole body braces for impact.

A gnarly thriller with a keen awareness of the double-edged sword of social media, Lurker will lock you in and leave you sweating.

Starring: Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, and Sunny Suljic

How to watch: Lurker is now streaming on MUBI.

20. The Monkey

The first of two horror movies that Osgood Perkins unleashed this year, The Monkey saw the Longlegs director adapting a Stephen King short story into a bloody cinematic spectacle.

Theo James stars as twin brothers whose lives were drastically changed when they found a toy monkey with a little motorized drum in their missing father's things. It turns out that if you wind the crank, the monkey will kill. But who and how are not for the turner of the crank to control. Many, many, grisly deaths will follow — including one that gives Perkins an unhinged cameo. But there's more to The Monkey than mindless violence. Perkins also weaves dark humor and an engaging message about the unpredictability yet inevitability of death.

As I summarized in my review, "All in all, it’s a vicious and hysterical spectacle of blood and brain matter that’ll make you laugh, gasp, gag, and even think."

Starring: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood

How to watch: The Monkey is streaming on Hulu, and available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

19. Final Destinations Bloodlines

Is this an okay place to admit I've never cared much for the Final Destination movies? Yes, the bizarre death sequences are scary, and that lumber truck one is truly the stuff of nightmares. But the movies themselves got so mean, actively rooting for pretty young people to be stabbed, exploded, or eviscerated, that it got too grim for me.

But when the praise for Final Destinations Bloodlines came flooding in, I reluctantly gave this franchise another shot. And I'm glad I did. Directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein have been delivering thrills since their underseen sci-fi gem Freaks in 2018. With this franchise, they brought in fresh life with new lore, characters actually worth caring about, and some practical effects that make the requisite death scenes truly eye-popping. Next, they'll be working with Chris Columbus on Gremlins 3. So, expect a new batch of wild sequences gift-wrapped with scare-crafting skills.

Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd

How to watch: Final Destinations Bloodlines is streaming on HBO Max.

18. Sketch

Inspired by his sister's childhood penchant for doodling creepy things, writer/director Seth Worley created a horror movie that's great for getting kids into the genre.

Sketch follows 11-year-old Amber (Bianca Belle), who channels her rage over the death of her mother into a notebook, which she fills with drawings of menacing monsters. When a magical twist of faith brings these carnage-creating critters to life — crayon scribbles, googly eyes and all — it's up to her, her family, and her friends to save the day. And don't fret, comedic character actors Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden keep things light, playing Amber's bewildered dad and impressed aunt.

For more on Sketch, you can check out my review. Or you can consider that I took my nieces to see it in theaters, and they had an absolute blast, happily recounting its jokes and jump scares to anyone who crossed their paths.

Starring: Tony Hale, D'Arcy Carden, Bianca Belle, Kue Lawrence, and Kalon Cox

How to watch: Sketch is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

17. Heart Eyes

If you like your slashers silly, you'll appreciate Heart Eyes, the latest horror comedy from Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Werewolves Within).

This slasher parody is set on Valentine's Day, when, for three years running, the Heart Eyes Killer has stalked cute couples for bloody ends. That shouldn't be a problem for Ally (Olivia Holt), as she's spending this could-be date night on a business dinner with her office rival, Jay (Mason Gooding), and she hates him. But their chemistry is so apparent that even the Heart Eyes Killer clocks it. So to stay alive, they'll need to work together. But can they work against the deadly sexy enemies-to-lovers trope?

As I praised in my review, "Heart Eyes simultaneously has a mean streak and a soft heart, which is rare enough for an entry in the horror genre to feel a little special. Ally and Jay — and Holt and Gooding — are good together, and you're rooting for them not just to survive the night but to make it as a couple. This isn't a swooning romance (unless you're easily grossed out and likely to faint), but it's sweet enough when it counts to balance out the ickier bits."

Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster

How to watch: Heart Eyes is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Keeper

Osgood Perkins delivered a double whammy to horror fans this year, offering not only his wild adaptation of Stephen King's The Monkey but also the original horror film Keeper.

Tatiana Maslany stars in this trippy thriller as a painter who reluctantly agrees to go on a weekend getaway to the family cabin of her boyfriend Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland). But shortly after they arrive, she senses something is just off. Maybe it's the creepy cousin (Birkett Turton) who drops by with a bored party girl (Eden Weiss). Perhaps it's the strange chocolate cake that just appeared on a table, inviting yet off-putting. Where this story — from Dangerous Animals screenwriter Nick Lepard — will go is impossible to predict. But that's part of the fun.

As I declared in my review, "Perkins walks us into a nightmare, baking tension and unhinged treats with sickening sound effects, spectacular creature design, and a smartly savage script. Maslany is our guide, trusted and terrific, radiating strength and vulnerability in a rapturous performance. In a year of killer horror like Sinners and 28 Years Later, Perkins has made his mark with this sly, sickening, and sophisticated thriller."

Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton, and Eden Weiss

How to watch: Keeper is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

15. Dust Bunny

After giving audiences such sensational (and sensationally twisted) shows as Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies, and Hannibal, Bryan Fuller makes his feature directorial debut with a monster movie that feels like Amélie meets Léon: The Professional.

The story centers on a young girl (Sophie Sloan), plagued by the monster (a massive dust bunny) under her bed. So, naturally, she looks for a hitman to take care of the creature. Lucky for her, there's one living in her building. And he's played by Hannibal's Mads Mikkelsen. The result is a monster movie that is whimsical, gnarly, thrilling, and fun.

In my review, I wrote, "Dust Bunny is exactly the kind of movie fans should expect from Fuller, but it's also wildly surprising. As soon as it ended, I wanted to watch it again — not just for the fun of it, but to assure myself it was real and not some strange dream sparked from too much sour candy."

Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sheila Atim, David Dastmalchian, and Sigourney Weaver

How to watch: Dust Bunny is now in theaters.

14. Companion

Written and directed by Drew Hancock, Companion is a horror movie, and much, much more. For one thing, it begins like a romantic comedy, with Iris (Sophie Thatcher) recounting her meet-cute with her beloved boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid). But the tone changes when this couple joins his friends for a weekend getaway at a remote mountain cabin. There, one friend snarls at Iris, while another pushes her well out of her comfort zone. When a misunderstanding leads to a corpse, a big reveal pitches Companion away from romance (but not comedy) and well into horror terrain, with some sci-fi flair.

As I declared in my review, it's "a deranged delight," and it just might be perfect for date night... as a litmus test.

Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend

How to watch: Companion is now streaming on HBO Max.

13. The Rule of Jenny Pen

Psycho-biddy thrillers have long been the domain of women, specifically mad women whose tenuous grip on reality and penchant for violence made them icons of psychological horror. But now, joining the ranks of films like What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte, and Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? — comes The Rule of Jenny Penn, fronted by two formidable leading men.

Set in a retirement facility, this nerve-wrenching film stars Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow as two residents in a vicious game of power. For decades, Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush) was respected, even feared. But following a near-fatal stroke, he's as threatening as a kitten. For Dave Crealy (Lithgow), this makes the feeble judge little more than a plaything for his sick bullying, enhanced by a creepy baby doll he calls Jenny Pen.

Beyond an intense battle of wills, The Rule of Jenny Pen is a horror movie about the indignities of aging. As I wrote in my review, "Like in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? someone will lose this battle of wills, but no one will win. And in that, The Rule of Jenny Pen leaves us with a harrowing final image, simple yet unforgettable. In the end, The Rule of Jenny Pen becomes not just a frightening warning but also a haunting call for empathy — a memento mori of sorts, reminding the viewer, 'As I am, you will be.'"

Starring: John Lithgow, Geoffrey Rush, and George Henare

How to watch: The Rule of Jenny Pen is streaming on Hulu, AMC+ and Shudder, and available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

12. A Useful Ghost

One of the most surprising films I saw in 2025 was this treasure out of Thailand. The premise amused me: A ghost tries to be of use by possessing a vacuum cleaner. But I could not imagine how writer/director Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke would spin that kooky setup into something hilarious, heartfelt, and thought-provoking.

Far from a scary story, A Useful Ghost is a comedy with some deeply dark turns. It begins when a self-proclaimed "Academic Ladyboy" (Wisarut Homhuan) realizes his new vacuum is coughing up dust at night. He calls a repairman, who instead of just fixing the machine, explains there's a ghost in it. What follows is this hot repairman named Krong (Wanlop Rungkumjad) unfurling a complex saga of two ghosts who'd thrown themselves into vacuums to stay close to their lovers. Within this, a story of love, manipulation, politics, and historical tragedy unfold.

In my review out of the Toronto International Film Festival, I wrote, "With A Useful Ghost, Boonbunchachoke delivers a a delirious vision, a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy that demands to be seen and adored. It's just phenomenal."

Starring: Davika Hoorne, Witsarut Himmarat, Apasiri Nitibhon, Wanlop Rungkumjad, and Wisarut Homhuan

How to watch: A Useful Ghost opens in theaters on Jan. 16.

11. Bone Lake

At first glance, Bone Lake looks pretty stupid. The title could either mean a lake full of the remains of the dead, or a scenic place for sexual shenanigans. And in director Mercedes Bryce Morgan's randy thriller, it is both, and giddily and gruesomely so.

Bone Lake is a slasher movie with a pitch-black sense of humor. It opens with the merciless slaughter of a couple running totally nude through a forest. It's a cold open that doesn't play coy with the unapologetically graphic nature of the film. But the script from Joshua Friedlander proves smarter than you might expect. For one thing, vacationing couple Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi) aren't dummies. When they realize their rented lake house has been double-booked with the young and flirty Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita), the possibility of infidelity and waves of relationship issues is clear from the jump. But the drive to be polite and feign cool is so strong that it's easy to fall into the flow of this slippery-slope thriller.

As I pointed out in my review, "Bone Lake is the rare horror movie that relishes in the trashier aspects of the genre, swooning over sordid sex and grisly violence, but also manages to be cheeky and smart. It'll pull you to the edge of your seat and have you cackling, yelling at the screen, and gasping in delicious shock. Hot, horrifying, funny, and surprising, Bone Lake is a total banger."

Starring: Maddie Hasson, Marco Pigossi, Alex Roe, and Andra Nechita

How to watch: Bone Lake is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

10. Hallow Road

One of our favorites out of SXSW, Hallow Road is a sickeningly tense thriller that preys on your imagination with its clever conceit. Presented in real time, this film from Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow and Wounds) centers on a couple of parents piling in a car and racing to their child in need. Rather that cutting between their crying 18-year-old daughter Alice and her frantic mother (Rosamund Pike) and father (Matthew Rhys), the screenplay by William Gillies keeps us planted firmly in their car. The only contact we have with the girl is over the phone.

I walked into this movie at SXSW with little idea of what was in store. And that was a terrific way to experience Hallow Road. So, rather than reveal anything else about the plot or why it's so damn scary, I'll just share this from my review, "I can tell you without spoilers that Anvari's direction is masterful. Though confined to the car, the cinematography of Kit Fraser brings energy through whip pans between parents, and a very tight close-up hovering over a wide-eyed stare of horror, as they can see only the road ahead of them but can hear something strange on the other end of the line. Pike and Rhys lean into this claustrophobic energy, guzzling up all the air in the car with their combativeness, resentments, and agony. And the soundscape of Alice's tinny voice over the phone colliding with curious sounds in the forest around her are so genuinely frightening that I full-on screamed. Twice."

Starring: Rosamund Pike, Matthew Rhys, and Megan McDonnell

How to watch: Hallow Road is coming soon to digital.

9. Dangerous Animals

A deliciously biting thriller. Dangerous Animals reimagines action hero Jai Courtney as a menacing serial killer whose weapon of choice is sharks. You read that right. Sharks.

Penned by Nick Lepard (Keeper) and helmed by Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones), Dangerous Animals follows a free-spirited surfer named Zephyr (Hassie Harrison), who is thrown into mortal peril when she crosses paths with a shark tours captain named Tucker (Courtney). A sadistic game of cat and mouse follows, as she seeks a way off his boat that won't end with her in a shark's jaws. And while the plot can get a bit convoluted, Courtney's sublimely scary performance makes this one a must-see.

As I noted in my review, "Jai Courtney is a rip-roaring force of nature in Dangerous Animals."

Starring: Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Rob Carlton, Ella Newton, Liam Greinke, and Jai Courtney

How to watch: Dangerous Animals is now streaming on Shudder.

8. Good Boy

The premise of Good Boy is downright brilliant: a dog in a haunted house. The scares we've come to expect from ghost movies, but the tension cranked up by putting a sweet dog at the center of the story, threatened by a supernatural viciousness.

Married collaborators Ben Leonberg and Kari Fischer created Good Boy by building a movie around their lovable dog, Indy. In my review out of the film's SXSW premiere, I raved, "Beyond being a scary-as-hell watch for dog lovers, Good Boy has a built-in allure as Indy is just a star from his first frame. His dark eyes, floppy ears, and sweet expression make him instantly lovable. But more than that, he is so game for whatever Leonberg directs him to do. Staying and staring into an eerie abyss? Jumping into action? Reacting to a burst of blood? Racing to Todd to protect him? Indy is a good boy, through and through."

This is smart and skillful indie (and Indy) filmmaking you don't want to miss. And hey, if you need to know before you hit play if the dog dies, we've got you covered.

Starring: Indy, Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, and Larry Fessenden

How to watch: Good Boy is now streaming on Shudder.

7. Bring Her Back

First, filmmaking duo Danny and Michael Philippou awed critics and horror fans with their haunted-hand hit Talk to Me. Next, they returned with this gnarly psycho-biddy horror offering starring two-time Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins. This nail-biting film is so intense that it might well have you gagging, covering your eyes, or experiencing some hard-won catharsis. Probing further into grief, the Philippou brothers explore how the unmooring feeling of mourning can make the world around us feel unreal, hostile, and strange.

In Bring Her Back, Hawkins stars as a foster mom named Laura, who takes in orphans like Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), and siblings Piper (Sora Wong) and Andy (Billy Barratt). But despite Laura's chipper mumsy demeanor, 17-year-old Andy realizes something is off in her remote forest home. But can he stop the hell that's coming?

In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Bring Her Back is extraordinary. For those who found Talk to Me sensationally scary, this follow-up will thrill with its deeply deranged tale of heartache and body horror. But the Philippous went deeper, presenting a character-driven drama with flares of psycho-biddy and religious horror. That heady combination not only makes for a satisfyingly scary as hell movie, but also a profound one."

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally-Anne Upton

How to watch: Bring Her Back is now streaming on HBO Max, and available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

6. Presence

Steven Soderbergh's Presence had me hooked from its first shot. Reteaming with Kimi screenwriter David Koepp, the celebrated director and cinematographer tackled a fascinating idea: What if a ghost story was told from the POV of the spirit?

Shot by Soderbergh in first-person perspective, Presence puts audiences in the floating shoes of a ghost that's haunting a suburban house, with no idea why. Through this lens, we watch a family drama unfold, where a workaholic mother (Lucy Liu) coddles her bratty jock son (Eddy Maday), while a concerned father (Chris Sullivan) struggles to connect to his teen daughter (Callina Liang), who is grieving the unexpected death of a friend.

"Presence is a remarkable union of a clever concept and a superb execution," I wrote in my review, "Soderbergh's steady hand is so mindful in its performance that you can practically feel the expressions of a face you cannot see. The cast expertly builds a believable and complex family bond while effortlessly completing choreographed blocking. And Koepp delivers a final act that is stomach-churningly tense yet tender. All of this collides to make a sublimely realized ghost story that is easily one of the best films of the year." 

Starring: Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, West Mulholland, and Julia Fox

How to watch: Presence is now streaming on Hulu.

5. Weapons

Like Jordan Peele before him, Zach Cregger took a hard turn from sketch comedy — as a member of Whitest Kids U' Know — to horror director with a jaw-dropping vision of terror. In 2022, he gave us the deeply twisted Barbarian. And this year, he gifted us the perfectly witchy icon in Weapons' Gladys (Amy Madigan).

In this deeply creepy tale of 17 children vanishing into the night, the focus leaps from one character to another, eerily unfolding the mystery at the heart of this missing persons case. A tormented teacher, a furious father, a bewildered principal, a cranky cop, and an unhoused goofball will collide in ways wild and unpredictable.

As Belen Edwards wrote in her review of the film, "Elsewhere, elements of body horror and the psycho-biddy subgenre surface, with Cregger happy to alternate between heart attack-inducing jump scares and slower burn frights at a moment's notice. Occasionally, Weapons undercuts its own terrors with well-placed comedic beats, offering us catharsis amidst the ever-escalating mayhem. When Josh Brolin yells, 'What the fuck?' after an especially distressing encounter, we're right there with him."

Starring: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Toby Huss, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan

How to watch: Weapons is now streaming on HBO Max.

4. The Ugly Stepsister

2025 kicked off hard for horror offerings with The Ugly Stepsister, which scored rave reviews out of the Sundance Film Festival. A fractured fairytale, the film from writer/director Emilie Blichfeldt plays like the grubby baby of Wicked and The Substance.

Cinderella is reimagined as a gnarly body-horror movie that focuses on the heroine's much-maligned stepsister Elvira (Lea Myren). Within this twist in perspective, Blichfeldt delivers not only a deeply empathetic tale of a young girl grappling with a princely crush, sibling rivalry, and crippling societal pressures to conform to cruel beauty standards, but also the grisly scenes to back up its social critique. Be warned: This one isn't for the faint of stomach.

In my review for Mashable out of Sundance, I cheered, "The Ugly Stepsister is a deranged and dizzying achievement, folding in a classic story with a bitingly modern satire and bold body horror. Blichfeldt weaves these elements together to make a film that feels both of this moment but aesthetically nostalgic... And yet, her journey, as gross and grim as it is, is threaded with a ribbon of exhilaration, rebellion, and even defiant joy. Simply put, The Ugly Stepsister is savagely brutal and yet strangely beautiful."* 

Starring: Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth, and Malte Gårdinger

How to watch: The Ugly Stepsister is now streaming on Shudder.

3. Frankenstein

Frankenstein is the monster movie Guillermo del Toro was born to make. The heralded filmmaker behind Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, and the Oscar–winning wonder of The Shape of Water poured his heart and soul into this stirring adaptation of Mary Shelley's landmark 1818 novel. Pulling from his passion for monsters and from his personal life, del Toro makes this not just a story of mankind and monsters but also fathers and sons.

Oscar Isaac stars as the titular doctor, a mad scientist determined to overcome his childhood trauma of losing his mother (Mia Goth) by resurrecting an exquisite corpse (Jacob Elordi). However, this creature proves more than a science project or a pet. He yearns to grow, learn, and love. But in a world that cannot understand him, his quest will be violent and heartbreaking.

In my review out of TIFF, I proclaimed, "As a whole, del Toro's Frankenstein is a marvel. His vision is clear and mesmerizing. His ensemble is electrifying. His adaptation is unique, soulful, and unforgettable. The man who loves monsters has just made his masterpiece: It's rich, rapturous, and ruthlessly interrogates what it means to be human, with all of our glory and our flaws."

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz

How to watch: Frankenstein is now streaming on Netflix.

2. 28 Years Later

23 years ago, director Danny Boyle rewrote the rules of zombie movies with his hit thriller 28 Days Later. This year, he reteamed with the first film's screenwriter, Alex Garland, to resurrect this frightening franchise with a sequel that basically shrugs off Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's schlocky follow-up 28 Weeks Later. And we're elated for it.

28 Years Later evolves this film series in ways both epic and gloriously horrifying. Centered on the coming-of-age of an adolescent boy named Spike (Alfie Williams) in a post-apocalyptic Scotland, this sequel delivers heart-wrenching family drama, intriguing lore, and a harrowing evolutions of the infected persons, including monstrous beasts known as Alphas. Perhaps the scariest single sequence of 2025 is when this towering terror races after Spike and his desperate dad (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), while a gorgeous twilight shines behind them. Its beauty in contrast to their peril reflects the indifference of the wider world, which has left the UK to fend for themselves against these marauding monsters.

Rich with earnest and intense performances, jaw-dropping gore, and nerve-shredding tension, 28 Years Later isn't just an epic horror film — it counts as cardio.

Starring: Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell

How to watch: 28 Years Later is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Sinners

Not just one of the best horror movies of 2025, but one of the best movies of 2025 full stop, Sinners is a celebration of genre and cinema. Writer/director Ryan Coogler reimagined vampire lore as a way to explore what it means to be young, Black, and gifted in America.

Michael B. Jordan stars as the Smokestack Twins, Black gangsters turned juke joint proprietors whose opening night is crashed by a vicious white vampire (Jack O'Connell) thirsty for the blood of their magical bluesman, Sammie (Miles Caton in a jaw-dropping debut). The character-building in this 1932-set period piece is rich, developing emotional plotlines of love, loss, and injustice. Supporting cast like Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Miller, and Delroy Lindo had audiences cheering — in packed 70mm IMAX audiences and online. So, by the time O'Connell shows up, you might have been so entranced by this deep Southern drama you'd forgotten vampires were even going to be a part of it. But he proves to be a unique and mesmerizing monster, earning awe and screams in equal measure.

Critics praised the epic scope Coogler applied to his genre-fluid drama — which might be a horror musical. In my review of the film, I wrote, "Sinners is more than a hell of a thrilling vampire movie. Like Black Panther, it expands beyond the expectations of its genre to become a magnificent film, emanating with spirit, power, and purpose. Smoothly blending vampire horror into a unique tale of regret, resilience, and redemption, Coogler and Jordan have made a cinematic marvel that is terrifying, satisfying, and unforgettable."

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, Yao, Lola Kirke, and Delroy Lindo

How to watch: Sinners is now streaming on HBO Max, and available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for the final chapter of Netflix's major series, a buzzy conspiracy theory sci-fi, the steamiest show of the season, or a jaw-dropping animated epic, we're here for you.

13. Five Nights at Freddy's 2

The killer animatronics of your nightmares return in Five Nights at Freddy's 2, based on Scott Cawthon's hit horror game franchise. This time around, Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy aren't the only animatronics in play. There's also their "toy" versions to contend with, along with Marionette, Mangle, and Balloon Boy. That's certainly no fun for security guard Mike (Josh Hutcherson), but it's plenty of fun for game fans.

Like the first film, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 was a box office smash, but critics didn't take too kindly to it, with Mashable's Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko writing in her review that, "like the first one, this sequel has just a deadly amount of talking, with too little scares, jokes, or surprises." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Wayne Knight, Mckenna Grace, and Teo Briones

How to watch: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 is now available on digital.

12. The Carpenter's Son

Ever wonder what Jesus got up to between his birth in a manger and being the leader of apostles? Or maybe you've been curious what it was like for Joseph to be the mortal father to the son of God? Well, writer/director Lotfy Nathan gets into both of these stories with The Carpenter's Son.

Following Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as they try to live a modest and good life while ducking the temptations of Satan, The Carpenter's Son is a gnarly religious horror offering. It not only explores a surreal look into teen Jesus's early understandings of his identity, power, and passion, but also co-stars Nicolas Cage as an embattled Joseph. It's a wild one, so maybe don't gather the whole family for a watch. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Noah Jupe, Souheila Yacoub, Isla Johnston, and FKA twigs

How to watch: The Carpenter's Son is now available on digital.

11. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

The Bear star Jeremy Allen White unleashes his inner Bruce Springsteen in this musical biopic from writer/director Scott Cooper. Instead of focusing on the Boss' career as a whole, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere zeroes in on the making of Springsteen's sixth studio album, Nebraska, which he recorded sparsely on a four-track in his bedroom. The film parallels the production with Springsteen's struggles with depression, crafting a solemn portrait of the musician.

While White turns in an admirable performance as Springsteen, the rest of the film pales in comparison, hitting standard biopic beats like troubled childhoods and the flashes of genius that lead to a great song. As I wrote in my review, "While the film's music remains classic as ever, and while White does an admirable job channeling Springsteen, Deliver Me From Nowhere fails to deliver anything revelatory about the actual emotions behind the music." — B.E.

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Marc Maron, and David Krumholtz

How to watch: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is now on digital.

10. The Copenhagen Test

Simu Liu jumps into a world of espionage and secrets in Peacock's new thriller The Copenhagen Test. He plays Alexander, an intelligence analyst for the U.S. government who learns that unknown forces have hacked his eyes and ears, giving them access to everything Alexander witnesses. To discover the truth behind his hackers' motives, as well as their identities, he'll have to keep up a nonstop performance in order to fool them. But who can he truly trust? And does the shadowy agency he works for truly have his best interests at heart? Find out in this slick spy series with a light sci-fi twist. — B.E.

Starring: Simu Liu, Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d'Arcy James, Mark O'Brien, and Kathleen Chalfant

How to watch: The Copenhagen Test premieres Dec. 27 on Peacock.

9. Die My Love

Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson unlock their most unbridled animal instincts in Die My Love, a formidable, hypnotic, powerful drama from We Need to Talk About Kevin director Lynne Ramsay. The pair are Grace (Lawrence) and Jackson (Pattinson), a loved-up couple who can't keep their hands off each other. They move into Jackson's rural family home, surrounded by forest and a long walk to his mother Pam's (Sissy Spacek) house. With the arrival of their child, Jackson's work schedule means Grace is often home alone, an isolation which she initially celebrates but eventually resents — even hates. And here, Lawrence follows Grace to the brink.

"Grace's journey will make you squirm, perhaps cackle. But in her messy quest for something beyond being boxed in, she offers a radical freedom to her audience," Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review. "In the discomfort of watching her bicker, battle, and act out, an excitement of possibility burns. Where could this lead, not just for her — but for us? Will you walk away from Die My Love rattled? Feeling recognized? Or dared to be reborn?" — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, LaKeith Stanfield, Nick Nolte, and Sissy Spacek

How to watch: Die My Love debuts on MUBI Dec. 23.

8. Bugonia

Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone team up once again for Bugonia, a conspiracy caper that remakes Jang Joon-hwan's Save the Green Planet! with a script by The Menu's Will Tracy. Stone and Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness collaborator Jesse Plemons plays Teddy, a conspiracy theorist who believes an alien race lives among us, one of which is big pharma CEO Michelle Fuller (Stone). So, Teddy and his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis) kidnap her for a tête-à-tête about who she is, what the plans are, and whether the human race is worth saving. 

Critics have been divided on Bugonia, especially around its bleak marathon run of topics. Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "Bugonia, despite having a sensational cast and clear vision for its world, lacks profundity in its smorgasbord of hot topics. Environmentalism, oligarchy, the manosphere, healthcare for profit — all of these make for a dizzying brew from which Teddy and Michelle arise on opposing sides."* — S.C.

Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Alicia Silverstone, Stavros Halkias

How to watch: Bugonia is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV and arrives on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Dec. 23.

7. Ne Zha II

The highest-grossing film of 2025 might be one you missed in theaters. Now, you can catch up with this jaw-dropping animated epic in the comfort of your own home. But trust us, you're going to want to watch Ne Zha first. Based on Chinese mythology, both films have a lot of narrative ground to cover. But the animated awesomeness of the sequel makes the first film worth the time investment.

Ne Zha II follows the continued misadventures of the eponymous anti-hero, a boy born with the powers of a demon, who befriends a dragon/boy named Ao Bing, born with the powers of a heavenly spirit. In the first film, they battle before becoming unexpected friends. In the second, they have to share Ne Zha's body to complete a battle-centric quest to restore Ao Bing's physical form. Meanwhile, the dragons are conspiring to overthrow their king, while a horrid threat faces Ne Zha's homeland. All these threads make for a movie that includes monster battles, slapstick, tragedy, and gross-out gags. It can be dizzying, but also, incredible. — K.P.

Starring: Crystal Lee, Griffin Puatu, Aleks Le, Michelle Yeoh, and Vincent Rodriguez III

How to watch: Ne Zha is now streaming on Peacock, Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max, and Ne Zha II is now streaming on HBO Max.

6. 100 Nights of Hero

Julia Jackman's 100 Nights of Hero was one of the best films we watched out of the BFI London Film Festival this year, and now it's coming to streaming. Based on Isabel Greenberg's graphic novel, this visually magnificent, queer, feminist fairy tale is a triumph of production design with a hype-worthy appearance by Charli XCX. It follows Cherry (Longlegs' Maika Monroe), a noblewoman in a medieval patriarchy whose arranged marriage to Jerome (Limbo's Amir El-Masry) is yet to be consummated — and she's on a literal deadline. Jerome leaves on business, but not before a bet with roguish lord Manfred (The Idea of You's Nicholas Galitzine) that his friend cannot seduce his wife in his absence. Luckily, Cherry has a fierce protector in her maid, Hero (Nosferatu's Emma Corrin).

"At its whimsical heart, 100 Nights of Hero is a story of women's courage and resilience, of pursuing knowledge and passion beyond the perilously high fences of patriarchy," I wrote in my review. "It's a dazzling world of suppressed queer identity and desire, of male bravado and paranoia, and of the power of storytelling itself. Jackman has crafted us a topical treat, finely dressed in splendour and social commentary. It's nothing short of heroic." — S.C.

Starring: Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Amir El-Masry, Nicholas Galitzine, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, Felicity Jones, and Varada Sethu

How to watch: 100 Nights of Hero is available to rent or purchase on Prime Video starting Dec. 23.

5. The Life of Chuck

Catch one of the best — and most underrated — films of the year when Mike Flanagan's The Life of Chuck hits Hulu this week. Based on the novella of the same name by Stephen King, the film introduces viewers to Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), an accountant who's got some serious dance moves. To say more about the plot would be to spoil much of The Life of Chuck's impact, so try to go in as blind as possible. (But definitely go in!)

From Doctor Sleep to Gerald's Game, Flanagan has proven time and again that he can adapt the hell out of a Stephen King novel. That's no different with The Life of Chuck, which Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko called "glorious" in her review, writing, "It's incredible. This is a movie that contains so much that it just shouldn't work. It's easy to imagine an iteration that fell too hard into the darkness, or depended too intensely on treacly sentimentality, or relied on its dashing star power to gloss over some underwritten turns. But The Life of Chuck is masterfully told." — B.E.

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hiddleston, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill

How to watch: The Life of Chuck premieres Dec. 26 on Hulu.

4. Love Lies Bleeding

Rose Glass, the writer/director who awed critics in 2020 with her stunning religious horror film Saint Maud, has blessed us with a follow-up that is as scorchingly sexy as it is deeply unsettling.

Set against a merciless desert town, Love Lies Bleeding stars Kristen Stewart as a surly loner who manages a rundown gym. Things begin to look up when a perfectly permed and righteously ripped bodybuilder (Katy O'Brian) rolls into her squalid realm. Their attraction is instant, their loyalty is potentially lethal. So when they run afoul of a local kingpin (Ed Harris, wearing a mangy skullet), this noir thriller veers into a place of jaw-dropping violence and grievous vengeance, with a climax that is as outrageous as it is exhilarating. As I wrote in our review, "There are movies that grab you by the throat. There are movies that punch you in the gut. Love Lies Bleeding is both, and I fucking love it."* — K.P.

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris

How to watch: Love Lies Bleeding is now on MUBI.

3. Heated Rivalry, Season 1 finale

It seems like just yesterday that Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) were suggestively swapping a water bottle in Heated Rivalry's premiere episode. Now, the internet fan-favorite series wraps up its first season after a six-episode run full of hockey, angst, and tons of no-holds-barred sex scenes. Consider this your sign to get caught up on all things Hollanov before the finale blows up social media. — B.E.

Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Callan Potter

How to watch: Heated Rivalry is now streaming on HBO Max, with the finale airing Friday, Dec. 26.

2. Pluribus, Season 1 finale

One of the best shows of 2025, Vince Gilligan's Pluribus has kept viewers hooked with its tale of Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), the most miserable woman Earth, and the alien virus hive mind that's taken over the world. By the end of Pluribus' penultimate episode, Carol had begun a romantic relationship with Zosia (Karolina Wydra), one of the Others. But the imminent arrival of fellow survivor Manousos (Carlos-Manuel Vesga) in Albuquerque could upend the fragile balance Carol has reached.

So what can fans expect from the finale? Will Carol's meeting with Manousos renew her desire to save the world? Will we learn how the Others can be defeated? Tune in to find out — and maybe pour yourself a tall glass of milk while you're at it. — B.E.

Starring: Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, and Carlos-Manuel Vesga

How to watch: The Pluribus Season 1 finale is now streaming on Apple TV.

Best of Streaming this week: Stranger Things, Season 5: Volume 2

The Stranger Things farewell tour continues with the release of Season 5, Volume 2, which will hopefully answer some of our most pressing questions from Volume 1. What's next now that Will (Noah Schnapp) has powers? What does Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) have planned for the kidnapped children of Hawkins? Will Max (Sadie Sink) and Holly (Nell Fisher) escape from Vecna's mindscape? And how will Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) lost sister Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) figure into things?

Season 5 got off to an overstuffed but undeniably exciting start, so look forward to more jaw-dropping Upside Down action as the Duffer Brothers keep upping the ante. Plus, more episodes means more time with Stranger Things' beloved characters, who remain the show's highlight through and through. As I wrote in my Volume 1 review, Stranger Things' "flashy battles and lore bombshells can get the blood pumping, but it's the characters who have kept viewers coming back for many, many years. Knowing we'll be saying goodbye to them only makes these episodes sweeter, exhaustion be damned." — B.E.

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke

How to watch: Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. The series finale premieres Dec. 31, also at 8 p.m. ET.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

Sometimes you just need a feel-good movie and a good tearjerker, and writer/director Craig Brewer delivers both with Song Sung Blue. 

Named for the Neil Diamond song, this drama is not going the way of A Complete Unknown or the Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere route. Instead of a biopic about the American singer-songwriter behind "America" and "Sweet Caroline," Brewer explores the power of Diamond's music through the stranger-than-fiction story of the tribute band known as Lightning and Thunder. 

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as this musical married couple, known offstage as Mike and Claire Sardina. They love each other as intensely as they love Diamond's music. Fitting, then, that their breathtaking story is full of the emotional highs and lows of some of his most beloved songs. 

What's Song Sung Blue about? 

Credit: Focus Features

In Milwaukee, Mike Sardina (Jackman) and Claire Stengl (Hudson) are working as celebrity impersonators for state fairs and dive bars. Separately, they perform standards in a dusty variety act, but they dream of making something exciting of their own. For them, one good date spirals into a jam session, a marriage, and a creative partnership that lasts the rest of their lives. 

Song Sung Blue charts their story from their meet-cute backstage, through their musical courtship, co-parenting their kids from past relationships, and building a tribute band that makes them feel like rock stars as they bring unique life to Diamond's discography. 

The movie focuses mostly on Mike (who prefers to be called Lightning) and Claire, their romantic highs and their tragic lows — including a horrific freak accident that injures her, threatening to derail their band for good. Brewer also incorporates a touching subplot into this script about the developing sisterhood between step-siblings Angela (King Princess) and Rachel (Ella Anderson). Beyond that, Lightning and Thunder's family and story grow to envelope their collaborators and bandmates, allowing for a rich tapestry of characters to bring light and humor to the movie's darkest corners. 

Kate Hudson is absolutely extraordinary in Song Sung Blue.

Credit: Focus Features

For much of her career, Hudson has been playing some variant of the dazzling girl, in such movies as 200 Cigarettes, Almost Famous, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, and an array of other rom-coms. Blonde, bouncy, and witty, she's endlessly youthful and radiant, even when facing tragedy or a smirking manchild. In Song Sung Blue, Hudson assumes a more mature role, while maintaining a distinct shimmer. 

Claire is not a glamorous party girl or a chic city socialite. She's a middle-aged mother of two who loves Patsy Cline songs and wearing sequins. Here, Hudson is radiant, the way of small-town women who don't have designer clothes and custom jewelry but department stores and thrift store finds, yet they shine all the same. As she sings her heart out, her cheeks are rosy and pronounced because of her wide smile. Her eyes sparkle along with her knitwear. And her Midwestern accent is the cherry on top. Hudson makes Claire not some fantasy of woman, but a real woman. I recognized her. I grew up around women like this, who knew horrific hardship and defiantly chose joy again and again. They were brave and loving and, at times, heartbroken. That is what Song Sung Blue is about. 

Props to Brewer; he lets this feel-good film get truly dark, as Claire's accident threatens to smother her inner light. Racked with pain, self-doubt, and anger, Claire becomes unrecognizable to her husband and kids. And through this, we witness a marriage pushed to its breaking point. Sometimes, however, it can be a shared passion that can save us. And for the Sardinas, it was Neil Diamond.

There's an elegance in that, as Diamond's songs can weave bittersweet stories, but what resonates with us is the choruses that are so radiantly joyful that strangers across a bar will join in with "Bah bah bah!" Good times never felt so good, indeed. 

Hugh Jackman offers a daring performance in Song Sung Blue. 

Where I swiftly fell for Hudson's Claire, Jackman's Lightning was a harder sell. Admittedly, for the first act, I was put off by his bravado. Lightning is a celebrity impersonator with the ego of a rock star and the entitled attitude that often accompanies it. Jackman's portrayal of this wannabe hit me initially as too broad, as if he was back on Broadway playing to the balcony seats. 

However, as Song Sung Blue played on, I understood. This wasn't a miscalibrated performance. Where everyone else in the movie is aiming for a softer, more grounded tone, Jackman is knowingly doing too much, because Lightning was a man who demanded to be seen and heard. This theatricality risks playing as insincere. But because Jackman never relaxes this tone, it becomes clear he sees Lightning as dreamer who is every moment being the frontman he dreams to be. This is how he lives the dream.

Once that hit me, Song Sung Blue became a tiny bit sadder. Not so much because this tribute band wouldn't hit Neil Diamond's level of fame. The film celebrates creative victories, even minor ones, with deep sincerity — because the expression and community is the point. I felt sad because I had misjudged Lightning, just as many in the first act did. His is an underdog story, bittersweet but inspirational. Jackman plays it to the rafters so we might understand this man's sheer moxie and determination. 

Song Sung Blue's supporting cast is stellar. 

Like in Brewer's comedic biopic Dolemite Is My Name, Song Sung Blue is sensationally cast. King Princess brings a touching fragility as Lightning's daughter, while Ella Anderson brings a burning resilience as Thunder's. Michael Imperioli is surprisingly funny as a frustrated Buddy Holly impersonator, but charming as Lightning's bandmate. Jim Belushi brings a working-class sensibility as an unlikely dreamer, helping produce Lightning's show, while Mustafa Shakir and Fisher Stevens bring heart while filling out the Sardinas' rich-in-friends world. 

All this makes for a feel-good movie that can be jarringly intense, because the bad times can come out of nowhere. (C'est la vie!) But like a great Neil Diamond song, Song Sung Blue will find its way into your heart, where it will linger.

Through thoughtful storytelling, an impeccable cast, and a smartly chosen soundtrack that places the performances of Diamond's songs thematically, Brewer creates a drama that is uplifting, heart-wrenching, and wondrous all at once. Bring tissues. Bring friends. And let Song Sung Blue hit you, rattle you, and leave you smiling. 

Song Sung Blue was reviewed out of AFI Fest. The movie is now in theaters.

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2025, 2:14 p.m. This review was first published on Oct. 27, 2025, as part of Mashable's coverage of AFI Fest. It has been updated to reflect its theatrical premiere.

If you took a shot for every corporate euphemism in No Other Choice, you'd be circling back, going in a different direction, finding your services no longer required, rightsized, downsized, and as plastered as one of the characters.

The very title itself evades responsibility, a phrase used by big companies to hide behind intentional, cold decision-making. In this superb dark comedy-thriller, legendary South Korean director Park Chan-wook delivers a biting social commentary on the brutal job market and its associated hyper-competitiveness that sees candidates out for blood, literally.

Based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel The Ax and written by Park, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Don McKellar, the film presents an anti-capitalist fable about workplace politics, where merciless company restructuring drives a desperate family man (Squid Game's Lee Byung-hun) to violence — despite his lack of skills in that department. While not as ultraviolent as Park's lauded Vengeance Trilogy or as seductive as his recent Hitchockian film Decision to Leave, the director hypothesises the fallout of corporate redundancies through this bumbling self-made assassin — one whose inept, maddening decisions will make you consider the morality of it all.

Under pressure to provide, is murdering his way into a job the only option in this economy? 

No Other Choice sees a family man scorned in a hyper-competitive, capitalist reality.

Son Ye-jin and Lee Byung-hun in "No Other Choice." Credit: BFI London Film Festival

In an unhinged, uncomfortably empathetic performance by Lee, the nucleus of the film is Yoo Man-soo, a hardworking, proud, and long-serving employee at specialist paper company Solar Paper. He's saved enough to buy his father's stunning house and provide his wife Mi-ri (Crash Landing on You's Son Ye-jin) and two kids a comfortable, upper-middle-class life, full of cello lessons, outdoor barbecues, and designer goods. It's all captured in a saturated golden light and dynamic cinematography from Kim Woo-hyung — with whom Park worked on The Little Drummer Girl series. But when Man-soo is suddenly fired after decades of company loyalty, bills stack up and pragmatic Mi-ri declares their need to adjust — and it's not just creature comforts that are sent packing but actual creatures too, including their pair of adorable, obedient golden retrievers.

No corporate mindfulness workshop could assuage Man-soo's fears of eternal unemployment and the societal shame of it all. Meanwhile, Mi-ri gets her own job at a dentist's office, where the handsomeness of her new boss fuels Man-soo's jealousy and determination to reclaim his breadwinning pride.

Suddenly, the perfect opportunity (or any opportunity at all) appears on the horizon at the rival Moon Paper, with Man-soo facing an intimidating ocean of potential candidates and AI-powered replacements. Not seeing a snowball's chance in hell of getting the position, he writes a shortlist of candidates (Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min) that could beat him to the job, intending to eliminate them — for good. That means luring them into applying for jobs at his fake company and killing his way back into employability, one by one.

Park Chan-wook subverts his signature vengeance mode to scrutinise morality and responsibility.

Lee Byung-hun and Lee Sung-min in "No Other Choice." Credit: BFI London Film Festival

The quest for vengeance and self-satisfaction runs rivers of blood throughout Park's work, with revenge fueling his lauded 2000s triptych Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and Lady Vengeance. But where the protagonists of the Vengeance Trilogy had a particular set of skills and life-defining scores to settle, Man-soo of No Other Choice embodies both amateur killer-to-be and believer of himself as a Good Person. 

As the title suggests, Park's film is a hard lesson in individualist finger-pointing and evasive corporate euphemisms that sees its protagonist deflect any form of responsibility for his actions. Man-soo believes he has, after all, exhausted all options. Here, as in Park's line of retaliatory narratives, No Other Choice explores moral and ethical boundaries; Man-soo believes his behaviour is justified for the benefit of his family and his own sense of pride as provider.

With a spectacularly physical performance of pure desperation from Lee, Yoo Man-soo flails his way through violent encounters, one of which is darkly comedic (and stolen by the hilarious Yeom Hye-ran as a target candidate's wife), another gruesome and calculated. It's these scenes that see Park in glorious contained chaos mode, the master of escalating, brutal pandemonium within one set-piece. Park consistently shows Man-soo on the precipice of violence: The family man standing on the edge of an apartment roof holding a heavy pot plant above a competitor perfectly encapsulates the film's ongoing "Will he actually do it?" tension. Here, Park deploys Kim's stylised cinematography and bold editing by Kim Sang-bum to heighten the more operatic elements of the story. 

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As a viewer, we're simultaneously rooting for Man-soo and unnerved by his capacity for calculated manipulation and murder. No Other Choice poses the question: Would you kill for the life you want? In fact, the film doesn't even ask it, instead presenting a man believing himself forced into making such a decision due to cold, hard corporate strategy. It's out of his hands. It's a top-down decision. When you really consider it, Man-soo's simply delivering on blue sky thinking.

No Other Choice is now in theaters.

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2025, 2:30 p.m. "No Other Choice" was reviewed out of BFI London Film Festival. This review, originally published Oct. 17, 2025, has been updated to include information about the theatrical release.

Out of its secret screening at New York Film Festival, Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme immediately began gaining award season buzz. And why not? 

Is there an actor alive pushing harder for an Oscar than Timothée Chalamet? At 29 years old, the New York thespian has been twice nominated for Best Actor, first for the swooning queer drama Call Me By Your Name and then again for his role in the critically heralded Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. And while campaigning for that latter performance, he collected a slew of awards and committed the arguably cringe faux pas of admitting he wanted the Oscar. How dare someone admit their ambition?!

With Marty Supreme, Chalamet tries a new tack by roughing up his pretty boy face with prosthetic pockmarks and pimples. Look to Nicole Kidman in The Hours or Brendan Fraser with The Whale or Heath Ledger with The Joker — prominent physical transformations can pay off big. They often break the spell of the godly movie star to allow an actor to play someone less glamorous, less idealized, and even downright despicable. In Marty Supreme, Chalamet's good looks would make it too easy to fall for the prattle of his eponymous anti-hero. But a fleet of blemishes and a squirmy mustache manages to transform this world-famous native New Yorker into a true New York character. And thank God. 

Long after the Oscars have been handed out and the fanfare has died down, Marty Supreme will be remembered as one of the supreme New York movies. Exploding with chaos, character, and kinetic energy, Marty Supreme is a movie about the city's scoundrels, their sins, and why we love them anyway. 

Marty Supreme is Uncut Gems' pesky sibling picture. 

Credit: A24

After the massive success of Josh and Benny Safdie's Uncut Gems, the brothers parted ways to explore independent ventures, both of which involved sports movies. Benny teamed up with Dwayne Johnson for The Smashing Machine, an earnest but underwhelming  drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Josh found inspiration in the story of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, reimagining him as a Scorsese-like punk named Marty Mauser. 

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Played by Chalamet, Marty is a legend in his own mind, guaranteed to bring the art of ping-pong to the masses. He just needs to pay his way to the championship overseas first. And he will do anything to get the scratch for that plane ticket. He'll casually — but not coolly — pull a gun on a co-worker at a claustrophobic shoe store. He'll seduce money out of the has-been movie star (Gwyneth  Paltrow) who crosses his path, or pitch his childhood friend Rachel (Odessa A'zion) into a ransom scheme involving the bellowing dog of a glowering gangster (noted NYC filmmaker Abel Ferrara). Marty's big dreams demand big risks, and he doesn't care who's taking them. 

Timothée Chalamet is f***ing spectacular in Marty Supreme. 

Credit: A24

Far from the cool gangsters of Goodfellas or even the intimidating Travis Bickle of Taxi Driver, wiry and sharp-tongued Marty has more of an After Hours energy. He's the kind of New York eccentric who is equal parts mesmerizing and irritating, practically levitating with energy, moxie, and utter bullshit. 

It's easy to see the connective tissue between Adam Sandler's Howard Ratner and Chalamet's Marty. Both are cut from the same cloth of survival with panache and plenty of anxiety. Far from a clean-cut sportsman, Marty is perpetually ruffled, always on the run, and always running his mouth. And that means that Chalamet's performance is less a marathon and more a dance-a-thon. There's a constant demand for him to play the facade of Marty's confidence, while dripping in the creeping tension that time for becoming the world champ is running out. 

This desperation grows so intense you can practically smell the sweat collecting on that greasy little mustache. Yet, when Chalamet flashes a smile and lays into his lovers or haters with that practice patter, it's hard to resist him. If Marty were a flawless pretty boy, it'd maybe be too hard to pull off, but the masterful make-up and styling by Safdie's team rough up this world-famous Chanel brand ambassador  just right. Chalamet becomes an everyman with an outsized ego that could shade the Chrysler Building. It's an illicit thrill to watch Marty connive, insult, seduce, and steal, an all-American scoundrel at the top of his game on the table and off. Though when playing ping-pong, there's an exuberance in Chalamet that is contagious. Believe it or not, you'll get sucked into these adrenaline-fueled games of table tennis. 

Marty Supreme has a sublime ensemble cast. 

Credit: A24

Chalamet will lead the Oscar conversation around Safdie's latest, but there's plenty of praise to go around. Safdie and co-writer Ronald Bronstein's screenplay — despite some heavy-handed sentimentality at its bookends — is ruthlessly witty and exhilaratingly racy. The score by Warp Records artist Daniel Lopatin (who also provided the sweaty soundtrack for the Safdies' nerve-wringing Good Time) is smartly anachronistic. While the movie is set in the 1950s, the score is loaded with synth and percussion that feels more attuned to '80s sports movies like Rocky or The Karate Kid. Along with adding a pulse-pounding energy to Marty Supreme, this score also suggests that its wild anti-hero is perhaps a man before his time. 

Bolstering Chalamet's bold moves are an ensemble that is sensational, breathing life into the broader world of Marty Supreme's New York. Paltrow swans about with the untouchable grace of Manhattan's posh elite. A'Zion sizzles with blue-collar sex appeal and righteous wrath. With a winsome energy, Tyler Okonma (aka Tyler, The Creator) plays the perfect foil to Marty, as a friend and fellow ping-pong player, while Géza Röhrig offers jolting calm with a sensational monologue. Abel Ferrara, whose appearance drew cheers from the NYFF audience, brings scorching menace as a local tough guy. And the list goes on with Fran Drescher, Penn Jillette, Sandra Bernhard, and Isaac Mizrahi popping up to expand the richness of Marty's realm. 

This zinging dialogue, racing score, and electric cast collide to create cinema that celebrates New York, while recognizing its warts with a bleeding grin. All of this makes Marty Supreme an unusual crowdpleaser. Full of wild humor and shocking turns, it has its audience in a chokehold of tension and surprise, rarely letting up for us to breathe. And yet, what a thrill to be breathless. 

Marty Supreme was reviewed out of the 2025 New York Film Festival. It is is now in theaters. 

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2025, 2:18 p.m. This review was first published on Dec. 1, 2025, as part of Mashable's NYFF coverage. It has been updated for its theatrical premiere.

No one makes a hangout movie like Jim Jarmusch. From his feature-length debut Permanent Vacation onward, the American writer/director has woven his affinity for intimate settings and observational humor with various flourishes. Only Lovers Left Alive gave us vampires lounging around a rotting Detroit. The Dead Don't Die offered ghouls with the energy and desires of a late-night hang, craving coffee and chardonnay (and brains). Now, FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER offers the familiar family hang — one that's authentically awkward, funny, and tragic. 

Set over the course of three vignettes, Jarmusch's latest keenly illustrates how families are all different and the same. His astoundingly stacked cast boasts Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Greene, Indya Moore, and Luka Sabbat. Together, they construct short yet solid stories of three families in moments both mundane and pivotal, creating an absorbing portrait of love that's messy and profound. 

Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, and Tom Waits make for a quirky kickoff. 

"Father" is the first of three chapters of the film. In a small town in New Jersey, brother and sister Jeff (Driver) and Emily (Bialik) head to visit their dad (Waits), and they're anything but eager. Stiff in woolen blazers, V-neck cardigans, slacks, and a long skirt, they are dressed as if on their way to a business meeting rather than to reunite with the father they haven't seen in two years. Pulling up to his ramshackle house, which sits at the end of very long muddy driveway, it's clear they don't belong here. 

Waits, meanwhile, is dressed in battered striped pants, a hoodie, and has a head of hair that's not seen a brush or a bit of product in ages. Their dad's home is cluttered with books and laundry, as if in the wake of their mother's death years before he can barely care for himself. However, there are hints that their father (who goes unnamed) has a life outside of their understanding of him, like the glistening Rolex on his wrist. 

Within this reunion, Jarmusch's script reveals some backstory, touching on death, illness, divorce, and precocious grandchildren. But the movie keeps us firmly in this place, in this moment, where this family is perplexed about how to reconnect. There's no bad blood, it's more confusion on how this father created these kids.

Where they are almost perversely proper, polite, and put-together, he seems a weary whirlwind, embarrassed to be caught mid-spin. The conflict they encounter is not one of shouting or smashed plates, but swallowed arguments and a shared grief they can't bear to say aloud. So instead, they'll be civil and stay on the surface with small talk. Yet the visual storytelling and nuanced performances Jarmusch knits together allow the audience to probe deeper than these preppy siblings can dare. 

Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, and Vicky Krieps clash as mother and daughters. 

"Mother" follows "Father," transporting the film to Dublin, where a romance author (Rampling) is welcoming her two grown daughters for their annual afternoon tea. Where this matriarch is intimidatingly intellectual and chic, her daughters are a study in contrast. Timothea, or Tim for short (Blanchett), is a mousy pencil pusher who fusses and frets but always at a low volume, lest she be a bother. Little sister Lilith (Krieps) is a free spirit with pink hair, a comically casual attitude, and a penchant for lying about great successes to impress her mother. 

There's no drastic divide between this trio. Like the "Father" family, they've drifted apart, seemingly content to have lives of their own. But in this household, their proximity practically itches. Lilith looks for ways to razz her sister, sparking a juvenile sibling rivalry that forces Tim into flushed retreat. But these intrusions and escapes are all in the gentle way of making nice. The tragedy of these moments is in how we can see their urge to connect and their fear to, all in a furtive glance, a choked laugh, or a licked bit of pastry. 

Hilariously cast as the most boring person in this movie, Blanchett nonetheless exudes a quiet anxiety, offering pangs for every passive aggression from Krieps' provocateur. Then Rampling adds a primly prickly veneer that's sharply funny. For instance, when all three realize they're wearing red (a tailored dress, a modest turtleneck, a frayed novelty sweater), the mother declares it "embarrassing," pushing her daughters into opinions that throw them into cringeworthy opposition.

It's in such small moments that Jarmusch allows his audience to determine the meaning of these scenes and this collection of stories. But where the first two sections of this triptych are about relatively strained relationships, the final is a warm portrait of almost supernatural closeness. 

Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat are a revelation as twins.

Across all three vignettes, Jarmusch laces shared elements, like red clothing, a Rolex watch, clumsy toasts with nonalcoholic beverages, images of young skateboarders rolling by carefree and in slow motion, and some iteration of the idiom "Bob's your uncle." But in this chapter, he breaks the pattern of a family of three. In the Paris-set "Sister Brother," Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat play twins surveying what remains of their childhood home in the wake of their parents' deaths. 

It's been weeks since their parents' passing, so the stab of loss is not as sharp. Instead, the twins get to enjoy the easy comfort of each other's company. Like Jeff and Emily, they share an aesthetic. But it's far from preppy; instead they favor leather jackets and streetwear with an aspirational sense of chill. Whether chatting in the car, getting a coffee, or looking over childhood photos, they are at ease. Where the other families all showed a need to perform for each other, these twins have a connection so deep that it predates birth. They swear that even over oceans, they can sense when the other is getting sick or getting high. 

While each of Jarmusch's family units in FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER feels familiar, Moore and Sabbat are so convincing in their chemistry and connection that I began to wonder if they actually are twins. (They are not.) This radiant love for one another smooths the cutting edges of the grief of their story, because unlike the other chapters' characters, they are not alone together. They are together even when they are alone, because they truly see each other and don't shrink from such honesty and vulnerability.

Following the press screening at the New York Film Festival, Jarmusch said in a Q&A that he didn't make this movie with a message in mind. To suggest there's a resolute message would be to misrepresent the gentle development of every section of this film. Yet viewed as a whole, I found FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER breathtaking in what it has to say about family. On one level, it's a reminder that every family is different and the same. We are all connected by a bunch of experiences, big and small, that are just so common they might be overlooked without the focus of a filmmaker on them. But beyond that, FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER is a cool, rich, and wonderful celebration of familial love, which binds us and defines us — but not entirely. 

Part of the beauty of this film is where Jarmusch leaves each story. He's rarely been one for buttoned-up conclusions. And here, he essentially offers not even a day, but a few hours in the lives of people bound by blood, and — what else? We get a window into their lives, and a glimpse of how they see each other. Then, their story moves on without us. Where will they go? What will they experience? It's a mystery the movie won't dwell on, but we can.

In that, FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER invites us not only to see ourselves in these families for better or worse, but to imagine what might exist in the lives of our loved ones once they've closed the door and the visit has ended. 

FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER is now in theaters.

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2025, 2:05 p.m. EST "FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER" was reviewed out of its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival. This review, originally published on Oct. 3, 2025, has been updated to include information about the theatrical release.

When the trailer for Anaconda hit, I was giddy. At a glance, this seemed like a sublime elevator pitch: Two childhood best friends reunite to reboot the 1997 Jennifer Lopez/Ice Cube creature feature Anaconda. With Jack Black and Paul Rudd as the aforementioned besties, the promise of hilarious hijinks seemed sky-high. The zany trailer gave a taste of comedic chaos the filmmakers had in store, like a bumbling amateur film crew crossing paths with a real — and really monstrous — anaconda. It seemed like a perfectly wrapped gift for comedy lovers, just in time for Christmas. 

I'm sorry to Grinch the vibe. But this Anaconda is not what we wished for. 

Written by Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican, and directed by the latter, this haphazard reboot gets tripped up in clumsy attempts at cleverness. Far from keeping it simple and stupid, the screenplay wedges in a thriller subplot that's far from thrilling, and gives the female characters all the depth of a shot glass. 

The male characters don't fare much better. Anaconda's hapless heroes natter on about what makes a great movie in passionate debates, so we know Etten and Gormican can talk the talk — but they can't walk the walk. 

Anaconda (2025) is not the scrappy sister film to Be Kind Rewind. 

Credit: Matt Grace / Sony

Maybe you aren't coming to a 2025 action-comedy looking for a "spiritual sequel" to Michel Gondry's 2008, Jack-Black-fronted buddy comedy about two VHS rental store employees who dedicatedly make "sweded" versions of blockbuster films. But frankly, the premise and Black's casting had me hoping for this unconventional vibe: a celebration of determined filmmakers, doing their damndest with whatever they have at their disposal, turning junk into art. Instead, Gormican offers an action-comedy that's overstuffed with intrigue and underwhelming in-jokes.

Black stars as Doug McCallister, a lifelong Buffalo resident who once dreamed of moviemaking but now makes wedding videos for a living. ("It's a B, B+ life!") Meanwhile, his childhood best friend, Ronald "Griff" Griffen Jr., chased his dreams of movie stardom all the way to Los Angeles, only to wind up a struggling thespian whose greatest success is four guest appearances on S.W.A.T. But what if they could make their dream come true by rebooting Anaconda in the Brazilian Amazon? 

Their childhood buddies, Kenny (a daffy Steve Zahn) and Claire (a woefully underused Thandiwe Newton), join them on this quest, employing a slippery snake handler (Selton Mello) and a curious riverboat captain (Daniela Melchior) to shoot their Anaconda with a live snake. Things go dangerously awry when they bumble into the territory of an enormous and aggressive anaconda. But while they're dealing with all of this, there's also a macho band of men chasing down their "badass" riverboat captain for reasons unknown — and ultimately reasons not all that interesting. 

This is set up as a movie about friendship and the love of making movies with your friends. However, the amount of the film that actually features Doug and his friends making a movie is shockingly small. Where there could have been a DIY charm to seeing the footage, Gormican is solidly uninterested in showing the crew at work, offering one lazy montage of a successful shoot day. 

As soon as the enormous snake shows up, they all forget they're making a movie about the giant snake. As much as Doug and Griff claim to be horror fanatics, it seems they've never even heard of found footage, much less understood the rule that you never stop shooting! 

Jack Black is catastrophically miscast as the straight man. 

Credit: Matt Grace / Sony

What an absolutely bonkers choice Gormican makes here. You've got an actor whose comedic charisma is so intense that he's not only been the best part of movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The Holiday, and A Minecraft Movie (not to mention School of Rock, which he headlines), but also fronts a comedy-rock band known as Tenacious D. And you attempt to make him the level-headed guy, who's supposed to set up the punchlines for the zanier characters? It's not that Black can't manage that. It's that it's a waste of his dynamic energy and unparalleled comedic brilliance. Anaconda feels like it's constricting his potential. 

He and Rudd, who has been a solid straight man in Role Models and I Love You Man, have an awkward chemistry. It's as if they're not sure who is supposed to hit the punchline, as the latter bops around like a Muppet. To his credit, Zahn thrives amid this chaos, as he's always been a character actor who can make the most of any situation. Here, he's that wildcard friend who insists he's "Buffalo sober," meaning he only drinks "wine, beer, and the light liquors." And Mello manages some silliness as the eccentric snake handler. 

The rest of the cast, however, is so tangled in the convoluted plot that they have little opportunity to be funny or even amusing. Newton's role is so thinly written that Claire seems to exist only to be the object of Rudd's affections. Melchior's role is so dry and clichéd that she practically poses the whole of her screentime. That's infuriating, considering she's previously managed to be compelling in supporting roles in The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and American Sweatshop. Yet Gormican gives her more screentime and less to do! 

Anaconda is too slick and stupid in the wrong way. 

Credit: Bradley Patrick / Sony

Look, the original Anaconda wasn't good. But it was fun. It understood what people wanted to see: famous people fighting a giant snake. This Anaconda has a setup that suggests Gormican knows what we want: Jack Black and Paul Rudd being goofy while making a silly snake movie. And yet, what we get is an overlong, convoluted action-comedy where neither the action nor the comedy is worthwhile. 

It's the same issue I had with Gormican's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which starred Nicolas Cage as himself. It's just not weird enough. Gormican's premises promise something next-level bonkers, but fail in his execution, which feels weird only in how safe they are. 

His Anaconda can't compete with the wildest films from either lead's oeuvre, whether that's Jack Black's Nacho Libre, Be Kind Rewind, or Tropic Thunder, or Rudd's Wet Hot American Summer, Anchorman, or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. This Anaconda could have been a sensationally funny movie that explored the grimy glory of indie moviemaking or the comical challenges of creating art with friends. Instead, it's a meandering mess that wastes the cast's star power and the audience's goodwill. 

I entered the theater optimistic, like I did 28 years ago when I saw Anaconda on a double date. Did that date go well? Absolutely not. But did I have a blast watching that wild movie? I did. And I've had a soft spot for it ever since. So, I was excited to see what could be done with a cast of characters who shared that enthusiasm for lowbrow cinema and a love of making things for the joy of making them. But this Anaconda doesn't have the spirit I'd expected. It's glossy, sloppy, and slick with CGI snakes, but there is no soul. 

Anaconda opens in theaters on Dec. 25.

There's still just under a year left before Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters. But based on the film's first teaser, as well as the mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it seems like Marvel is already hinting at Doctor Doom's (Robert Downey Jr.) nefarious plans. Forget Infinity Stones, the MCU's next Big Bad is collecting super babies.

Exhibit A: the very first time we see Doctor Doom in the MCU. His introduction comes during one of the post-credits scenes in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in which he appears in the Fantastic Four's apartments and approaches Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards' (Pedro Pascal) child Franklin. By this point, the film has already established that Franklin is a being of immense power, so could Doctor Doom be trying to steal him away from his loving parents to use him for his own plans?

Let's move onto Exhibit B: the teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Obviously, the biggest reveal here is that Chris Evans will be returning as Steve Rogers. But the teaser unveils another surprise: Steve is now a father.

Avengers: Endgame gave Steve a happy ending, with him remaining in the past and marrying Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). Because of the seeming finality of that arc, it's going to take something huge to bring him back out of retirement and into the fight against Doctor Doom. Yes, Doctor Doom on his own already seems like a big threat, but you know what would make Steve even angrier and ready to fight? If Doctor Doom took his baby.

The focus on children doesn't stop at Franklin Richards or Steve's baby, though. So much of the MCU post-Avengers: Endgame has been about superpowered kids, from Wanda Maximoff's twins Billy (Julian Hillard and Joe Locke) and Tommy (Jett Klyne) to Miss Marvel's Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). Post-credits scenes also keep introducing the Avengers' descendants, like Bruce Banner's (Mark Ruffalo) son Skaar (Wil Deusner) and T'Challa's (Chadwick Boseman) son Toussaint (Divine Love Konadu-Sun). Elsewhere, Thor: Love and Thunder villain Gorr's (Christian Bale) whole evil plan involved imprisoning a bunch of children. Could Doctor Doom be treading a similar path in Avengers: Doomsday?

Again, we've got a year until we find out. But until then, I'm nervous for every young character in the MCU. Are they being set up to be part of the MCU's Young Avengers? Or are they just more kidnapping fodder for Doctor Doom?

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026.

Marvel Studios keeps bringing back the actors it sent off in Avengers: Endgame — and I'm not just talking about Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.

Instead, I'm talking about Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers.

The teaser trailer for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday puts Steve front and center, revealing what's been going on in his life since the end of Avengers: Endgame. In that film, following the return of the Infinity Stones, Steve stayed in the past and married Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). He grew old and, in the present, passed his shield and the title of Captain America to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).

However, based on the Avengers: Doomsday teaser, it's clear that that wasn't really the end of his story.

The teaser sees Steve returning to the home he shares with Peggy, then cradling his newborn child. Cute, right? Well, it's less cute than it is foreboding, because what in the world is going to happen to Peggy and that child to bring Steve out of retirement and into the fight against Doctor Doom? Remember how Doctor Doom was creeping on Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm's (Vanessa Kirby) baby Franklin at the end of The Fantastic Four: First Steps? What if he's coming after all the super babies?

In addition to Downey Jr. and Evans, Avengers: Doomsday also stars (deep breath) Chris Hemsworth, Kirby, Pascal, Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026.

Aside from slamming Trump, Stephen King often uses his social media platforms to recommend TV shows, books and films.

2025 was no exception. Over the past 12 months the author has made recommendations in a number of genres, but the one he kept coming back to – unsurprisingly – was his home turf of horror.

Here are five movies he shouted out this year.

Abraham's Boys

"I really enjoyed ABRAHAM’S BOYS, based on the story by Joe Hill and starring Titus Welliver (BOSCH)," wrote King on Threads. "It’s a creepfest. You’ll find it soon, maybe try Shudder?"

Abraham's Boys is streaming on Shudder.

Killing Faith

"A quasi-supernatural Western that has echoes of Cormac McCarthy," King wrote. "The first scene, involving a child and a horse, is an authentic shocker."

Killing Faith is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

The Monkey

"You've never seen anything like THE MONKEY. It's batshit insane," King wrote on Threads. "As someone who has indulged in batshittery from time to time, I say that with admiration."

The Monkey is streaming on Hulu.

Together

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"Dave Franco and Alison Brie are great--and brave--in TOGETHER," King wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Horror movies work when you care about the people. This one works."

Together is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

Weapons

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"WEAPONS: Confidently told, and very scary," King wrote on X. "I loved it."

Weapons is streaming on HBO Max.

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson team with director Craig Brewer for Song Sung Blue, a moving drama based on the stranger-than-fiction story of Milwaukee-based Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning and Thunder.

The film, which in my review I called a "feel-good movie and a good tearjerker," involves big dreams, heavy losses, and how music can carry people through all of it. So, when I — Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko — sat down with Jackman, Hudson, and Brewer to talk about the film, we naturally got into the power of karaoke.

Within the film, both Jackman and Hudson take on musical performances on stages big and small. But two scenes in a karaoke night hit me hard. The celebrated co-stars spoke about these scenes, then shared some stories of their own — like the time Hudson performed for Quincy Jones and the night John Travolta and Jackman did a duet of "Summer Love" from Grease, with the latter playing Sandy because he's Australian.

Brewer also shared his love of karaoke on and offscreen, getting into why this particular form of performance hits so hard, and what makes it so relatable.

Song Sung Blue opens in theaters on Dec. 25.