The 5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Max, Prime Video and more

A new month means a smorgasbord of new movies on the best streaming services. But with so many great titles on offer, figuring out what to watch can be a challenge.

So I've separated the wheat from the chaff and highlighted the best new movies to add to your watchlist this weekend. Leading the pack is a new fast-paced action thriller on Netflix, Rebel Ridge, which sees Aaron Pierre go full Rambo-style against a conspiracy of corrupt cops. Meanwhile, Max has just picked up this year's Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, The Boy and the Heron, from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki.

So, without further ado, here are the best new movies that have just hit streaming. For even more recommendations on what to watch, check out our roundup of the best new TV shows to watch this week.

“Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)

Rebel Ridge | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube

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From Green Room and Hold the Dark director Jeremy Saulnier comes a Jack Reacher-style action thriller that proves Aaron Pierre is the rising Hollywood star to keep an eye on. Years after serving as a Marine, Terry Richmond (Pierre) tries his best to enjoy civilian life, but corrupt cops make it really difficult. Really difficult. When he drives to the small town of Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin, the local police wrongfully confiscate all of his savings.

After finding an unexpected ally in court clerk Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), Terry uncovers a deep-rooted conspiracy centered on local police chief Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson). Using his special skills, Terry must navigate a deadly conflict to get justice for his family and protect his new ally, while his own mysterious past slowly comes to light.

Watch now on Netflix

“The Boy and the Heron” (Max)

THE BOY AND THE HERON | Official English Trailer – YouTube

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Legendary director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's latest animated fantasy, The Boy and the Heron, is finally available to stream. Partly inspired by Miyazaki's own life, this Oscar-winning film follows 11-year-old Mahito Maki (Luca Padovan) after he moves to the countryside with his father and new stepmother (Gemma Chan) – his late mother's sister.

As Mahito struggles to cope with his grief and adjust to his new reality, he encounters a mysterious grey heron (Robert Pattinson) who leads him to a sealed watchtower where his mother's great-uncle once lived. When Mahito's stepmother disappears, he and his family's housekeeper, Kiriko (Florence Pugh), head to the watchtower to find her. What he discovers is a surreal world of magic, giant sea creatures and man-eating parakeets shared by the living and the dead.

Watch now on Max

“Imaginary” (Starz)

Imaginary (2024) Official Trailer – DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, Taegen Burns – YouTube

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Blumhouse's supernatural horror flick Imaginary wasn't exactly a box office smash (though audiences were a bit more generous, giving it a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes). But if you're in the mood for a trashy horror movie to throw popcorn at this weekend, this is a great option. It also gave me flashbacks to a Disney Channel Original Movie that scared the crap out of me as a kid: Don't Look Under the Bed.

Because just like in Don't Look Under the Bed, in this world imaginary friends not only exist, but can also become bitter and resentful when their creators inevitably grow up and leave them. The story follows Jessica (DeWanda Wise), a young woman who returns to her childhood home with her new husband and discovers a disturbing truth about her long-forgotten imaginary friend, Chauncey the bear. At first glance, Chauncey seems to be the same friendly, lovable companion she remembers. But it soon becomes clear that he has far more sinister intentions, for he plans to steal the soul of Jessica's young stepdaughter Alice (Pyper Braun).

Watch now on Starz

“The American Society of Magical Negroes” (Prime Video)

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES – Watch at home tomorrow! – YouTube

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The American Society of Magical Negroes may not have been a huge box office or critical success, but audiences loved this unique modern fantasy film. Now that it's on Prime Video, it's easier than ever to watch and judge for yourself.

The titular Society is a secret group of black people with magical powers dedicated to protecting the black community by, paradoxically, making life easier for white people. In the film, Justice Smith (known from “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”) plays Aren, an aspiring artist who is initially excited to discover his magical talents. However, when the Society gets him a job at a major social media company, he quickly realizes that he is nothing more than a token employee. Aren becomes disillusioned and begins to question the Society's mission by disrupting their magic and causing chaos.

Watch now on Prime Video

“Sonic the Hedgehog” (Netflix)

Sonic The Hedgehog (2020) – New Official Trailer – Paramount Pictures – YouTube

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Netflix's list of most-watched movies always includes kids' movies, and this week, Sonic the Hedgehog made it into the streamer's top 10. And just as The Super Mario Bros. Movie is also getting ready to end, hmmm… maybe the old rivalry between Sega and Nintendo has entered the streaming war.

While you wait for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to hit theaters in December, you can relive the blue blur's first adventure on the big screen. To escape those who would exploit his power, Sonic (voice: Ben Schwartz) flees to Earth and hides out in the rural town of Green Hills, Montana. But when his super speed inadvertently puts him on the government's radar, he must team up with the local sheriff (James Marsden) to fend off the eccentric and evil scientist Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), who is hot on his trail.

Watch now on Netflix

The 5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Max, Prime Video and more

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