The summer movie and TV season is in full swing, and there’s a lot to sift through. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the best new movies and shows coming to streaming and theaters this week to make your weekend movie night a lot easier.
From fantasy to horror to adventure, there’s something for everyone this week. Whether you’re in the mood to escape to far-off places or laugh your heart out, here are some great options for what to watch this weekend.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM
Our favorite archaeologist turned badass is back! The fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise is finally here, and this time around Indy’s (Harrison Ford) up against his worst threat yet. On the cusp of retirement, he’s forced back into the field after Nazi operatives (played by Mads Mikkelsen and Boyd Holbrook) reveal their plans to find Archimedes’ Dial — a mysterious artifact that’s capable of changing the course of history. Yup, the stakes are high. So it’s up to Indy and his goddaughter Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) to save the day, and time as we know it.
While new faces have joined the franchise, you’ll be delighted to see familiar friends, like the ever-so-lovable Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), returning. Plus, even more new stars joining the cast ahem Antonio Banderas ahem.
What we thought: “I’m pleased to report that Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a wondrous return to form for this franchise, as well as a wildly entertaining film fit for the whole family. Plus, he totally punches Nazis.” — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor
How to watch: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now playing in theaters(opens in a new tab).
Nimona
Credit: Netflix
Based on ND Stevenson’s graphic novel of the same name, Nimona follows its eponymous lead, Nimona (voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz), a teenager with shapeshifting powers who teams up with Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed), an ex-knight who’s been framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Together they do battle against a nefarious regime while Ballister also tries to mend his broken heart over his now-enemy Ambrosius Goldenloin (voiced by Eugene Lee Yang). It’s a roaring, animated adventure for the entire family.
What we thought: “Like its titular character, Nimona contains multitudes: It’s bold and rebellious, hilarious and heartfelt, and an overall vital watch.” — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix(opens in a new tab).
M3GAN
Credit: Universal Pictures
If you somehow missed the M3GAN mania that swept the internet, this is your opportunity to finally get in on the craze. When toy roboticist Gemma (Allison Williams) gifts her 9-year-old niece Cady (Violet McGraw) a new, eerily lifelike robot doll, she thinks everything’s going to be sunshine and rainbows. But M3GAN, an android with a mind of her own, has other plans. Making it on Mashable’s best films of 2023 so far, M3GAN is a must watch for all lovers of horror and camp. You will be streaming M3GAN’s version of “Titanium”(opens in a new tab) long after the credits finish rolling.
What we thought: “Simply put, if you love horror movies, you owe it to yourself to see M3GAN.” — K.P.
How to watch: M3GAN is now streaming on Prime Video.(opens in a new tab)
The Witcher Season 3, Vol.1
Credit: Susie Allnutt
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy novels of the same name, The Witcher follows the legends of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), a brooding monster hunter; Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), a powerful sorceress; and Princess Ciri (Freya Allan), a young girl with a mysterious destiny. For the past two seasons, the show has warped us into a magical world of adventure, and Season 3 is no exception. With it being Cavill’s last appearance on the show, Season 3, Vol.1 of The Witcher promises even bigger fantasy fun (and frights) than ever before.
What we thought: “The Witcher Season 3 is an immense political and magical story cleverly woven through five episodes, with the actors appearing well settled in their roles by this point — a quality that could prove troublesome once Cavill leaves the series. But the battles are bloody, the lore heavy, the court drama grisly, and the monsters gruesome. It’s The Witcher, alright.” — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: The Witcher is now streaming on Netflix.(opens in a new tab)
Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed
Credit: Courtesy Photofest / HBO
HBO’s latest documentary delves deep into the life of actor Rock Hudson, an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age who passed away from AIDS in 1985. The documentary takes an intimate look into Hudson’s life, as he was privately living as a gay man with a curated public image that was anything but.
What we thought: “Stephen Kijak’s new documentary about Hudson’s life, which premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival in June, feels a bit rushed at times. If Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s marriage can get an entire miniseries, why not Rock’s enormous life? Hudson’s childhood — born Roy Harold Scherer Jr. in 1925, abandoned by his father during the Great Depression, re-named Roy Fitzgerald when his abusive stepfather stepped into the picture — is barely glanced at. Same goes for his time in the Army during World War II. But to be fair, the film seems to know that ain’t nobody coming to a Rock Hudson doc to find out all that much about his childhood and military service.” — Jason Adams, Contributing Writer
How to watch: Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is now streaming on Max.(opens in a new tab)
