As the hot summer continues, you may want to hide away from the sun and take advantage of the stack of new releases on streaming services this week. The FIFA World Cup winding down means you'll have more time to dive into a movie, or maybe even a new series or two, and we have plenty to choose from below.
This week sees the first season of Anya Taylor-Joy's crime thriller Lucky kick off on Apple TV, as Stephen King's favourite show right now, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, comes to a close with a fiery finale. But that's not all, as if you're not feeling the suspense, you can laugh out loud to Will Ferrell's latest comedy project, The Hawk, over on Netflix, or Prime Video's new buddy comedy starring Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham. And what's summer without a little romance? Good news, Heartstopper fans, the movie sequel is finally here!
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to find your next streaming obsession on the best streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more.
Lucky
Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Before she joins Middle-earth as an elf in the upcoming Lord of the Rings movie, The Hunt for Gollum, Anya Taylor-Joy suits up as an ex-con artist named Lucky who is trying to live a normal life. But when a multi-million-dollar heist goes sideways, Lucky is sucked back into the world of crime and has no choice but to go on the run. With both the FBI and a rather scary crime boss hot on her tail, Lucky must embrace her darker side one more time in order to escape her past for good.
Alongside Taylor-Joy, Lucky stars Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The first two episodes of Lucky are available to watch on Apple TV now, with new episodes releasing every Wednesday.
See what else we recommend with our guide to the best shows on Apple TV Plus.
The Hawk
Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix
If you liked what you saw in Netflix's Happy Gilmore sequel, then buckle up, as there is more where that came from. Starring comedy legend Will Ferrell, The Hawk follows golfer Lonnie Hawkins, who made it big in the early 00s, but after a decade or so off the green, he is struggling to return to his glory days. To make matters worse, his son, who is quickly becoming golf's new golden boy, doesn't believe in his pops. Lonnie has one more shot to show there's still some life in the old dog at the Grand Slam.
But can he make the greatest comeback in golf history? Well, you'll have to tune in to find out. Hawk is ready to stream on Netflix now.
Check out our guide to the best Netflix shows for more essential viewing.
Ride or Die
Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video
Prime Video is really going all in on the buddy comedies this year, from the wacky movie Playdate starring Reacher's Alan Ritchson and Mall Cop's Kevin James, to the Mark Wahlberg-starrer Balls Up. However, this month, it's all about the ladies as Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer pair up to take us on the trip of a lifetime. After Spencer's character, Debbie, finds out that her best friend Judith is actually an international assassin, the suburban girl's life is turned upside down.
But Ride or Die isn't all laughs. The eight-episode-long series packs some serious action as the duo attempts to outrun a mysterious figure. Ride or Die is available to stream in full right now.
Our list of the best Prime Video shows is packed with quality entertainment.
Heartstopper Forever
Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix
Heartstopper fans, we have great news. Almost two years after Netflix's Heartstopper series seemingly came to a close, the movie is finally here. The feature acts as a sequel to the show, picking up not long after we saw Nick and his friends decide which universities they are going to attend, while Charlie struggled with personal issues at home. But in Heartstopper Forever, Nick is ready to kickstart his higher education, while Charlie finds his feet on his own at school.
As their long-distance relationship begins and doubts take hold, Nick and Charlie, played by returning stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke, face the question of whether young love can last forever. Heartstopper Forever hits Netflix on Friday, July 17.
See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Netflix.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed season finale
Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV
Apple TV has really knocked it out of the park this year in terms of thriller shows, from suspenseful dark comedy Widow's Bay to the streamer's nail-biting adaptation of Cape Fear. But one show that may have slipped off your radar this month is Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed. Starring Orphan Black's Tatiana Maslany, the show follows a soccer mom who falls into a dangerous world of blackmail and murder after she witnesses a crime. But all may not be as it seems.
Horror legend Stephen King recently shared big praise for Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, saying it's "like Hitchcock came back to do it one more time." Even better, the series finale hit Apple TV this week, meaning that if you haven't tuned in yet, you can now binge it all in one go.
Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man
Available: US
Where to watch: Disney Plus
Just two weeks before the new Marvel movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day sees Tom Holland suit up as our favorite web-slinger again, a documentary about the making of the franchise has dropped on Disney Plus out of the blue. The 26-minute-long special looks at the past two decades of the hero's adventures on the big screen, from when Tobey Maguire played Peter Parker in Sam Raimi's trilogy, to when Andrew Garfield entered the comic book world as The Amazing Spider-Man. The documentary also includes a look at Holland's journey to becoming the hero and making his MCU debut.
Then, right at the end, the short film gives fans a special look at Parker’s next chapter in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Sony is keeping pretty tight-lipped on plot details surrounding the new film, so any new teases are welcome. Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man is out on Disney Plus now.
Keep up with other upcoming Marvel movies and shows on the way.
For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.
