Summer is officially in full swing, and so is the streaming lineup. As temperatures soar and the allure of a cozy afternoon in front of the AC becomes irresistible, this week's new movie arrivals on the best streaming services offer a compelling reason to stay glued to the couch a little longer. Whether you're in the mood for thrilling horror, nostalgic classics, or fantastical adventures, this weekend's slate has something for every taste.
One of the most highly anticipated releases is the Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael." Jaafar Jackson takes on the iconic role of his famous uncle, charting his rise from the Jackson 5 prodigy to a global superstar. The film is a slick crowd-pleaser, loaded with recreations of iconic performances and some of the most recognizable songs ever recorded. It stays away from the controversies that marked the later life of the King of Pop, making it a must-watch for fans.
Action enthusiasts can dive back into the world of "Mortal Kombat II." The sequel throws washed-up action star Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) into a winner-take-all showdown against the tyrannical Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). With a growing roster of warriors, including Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) and Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), the plot serves as an excuse to hurl ninjas, monsters, and demigods at one another, making it an action spectacle that fans of the Mortal Kombat games will love.
For those seeking a stop-motion fantasy, "I Am Frankelda" is a must-watch. Based on Guillermo del Toro’s sketchbook, it follows a 19th-century Mexican writer named Frankelda whose macabre stories are dismissed by everyone around her. However, when she discovers that the nightmare kingdom she’s been imagining is actually real, she embarks on a sprawling adventure involving ghosts, monsters, a cursed prince, and the fate of multiple realities. The film is a visually stunning and imaginative masterpiece, showcasing the kind of handcrafted visual imagination that's becoming increasingly rare.
Horror devotees will also find their fix with "They Will Kill You." Zazie Beetz stars as an action-horror heroine trapped inside a Manhattan high-rise run by a satanic cult. What starts as a housekeeping gig quickly becomes a nightlong fight for survival, with Beetz hacking, slashing, and wisecracking her way through wave after wave of cloaked killers. Director Kirill Sokolov piles on the gore, dark humor, and increasingly absurd set pieces with reckless abandon, making it a thrilling and unhinged splatterfest.
Lastly, for those seeking a reunion of cult-hit movie cast and creatives, "Let's Love" is a British comedy that stars Martin Freeman, Josh Hutcherson, Malin Akerman, Jess Weixler, and Craig Roberts. The film follows the cast and creatives behind a cult-hit movie who reconvene in Wales a decade later for a fan convention meant to revive their careers. However, when the event implodes due to a booking snafu, they pivot to brainstorming a sequel instead, dredging up old grudges, unresolved crushes, and career anxieties along the way.
So, before you spend 20 minutes scrolling and another 20 debating whether to rewatch something you've already seen, consider these notable new movie releases. For even more recommendations, check out our comprehensive list of the best movies and shows on streaming this weekend.
