Spooky season has officially begun, and what better way to get a head start on celebrating Halloween than by biting into a stack of chilling horror movies available on streaming. Each week until the end of October, we will bring you our best horror movie recommendations from classic haunts to recent hidden gems. The fun part is that each list is themed, and we're kicking it off by paying our respects to the king of horror himself, Stephen King.

In celebration of Mike Flanagan's Carrie TV show hitting Prime Video earlier this week, we will be counting down the best Stephen King horror movie adaptations. It is no secret that King's works have inspired some of the best movies in the genre and have created horror icons such as IT the Clown and bloody Carrie. Who knows, this list may just inspire your 2026 Halloween costume. But with so many titles to choose from, we put our best horror heads together and selected five movies that are sure to put a scream in your Halloween.

Our comprehensive list is designed to be binged in one weekend. But if you are looking for more from the master of fright, head over to our ranking of the best Stephen King adaptations. So what are you waiting for? Grab your snacks and prepare to enter the mind of King.

Carrie

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max in the US, Mubi in the UK

There is no better time to dive back into Brian De Palma's 1976 movie Carrie. Stephen King's 1974 novel has been adapted many times over the years, but the '70s flick is the most loyal Carrie adaptation out there. The movie follows social outcast Carrie White, who is severely bullied at school and controlled by her hyper-strict mother at home. But when Carrie is pushed too far, she uses her telekinetic powers to seek revenge on her tormentors. Sissy Spacek portrayal of Carrie is unforgettable, and her piercing eyes shining through the blood dripping down her face is enough to give you nightmares.

Thanks to De Palma's take releasing just two years after King's story hit shelves, the movie puts us right into the setting and era in which the author intended. However, once you're done with the original, click over to Prime Video and stream Mike Flanagan's new Carrie TV show. The series brings Carrie into the modern age, where she not only has to deal with bitchy teenage girl hurling tampons at her head, but her torment continues on social media too. Perhaps the most horrific detail is the fact that bullying seems to have only gotten worse in the 50 years since Carrie was released.

For more on the bloody prom queen, check out our Carrie TV show review.

The Shining

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is one of the best horror movies ever made and while King himself notoriously isn't a fan of it, it's hands down the greatest movie based on all of his works. If you need a quick summary, the film follows Jack Torrance and his family moving to the Overlook Hotel as Jack takes on the role of its caretaker. However, the hotel is haunted by its dark history, and soon Jack's sanity is pushed to the brink, resulting in pure tension and some incredibly scary moments.

Not only is The Shining incredibly unnerving, but it is a masterclass in filmmaking. Every shot of this film is moody and could be a painting, the acting is superb, the set design captures the dreamy and otherworldly feeling of the Overlook Hotel, and on top of all that, there is still an empathetic emotional core with its characters where you want them to survive, and Jack's insanity hits you like an axe shattering a bathroom door. Loads of films have tried to imitate The Shining, but none have succeeded. The film is singular and a must-watch for Halloween season.

Find out where The Shining ranks on our list of the best horror movies of all time.

IT

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

The 2017 adaptation of King's novel IT is now on streaming, and it is a great choice for horror fans looking for a spooky flick to watch this season. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film follows a group of young kids (dubbed The Losers' Club) who soon uncover a horrific truth about a hungry monster in their town, disguising itself as a clown called Pennywise. The film does an expert job of showing the psychological terror that Pennywise inflicts on its victims with bone-chilling scenes and some smartly placed jumpscare moments.

Bill Skarsgård really did a phenomenal job in his portrayal as the monster, and it's easy to see why this movie has become a modern classic. I will say, though, that this isn't the only IT-related thing on streaming. The 2019 sequel It Chapter Two is also on HBO Max, and I'll also mention that the 1990 IT miniseries starring Tim Curry as the murderous clown is streaming on HBO Max in the US. However, UK readers can only currently rent the '90s IT series, so keep that in mind before you tuck in for all the Derry carnage.

For more on Pennywise, check out our guide on IT: Welcome to Derry season 2.

Misery

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max in the US, MGM+ in the UK

Misery may be one of Stephen King's simpler stories, compared to the one-thousand-page-plus brick of a book IT, but Rob Reiner's 1990 adaptation holds up to any other title on this list. Starring Kathy Bates as the formidable Annie Wilkes, the film finds novelist Paul Sheldon fighting for his life when his car overturns during a blizzard. But lucky for Paul, his number one fan is there to save him and nurse him back to health in her eccentric little home. The only issue is, his saviour Wilkes has a few screws loose, and refuses to let him go until he finishes his book series just the way she wants.

Unlike many crazed stalker movies, Misery doesn't rely on overarching gore or sexploitation (or bunny boiling, for that matter). Bates' unnerving portrayal of Wilkes is enough to put you on the edge of your seat. I don't think I have ever been so stressed out watching someone move a tiny glass animal one inch to the left. Oh, but don't worry, there is one shocking scene that will make you wince. It is no surprise that Bates took home the Oscar for best actress at the 1991 Academy Awards, and the horror genre finally got the attention it deserves. Now, I'm wondering how I can get Flanagan to make a Misery series next.

Gerald's Game

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This one may have slipped under your radar, as Gerald's Game didn't make it to the big screen back in 2017, but was released by Netflix instead. Adapted from King's 1992 novel of the same name, the movie follows Carla Gugino and Bruce Greenwood as a married couple named Jessie and Gerald, who get away to an isolated cabin for the weekend in the hopes of adding a little bit of spice to their dwindling marriage. But just as Gerald handcuffs his wife to the bed, he drops dead, leaving Jessie trapped in a house far away from any help.

You may be wondering how a movie about a woman, alone, strapped to a bed, can be so terrifying, but Jessie soon starts to experience intense cabin fever, not being able to decipher what is real or what is in her head. The Haunting of Hill House star Gugino's portrayal of Jessie is heartbreaking, as the experience takes her back to some of the darkest stages of her life when she was abused by those in her life who should have protected her. Oh, and on top of all of that, there is also a terrifying figure lurking in the shadows, providing one of the creepiest jump scares in director Mike Flanagan's catalogue.

We've also compiled a guide to the best Netflix horror movies for what else to stream.

For more, check out our guide to all the upcoming horror movies and upcoming Stephen King movies and TV shows you need to know about.

Now that spooky season is officially upon us, there's never been a better time to kick back and watch some new streaming hits. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan is starting things off nicely too with a new adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie for Prime Video. Set in the modern day, this reimagines the horror heroine as a teenager struggling in a world of social media. Nothing scarier, right?

Elsewhere, we've got several new TV shows to sink our teeth into as well, including The Last Airbender sequel Avatar: Seven Havens on Paramount Plus. Netflix has also got a brand-new supernatural thriller to keep you hooked with Below.

We've also got two new movies to enjoy as well: John Cena's Mattel action-comedy streaming on Apple TV and Ben Affleck's new thriller hitting Netflix. For more on those and everything you need to know about watching them, read on for our ultimate streaming guide.

Carrie

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

The classic tale gets a new spin in Prime Video's Carrie. Created by Mike Flanagan, the new eight-part drama tells the story of Carrie White, a sheltered young girl who has spent most of her life at home with her controlling mother and father. When she ends up at high school, she's thrown to the wolves when she's caught up in a cycle of bullying centered around social media. However, when Carrie is pushed to her limits, she realizes that she might have some powers of her own to fight back with.

Stephen King is a big fan of the new adaptation, and our Carrie review calls it a timely exploration in a new horror setting. For more, you can also check out our guides to the Carrie ending explained and whether it sets up Carrie season 2.

While you're on Prime Video, check out our selection of the best Prime Video shows to enjoy as well.

Below

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Josh Hartnett might be making headlines for his role in Verity, which has just hit theaters, but he's also got a new Netflix show to enjoy as well. Something's in the water in this chilling new series set in Newfoundland. Hartnett plays a sailor dealing with a mysterious iceberg that's rolled into the nearby waters as sightings of a terrifying monster begin to take over the town. Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton also stars in this limited series, which is a perfect choice if you're up for some scares.

You can also check out our selection of the best Netflix shows for what else to watch.

Avatar: Seven Havens

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus

Return to the world of Avatar with new animated series Avatar: Seven Havens. From creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the show is set in the same world as Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. It follows a young Earthbender called Pavi who discovers she is the new Avatar. Searching for answers and trying to come to terms with her powers, she's joined by her long-lost twin Nisha as the pair try to save the Seven Havens.

The first three episodes are available to stream now, with three new episodes releasing each week on Paramount Plus.

For more, here are the best shows on Paramount Plus to add to your watchlist.

Matchbox: The Movie

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

Mattel is returning with another feature-length story following the success of Barbie. This time it's Matchbox vehicle toys that are the focal point in the new movie directed by stunt legend Sam Hargrave. It stars John Cena as spy and former soldier Sean Walker, who lands himself in a sticky situation when the CIA thinks he and his friends stole a nuclear weapon.

The connection to Mattel? The group used to play Matchbox toys together. Expect mad stunts in the new Apple TV movie, which also stars Jessica Biel and Teyonah Parris. If you're in the mood for some fun escapism this weekend, look no further.

We've also compiled a guide to the best Apple TV movies for what else to stream.

Animals

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Animals is a new thriller movie that sees a couple deal with a horrific situation when their son is kidnapped. He plays a LA mayoral candidate in the new film opposite Kerry Washington as his wife. Gillian Anderson's Dayle Burton is the mastermind behind the crime as she blackmails the couple to come up with a ransom payment in time to save their son. Steven Yeun, Ray Fisher, and Adriana Paz all also star in the twisty drama.

If that's not what you're after, here's our guide to the best Netflix movies also available right now.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

It is time to grab some Devil Fruit and set sail because The One Piece is only a few months away. That's right: the new anime from Netflix is almost here, and it will tell a fresh version of Monkey D. Luffy's quest to become King of the Pirates.

However, if you are a longtime fan of the rubber-limbed captain, you may be wondering what The One Piece really is and how it affects the other One Piece series (aka one of the best anime of all time) as well. After all, the first One Piece anime has been around since 1999 and is still ongoing. Then, on top of Netflix's new The One Piece series, the streaming service also has a live-action version of the iconic show, just to make life a little more complicated when it comes to keeping track of all the pirate-related shenanigans on the platform.

Basically, the wacky world of One Piece is pretty convoluted right now, which is why I've put together a handy guide here. Below, I answer all your questions about The One Piece as well as explain what it is and how it affects all the other One Piece shows currently airing. So, if you are ready to join the Straw Hat crew and get your bearings, read on, folks.

What is The One Piece?

The One Piece is a brand new reboot of Eiichiro Oda's manga One Piece that will be released sometime in February 2027 on the streaming service Netflix. That means it won't be a one-to-one remake of the other, ongoing One Piece anime, which is over 1000 episodes at this point.

WIT Studio (from Spy x Family and Attack on Titan fame) is helming the upcoming anime, and president and CEO of the studio, George Wada, has made it clear that the choice to make The One Piece a reboot is that, from a modern audience perspective, the sprawling story of the manga can now be told in a more structured way.

"The original manga has advanced much further than it had when the TV anime first began," Wada stated in an interview with Mantan Web . "And today we have a much clearer understanding of later developments and of the characters themselves. From that modern perspective, we're rebuilding it again from Episode 1... We are taking on a reboot, not a remake."

It should also be noted that The One Piece will not be replacing the original series but instead is serving as a separate adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's manga. So if you are still keeping up with the Elbaph arc release schedule, don't worry, that series isn't being abandoned. The One Piece is simply a new option for fans to experience the story from scratch, and probably avoid the pretty long list of One Piece filler episodes, and some multi-episode fight scenes that (let's be honest) can drag down pacing quite a bit.

The reboot will also have seven episodes for its first season. That may seem like a relatively smaller episode count off the bat, considering the original anime's first season had 61 episodes in total. However, The One Piece's episodes will have a 40-minute runtime each in comparison to the original anime's typical 24-minute runtime, so really we are going to be getting jam-packed episodes here.

Do I need to have seen the One Piece anime to watch The One Piece?

Good news folks, you don't have to watch the original One Piece anime to make sense of the upcoming reboot.

The One Piece will be adapting Eiichiro Oda's manga from the very beginning, meaning that there won't be any major story details missing that will leave you confused or (excuse the pun) lost at sea. Of course, if you want to sail on ahead after season 1 of The One Piece, you can jump into the original anime to carry on with the story immediately. However, rest easy knowing that both follow the manga.

Also, none of the One Piece movies are strictly canon either. So you really don't have to watch any other One Piece content if you don't want to alongside or before the reboot comes our way.

However, if you do fancy checking out Luffy's first foray to the Grand Line on our small screens, you can check out our guide on how to watch all of One Piece in order as well.

What chapters are being adapted in season 1 of The One Piece?

The One Piece will adapt the first 50 chapters of Eiichiro Oda's manga for its first season. That means we will roughly be near the end of the Baratie Arc by the final episode.

Chapters 1-50 still put us firmly in the East Blue Saga; however, it doesn't finish it. In fact, there will still be two complete arcs left for us to cover, and we will also need to wrap up the Baratie Arc as well in season 2. From the confirmed chapter count, though, we do know for sure what Arcs will be in the upcoming anime, and at least the season will be introducing us to most of the main players in terms of the Straw Hat crew.

In season 1, we will see the Romance Dawn Arc (chapters 1 to 7), where Luffy meets Zoro, the Orange Town Arc (chapters 8 to 21), where we meet Nami, and the Syrup Village Arc (chapters 22 to 41), where we meet Usopp. The Baratie Arc actually only ends at chapter 68, so season 1 of The One Piece, will admittedly be wrapping up at an awkward moment story-wise.

If you are unfamiliar with the Baratie Arc, this is where the Straw Hats go to the restaurant Baratie, in search of a cook to join their crew. So, this is the part of the story where we get to meet Sanji. Sanji and Luffy meet around chapter 43 in the manga, so at least we know for sure we will see the women-obsessed cook in season 1.

Chapter 50 of the manga also does set up the Arlong Park Arc pretty well. I won't get into spoilers here in case you haven't seen the original One Piece anime or Netflix live-action series yet, but the chapter involves a reveal of betrayal about one of the Straw Hats being connected with the evil pirate Arlong and his crew.

The season 1 ending will very likely leave us with a cliffhanger and probably salivating for season 2; however, it is going to be very different from the original One Piece anime, since that first season covered the entire East Blue Saga instead of breaking it up like this new reboot.

For more One Piece content, you can check out our guide to everything you need to know about Netflix's One Piece season 3 live-action series. Or for animated recommendations, head over to our list of the best Netflix anime to watch right now.

The Paramount and Warner Bros. merger is indeed moving ahead, and with a new name in tow.

According to Paramount CEO David Ellison, the newly combined company will be known as Skydance... which is what Ellison named his first media company back in 2006.

"Both have distinct identities, extraordinary legacies and brands that have resonated with audiences for generations,” Ellison writes on Twitter. "We wanted a name that would give the combined company an identity of its own while allowing Paramount and Warner Bros., and all our extraordinary brands, to remain in the spotlight."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the merger is worth $111 billion, with Paramount now owning CBS, HBO Max, Paramount Plus, DC Comics, Nickelodeon, and CNN, among several others. There has also been talk that Paramount Plus and HBO Max will combine into one streaming service (which would make sense given that HBO Max is the more popular of the two, and many of us are tired of paying for so many different streaming services).

You might recall that Netflix initially made the winning bid to buy Warner Bros. before Paramount swooped in and made them an offer they couldn't refuse. And to think we could've had the kids from Stranger Things wander into an episode of Peacemaker.

"We have big goals for Skydance, and we intend to pursue them with passion, imagination and a willingness to take smart risks," Ellison continues. "At the same time, we will honor what makes Paramount and Warner Bros. special, giving both studios the opportunity to grow, tell more great stories and bring those stories to even broader audiences around the world, powered by the scale and capabilities of Skydance."

For more, check out our list of the best shows to stream now on HBO Max.

If you're looking for what to stream this weekend, then you're in luck. We've got everything you need for a break in front of the TV right here.

With everything from superhero TV show Lanterns to a Netflix adaptation of a classic novel available this weekend, there's bound to be something for everyone on our list below. You'll also find some horror movies here, too, so you can start getting ready for spooky season in style.

So, for our picks of the best choices to stream this weekend, head to the below. If you're looking for even more recommendations, we've even linked our guides to the best movies and shows on each streaming service, too. Happy watching!

Lanterns finale

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max/NOW

The final episode of DCU Chapter One's Lanterns is almost upon us. The show has emerged as an unexpected highlight of the year, and it's essential viewing ahead of next year's Man of Tomorrow, since Aaron Pierre will reprise his role as John Stewart in that film.

While we finally know the identity of the Manhunter, there is one big mystery Lanterns has left to resolve: who killed Hal Jordan? The finale will surely have answers for us.

For more, you can check out our spoiler-free Lanterns review.

From Lanterns to Game of Thrones, check out our pick of the best HBO Max shows.

East of Eden

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Florence Pugh stars in this fresh adaptation of John Steinbeck's seminal novel East of Eden. Pugh plays Cathy Ames, the complex woman at the heart of a tale that spans generations.

The novel was notably adapted into the 1955 film of the same name starring James Dean and directed by Elia Kazan, and it's Elia Kazan's granddaughter, Zoe Kazan, behind the new TV show.

East of Eden is set in Salinas, California, and it tells the story of the Trask family and the Hamilton family across decades. Cathy Ames is probably one of literature's most complicated and fascinating female characters, and this new adaptation puts the focus on her.

Fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best Netflix shows.

Barbarian

Available: US
Where to watch: Hulu

If you enjoyed Resident Evil, then you can't go wrong with checking out director Zach Cregger's first movie Barbarian.

The film stars Georgina Campbell as Tess, a woman who's Airbnb stay turns into a nightmare when she arrives to find it double booked... and later discovers a horrifying secret in the basement.

Justin Long, Bill Skarsgård, and Matthew Patrick Davis co-star. There's no better way to kick off the spooky season.

We've got a guide to the best Disney Plus movies for more to watch next.

Kill Jackie

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: AMC+/Amazon Prime

Catherine Zeta-Jones stars in this crime thriller as Jackie Price, a woman who realizes a team of hitmen are after her.

But, instead of running away, Jackie chooses to fight back. Daniel Ings, Raff Law, and Darci Shaw co-star.

The show is adapted from the novel The Price You Pay by Nick Harkaway (under his pseudonym Aidan Truhen) and streams on AMC+ in the US and Prime Video in the UK.

Check out our picks of the best shows on Prime Video.

Backrooms

Available: US
Where to watch: HBO Max

Liminal horror movie Backrooms is streaming on HBO Max in the US now, and it's arriving in the UK later in October.

The film is based on an old creepypasta and is directed by Kane Parsons, with Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor starring.

The film explores the creepy, titular space between dimensions, and, if you're looking for a more unconventional scare this Halloween season, this is the place to go.

See our guide to the best movies on HBO Max for even more.

If you're after any more streaming recommendations, here are our guides to the best Apple TV Plus shows available now.

Well, this news is Golden: KPop Demon Hunters 2 will be coming to cinemas.

As confirmed by Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, the streaming sensation will find a home in theaters and, if you believe his words, it's going to be a widespread release instead of a limited run.

"When the KPop Demon Hunters sequel comes, you can expect a very broad theatrical release," Sarandos said at Bloomberg's Screentime event (via Deadline).

Sarandos also namechecked the KPop Demon Hunters sequel and Greta Gerwig's Narnia: The Magician's Nephew as titles that will receive a "big, broad, global release."

In terms of rollout, we're none the wiser. But a glance at Narnia's own stint in cinemas – 50 days – feels like a safe ballpark for what became Netflix's biggest movie ever and a whirlwind success across the industry last year.

Last we heard, KPop Demon Hunters 2 would arrive in 2029. In the meantime, we've had both a McDonald's short with HUNTR/X and sing-along screenings which made bank at the cinema.

Rumi's singing voice – and Oscar winner – EJAE has also identified what she would like to see in the sequel.

"More Korean traditional stuff – traditional history, music, food." she told Collider.

Mira actor Audrey Nuna said, "I want to see the girls in different cities. I want to see what they bring [globally]." Meanwhile, Zoey actor Rei Ami added, "I would love to see the origin story of how the girls got together. If it's not a prequel, then I want Gwi-Ma back. Bring him back. Who's going to be the antagonist? I'm so curious for this next one."

For more, check out our list of best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies.

Ben Affleck insists his new Netflix movie Animals is still "very human" despite using AI for "lots of things" during production.

“I used [AI] for lots of things in that movie," Affleck said during a talk at a Screentime panel (via The Hollywood Reporter). "I'm a little bit hesitant to point out what they are – or even talk about it – because in my business, we're trying to foster the illusion of reality, right?”

Affleck added, "It's sort of like if you went to a magic show and the magician walked out and said, 'Just before I start, I want you to know there's another bunny under here. (And] this guy’s a plant.' You know, it's sort of ruined, right? But yes, we did use it."

Affleck also felt it was a "good example" of using AI ethically, instead of simply typing in a prompt and seeing what the technology spits out.

Animals, written, directed, and starring Affleck, is a crime thriller that sees the one-time Batman actor play a mayoral candidate who has to come up with a ransom payment by any means necessary – even if it means risking his own career. The Netflix release also stars Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, and Kerry Washington.

AI is the unfortunate buzzword right now in Hollywood and beyond. The BBC boss Matt Brittin has recently caused some consternation by saying an AI-generated Doctor Who episode was "pretty good."

Elsewhere, a Resident Evil artist outright denied AI accusations – indicating that the witch hunt against creators isn't always in good faith. Upcoming Marvel show VisionQuest, featuring plenty of robots and androids, has rejected generative AI too, but will address its impact.

Animals is streaming on Netflix from October 9.

For more, check out our guide to best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies.

It's a movie-heavy week on our streaming recommendation list this weekend as several big new films hit the platforms. We've not only finally got the chance to see Toy Story 5 on the small screen but there are also two brand-new movies hitting Netflix and Prime Video that could not be more different.

As well as feature-length offerings, Apple TV has you covered on the comedy front with Brothers. The new mockumentary-style drama stars Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as potential half-siblings in a fun sitcom take on the wild true story. Then over on HBO Max, Sharon Horgan's long-awaited return to TV hits HBO Max with Youth.

So while it might be a big week over at the theaters (hello, Avengers: Endgame Encore), there's also plenty to kick back at stream at home as well. So let's get stuck into our big streaming recommendations below.

Toy Story 5

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

Toy Story's triumphant return has finally arrived on streaming after being released in theaters earlier this year. This time around, it's Jessie who takes center stage as the leader of the toys in the wake of Bonnie's new obsession with Lilypad, a tablet consuming all of her time.

It's a timely topic as technology continues to become a bigger part of childhood, but Toy Story 5 also contains everything you would expect from a Pixar movie: humor, heart, and a cracking soundtrack. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack return to the voice cast in a film that honors the originals while taking the franchise somewhere new.

You can also check out our interview with director Andrew Stanton about why Jessie is the heart of the story.

For more of what to watch, here's our guide to the best movies on Disney Plus.

Brothers

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

The real story that inspired Apple TV's new comedy series is pretty wild. A few years ago, Matthew McConaughey's mother revealed that he had a relationship with Woody Harrelson's dad around the time when Matthew was conceived. While he hasn't taken a paternity test, this could mean that the two Hollywood stars and True Detective co-stars could be half brothers.

This new show takes this a step further as the pair decide to live together with their families at McConaughey's Texas ranch after Harrelson's daughter's wedding falls apart. Reviews have praised the chemistry between the two leads, calling it a charming watch. The first two episodes are out now with new ones released weekly.

Here's our round-up of the best shows on Apple TV as well.

The Love Hypothesis

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

Prime Video are continuing their run of rom-coms with The Love Hypothesis, a fake dating romance set at Stanford University. It follows Ph.D. candidate Olive Smith as she pretends to be dating professor Adam Carlsen in order to convince her best friend she no longer has feelings for their mutual friend. Carlsen agrees in order to improve his grumpy reputation at the college and help him secure funding for his grant by proving he's putting down roots in California.

The movie is a lot of fun with Tom Bateman and Lili Reinhart's chemistry as the lead couple selling the story. There's also a strange origin story too, which may pique your interest. The novel it's based on by Ali Hazelwood actually started life as an alternate university fanfiction about Kylo Ren and Rey from Star Wars. The connections don't stop there either as the leading man is actually played by Daisy Ridley's real-life husband in a fun link to the saga.

We've got a guide to the best movies on Prime Video for what to watch next.

Youth

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

Sharon Horgan is back again with another new hilarious TV show. The brilliant mind behind Pulling, Catastrophe, and Bad Sisters has turned her hand to exploring dating in your 50s. Her character is divorcée navigating a new world of romance while also juggling a publishing career and a teenage son. Rupert Friend, Sharlene Whyte, and Aran Murphy all star alongside her as well as cameos from Harriet Walter, Freddie Fox, and Damian Lewis.

The first season has already landed a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score as well as critics have been calling it hilarious and vulnerable in equal measure. Two episodes are out now with new ones dropping every week on HBO Max.

From Lanterns to Game of Thrones, check out our pick of the best HBO Max shows.

Unabomber

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Former child star Jacob Tremblay takes on his darkest role yet in the Netflix movie Unabomber. Directed by Janus Metz Pedersen, who has previously helmed episodes of Andor, the new film centers on the true story of Ted Kaczynski, a domestic terrorist who was active for 20 years through a nationwide mail bombing campaign in the United States.

The film flits between two timelines: Kaczynski's time at Harvard and his manhunt many years later. Alongside The Little Mermaid star Tremblay, Unabomber also stars Russell Crowe, Shailene Woodley, and Annabelle Wallis.

There's plenty other films to stream too if you check out our ranking of the best Netflix movies.

If you're after any more streaming recommendations, here are our guides to the best Netflix shows and the best Disney Plus shows available right now.

Brad Bird, the director of The Incredibles and Ratatouille, has a new animated movie coming to Netflix, and the first trailer looks fantastic. Titled Ray Gunn (not to be confused with the infamous breakdancer), the film follows one of the last human detectives in a futuristic world where aliens and humans live alongside each other.

Raymond Gunn (voiced by Sam Rockwell) is recruited to find out whether singer Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson) is responsible for murder. As we can see in the trailer, it's not a simple case for Gunn as he falls into Nova's orbit and sparks fly. He's helped along the way by his alien co-worker Eyera (Tom Waits), as they try to navigate being the "only honest players in a crooked game".

There's elements of Star Wars and Blade Runner in there through the beautifully realized sci-fi city as well as callbacks to classic detective movies. The result looks like a fun adventure from one of the most visionary directors working in animation today. Count us in.

"It was always meant to be a blend of sci-fi and classic detective movies from the '40s," Bird told Netflix's Tudum. "The elevator pitch I came up with is The Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers."

The Iron Giant director also explained how he hopes the film widens the audience for animation with the movie: "There's a big chunk of people who don't watch animation," Bird continued. "That's a group I'm anxious to persuade because it's an amazing art form that is way too limited in people's minds."

The movie is set to open in select theaters on December 4 before arriving on Netflix on December 18. For more on the streaming platform, check out our guides to the best movies on Netflix and the best shows on Netflix to watch right now.

Netflix has revealed a sneak peek at Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 ahead of the season's October release.

The brief clip, which can be viewed above, sees our new crop of heroes, including the much older Weak Kingsley (excitingly voiced in the English dub by none other than Clancy Brown), as they find themselves surrounded by foes in the middle of what appears to be a job gone wrong.

Per the official tagline, the second season "presents a new standalone 10-episode story from the world of Cyberpunk 2077... a raw chronicle of redemption and revenge. In a city that thrives in the spotlight of violence, one question remains: when the world is blinded by spectacle, what extremes do you have to go to make your story matter?" Rumors of a third season abound, but CD Projekt Red has yet to confirm.

The previous trailer introduced us to some of the other new characters, including D (voiced by Koki Uchiyama and Nazeeh Tarsha), who is out for revenge, and a new protagonist named Roman Carrax (voiced by Momoka Terasawa and Valeria Rodriguez), an aspiring filmmaker who sets out to document real stories in Night City. I wouldn't get attached to these new characters for long, however, if you remember what happened to all of our favorites by the end of season 1... It's ruthless out there.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 is set to hit Netflix on October 20. For more, check out our picks for the best anime you should be watching right now, or, check out our list of new anime shows.

Things have gone upside down for Netflix's flagship franchise after the second season of the animated spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales from '85, earned the property's lowest Rotten Tomatoes score so far. At the time of writing, the new chapter, which tells another untold story wedged between seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action series, has earned a disappointing 43% on the review aggregator, with the consensus that it's all style and no substance.

The new season once again sees El and pals, along with the ally that's only appeared in the animated show, Nikki Baxter (Odessa A’zion), going back into the woods to face a new kind of Demogorgon. This new beastie sets itself apart from the other creatures they've encountered, since it's a ghostly apparition that's hungry for human. But while 'bustin might make Dustin and pals feel good, it apparently wasn't enough for critics.

IGN said, "Stranger Things: Tales From '85 remains a gorgeously designed and animated show that lacks the heart of the live-action series." CBR said that "The spin-off is certainly what you make of it, and for fans of the universe, it may be a sign that Netflix doesn't know what to do with it anymore."

The issue of treading over tried and tested ground was an issue for others too, with Screen Rant saying, "There are fun moments and plenty of action, but there's still a lack of character development, noticeable pacing issues, and the inescapable feeling that this is a lesser version of a story that's already been told numerous times."

Not everyone was so hard on the heroes of Hawkins, though, with But Why Tho? defending the new season, arguing that "Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Season 2 is a solid step up from the first season. It addresses some of the first season's issues while losing none of its strength."

With the show available to binge in full this week, it'll be interesting to see how it will fare with die-hard fans. We don't want to call it too soon, but we don't expect anyone to start online theories about a secret last episode.

If Stranger Things: Tales from '85 doesn't cut it for you this week, worry not. We've got a guide to a great batch of new shows and movies to stream this week.

Well, here we are again. Another week and another bucket load of brilliant movies and television shows to catch up on, which promises to be a great bit of binging. Sure, you can go out and see Resident Evil, or maybe spend some time slicing and dicing bad guys as Wolverine, but sometimes, time must be spent just chilling out on the sofa and taking another trip back to Hawkins, or maybe see an unfiltered Gary Oldman fart like he owns the place.

So what have we got for you? Well, firstly there’s another season of Stranger Things: Tales from '85 season 2, which sees Eleven and her buds get into some scary but perfectly family-friendly activity to ensure their hometown stays intact (spoilers: that doesn't happen to the final season of the live-action show). There's also our last bout with Alan Ritchson’s Reacher as his fourth season comes to an end and makes way for Neagley (Maria Sten) and her standalone show. There's also another top-tier do-or-die mission with season six of Slow Horses, who are back on Apple TV. Also, at some point the mayor of Widow's Bay is going to fight some skeletons. Just stick with us, okay?

So what are you waiting for? Get the full rundown on our favorite picks of the week below and stick them in your watchlist accordingly.

Stranger Things: Tales from '85 Season 2 (Netflix)

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Following its initial and okay season that was released earlier this year, Stranger Things: Tales from '85 is back for another chapter, giving fans more adventures with the heroes of Hawkins in animated form. Aiming once again for a more family-friendly vision than the limb-ripping, bone-cracking antics of the live-action series, Stranger Things: Tales from '85 sees El, Max and pals getting up to more otherworldly antics that were frustratingly never mentioned in the parent show. In this case, a new breed of Demogorgon attacks our heroes, potentially from the afterlife.

Having already paid its respects to the Ghostbusters in season 2 of the original show, this season leans more into that area of the paranormal than ever before as a spooky version of Upside Down's inhabitants are on the attack. This forces El, her longtime pals, and '85-only era friend, Nikki Baxter (voiced by Odessa A'zion) to change tactics and figure out how to bust- uh, we mean bring down this Demogorgon once and for all. If you're a die-hard Stranger Things fan, you've probably already got this queued up. For those who wouldn’t mind their kids spending some time in Netflix's most popular franchise, then going back to '85 wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

We've got a list of the best Netflix shows for you to stream after too.

Neagley and Reacher Season 4 finale (Prime Video)

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

Prime Video's henchman-crushing hero, Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson), has made his final stop of the season this week in the closing episode of Reacher season 4. There were laughs, there were tears, and there was Reacher taking on two lethal assassins in what felt like his own version of The Raid. It was also darn good television and further proof that Ritchson was born to play this role. The latest outing that spans eight episodes sees Reacher getting involved in a government cover-up after he witnesses the suicide of a passenger on a train. Having an issue with not letting people get away with things, the walking mountain that barely changes his T-shirt causes all manner of chaos and builds up a hefty body count while he's at it.

One person that’s noticeably absent from this season, however, is Reacher's longtime pal, Neagley, played by Maria Sten. That's because she's been busy on a case of her own in a brand-new spin-off series that's also out this week. The first season of Neagley can be binged all at once now and sees the cereal-loving hero on the hunt for her friend's murderer. This leads her to team up with a local detective and wander onto the shady turf of Echo Farms, where all manner of illegal activities are at play. It’s a great vehicle for Sten, who holds her own and has as much fight in her as her towering pal we know and love. If this is the beginning of the realm of Reacher expanding, then we're all for it.

For more, check out our pick of the best Prime Video shows of all time.

Slow Horses season 6 (Apple TV)

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

You don't have to have intel from The Park to know that Slow Horses is easily one of the best shows on Apple TV. In fact, it might be one of the best shows on television, period. The Gary Oldman-led espionage series about a squad of spy screw-ups has remained consistently brilliant since it debuted in 2022, and in the sixth season, things keep improving. The staff of Slough House finds themselves in serious trouble when ex-employees wind up dead, and all fingers point to River Cartwright's own father, Frank Harkness (Hugo Weaving), being involved. From here, the Slow Horses are forced to split up, get reacquainted with some old allies, and do their very best to watch each other's backs before someone puts a bullet in them.

In a time when interest is waning for shows that have lengthy gaps between seasons, it really is baffling that Slow Horses continues to keep this level of quality six seasons in. The cold-hearted humor applied to this world of espionage doesn't falter, especially when it's delivered by Oldman's legendary Jackson Lamb, but the biggest surprise is just how dark things are this time around. Absolutely no one is safe, which only adds to the drama and the heart-wrenching dread that not all of Slough House's finest will make it out alive. Get stuck into the first episode of the new season this week.

After that, check out our list of the best Apple TV shows.

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw (Hulu)

Given that the final moments of Fast X teased the return of Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) to the franchise, what better way to fill some time while we wait for his return than watching the spin-off movie where he paired up with Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw was a commendable attempt to pump the brakes on the core franchise and veer into a spin-off with two of the best characters in the Fast and Furious saga. Hobbs and Shaw are forced to team up in this high-octane buddy comedy, where both characters defy the laws of physics and battle self-proclaimed Black Superman Brixton Lore (Idris Elba).

Joining them in on the globe-trotting action are a host of big names including Vanessa Kirby, Helen Mirren (reprising her role as Deckard’s mother, Queenie), Roman Reigns and Cluff Curtis. There are also cameos from Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds to add some extra star power in between things blowing up, and both leads show various ways to bring down small armies on their own. Get pumped up on the carnage and get excited about the prospect of Hobbs and maybe even Shaw, going back to work with the Toretto family whenever the final Fast and Furious movie leaves the garage.

For more, here are our picks for the best Hulu movies.

Golden Axe (Paramount Plus)

If you’re desperate for more of Widow’s Bay star Matthew Rhys following his record-breaking Emmy win, then might we interest you in him in animated form and wearing a Viking helmet? After their successful effort with the Sonic franchise, the latest video game adaptation coming from the mega mountain on its streaming service is Golden Axe. Adapted from the fantasy beat 'em-up that arrived in 1989, the new animation created by Mike McMahan (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Joe Chandler (American Dad) follows Ax Battler (Liam McIntyre), Tyris Flare (Lisa Gilory), and Gilius Thunderhead (Rhys), who reluctantly team up after time apart to save the land from the terrifying Death Adder.

Packed to the animated rafters with references to the original video game franchise, the show looks like a lot of fun, throwing in meta references and playing loosely with the legacy it explores. Marvel at the purple bird thingies and watch heroes shout "SEGA" just because. Honestly though, the real highlight might well be Rhys sounding like he's having tons of fun, which after the year he's had, he absolutely deserves. Press start now.

Should you fancy going for something bigger, be sure to check out our guide for all the upcoming movies you need to know about as well.

Hey hey hey, it's time for Netflix to make some crazy money (as if they don’t have enough already)! Are you ready? Here we go! As part of a major push for more video game adaptations, the streaming service's has partnered with Sega to adapt the publisher's beloved 1999 racing game, which will switch lanes and become a feature film.

To ensure that the level of ridiculousness on the road meets demand, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, who wrote The Naked Gun reboot, have been tasked with taking the wheel and penning a script (per Netflix). Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Sega’s Toru Nakahara are overseeing things as producers.

The news lines up nicely with the impending arrival of Crazy Taxi: World Tour, which everyone was beeping their horns over until we learned it was set to use generative AI. Like it or not, we're getting a lot more Crazy Taxi than we expected.

But while an audience for Crazy Taxi seems like a sure thing, they’re also gambling on a video game that the world hasn’t gone hands on with yet. Like a Dragon prequel video game, Stranger Than Heaven, is set to arrive next year, and Netflix seems so confident that they’re turning that into a movie as well. Set in Japan across different eras between 1915 and 1965, the game lets players control Makoto Daito, a Japanese-American orphan who ends up in Japan and eventually forms the Tojo Clan.

Strange as it might sound, adapting the game that sees documented cabbies ripping up the streets and running into hot dog vendors might seem easier to adapt than the Like a Dragon prequel, when you consider some of the important pieces involved. The game drew a lot of attention after it was announced that deceased rapper Tupac Shakur, as well as actor Bunta Sugawara, who died in 2014, would be included as integral characters. Putting characters that look like famous dead people is one thing, but it begs the question of how they’ll be integrated into whatever live-action plans they have in place.

Finally, the last project coming down the pipeline is a new Sonic the Hedgehog animated kids series, which honestly sounds like the easiest project of the bunch. Discussing the upcoming entries, Sega’s head producer said, "Expect something cute yet cool for Sonic, hilariously crazy for Crazy Taxi and a badass action drama for Stranger Than Heaven, because we’ve got some amazing creative ideas lined up and we are just getting started. The whole team is absolutely thrilled!"

The Crazy Taxi and Stranger Than Heaven movies are currently undated. For more, check out our list of upcoming video game movies.

In the prestige TV streaming era, it's not uncommon for new seasons of the biggest shows to take upwards of two years to hit screens. And a new report has confirmed what we all knew deep down: lengthy delays between new TV seasons leads to massive drops in viewership.

The report comes from data analytics company Luminate (h/t DiscussingFilm), who crunched the numbers on several of the biggest streaming releases, including Stranger Things season 5 and Wednesday season 2. The report concludes that "long breaks between seasons usually leads to audience shrinkage for hit series." A long hiatus is defined by Luminate as anything over 18 months between seasons.

Among the hardest hit shows, according to Luminate, were The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, which saw a 57% dip in viewership when it landed two years after its debut season; Wednesday season 2, which saw a 59% drop upon releasing 2.75 years after the first season; and even Stranger Things season 5, which, despite being the final season, saw audience figures drop 23% when it finally arrived 3.5 years after season 4. In contrast, The Pitt season 2 saw viewership soar 132% when it released 12 months after its initial run, but that was a critically acclaimed breakout series.

The long breaks between seasons can sometimes be attributed to behind-the-scenes turmoil (which seems to have been the case with Severance season 2, though that turned out OK), but more often than not it's simply the reality of producing big-budget shows in the prestige TV era, with audiences now expecting movie-quality visuals that require movie-length production timelines. This is particularly acute for effects-heavy shows like The Rings of Power and Stranger Things.

The binge release model can also have a deleterious effect, as despite inflating first-week numbers, Luminate points out that "binge-release viewership tends to decay quickly, whereas a weekly-release hit can remain on the charts week after week." There is a silver lining in the long breaks between seasons for streamers, though. Luminate's numbers point to long delays "supercharging" catch-up viewing, as audiences capitalize on the extra time to watch (or re-watch) previous seasons, ahead of new episodes.

Following another 2-year break between seasons, The Rings of Power season 3 returns this November and is set to tackle one of Middle-earth's biggest moments: the forging of the One Ring. The Rings of Power season 4 is reportedly already in the works, perhaps in an effort to speed up production and reduce the the wait for new seasons.

For more, check out our guide to the best Netflix shows, or look ahead to the new TV shows hitting screens this year.

With an endless stream of content hitting platforms on a daily basis, it can be hard to know what to watch. Scroll no longer, as we've got you covered with our carefully curated list of the best shows and movies hitting streaming this weekend.

From a superhero blockbuster to the return of a beloved Australian comedy, there's plenty of variety on offer, with options on a range of streaming services. So, whatever you're subscribed to, there should be something to watch.

Below you'll find recommendations from HBO Max, Peacock, Apple TV, Paramount Plus and, of course, Netflix. And, while we don't have any specific Disney Plus or Prime Video recommendations this week (once you've caught up with the latest episode of Reacher, which features a very funny Tom Cruise reference, anyway), we do have guides to the best Prime Video movies and the best Disney Plus shows. For our very latest streaming recommendations, head below.

Supergirl

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

Supergirl didn't exactly soar at the box office; in fact, it made less than notorious flops Joker 2 and Morbius. But don't let that put you off, as Supergirl has much to recommend, not least a spirited performance from Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El.

The second movie in James Gunn's DCU Chapter One, Supergirl takes place ahead of Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow, and it's essential viewing ahead of next summer's DC offering. Plus, who can pass up more time with good boy Krypto?

Keep the watch party going with our list of the best HBO Max movies.

The Paper season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Peacock (US), Sky One/NOW (UK)

The second season of this surprisingly charming spin-off of The Office (US) is out to binge in full, with all 10 episodes now streaming. Set in the newsroom of a local newspaper in terminal decline, it mirrors much of what made The Office great: goofy characters, sharp gags and a classic will-they-won't-they romance.

We'd be lying if we said this comes close to The Office, despite the involvement of US Office creator Greg Daniels, but it's an enjoyable enough facsimile, and Domhnall Gleeson is a terrific comedic centerpiece as editor Ned Sampson. Plus, Office supporting character Oscar Martinez appears in the show, so you never know who might make the trip over from Scranton one day.

Fill out your watchlist with our look ahead at the new TV shows to come in 2026.

Last Seen

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

This riveting thriller is Apple TV's first Australian original. Set in a fictional port town, it stars Patrick Brammall (of Colin From Accounts fame, see below) as former chief of police Ian Ridely, who turned to operating emergency phone lines after the disappearance of his 3-year-old daughter 11 years prior. After her body is seemingly unearthed following a mudslide, Ian answers an emergency call from a young woman he believes to be his now-teenage daughter, setting him off on a quest to find the daughter he thought lost.

Based on a page-turner novel and directed by The Crown's Christian Schwochow, it's one of those shows where you'll lament the weekly wait between episodes. But the good news is, the first two dropped at the same time, with new episodes set to air weekly on Wednesdays.

Once you've devoured the first two episodes, check out our list of the best Apple TV shows.

Call My Agent! The Movie

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

It's been five years since comedy series Call My Agent! came to an end with the fourth and final season, and now the former ASK talent agency team are back for a sequel movie. Set in real time, half a decade after the closure of ASK, Andréa is now directing a movie. But when disaster strikes and the lead actor drops out, the former team reunites to save the project.

It's funny enough on its own merit, but one of the treats of Call My Agent! was seeing which famous French actors cameoed across the series (Sigourney Weaver even popped up). We won't spoil them here, but there are some big-name Hollywood cameos to watch out for in the movie.

Looking for something else? Here's our list of the best movies on Netflix.

Colin From Accounts season 3

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus (US), BBC iPlayer (UK)

The third and final season of this delightful Australian comedy show is now out in full, perfect for a weekend binge. Gordon (Patrick Brammall) and Ashley (Harriet Dyer) are the ideal mismatched couple, brought together by their injured dog, Colin From Accounts (the name will make sense when you watch it). But after seemingly breaking up for good following a failed proposal at the end of season 2, can their undeniable connection bring them back together?

Alongside the winning leads and a sky-high gag rate, Colin From Accounts is such a treat because Gordon and Ashley are a perfectly messy pairing. Brammell and Dyer are married in real life and, despite their characters being all wrong for each other in many ways, you can't help but hope it works out for them.

For more great shows, check out our list of the best shows on Paramount Plus.

Need more? Check out our guide to the best shows on Prime Video.

KPop Demon Hunters is one of the most popular movies of the past decade and even became Netflix's most-watched film ever. Currently, it's been streamed more than 325 million times, which is 100 million times more than the movie in second place, Red Notice.

However, in spite of all of this, Sony Pictures boss Ravi Ahuja doesn't think the movie would have been as successful if it was released in theaters. Speaking to Variety, he said: "It seems very obvious now, but at the time it was first being developed in 2021, Netflix felt like the right home, and I'd argue it really was the right home. I mean, if you look at the trajectory of K-Pop Demon Hunters, it didn't start that strong, but it built over time."

He continued: "So the Netflix platform really helped to build K-Pop Demon Hunters. Had it been theatrical, I mean, boy, this is such a hypothetical. Who knows if it would have had a big opening weekend? But it’s done incredibly well on Netflix."

It's true that as an original IP, the movie was really boosted by word of mouth success. During its first week on the streaming platform back in June 2025, it clocked in nine million views and landed in the second spot on the movies chart. The following week this climbed to 24 million, and it sat around there for several months, sticking in the top 10 for 63 consecutive weeks.

This all suggests that it's the film's longevity that has been a contributing factor in its groundbreaking success, which couldn't be replicated in the same way in theaters. However, KPop Demon Hunters did have a good theatrical run when a special singalong version was released, topping Netflix's box office history.

A sequel to the hugely popular movie is in development, but it's not expected to be released until at least 2029. For more upcoming movies, here's our list of 2026 movie release dates.

Danny Boyle's latest movie, Ink, has just premiered at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, and the movie has caused something of a stir, as the credits disclose that the Trainspotting director used generative AI in the making of the movie. Now Boyle is explaining the movie's limited use cases, which included animating photographs and mice effects.

Ink, which stars 28 Years Later's Jack O'Connell as Sun newspaper editor Larry Lamb, and Guy Pearce as media magnate Rupert Murdoch, is a late-60s/early-70s-set biographical drama, so not the first place you might expect generative AI to be deployed. But speaking to Vanity Fair, Boyle explained both his thoughts on the use of AI, and precisely how it's been used in Ink.

"My opinion of it is it's a very useful tool, in many ways, provided you use it respectfully, and provided you pay actors if you're going to replace them with some kind of AI embodiments or something like that. So just like with any animation project or just as part of the VFX toolbox."

Boyle goes on to confirm "there's about 30 seconds" of generative AI use in Ink, seemingly blissfully unaware of the hornet's nest he's about to stir up. The controversial tech was used in two specific cases, according to Boyle.

"We animate a couple of old photographs, which you'll have seen online. The way that it does that, you can bring old photographs to life. And that's the kind of way we use it. Oh, and there's some mice, it's very good for animals. Because I got in trouble with PETA. We had some chimps at the beginning of 28 Days Later, and they wrote to me and said: 'You must never do that again.' And I haven't. And ever since, I've tried to use CG animals. But AI is very, very good at creating animals, and we got some mice in this one that run around the Sun newsroom."

So there you have it: photographs and mice. Precisely why Boyle couldn't hire a VFX studio and human visual effects artists to animate those old photographs or build those CG mice is currently unclear, as Boyle doesn't appear to have been pushed on the subject by Vanity Fair. Were the VFX artists that generative AI replaced in the making of Ink paid in the same way that Boyle claims actors need to be compensated? I'm betting not.

It's a disappointing position for a trailblazing British filmmaker to take. Prior to Ink, Boyle brought the rage virus back to the big screen in 28 Years Later. A third film in the trilogy, 28 Years Later 3, has yet to be confirmed after the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, flopped at the box office. If a Gen AI-filled third 28 Years Later film is what we have to look forward to, maybe it's better left unmade.

Ink releases in US theaters on December 11, and on Netlix in the US and in UK cinemas from January 8. For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies heading your way.

Netflix has ordered a live-action TV show based on Ravenloft, the spooky-ooky vampire-laden storyline from Dungeons and Dragons... and I've never, ever been happier.

Per Deadline, the upcoming drama is a joint venture between writer, executive producer, and frequent Tim Burton collaborator John August, executive producer Alfonso Cuarón, and Hasbro Entertainment.

Ravenloft is all about Darklord Strahd von Zarovich (and if this name sounds familiar, it might be because you heard it in the final episode of Stranger Things), and according to the official synopsis, the series is "a story of power, love, obsession, and undead transformation that charts his origins from tragic antihero to one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most notorious villains." In other words, it's a prequel to the highly popular Curse of Strahd campaign.

You read all of that right: the writer of Big Fish, Corpse Bride, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is partnering with the director of Y Tu Mamá También to adapt the origin story of one of the coolest vampires of the last 40 or so years. I feel completely and totally normal about this.

It's worth noting that this has nothing to do with Shawn Levy's Forgotten Realms series that Netflix announced in 2025, as that particular project appears to no longer be moving forward. Separately, Dungeons and Dragons 2, a sequel to the severely underrated 2023 movie, is still reportedly in the works at Hasbro.

Ravenloft does not have a release date, but I will be waiting patiently by my TV in the meantime. For more, check out our picks of the best Amazon shows as well as our guide to all the upcoming video game adaptations you need to know about. Here's also why we think Curse of Strahd is still the best D&D campaign 10 years after it first launched.

There are tons of great movies and TV shows to stream this weekend. We've whittled down the choices to the five best to see you through Saturday and Sunday.

First, there's a new Star Wars movie to take you on an adventure to the galaxy far, far away. Then, if you're looking for laughs, there's a new Scary Movie to enjoy, as well as season 2 of a Glen Powell sports comedy. There's more where that came from, too, so, to sort your weekend, head to our choices below.

Along with our recommendations on Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Paramount Plus, and Apple TV, we've also got guides on the best movies and shows the streamers have to offer. Make sure you're making the most of your subscription with our guide to the best Apple TV shows, and head to the below for more.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Disney Plus

The Mandalorian and Grogu return in a new adventure, three years after The Mandalorian season 3. This is the first Star Wars film in seven years, and, after its theatrical run, it's now available to stream on Disney Plus.

The movie sees Din Djarin and his adopted green child Din Grogu picking up bounties for the New Republic. They're tasked with returning Rotta the Hutt to his aunt and uncle on Nal Hutta as part of a quest to find a hidden imperial warlord by the name of Janu Coin.

And, if you just can't get enough Mando and Grogu goodness, the good news is Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian is also streaming on Disney Plus now. For more, check out our The Mandalorian and Grogu review, or our interview with Jon Favreau on Grogu's Jedi journey.

Need some viewing inspiration? Here are the best Disney Plus movies.

Scary Movie

Available: Paramount Plus

Where to watch: US/UK

Not to be confused with the original Scary Movie, this is the sixth film in the legendary spoof franchise, and it's now streaming on Paramount Plus. The film sees the return of Marlon Wayans, Anna Faris, Regina Hall, and Shawn Wayans.

While the original film took aim at Scream, this film has everything from Sinners to Weapons to The Substance in its sights. So, if you're a horror fan and you're looking for a laugh this weekend, Scary Movie is one to stream.

For more, you can check out our Scary Movie interview with Marlon Wayans on the humor in the latest movie.

Need more? Check out our list of the best movies on Paramount Plus.

The Gentlemen season 2

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Netflix

Netflix's crime drama comedy returns with a brand new season. Created by Guy Ritchie and starring Theo James, the show follows James's Eddie, who inherits a luxurious family estate – then quickly discovers it's wrapped up in a cannabis empire. Season 2 picks up one year later, as Eddie and Susie (Kaya Scodelario) expand their criminal enterprise overseas under Susie's father and boss Bobby, who seems to be making some seriously questionable decisions.

The rest of the cast includes Daniel Ings, Giancarlo Esposito, and Vinnie Jones.

If you're already desperate for more, the good news is season 3 has already been confirmed. This looks like a Netflix original whose future you don't have to fear for, then.

For more, check out the best Netflix shows to watch right now.

Mayday

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Apple TV

Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds star in this Apple TV comedy about a US pilot who befriends an ex-KGB operative. The result is an odd couple comedy with Branagh taking on a surprisingly action-heavy role.

The film is directed by Game Night helmers Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. "We're big fans of casting the greatest actors we can get, whether they're drama or comedy people, like Jesse Plemons in Game Night," Goldstein told us at SDCC. "We just ask them to commit to it like you would a drama, and it turns out to be hilarious. And Ken just brought so much great chops to the thing."

For more, fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best Apple TV movies.

Chad Powers season 2

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Hulu

Glen Powell's sports comedy returns. Chad Powers stars Powell as Russ Holliday, a quarterback who, after destroying his reputation in a star-making college football game, disguises himself to join a struggling team at a much smaller school.

Alongside Powell, the cast includes Steve Zahn, Wynn Everett, Perry Mattfeld, and Quentin Plair.

Season 2 has debuted to strong reviews so far, so, if you're looking for a light-hearted watch to pass the time this weekend, you can't go wrong with catching up on Chad Powers.

Check out our guide to the best Disney Plus shows for even more.

Need more? Check out our list of the best movies on Netflix.

We finally have some official viewership numbers coming out of Netflix's GTA 6 extended look, and wouldn't you know it, it was absolutely massive.

Rockstar took an unconventional approach in revealing its most in-depth GTA 6 trailer so far by making it exclusive to Netflix for a few hours before unleashing it elsewhere online. Temporarily locking the showcase behind a paid subscription was a potentially risky move, but it seems to have paid off in a big way, with Netflix reporting 31.1 million views in the four days between its debut and the end of the streamer's viewing window for its top 10 rankings. That made GTA 6 the most-watched title (it's categorized as a movie on the platform) across the entire Netflix library for the week in which its new trailer debuted.

For comparison, the next most-watched movie was the star-studded thriller The Whisper Man, which premiered on Netflix the day after GTA 6's deep-dive on August 28, at 23.2 million views for the week. Meanwhile, the most-watched TV show for the same week was the mega-viral true crime documentary, Death of the Pastor's Wife, which clocked in at 19 million views.

GTA 6's Netflix extended look was big big, but it's nowhere near the streaming service's biggest debut for an English-language title if we're going by first-week numbers. That honor goes to Stranger Things season 5, which netted a mind-boggling 59.6 million views in its debut week.

Of course, comparing these numbers to the amount of views GTA 6 pulls on a platform like YouTube is really like comparing apples to oranges. For example, it only took GTA 6 trailer 2 a few hours to hit 19 million views on YouTube, but YouTube is free and easily accessible for most people with phones, while viewers had to pay for and sign in to Netflix to watch the latest trailer.

Just as crucially, the way Netflix and YouTube track views is very different. YouTube simply counts a view as any click that starts a video, and for views-tracking purposes it doesn't matter if the person watches a second, minute, or hour of the video. One click equals one view. On Netflix, the streamer tallies up the total amount of hours watched and then divides that by the movie or TV show's runtime. With the GTA 6 extended look being about 27 minutes long, that means it accumulated around 14 million hours of viewing time in its debut week, which is staggering regardless of context.

GTA 6 lets players "forget it's a game" with all its choices, and that's what Rockstar lead Rob Nelson is most proud of: "It's up to you and what matters to you"

Xbox is seemingly going all-in on video game adaptations, pitching several titles to streamers and studios.

As per Puck, Microsoft and Xbox have been in talks regarding a package of "more than a dozen games."

Those name-checked by the outlet include Halo (again), Elder Scrolls, World of Warcraft, and Diablo.

Netflix, Paramount, and Universal have reportedly sat down with Microsoft, who appear to want around $300m for any potential deal.

Xbox and Xbox-adjacent brands have had mixed fortunes in the video game movie and TV space.

Fallout, based on Bethesda's RPG series, has been an unbridled success for Prime Video, while Minecraft made over a billion dollars at the box office. A sequel is on the way.

The live-action Halo series was canceled after only two seasons and was criticized for its portrayal of Master Chief and the Covenant. Other projects, such as a Gears of War Netflix series, have remained in limbo for several years.

Xbox's push to put more of its properties on-screen forms part of the gold rush of current and upcoming video game movies that have taken over Hollywood.

Sonic 4 is on the way after speeding through a well-received trilogy in the past decade. God of War is coming to Prime Video, despite having to replace lead actor Ryan Hurst with Dave Bautista after an on-set injury.

Then there's a new Tomb Raider series, The Legend of Zelda movie, an Elden Ring movie, and a Sekiro anime. Far from being a curse, the video game space is thriving. Will Xbox add to the tally in the coming years? We wouldn't say no to an Elder Scrolls show, that's for sure.

For more, check out the new Xbox Series X games in the works, plus join our countdown to GTA 6 as the biggest game in history gets primed for release.

Searching for something to stream this weekend? There's nothing worse than mindlessly scrolling through the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video and seeing your free time melt away as you decide what to watch. There's so much choice, and so few hours in the day.

That's where we come in. At GamesRadar+, we curate a new selection of fresh streaming delights every single week, just for you. Forget your tired old watchlist: these are the latest and greatest movies and shows coming to streaming this weekend, with everything from Robert De Niro-led thrillers to sci-fi and superhero series all accounted for.

So, read on down below for the new shows and movies streaming at the end of August on Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and more. If you're eager for more, we also have guides on the best Apple TV shows and best Apple TV movies to ensure you're making the most of your subscription.

The Whisper Man

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Netflix

Whisper it quietly, but Adam Scott has put together a string of great performances in unnerving projects as of late: Severance and Hokum are terror-inducing for very different reasons, and The Whisper Man could add to it.

Scott plays a widowed crime writer who enlists the help of retired detective Pete Willis (Robert De Niro) after his son is abducted. What could be an open-and-shut case soon spirals out into a larger connection linked to a serial killer known as The Whisper Man.

With the producing might of the Russos behind it, and a stacked cast that features the likes of Michelle Monaghan, Michael Keaton (!), and Hamish Linklater, this will likely shoot right to the top of your watchlist this weekend. It looks suitably unsettling and, as summer turns to fall, the perfect starting point for those who like to get into the Halloween mood a little earlier than most.

For more, check out the best Netflix movies to watch right now.

Dark Matter season 2

Available: Apple TV

Where to watch: US/UK

Apple TV's library is filled with sleeper hits – and Dark Matter is no exception. The mind-bending sci-fi series, starring Joel Edgerton, sees a physicist named Jason kidnapped and sent to an alternate world, one where he invented multiverse travel.

Multiverse shenanigans, inevitably, followed – including multiple versions of the same character, and some killer twists along the way. The second season picks up where the first left off, as Jason and his family settle into a new reality.

Of course, it doesn't stay settled for long. Now it's gone past the source material, creator Blake Crouch said it offered up the potential for more narrative freedom.

At SDCC, he told us, "Once we jumped over that initial hurdle, it was totally freeing because we weren't locked into things that the book demanded us to do. So we got to follow our fancy a little bit more and write a few episodes that would never have existed in season 1."

We also have an interview with Dark Matter season 2 producer Matt Tolmach on how the Apple show is handling the multiverse differently from Marvel.

Adults season 2

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus

Growing up now is a lot different to growing up in the sitcom heyday of the '90s. While Friends and Seinfeld are undoubtedly timeless comedies, they never quite scratch the itch of just how suffocating it can be simply existing as a twentysomething in today's world.

So, thank goodness for Adults returning for a second season. With last season's marriage mayhem, there are plenty of new horizons for our gang to tiptoe towards – and sticky situations for them to wriggle their way out of. Charlie Cox is also reprising his role as Mr. Teacher, in case you needed another reason to tune in.

Need some viewing inspiration? Here are the best Disney Plus movies.

The Last Sunrise

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Prime Video

Need a good cry this weekend? The Last Sunrise has got you covered.

The romantic drama follows Ry (Maia Reficco), a student with a chronic illness who finds an escape in a Spanish trip. She soon falls for one of the locals, but her health and – according to the synopsis – long-hidden family secrets could put an end to her sun-kissed dreams.

Here are the best Prime Video shows to watch right now.

Lanterns episode 3

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: HBO Max

Lanterns is piling mysteries on top of mysteries. Already, Hal Jordan has bitten the bullet and lost his Power Ring in the 2026 timeline. Back in Rushville circa 2016, a Manhunter is on the loose – but no one can be quite sure who it is, thanks to their shape-shifting abilities.

The trailer for the third episode has already hinted that this is going to be a John Stewart-centric affair, potentially diving into his origins and how he found himself playing a reluctant second fiddle to Hal. But with the likes of Damon Lindelof as part of the creative team, don't expect a straightforward journey.

We also have a round-up of the best HBO Max shows, should you require it.

Need more? Check out our list of the best movies on Paramount Plus.

The first trailer for Stranger Things: Tales From '85 season 2 has arrived, and things are getting pretty spooky.

In the brief clip, which can be viewed above, Eleven and the gang are warned about a haunting in the woods... and encounter a swarm of Demogorgon-like creatures who seemingly can't be killed... because they might be ghosts.

Per the official logline: "With Valentine's Day on the way, the gang must uncover the truth behind ghostly apparitions and a swarm of strange creatures causing chaos around town."

The voice cast includes Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven, Luca Diaz as Mike, Benjamin Plessala as Will, Braxton Quinney as Dustin, Elisha 'EJ' Williams as Lucas, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max, and Odessa A'zion returning as Nikki (who is so charming as an animated character that it makes me sad we never got to see her in the actual series).

The first season of Tales From '85 takes place between Stranger Things seasons 2 and 3, in the winter after the kiddos attended their school's Snow Ball. After the series debuted at number 7 in the Netflix Global Top 10, the streamer quickly renewed it for a second season.

It's worth noting that the show is considered to be "loose canon" to the flagship live-action show, though it doesn't make too much sense given that the new characters and monsters introduced in the animated spin-off are never mentioned again in the live-action series... so take that with a grain of salt.

Stranger Things: Tales from '85 season 2 is set to hit Netflix on September 17. For more, check out our Stranger Things: Tales From '85 review.

The MCU may have let Mahershala Ali slip through its fingers with vampire hunter Blade, but Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker revealed why he didn't "fumble the bag" with the Oscar-winning actor for his turn as iconic crime boss Cottonmouth.

"I didn’t fumble the bag the first time," Coker wrote on Twitter in response to a fan suggesting Marvel fumbled Ali twice.

Ali played Cornell Stokes, AKA Cottonmouth, in the first season of Luke Cage and instantly became one of the standout characters in a packed roster of Marvel's Netflix TV outings.

Cottonmouth's death in the show may have come as a shock – and opened up a power vacuum at Harlem's Paradise – but came about due to Ali's packed schedule. In a moment of serendipity, Ali departing Luke Cage also allowed him to film Green Book, a film for which he won Best Actor.

"He took the role because it was a limited appearance. He was always going to die in episode 7, by design. He made Luke Cage, Hidden Figures, and Moonlight simultaneously. He was killing it on Luke Cage and Marvel TV and the other actors begged me to change my mind, which would have locked him into a long term contract (and cost him the Green Book Oscar) but I kept my word to him on a handshake. That’s why we’re friends to this day. Always keep your word."

Unlike Luke Cage, Ali's other experience with Marvel is less straightforward.

Ali was attached to Blade, first announced at 2019's San Diego Comic-Con. Multiple directors and writers attempted to get the project off the ground, with Ali first portraying Blade in a voice cameo in 2021's Eternals.

Ultimately, Blade went nowhere. Ali voiced his frustrations in an interview with GQ earlier this month.

"No offense to them. I’ve been doing this professionally for pushing 30 years now, and one thing I've learned is that what is for you is for you and what is not is not. For whatever reason, that project is not for me. If they wanted to do it, we would've done it. So I have to move on, and I have moved on," Ali said.

For more, check out the upcoming Marvel movies currently in the works, as well as all the latest news on Marvel Phase 6.

As revealed at Anime NYC, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 hits Netflix on October 20 – and has a chrome-filled new trailer to whet the appetite before we set foot in Night City once more.

The Edgerunners season 2 teaser, which you can see above, introduces us to all the key players who we'll follow in the latest batch of episodes.

As you may have noticed, these aren't David's crew from the first season of Edgerunners. The Studio Trigger anime – co-produced by CD Projekt Red – is going anthology style, introducing a new band of netrunners and metallic ne'er-do-wells.

The bulk of the trailer revolves around Clancy Brown's Weak Kingsley, who appears to go cyberpsycho in one moment and, in a more tender scene, is protecting Talia (Kimoy Lee), a girl who may or may not be her daughter.

Rounding out the cast is camera-wielding Roman Carax (Valeria Rodriguez) and Snake Nation member D. (Nazeeh Tarsha), who each get mixed up in the blood-and-metal mayhem that the second season of Edgerunners is cooking up.

One moment in particular, that of an Arasaka building being bombed, may conjure up the legendary exploits of V. and Johnny Silverhand from Cyberpunk 2077, as well as the ill-fated David's confrontation with Atom Smasher at the end of the first season. Either way, it seems the corporation is very much still around in the anime.

The first episode was already shown at this year's Anime Expo, with first reactions calling it "very special." The creatives behind the series also compared the upcoming season to a Martin Scorsese film, as if there wasn't reason to be excited about Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 enough.

For more, check out our guide to new anime, as well as the best anime you should be watching in 2026.

If you're looking for the best new shows and movies to stream this weekend, you've come to the right place. It's a relatively quiet week for white-hot new releases, though new episodes of Lanterns and Reacher season 4 are still airing weekly. However, it is a great week for under-the-radar shows and movies that you may have missed earlier in the year finally coming to streaming.

From horror film Passenger, which went largely ignored amid the obsession with Obsession earlier this year, to A24's Mother Mary, which is destined to be the least-seen Anne Hathaway movie of the year despite featuring one of her best performances, now is the perfect time to catch up. There's also a fascinating new Disney doc, with contributions from some of the world's biggest filmmakers, including Kevin Feige and James Cameron.

So read on for our picks of the best new streaming releases to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney Plus and more. And if that wasn't enough, we've also got some guides to the best Apple TV shows and the best Apple TV movies to keep you entertained this summer.

Passenger

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus

This high-concept horror had the bad luck of releasing one week after Obsession, so not many caught it in theaters despite a buzzy trailer scaring the pants off people. So now's the perfect chance to catch up.

Directed by Trollhunter's André Øvredal, it's about a couple who stop at the scene of an accident on the road, only to later realize that they've picked up a demonic hitchhiker. Hate it when that happens!

In the mood for more? Check out our list of the best movies on Paramount Plus.

Mother Mary

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

After The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street, and The Devil Wears Prada 2, the year of Anne Hathaway continues with Mother Mary. The A24 movie is now streaming on HBO Max after a stint in cinemas earlier this year. But given it made a little over $3 million worldwide in theaters, chances are it will fare better on streaming.

More Black Swan than Vox Lux, Hathaway stars as the eponymous musical artist who reunites with her costume designer (Michaela Coel) ahead of a comeback tour, until the movie takes a hard left turn towards the supernatural. Reviews were divisive, but director David Lowery is the kind of filmmaker who's always worth checking out.

Once you've watched Mother Mary, here are the best movies on HBO Max.

Is God Is

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

Don't be fooled by the title; this isn't Angel Studios' latest faith-based movie. Rather, it's a pretty dark Southern Gothic horror-thriller about twin sisters who want revenge against their own father for disfiguring them as children.

Despite the very heavy premise, it's a movie with a streak of pitch-black comedy running through it, so it isn't a total mood-killer. And it has a striking sense of style, marking writer-director Aleshea Harris out as one to watch. Janelle Monáe, Vivica A. Fox and Sterling K. Brown co-star.

Keep movie night going with our list of the best movies on Prime Video.

The Audacity

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This dark comedy series about an increasingly unhinged tech CEO isn't brand new; it premiered on AMC+ in April. But now that it's made the jump to Netflix, it's opened an under-the-radar show up to a much wider audience.

Creator Jonathan Glatzer previously worked on the likes of Succession, Better Call Saul, and Bad Sisters, so top credentials. Billy Magnussen stars, with Zach Galifianakis and Barry's Sarah Goldberg among the impressive supporting cast. And the good news is, it's already been renewed for season 2.

Fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best shows on Netflix.

Disney Worldbuilders

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

This hour-long doc about Disney's theme parks may sound like an elaborate advert to make you hand over more money to the Disney Corporation. But there's a little more to it that makes it worth checking out, even if you wouldn't be caught dead at Disney World.

James Cameron, Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, Pete Docter, and Dave Filoni are among the contributors who discuss, yes, Disney theme parks. But more than that, it's about the creative spark that inspired them to become storytellers, so expect some compelling foundational stories.

Find plenty more to watch with our list of the best movies on Disney Plus.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

From the Sonic movies to Zach Cregger's upcoming Resident Evil film, video game adaptations are taking over Hollywood, with military shooter Gears of War being the latest franchise to be picked up by Netflix. However, producer Kelly McCormick believes that adaptations should contribute to the game's story and lore, rather than retell it.

When we spoke to McCormick about her upcoming festive action flick Violent Night 2, we asked for an update on the Gears of War movie, which is still in very early development. "I can't really talk about Gears of War right now," says McCormick to GamesRadar+. "But I'll leave it at we are very excited about being involved and are making great progress on the script and movement toward making the movie."

The producer added, "I'm really excited, and I think it's a perfect time for it with the game coming out," referring to the upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day.

Although McCormick couldn't spill any details, the producer did give us an insight into how she approaches adaptations like Gears of War. "I think it's a really special IP. People spend a lot of time in their games and love their games. [But] there's more to give than what they're doing in their games," adds the Atomic Blonde producer. "There's more story to tell. And I think, to me, the games that we really respond to are games that have started a story but haven't finished one, or a game that has so much to give story-wise."

McCormick says that the goal is for games and on-screen projects to "communicate between each other," so fans can "play the game," then "see the movie," and so on. "The movie contributes to the next game, and the game contributes to the next movie. And they have a bit of an ecosystem where you can experience both of them and feel more connected to the game, but also feel more connected to the movie."

In June, it was revealed that the Gears of War film, directed by The Fall Guy helmer and McCormick's husband David Leitch, will act as a Delta Squad origin story. The description shared by Entertainment Weekly reads, "a ragtag crew of soldiers who wage a desperate war for survival against the Locust, a race of subterranean creatures set on destroying humanity." Now, that sounds pretty much in line with the new game.

Set 14 years before the first Gears of War game, Gears of War: E-Day follows a young Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago during the first Locust Horde attack. From McCormick's comments and the timing of the adaptation, it would make sense for the movie to serve as an extension of the game. Developed by The Coalition, Gears of War: E-Day launches on October 6, 2026.

The Gears of War movie does not yet have a release date. For more, keep up with video game release dates and upcoming video game movies on the way.

As we hit the midway point of August, there is still so much to enjoy on streaming. One of our most-anticipated shows of the year finally arrives this week, as Lanterns begins on HBO Max. The DCU show has a lot of buzz around it, and we can't wait to see the introduction of the classic comic book characters in James Gunn's universe.

That's not the only big show premiering this week either, with the hugely anticipated return of Reacher hitting Prime Video and the epic conclusion to X-Men '97. In terms of movies, there's plenty to pick from, with one of the best horrors of recent years arriving on Netflix as well as a special director's cut of The X-Files: I Want to Believe available too.

We're truly spoiled for choice with our picks of what to watch this weekend. Thankfully, our guide is here to help you navigate your streaming options and how to find them. Read on for our complete breakdown of the 5 best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and more. And if that wasn't enough, we've also got some guides to the best Apple TV shows and the best Apple TV movies to keep you entertained this summer.

Lanterns

Available: US/UK
Where to Watch: HBO Max

After the mixed success of Supergirl, Lanterns is DC's newest shining hope as it hits HBO Max this weekend. Sitting in the prestigious Sunday night slot, the new weekly show follows the notorious intergalactic peacekeepers. Experienced Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) teams up with new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) to investigate a murder in Rushville, Nebraska.

Billed as a True Detective-style superhero story, the series is the next major project in the DCU. We've already met one Lantern in Guy Gardner, but the tone of this one will be much darker and more grounded. This is especially true given the talent behind the camera: Lost's Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King. It's well worth a watch when it begins on August 16, whether you're a comic book fan or not.

For more, check out our round-up of the best shows on HBO Max to watch now.

Reacher season 4

Available: US/UK
Where to Watch: Prime Video

The big man is back. Reacher season 4 has started on Prime Video with new episodes of the action thriller dropping weekly. Alan Ritchson is back as Jack Reacher, punching his way through a new mission. This time he gets embroiled in a CIA conspiracy after witnessing a young woman take her own life on the subway. Neagely is out of the picture ahead of her spin-off show, but a new local detective (played by Sydelle Noel) proves to be a standout in the eight-part show.

Our own Reacher season 4 review admits that while it's not the "strongest installment" of the show, the fight scenes continue to "pack a punch". The future of the Reacher universe is set too, with a season 5 already in the works, meaning we'll be seeing plenty more of Ritchson's imposing former military police officer soon. While you're here, check out our Reacher season 4 set visit report too for everything we learned about the TV show.

Check out our guide to the best Amazon Prime shows for more essential viewing.

X-Men '97 season 2 finale

Available: US/UK
Where to Watch: Disney Plus

It's all led to this. X-Men '97 season 2 has finally come to an end with an explosive finale. The final episode of the beloved animated series features some major cameos, heartbreaking losses, and big surprises. Entitled 'Survival of the Fittest', episode nine focuses on Rogue as she races against time to try and save Gambit.

While the MCU's TV shows have had some mixed quality in the last few years, X-Men '97 has proved to be a standout. Great writing, solid character choices, and a lot of fun, the series should be a blueprint for tackling mutants in Marvel in live-action too. Once you've seen the final episode, check out our breakdown of the X-Men '97 season 2 post-credits scene and the X-Men '97 season 2 ending explained for what it all means for season 3.

Our list of the best Disney Plus shows is stacked with quality entertainment.

Immaculate

Available: US
Where to watch: Netflix

Sydney Sweeney's twisty horror Immaculate is now streaming on Netflix and is the perfect choice if you're after something gripping this weekend. It stars Sweeney as an American nun who begins a new life at a remote convent in the Italian countryside. However, strange things soon start to happen and she finds herself inexplicably pregnant.

Is it an immaculate conception or is something horrifying happening at this seemingly beautiful religious sanctuary? Alongside Sweeney, Money Heist's Álvaro Morte also stars as a charming priest in Michael Mohan's 90-minute thriller. It first came out in 2024 but is now streaming for subscribers on Netflix.

See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Netflix.

The X-Files: I Want to Believe Vrach Frankenshteyn

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney+/Hulu

As well as The X-Files: I Want to Believe arriving on Disney Plus this week, the streamer has also dropped a director's cut of the 2008 movie. Never seen before, this is an R-rated version from Chris Carter, which restores some of the horror elements removed from the original film.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in the movie, which takes place years after they stepped away from the FBI. They're drawn back in when a federal agent disappears without a trace, leading them into a mystery featuring a former priest and an unforgiving winter landscape. A must-watch ahead of the announced Ryan Coogler reboot.

Here's our round-up of the best movies on Disney Plus.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

Jenna Ortega has broken her silence on Wednesday season 3, teasing that a coming-of-age story is in store for students still at Nevermore.

The second season of Wednesday ended with a litany of cliffhangers and unresolved story threads, not least of which involved the introduction of Aunt Ophelia into the Addams Family mix. On top of that, Enid transformed into an alpha werewolf, and Tyler joined a pack of Hyders.

It seems everyone has something personal to contend with. So it's little surprise, then, that Ortega is at pains to point out in an interview with Esquire how Wednesday season 3 will deal with supernatural teenagers being on the "precipice of adulthood."

"This season, especially because the kids are seniors in high school now, we’re dealing with more confrontational feelings regarding family and what it means to be an adult and what you see for your life," Ortega teased. "It’s not really until you get to the precipice of adulthood that you start to realize, Oh, God, well, maybe I’ve got to have a plan."

Amid the turmoil of most of Nevermore's major players, Wednesday season 3 will be adding a handful of newcomers into the fray.

Eva Green will portray the aforementioned Ophelia, while Winona Ryder switches the Upside Down for Jericho as Tabitha. Game of Thrones actor Lena Headey will also guest star.

No word yet on when Wednesday season 3 will land on Netflix, but you can see Jenna Ortega next in Taika Waititi's Klara and the Sun.

For more, check out our lists of the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies.

Hideo Kojima is back with another movie review, and this time it's a rather positive take on an otherwise panned release.

"I watched 'The Last House,'" Kojima tweeted. "Isolation? Loneliness? There were parts that felt a little like Death Stranding."

The Last House, directed by Louis Leterrier (Now You See Me, Fast X) and written by Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying), follows a family trapped in their home as a mysterious disaster affects the entire world, forcing them to learn how to survive. The cast includes Greta Lee, Wagner Moura, Arden Cho, and Noah Alexander Sosnowski. The film has a 27% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a 28% audience score. Some critics have called the story itself "half-baked," with others saying that there isn't enough time spent on fleshing out the family to actually have an emotional stake as a viewer.

Kojima's Death Stranding, released in 2019, takes place in an apocalyptic America and sees the player control a courier who must deliver supplies to remote colonies known as Knot Cities - which make up what is known as the United Cities of America - and reconnect them via a wireless communications network. It's bleak and desolate (and filled with freaky creatures), so I do get the comparison. There's also a Death Stranding movie in the works from A Quiet Place Part 2 director Michael Sarnoski.

The Last House is streaming now on Netflix. The live-action Death Stranding movie is currently undated. For more, check out our guide to the best movies on Netflix.

First it was a green light and then, suddenly, a red light: David Fincher's English-language Squid Game show is already dead at Netflix.

As per The Playlist, sources close to the streamer say the Squid Game project – whether it was a remake or a continuation of the lore of the series is unclear – won't be going ahead. Instead, there are loose plans for more regional spin-offs for different countries.

All this comes after the Squid Game season 3 ending appeared to set up an America-set spin-off.

There, Lee Byung-hun's Front Man traveled to America to give Gi-hun's winnings to his daughter. While in a car, he sees a recruiter (played by Cate Blanchett) playing ddakji with a prospective player – a stark warning to viewers that the games still exist worldwide, continuing to take advantage of a desperate and needy population in various cities around the globe.

As recently as last November, Squid Game: America was listed with a 2026 filming start date.

Of course, things have changed. Fincher is now directing Once Upon a Time in Hollywood sequel The Adventures of Cliff Booth, starring Brad Pitt, at Netflix.

Netflix is keeping the Squid Game flag flying with its ongoing reality show, Squid Game: The Challenge.

There's plenty of attention on the streaming service later this month, too, thanks to the premiere of the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look on August 27. For more on that, check out our guide on how to watch the GTA 6 extended look.

Then, fill out your watchlist with our curated list of the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies.

The Netflix Extended look debuted on August 27, with it first airing on the streaming service before dropping on YouTube.

After a long wait to see some kind of GTA 6 trailer 3, the GTA 6 extended look more than delivered. With around 26 minutes of gameplay, a host of new features and mechanics were shown off. And with a stellar GTA 6 soundtrack and some great songs to back up all the footage, it was one to remember.

Rockstar originally announced the latest big reveal of the new game earlier this month with the surprise collaboration with Netflix. In the lead up to its debut, alleged leaks started to surface, too, with more seemingly popping up just days out from the extended look, which prompted Rockstar to officially address them in a post on social media. If you've yet to see the GTA 6 extended look, or you want to rewatch it, you can do so below. Or, for a recap of some of the highlights, our pick of the 8 biggest gameplay changes and new mechanics is here for you.

GTA 6 trailer 3 release date

The GTA 6 extended look officially released in the form of a gameplay deep dive on August 27, 2026.

If you want a recap of the previous reveals, our GTA 6 trailer and GTA 6 trailer 2 breakdowns are here for you.

How to watch the Netflix GTA 6 extended look

The Netflix GTA 6 extended debuted on August 27 at 3pm ET / 12pm PT / 8pm BST. If you have a subscription to the streaming service, you can still watch it on there now.

Rockstar announced the "first-of-its-kind partnership with Netflix" at the start of August, which gave subscribers of the streaming service the opportunity to see the GTA 6 extended look first.

"The anticipation and fandom around Grand Theft Auto 6 is unprecedented," Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction at Netflix, said at Tudum. "[W]e're honored that Rockstar Games has partnered with us to debut the next part of the Grand Theft Auto story with Netflix members first".

Just prior to its release, Netflix updated the listing to confirm it's 26 minute runtime, with gameplay captured on PS5.

How to watch the GTA 6 extended look on YouTube

Following the GTA 6 reveal on Netflix, it later landed on Rockstar Games' official YouTube channel on August 27 at 9pm ET / 6pm PT / 2am BST (August 28. You can watch it for yourself above.

While you wait for more GTA 6, look back on the series with our ranking of the best GTA games.

Looking for the best new shows and movies to stream this weekend? Then you've come to the right place. From season finales to brand new movies and everything in between, the options on offer this week run the full gamut of what streaming does best.

Highlights this week include new Netflix thriller The Last House, which is guaranteed to keep you hooked, the long-awaited House of the Dragon season 3 finale, and the return of Ted Lasso a few years after the divisive third season. There's even a new Star Wars show to get obsessed with.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day may be dominating in theaters, but don't overlook the best streaming services this weekend, as there's plenty to get stuck into. So read on for our streaming picks of the week, and where to find them.

House of the Dragon season 3 finale

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max (US), HBO Max and NOW (UK)

The House of the Dragon season 3 finale is almost here, and it's about to go down in Tumbleton. The Game of Thrones spin-off has had its ups and downs this season, but it certainly hasn't skimped on the bloodshed. With around a dozen major deaths still to come before the end of the show, don't be surprised if some major players are taken out of the game this week.

With just one more season to go, the Dance of the Dragons is almost over. The good news is, Game of Thrones is going nowhere. Be sure to check out our list of upcoming Game of Thrones movies and TV shows heading your way, including A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2.

For more, check out our list of the best HBO Max TV shows.

X-Men '97 season 2 episode 8

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

The penultimate episode of X-Men '97 season 2 released earlier this week, making this the perfect time to catch up on the animated revival's second season ahead of next Wednesday's season 2 finale. Let's just say, it's another weapons-grade tearjerker…

If you're up to speed, you'll know this season's apocalyptic threat has now taken a surprising new form, as the X-Men, X-Force and X-Factor unite in the face of a seemingly insurmountable foe. Of course, it's a great time to be an X-Men fan, with a certain major mutant introduced in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

While we wait for the final episode, fill out your watchlist with the 30 best shows on Disney Plus.

The Last House

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This post-COVID horror-thriller imagines a world where apocalyptic rain falls and everyone finds they are locked in their homes. Brrr, imagine that? Wagner Moura and Greta Lee star as parents who have to keep their family alive by rationing, growing crops in their living room and chimney fishing (it'll make sense when you see it).

Directed by Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, Fast X), it's a movie in the M. Night Shyamalan mould, with the question of who – or what – is keeping everyone stuck indoors bound to leave you guessing till the truth is revealed. A word of warning: if you're sensitive to animal violence, you might want to avoid this one.

Looking for more? Here are the best movies on Netflix.

Ted Lasso season 4

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Whether it's because everyone hated the season 3 finale, who can say, but moustachioed underdog soccer coach Ted Lasso has returned to his old haunting grounds of AFC Richmond for a fourth season, only this time he's coaching the women's team.

Much of the main cast is back, including Jason Sudeikis as Ted and Brett Goldstein as fan-favorite grump Roy Kent. The less said about Beard, the better. But in going back to basics, season 4 manages to recapture some of the magic of the very first season, which is no bad thing.

Did Ted Lasso make the cut in our list of the best Apple TV shows? Click through to find out.

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus

A series-length spin-off of a non-canon animated anthology series is about as niche a prospect as Star Wars can offer, but this anime twist on a galaxy far, far away is well worth checking out. Set in the far future, where Jedi are a thing of the past, it imagines how a dream to resurrect the Jedi and restore order to the galaxy might come to pass.

Star Wars has always been rooted in Japanese culture – Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress was a major influence on George Lucas, after all – so a mash-up of Star Wars and anime makes for a perfect combination. Both original Visions Ninth Jedi episodes are currently streaming for free on the Star Wars YouTube channel, if you want a taste of what to expect.

Caught the anime bug? Here's our list of the best Crunchyroll anime.

The Shards

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus

Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by controversial American Psycho writer Bret Easton Ellis and brought to the screen by prolific titan of TV Ryan Murphy, The Shards is a garish mix of prep school politics and teen slasher.

Set in 1981 LA, it orbits Buckley prep school, where the life of 17-year-old Bret is turned upside down by the arrival of new student, Robert. Not least because his arrival coincides with serial killer The Trawler striking around town. Two episodes are available to watch now.

After you've watched The Shards, check out our list of the best shows on Hulu.

If nothing on our list seems right for you, have a read of our guides to the best Prime Video shows, and the best Apple TV movies you can watch right now.

Do exclusives still matter? It's a question Xbox and PlayStation have been asking themselves almost this entire generation, but Netflix thinks it's a pretty definitive yes. In fact, the streamer is so sure about its answer that it's paid to lock down an extended look at GTA 6, streaming exclusively on Netflix for… six hours?

As announced earlier today, Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look debuts for Netflix subscribers on August 27 at 3pm ET (or 12pm PT, 8PM BST), before it goes live on Rockstar Games' YouTube channel and website six hours later. Perhaps the shortest timed exclusivity window in all of gaming.

It's an unconventional move, for sure, and fans are just as bewildered by GTA 6's patchy marketing.

"I know this community can be extreme sometimes, but this has to be the weirdest marketing I've ever seen for a videogame," one Redditor who probably doesn't remember the Xbox 360 MTV campaign writes. "A trailer for a trailer? A Netflix exclusive first? WTF is going on."

Another fan notes that maybe Rockstar Games has finally become the capitalist beast it's been satirizing for decades (others would argue that's been the case for years already): "Kinda feel like the whole idea of GTA games constantly criticizing capitalist America starts to show within Rockstar itself... A Netflix special for that? I feel like I’m in a GTA game."

"So this is a bad portent for what's to come with them monetizing the sh** out of every aspect of this game going forward. They found a way to paywall a f****** trailer," says a third. Rockstar already caught some flak for locking certain in-game shops and features behind GTA 6's $100 Ultimate Edition, so the Netflix exclusivity isn't leaving folks more hopeful about the game's monetization.

It's a sentiment echoed across social media forums, too. "Rockstar and T2 will make a buck anyway they possibly can. Can't wait to see what the new online will look like," one fan ponders.

Another GTA 6 delay "would not" shock a former GTA 5 dev who says it wouldn't "hurt" Rockstar at all

Netflix's upcoming The One Piece remake has the huge task of condensing the events of the original anime series' first 30 episodes into just seven episodes, but the director says it was originally supposed to be even shorter.

"The series has a runtime of 300 minutes. It was originally planned to be shorter than that, but I had so many things I loved and wanted to include," said The One Piece director Masashi Koizuka to Den of Geek. "The runtime just kept getting longer and longer."

That is surprising, as the new show already has the momentous task of condensing the first 50 chapters of Eiichiro Oda's original One Piece manga into its first season. The One Piece will take us back to where it began, when Monkey D Luffy first created the Straw Hat Pirate crew. The new show is expected to cover half of the East Blue Saga.

However, the goal is to do something different with the material, and retell the beloved story in a way that is also more accessible for new fans. If you haven't already seen One Piece, it can be intimidating to get started with the anime franchise, after 22 seasons and over 1000 episodes. That's not counting the multiple One Piece movies, too.

"We want you to experience a new One Piece from the very beginning, all over again," said Koizuka. George Wada, co-founder and president of WIT Studio best known for the Attack on Titan series, added, "What’s a greater challenge than reinventing ONE PIECE for a whole new generation of fans?"

However, One Piece fans will get something out of the new series too, as Koizuka recalls advice he got from One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda. According to Koizuka, Oda told The One Piece staff, "I want you all to express, rather than copy and paste the work… it's creating your interpretation and expression instead of recreating a panel from the manga."

Unlike the original manga's staggered releases, Netflix will be dropping all seven episodes at once in February 2027. For more, check out our guide on how to watch One Piece in order, and keep up with new anime on the way.

In the event that you haven’t been caught up in the heroic hubbub of a certain avenging arachnid’s return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day this week, then don’t worry. Contrary to what the internet might tell you, there are other things to watch and some of them from the comfort of your own home.

Yes, as is GamesRadar+’s weekly duty, we’ve piled together a nice batch of entertainment to keep you busy and, more importantly, entertained. We guarantee there’s something for everyone, whether you feel a spider tingle or not.

We’ve honestly got it all this week. Wince-inducing, star-studded dramedies? We’ve got just the thing with The Drama, which has made its way to HBO Max in a wonderfully cringeworthy manner. Then there’s the eye-watering animation in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which has popped up from a pipe and landed on Peacock. Then we’ve got the return of the Dark Knight in a very cool and ridiculously talented fashion with Batman: Caped Crusader, which is descending on Prime Video. Take that, Spider-Man.

The Drama

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

She might be having her day saved in the new Spider-Man movie, but Zendaya is wrecking one of her own making opposite Robert Pattinson in The Drama. Directed and written by Kristoffer Borgli, the film follows the very happy couple Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson), whose wedding prep takes a nosedive when a pretty shocking bit of history comes back to haunt this impending union.

A great team-up for the future stars of Dune: Messiah, Pattinson and Zendaya are in incredible form in a story that reveals a darkly hilarious side of marriage. Also, if you’ve made it this far without knowing their secret, we’d advise not to search for it. Watching it all unfold in real time really is the most painfully rewarding thing about it all, and what’s worse, it’ll spark an obvious conversation — what would you do in this situation? Give this a watch and see if it’s anything like your answer. We won’t judge.

Check out our guide to the best HBO Max movies for more essential viewing.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney+

For decades, the world has watched and waited to sit through another cinematic grilling from Miranda Priestley. Now, The Devil Wears Prada 2 finally arrived this year, and it’s catwalked over to Disney+ for you to enjoy. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the world of fashion journalism in the second chapter directed by David Frankel.

Perhaps the biggest surprise about this legacyquel is that underneath the camera flashes and overly expensive outfits, the film carries a strong and scary statement about the future of journalism. Getting the Runway team back together is all well and good, but what’s scary is how times have changed and the movie isn’t afraid to show it. Come for the laughs and the fashion icons, stay for the eye-opening decline of journalism as a whole. You’ll enjoy it, we promise.

Take a look at the 30 best movies on Disney Plus to watch right now

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Available: US
Where to watch: Peacock

The sequel to the most successful video game adaptation of all time has now arrived on Peacock in all its candy-colored, mushroom-molded splendor, and all we can do is warn you the kids might have this on loop for the next few weeks. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie reunites us with the heroic pair of plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), who this time have to take to the stars when Bowser Junior (Benny Safdie) appears to retrieve his imprisoned dad, Bowser (Jack Black).

Marking the debut of Yoshi (Donald Glover) and transforming fan-favorite levels into stunning landscapes, this is a treasure trove for any video game lover and one worth pressing start on if you’ve ever eaten a mushroom and increased in size, or thrown a fireball at a turtle.

Check out our list of the best video game movies here.

Batman: Caped Crusader season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

After the impeccable and imaginative introduction to a different kind of Dark Knight, season 2 of Batman: Caped Crusader meets precisely the same standard as the original, with some genius character alterations to boot. Bruce Timm is on as showrunner once again, bringing Batman back to the crime-riddled streets of Gotham City with heavy crime-noir themes, and the storytelling feels just as strong as when Kevin Conroy voiced the hero. Hamish Linklater is back in the booth, bringing a different Bat to life, who is facing down more of DC’s legendary villains who are giving some brilliant alterations.

From a ruthless Riddler who doesn’t have a clue to a Joker that isn’t in the laughing mood, this version of Batman stands on its own and wonderfully so. In fact, some of the best episodes of this season are when Bruce Wayne’s vigilante is barely present, with the show instead shining a light on some of Gotham’s more overlooked characters. Give this a watch immediately and see how good your Batman voice is by the end of it all when it arrives on Prime Video on July 31.

Lioness season 3

Taylor Sheridan’s streaming supremacy continues this week with the return of his hard-edged and pulse-pounding military drama series, Lioness. Continuing to feel like Sicario: The Series, and is solid proof as to why Sheridan was the right choice to pen the Call of Duty movie. The new season sees Zoe Saldaña back in action as leader of the Lioness pack, Joe McNamara, once again getting close to the enemy and perhaps going too far this time around. With danger at her door, and operations going sideways on a regular basis, tensions are mounting higher than ever, all while Nicole Kidman’s CIA supervisor Kaitlyn Meade and Morgan Freeman’s Edwin Mullins send orders from the top.

Honestly, it looks like a preview of the highly anticipated video game adaptation, and the third season of Lioness doesn’t look to be holding back, packing an immense punch. Who will save the day? Who will survive? How many times will Joe complain to someone for getting up in her face? We’ll have to find out when the show arrives on August 2.

The Bombing of Pan AM 103

The big red N has another star-studded drama to add to your watchlist this week in the form of The Bombing of Pan AM 103. Created by showrunner and writer Jonathan Lee, the show chronicles the worst terrorist attack on Great Britain, which saw the explosion of Flight 103 in 1988. Sex Education’s Connor Swindells plays Scottish Detective Sergeant McCusker, aided by FBI Special Agent Dick Marquise, played by Suits star Patrick J. Adams. Primetime Emmy winner Merritt Wever also stars as Kathryn Turman, a special assistant to a Pennsylvania senator who helps those impacted by this tragedy.

Initially released in 2025 on BBC One, The Bombing of Pan AM 103 is a heartfelt and often harrowing watch. It’s also essential viewing, and with only six episodes, it makes a perfect choice for a weekend binge.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

With her starmaking days as Max in Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things behind her, Sadie Sink is forging a new path as part of the MCU in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

There have been plenty of early whispers that she is playing a character with ties to the X-Men, including Rachel Summers and Jean Grey. It's the latter that has garnered most buzz, and has led to one Marvel fan spotting an astonishing connection between Max and Jean Grey.

As you can see below, the red track jacket that Max first wore in Stranger Things season 2 bears a striking, uncanny resemblance to the outfit worn by Jean Grey during her comic origin story, as depicted in 2008's X-Men Origins: Jean Grey.

Just a coincidence? Almost certainly. Still, the mystery of exactly who Sadie Sink is playing in the fourth MCU Spider-Man movie isn't dying down. That's only been further intensified by a spoiler snafu at the Brand New Day world premiere – one which may have ruined her character's identity (click through at your own risk).

No matter who Sink is playing, fans can rest easy knowing that they're in for, potentially, one of the best Spider-Man movies of all time. Early Brand New Day reactions describe it as a "mini Avengers film" with Sink herself being described as "perfect."

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Bernthal, swings into cinemas on July 29 in the UK and July 31 in the US.

For more, check out the movies and shows you need to watch before Spider-Man: Brand New Day, plus the other upcoming Marvel movies currently in the works. Then, thwip on over to our own Spider-Man: Brand New Day review.

As we head closer to the end of July, plenty more movies and shows are being added to your favorite streaming services. However, it can be a bit of an intimidating task working out what's new and what's worth watching. That's where we come in. We've trawled all the new releases to bring you a list of the best things to watch this weekend.

In our list below, we'll take you through six new movies and shows that will keep you hooked, covering every genre from action to comedy. Starting off strong, two recent movie releases are heading to streaming, just a few months after they arrived in theaters. Masters of the Universe, the new He-Man movie, is heading to Prime Video. Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 2 is arriving on HBO Max, lining you up for a fantasy franchise heavy weekend of viewing. Elsewhere, Apple TV have released The Dink, a new sports comedy.

If you're looking for a series to binge instead then Paramount Plus has released a new season of crime thriller The Crow Girl that has been landing rave reviews. Netflix also has a second season of its beloved Western Ransom Canyon to enjoy. Finally, MCU star Tom Hiddleston is also fronting a new show for Disney Plus all about the history of Pompeii.

Read on for our complete guide to the best new shows and movies streaming this week.

The Dink

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV+

A tennis comedy from the creators of Dodgeball? Sign us up. Apple TV has a new movie starring New Girl star Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis player. Forced to try and save his dad's local club, he ends up having to learn the sport of pickleball, much to his consternation.

The movie also stars Ben Stiller (who is on board as a producer), Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, and Chloe Fineman. The comedy chops don't stop there as the movie boasts Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum behind the camera too. Full of heart and laughs, The Dink is perfect escapism and is available to stream now.

See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Apple TV Plus.

Mortal Kombat 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

It doesn't feel like long ago that Mortal Kombat 2 was out in theaters but it's already heading to HBO Max. The sequel to the much-maligned first Mortal Kombat movie won over critics with its fresh take on the story. This time around, new characters joined (including Karl Urban's Johnny Cage and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana) as we finally headed to the arena for some real fights.

Our Mortal Kombat 2 review gave it 3 stars, praising its bloodthirsty action. As our reviewer writes, "Karl Urban adds irreverent energy as a post-Deadpool Johnny Cage, while the all-important fights mostly deliver the goods." You can stream it on HBO Max now.

Check out our guide to the best HBO Max movies for more essential viewing.

Masters of the Universe

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

Another new release is hitting streaming platforms this week too as Masters of the Universe arrives on Prime Video. Starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, the movie follows him as he returns to his home planet to take on his destiny as He-Man. However, he'll first have to fight the evil forces of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto.

Masters of the Universe is a ton of fun if you're looking for laughs and escapism this weekend. Galitzine really gives his all as the beloved hero and Leto brings an unexpected energy to legendary villain Skeletor. If that wasn't enough to convince you, our Masters of the Universe review praised how it "never takes itself seriously" and feels true to its source material. You can stream it now on Prime Video.

Our list of the best Prime Video movies is stacked with quality entertainment.

Ransom Canyon season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Netflix's Western romance Ransom Canyon is back with new episodes this weekend. Following Staten (played by Josh Duhamel) and Quinn (Minka Kelly), the drama picks up with the pair chasing new ventures to try and bring some life back to Ransom Canyon's dwindling ranches.

The second outing has slightly fewer episodes but all eight are available to stream now. The first season had a mixed response from critics who compared it to the juggernaut Western Yellowstone, but it has developed a cult following of fans who adore the romance and the drama it brings to the screen. If you're looking for a perfect excuse to get lost in a diverting story, then look no further.

See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Netflix.

Pompeii: Out of Time

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

It's always a treat to see Tom Hiddleston back on our screens. Fresh of the Loki star having a brief cameo in the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, he's fronting a new Disney Plus history series. Called Pompeii: Out of Time, the three part show sees Hiddleston team up with scholars to dissect what really happened during the eruption of Vesuvius.

Reviews have been very positive, praising the documentary filmmaking as thrilling and witty. The Guardian even called it "a low-key tearjerker" as it takes viewers through the heroism of ordinary people on that fateful day. You can stream all episodes now.

Here's our round-up of the best shows on Disney Plus.

The Crow Girl season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus

Based on the book series by Erik Axl Sund, the Paramount Plus drama The Crow Girl is back for a second season. Starring Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly as DCI Jeanette Kilburn and Dr Sophia Craven, the second outing follows the pair as they're drawn into another investigation.

Reviews have been praising this dark serial killer drama, which is perfect for fans of noir thrillers. Myles and Kelly are also fantastic as the central duo who's relationship evolves in unexpected ways. The entire season is available to stream now, perfect for a weekend binge.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

If you have tuned into Netflix at any point this year, there's a good chance you may have watched content created with AI, as the streamer has admitted to using Gen AI on roughly 300 movies and shows this year alone.

On Thursday, July 16, Netflix updated its shareholders on the company's performance. In the shareholder letter, which has since been obtained by Kotaku, the streamer admitted to using AI tools in the production of many projects from the concept stage, right through to filming and editing, in order to cut costs and produce content more quickly.

"We are increasingly leveraging these tools to deliver higher quality output more quickly and at a lower cost than traditional methods," reads the letter, "In some cases, productions would have had to leave out key shots and sequences in the absence of GenAI technology." Netflix said that, for now, AI is mostly used in post-production and has been implemented "in roughly 300 of our titles" in 2026 alone.

The streamer failed to list all of the projects made using AI, but did mention a couple of titles, including Glory, The American Experiment, and Brasil 70: A Saga do Tri. Executive-produced by Tom Hanks and directed by Brian Knappenberger, The American Experiment is a five-part docuseries that explores the founding of the US and American democracy. However, Netflix says the team used GenAI on the show to enhance "crowds, historical battle sequences, and world-building establishing shots."

Netflix states that without AI, "productions would have had to leave out key shots and sequences," which makes us wonder if the site's AI use really just comes down to budget. Aside from using it in shows and movies, Netflix also applies AI to the site itself to "improve title discovery" via search and the homepage, and "better understand member preferences," so the app can recommend content tailored to users.

For more, check out our guides to the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix shows.

Delicious in Dungeon season 2 finally has a release window, which means 2027 is shaping up to be a big year for new anime.

Netflix shared a new poster for Delicious in Dungeon season 2, adding that we can expect it to hit the streamer in October 2027. You can check out the poster below.

Blue Eye Samurai season 2, another Netflix anime original, also has a 2027 release window, with Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season 3 to follow suit on Crunchyroll. Chainsaw Man season 2, Jujutsu Kaisen season 4, and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle are all also expected to arrive in 2027... making it a pretty stacked year.

Delicious in Dungeon debuted in 2024, with a second season officially announced in June, shortly after the season 1 finale aired. A trailer was also released in 2024, with an initially speculated release date of 2026. There hasn't been much by way of news until now, with Studio Trigger initially announcing the release window at Anime Expo.

The first season centered on the hunt for Falin (voiced by Saori Hayami and Lisa Reimold), the sister of adventurer Laios (Kentarô Kumagai and Damien Haas), who was eaten by a red dragon during a dungeon raid gone wrong. The second season does not yet have an official synopsis, though we can expect it to adapt the Dwarf City Ruins arc from chapter 56 of the manga.

While we wait, check out our complete guide to 2026's remaining new anime, as well as our essential best anime movies selection.

Get ready to have your heart ripped out all over again in Night City.

Speaking at the show's Anime Expo 2026 panel, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 writer Bartosz Sztybor was quoted by multiple attendees – and Japanese outlet Famitsu – as describing the first season as like a Michael Bay movie, with the second season more resembling a Martin Scorsese movie.

Sztybor also warned fans not to get "too emotionally attached" to characters. Given how the first season judiciously bumped off some of our favorite characters – including hero David and most of the crew he ran around with – that doesn't bode well for the four new faces we'll be spending time with as part of the second season.

Already, there appears to be drama afoot with cyberpunk legend Weak Kingsley as a leak suggested he may have family ties with pink-haired Maelstrom member Talia. We don't anticipate nomad D. or the camera-wielding Roman to have an easy time of it, either.

Scorsese, of course, is best known for sweeping, epic gangster dramas, with the director never too squeamish about shockingly killing off major characters at a whim. The Departed and Goodfellas are just two examples of the auteur's penchant for letting blood run freely on the big screen.

First Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 reactions have unanimously praised the Netflix anime's opening episode, with CD Projekt Red producers also praising fans for not leaking footage from the Anime Expo panel.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners hits Netflix this fall. For more, check out our picks for the best anime on Netflix.

Good news: Netflix has announced full release plans for the next two 'Stages' of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Steel Ball Run. The bad news? They almost perfectly line up with a leak that suggests the cross-country saga won't come to a close until 2028.

As confirmed by the streamer, 'JoJo Friday' will return as Steel Ball Run gallops into sight with weekly episodes from September 25.

Unfortunately, those hoping for a full run of 20-plus episodes in typical JoJo's fashion will be disappointed.

As part of the 2nd and 3rd Stages of Steel Ball Run (each Stage is a leg in Johnny Joestar's mammoth horse race across America), there will be 11 episodes from September through until December.

Sadly, this lines up perfectly with a previous leak we hoped wasn't going to be true. A Redditor by the name of crossleboss took to the platform six months ago to detail a – fittingly – bizarre release schedule.

In it, there would be one initial episode in March (which was true, and caused much consternation among the rabid fanbase) followed by 11 from September. So far, so accurate.

From there, we could apparently be getting a further 12 episodes next June, 10 episodes in October 2027, and the final nine episodes in May 2028. And we thought the wait for Attack on Titan's never-ending Final Season was bad.

Need something else to watch in the meantime? We have a complete guide to 2026's remaining new anime, as well as our essential best anime movies selection. If you're still playing catch up, here's our guide on how to watch JoJo's in order.

The first Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 reactions are in as its creators and producers thank fans for not leaking the first episode.

Attendees of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2's panel at this year's Anime Expo were among the first in the world to watch the opening episode of the new Netflix series.

They responded to the opportunity with a wave of wildly positive responses, as well as protecting the secrets that lie within the animated return to Night City.

"I watched the first episode of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. It perfectly blends classic Night City vibes with exciting new characters," one wrote on Twitter. Exactly what I hoped for from [writer Bartosz Sztybor] and Studio Trigger. Top-tier animation, production, and voice acting. Looking Preem as Hell, Chooms."

Another attendee remarked, "Episode one of Edgerunners 2 is an incredible and beautiful start to season 2, I can’t wait for the rest to come out."

Perhaps most excitingly, one Twitter user gushed, "This is gonna be an all timer, it resonates in my bones." Another said it was, simply, "pretty special."

Media outlets who were in the crowd also reacted favorably to what they saw.

Polygon's Ryan Epps kickstarted the groundswell of great feeling surrounding the Studio Trigger follow-up, writing, "Packed with incredible colors, gorgeous framing, and punchy sound design, Edgerunners 2 is a fresh take on a beloved world. It immediately feels like a Ghost in the Shell-meets-Trigun experience, offering this gritty, grounded study of Night City through realistic action and character drama."

Gizmodo's Isaiah Colbert intrigues by stating, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is "both a sequel that expands itself outward, weaving a bigger, bolder, ambitious tale, while also feeling viscerally intimate and small-scale."

In a rare moment of pop culture confidentiality, not a single second of footage is seemingly available online from the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 premiere. While some descriptions are out there – if you know where to look – those who want to go in fresh can rest easy in knowing Anime Expo 2026 was a leak-free zone.

"We really appreciate everyone’s understanding and for helping us keep the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 episode one screening at Anime Expo spoiler-free by not recording any footage," CD Projekt Red's global PR director Radek Grabowski tweeted.

CD Projekt Red's associate country director for Japan Satoru Homma added, "Thank you so much for keeping your promise properly."

For those chooms late to the party, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 is a standalone story following four new protagonists: veteran edgerunner Weak Kingsley, seeming cinephile Roman, Maelstrom member Talia, and nomad D.

As per the official synopsis, 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 pulls you back into Night City, where lives become entangled to the extreme. Weak, a washed-up cyberpunk legend, is now forced to live without chrome as he searches for a sense of purpose in a world that’s passed him by. Meanwhile, the deadly nomad D sets out on a path to revenge that brings him close to corpo secrets never meant to be found. Across this ten-episode standalone series, uncover a story of family, obsession, legacy – and how your lens reflects the stories of the people around you."

If the first Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 reactions are anything to go by, we can prepare for peak. The series hits Netflix this fall.

For more, check out our picks for the best Netflix anime around.

If you're looking for the best new shows and movies to stream this weekend, then you've come to the right place. We've got recommendations from across the spectrum of streaming services, meaning whatever you subscribe to, we've got you covered.

Highlights this week include the return of animated series X-Men '97 on Disney Plus, the third film in the Enola Holmes franchise on Netflix, and horror-comedy sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (though we're still mad it wasn't called Ready or Not: Here I Come).

It's a corking July 4 weekend for the best streaming services around, with more than enough to fill a long weekend's viewing, between trips to the BBQ. So read on for our streaming picks of the week, and where to find them.

X-Men '97 season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

Marvel's nostalgic animated revival continues with X-Men '97 season 2. The first three episodes dropped this week, perfect for immersing yourself back in a world of mutant mayhem, with further episodes set to release weekly on Wednesdays. Be sure to bookmark our X-Men '97 season 2 release schedule, so you never miss an episode.

Picking up moments after that jaw-dropping season 1 cliffhanger, season 2 sees the X-Men spread across time in the battle against original mutant Apocalypse. It's been two years since season 1, so if you're feeling a little lost, be sure to check out our X-Men '97 season 1 recap, or check out our spoiler-free X-Men '97 season 2 review for our verdict on the first four episodes (spoiler: we liked it a lot).

For more on what to watch, here's our guide to the best shows on Disney Plus.

Silo season 3

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

Apple's post-apocalyptic mystery show is back for its third, and penultimate, season. After venturing outside the silo in season 2 and discovering that they were not alone, Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) now faces a different struggle – ol' memory loss.

OK, so a bit of a cliched start for Silo season 3, but after two seasons of questions, the show is finally set to provide answers, with a dual timeline flashing back to the creation of the silos themselves. The best news is that a fourth and final season has already been shot, so there's no risk of being left hanging.

For what else to watch, here's our pick of the best Apple TV shows.

Enola Holmes 3

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Enola Holmes is back! Sherlock's younger sister, played by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, is about to wed Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) in Malta when her crime-solving big brother – once again played by Henry Cavill – disappears. So it's up to Enola to solve the case of the missing Holmes, and expose the shadowy conspirators pulling the strings.

Enola Holmes has proven one of Netflix's more successful ongoing film franchises. This latest entry is once again written by prolific screenwriter Jack Thorne, who has enlisted his acclaimed Adolescence collaborator Phlip Barantini as director, so impressive credentials behind the camera. Here's to many more cases!

Fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best Netflix movies

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus

The sequel to 2019 horror-comedy Ready or Not is another fun, frantic spin on the most dangerous game, as returning survivor Grace (Samara Weaving) again finds herself being hunted for ritualistic sport by the council of elite families. The twist this time: Grace's estranged sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton) is also part of the chase.

Arriving seven years after the first entry (directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett helmed Screams 5 and 6, and vampire flick Abigail in the intervening years), Ready or Not 2 has been a long time coming, but is another blood-soaked blast. For an even more outrageous spin on a similar premise, check out They Will Kill You, which hit HBO Max last month.

For more, dive into our list of best movies on Disney Plus

Lee Cronin's The Mummy

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

Warner Bros' full-on Mummy reboot faced a mixed response when it released earlier this year, with critics knocking the fact that it's more of an exorcist movie than a Mummy movie, and pointing to its somewhat indulgent 135-minute runtime (and that meaningless title) as signs that it was a movie in need of a few more studio notes. But everyone can agree, it's pretty gnarly.

The story of a modern-day family whose daughter is kidnapped, only to mysteriously return 8 years later, having been found in a sarcophagus, wrapped in bandages (never a good sign), it's a movie that brings the Mummy myth into the home. Midsommar's Jack Reynor and Moon Knight's May Calamawy star.

For more, here are the best movies on HBO Max

Human Vapor

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This South Korean sci-fi thriller show is actually a reimagining of a 1960 Toho movie, hence the charmingly retro premise: a man gains the ability to transform into a gaseous state and uses his powers for bank robberies. Only here, of course, instead of robbing banks, murder is involved.

We're not going to lie: there was clearly a limited VFX budget, so some of the gas effects are a little ropey, but Human Vapor has been admirably updated for the prestige TV era; this gripping 8-episode limited series will keep you hooked till the very end.

For more from the biggest streaming service around, check out our list of the best shows on Netflix.

If nothing on our list seems right for you, have a read of our guides to the best Prime Video shows, and the best Apple TV movies you can watch right now.

The Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 English-language voice cast has been announced, but fans are (understandably) zeroing in on one of its most recognizable names.

As revealed by CD Projekt Red, veteran edgerunner Weak Kingsley will be played by Clancy Brown, the prolific actor known for everything from playing Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants to the hardened detective Lieutenant Anderson in Detroit: Become Human.

Amid the wave of Mr. Krabs-related jokes about saving eddies and calling Plankton a gonk, fans are united in their reaction to the news.

In short, fans are overjoyed: "Clancy Brown as Weak has to be one of my top five favorite castings," one wrote on Twitter, to which executive producer Saya Elder noted that it was a "personal recommendation" from writer Bartosz Sztybor.

"Might have to watch the English dub of Cyberpunk Edgerunners II when it comes out now," another remarked.

"I'm about to start watching the Cyberpunk anime just for Clancy Brown," one newcomer to Edgerunners said. Another added that they expect Weak to be one of the dopest characters in the Cyberpunk universe."

Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that Kimoy Lee will voice Talia Yang, Nazeeh Tarsha will voice D, and Valeria Rodriguez will voice Roman Carax.

Excited to hear them in action? A select few will get a chance to watch the first episode of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 early at the show's Anime Expo panel on July 3.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 hits Netflix this fall. For more, check out our guide on new anime releases, plus our picks for the best anime on Netflix.

It seems as though fantasy fans are just not feeling the second season of Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender, as ratings reveal that less than half the number of viewers who tuned into season 1 have returned for season 2.

According to Tudum, Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2, which hit Netflix on June 25, was viewed 8.7 million times over its first four days on the platform. That's a huge drop from season 1, which hit the streamer in 2024 with 21.2 million views, meaning the new installment is down by 59%.

The season sits in second place on Netflix's top 10 list of most popular English-language shows right now, and in third place is the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, which amassed 3 million views in the same week season 2 hit the streamer. Both seasons of Avatar sit behind the new Harlan Coben series I Will Find You, which earned 34.1 million views in its first full week on the site before hitting 24 million views in four days the same week as Avatar season 2.

It is not clear why the live-action Avatar show has seen a dip in viewership, as even though the sophomore season debuted to divisive reviews, that isn't really much of a change from season 1. In fact, Avatar season 2 sits at a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is actually a slight improvement from season 1, which stands at 62%.

In our Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 review, we call the new installment "better in basically every way to its first season," however, "it struggles under the weight of adapting the events of its animated counterpart" and "fumbles in ways that make its future concerning." That being said, Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3 is on the way and has already been filmed. Season 3 will mark the end of the live-action adaptation.

Following their bittersweet victory in saving the Northern Water Tribe from the Fire Nation, season 2 follows Avatar Aang, Katara, and Sokka as they set off to convince the Earth King to help them fight the Fire Lord Ozai. However, their journey leads them to series newcomer Toph (Miyako), whose skill in earthbending aids their quest.

Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 is available to watch on Netflix now. For more, check out our guide ot the best shows on Netflix, and keep up with new TV shows on the way.

Netflix's One Piece season 3 has finished filming, and with a brand new cast photo in tow.

In the photo, which can be viewed below, Luffy (Inaki Godoy), Nami (Emily Rudd), Sanji (Taz Skylar), Zoro, Usopp (Jacob Romero), and new series regular Vivi (Charithra Chandran) are standing in front of a wall that has a Sir Crocodile mural painted across. The villain, revealed to be Mr. 0 at the end of season 2, is set to play a major part in season 3 as the show rounds out the anime's Alabasta arc.

One Piece season 3 was greenlit in August 2025, and began filming in South Africa in November 2025. Given that One Piece season 2 premiered in March 2026, a premiere date of 2027 feels like a pretty quick turnaround (especially given the fact that so many shows nowadays have a three-year wait).

One Piece season 3 will see Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, with Tony Tony Chopper (Mikaela Hoover) in tow, head to Vivi's homeland of Alabasta in hopes of freeing it from tyrannical reign. New cast members include Cobra Kai's Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace and Cole Escola as Bon Clay, with Joe Manganiello (Mr. 0), Lera Abova (Miss All Sunday), and Sendhil Ramamurthy (Nefertari Cobra), all promoted to series regulars.

One Piece season 3 doesn't have an exact release date yet, though we can expect it around Spring 2027. For more, check out how to watch One Piece in order or our One Piece filler list to help you navigate the 1,000-plus episodes of the anime.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 has given us a nova first look at the long-awaited anime anthology's return, with its first trailer revealing a fresh quartet of Edgerunners. But a fan theory suggests the show could be setting up a huge twist that mirrors a major moment in Cyberpunk 2077's first act.

Note: spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077 follow.

At the climax of Cyberpunk 2077's early game, V's partner-in-crime Jackie Welles dies during the attempt to steal the Relic from Konpeki Plaza. Could Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 be hiding a similar rug-pull? Twitter user @WGB05112004 thinks yes, positing: "I think they gonna pull a The Suicide Squad/Welcome to Derry and kill off the first guy[s]" Instead, the "real" cast of Edgerunners season 2 are hiding in plain sight, the theory goes, in silhouette on the show's first poster. Check it out below.

Plenty of fellow Twitter users are in agreement with the idea that a place as brutal and unforgiving as Night City could be hiding an early bloodbath. After all, with a Sandevistan spine, even the most accomplished merc could be zeroed in the blink of an eye. Some even suggest that newcomer Roman Carax, a "cinephile" who is "obsessed with chasing the truth," could be the throughline, as the young filmmaker documents each character's death on film. Dark stuff.

Not everyone agrees, however, with some pointing out that there's probably too much distinct footage featuring this new quartet of characters for their early demise to make sense. However, the idea that there are major characters from season 2 that are yet to be officially revealed is practically a given. In fact, dataminers think they may have already uncovered a secret fifth character with connections to the group and wider Cyberpunk lore.

After a 4-year absence, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 releases this fall on Netflix. The 10-episode second season tells a brand new story featuring a fresh cast of characters and once again hails from Studio Trigger.

For more, check out our picks for the new anime you should be watching right now. Need to fill out your watchlist? Our collection of best Netflix anime will ensure you have plenty to watch.

CD Projekt Red has confirmed more about its quartet of main Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 characters, but datamined leaks suggest an unseen fifth major player in Night City has surprising links to two of those already announced.

As revealed on the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 website, Weak Kingsley is described as a "washed-up cyberpunk legend" who is "forced to live without chrome in a world that's passed him by."

The new synopsis also confirms family, obsession, and legacy are major themes in play here – which makes this next leak all the more intriguing.

Smets205 on Reddit has uncovered a fifth character card on the Edgerunners site.

Meet Avida, a "jazz singer and corpo insider" who is apparently "Weak's old flame." The plot thickens from there with the reveal she has a "fragile" daughter: Talia, the pink-haired Maelstrom member who forms part of Edgerunners season 2's main crew.

Old flame? A daughter? It's possible Weak Kingsley is hiding plenty of secrets – while the 'fragile' and 'weak' connection means there's almost certainly some hidden family drama brewing up in Night City's streets between the chrome-less protagonist and his ex-lover. A clip on the site, shown below, also shows a tense interaction between Weak and Talia.

All told, it sets up an extra layer of tragedy to what is surely going to be another depressing story told in NC.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2, a standalone 10-episode story, is set for release on Netflix this fall.

For more, check out our picks for the new anime you should be watching right now. Need to fill out your watchlist? Our collection of best Netflix anime will ensure you have plenty to watch.