We're back with a new list of streaming movies this week, and we have a couple interesting ones lined up for you. We have a bit of horror, anime, and romance — the whole works. Let's get started.

The best new streaming movies this week

Nice Girls – August 21, Netflix

  • Release date: August 21, 2024
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Director: Noémie Saglio
  • Cast: Alice Taglioni, Stéfi Celma, Baptiste Lecaplain, Noémie Lvovsky, Antoine Duléry, Timothée Vaganay, Benjamin Baroche
  • This French action-comedy brings a fresh twist to the buddy cop genre. Set in the sun-soaked city of Nice, it follows two mismatched officers as they unravel a mystery while racing to save their beloved town. It's a French, female take on the Kevin Hart-Dwayne Johnson dynamic we are so used to.

    The film blends 80s nostalgia with modern sensibilities, offering a mix of high-octane action and quirky humor. While some jokes may lose their spark in translation, the chemistry between the leads shines through. Nice Girls aims to challenge stereotypes, though it sometimes sacrifices depth for entertainment value.

    Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos The Movie – August 22, Netflix

  • Release date: August 22, 2o24
  • Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
  • Rating: TV-14
  • Director: Tomoya Takahashi
  • Cast: Kotono Mitsuishi, Kenji Nojima, Misato Fukuen, Hisako Kanemoto, Rina Sato, Ami Koshimizu, Shizuka Itoh
  • This two-part anime epic serves as a grand finale to the beloved Sailor Moon saga. It introduces a host of new characters, including the intriguing Sailor Starlights, while pitting our heroes against their most formidable enemy yet.

    Long-time fans will appreciate the nostalgic nods, while newcomers may find themselves captivated by the stunning visuals and emotional depth. Though condensed from its source material, Cosmos delivers a thought-provoking conclusion to this iconic magical girl story.

    Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – August 16, Max

  • Release date: May 23, 2024
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Rating: R
  • Director: George Miller
  • Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Alyla Browne, George Shevtsov, Lachy Hulme, John Howard
  • George Miller's latest entry in the Mad Max universe delves into the origins of the enigmatic Furiosa. This visceral journey follows her from an innocent child to a hardened survivor in a world gone mad.

    Anya Taylor-Joy brings nuance and ferocity to the role as Furiosa navigates the brutal hierarchy of the Citadel. Miller's kinetic filmmaking is fully displayed, delivering heart-pounding action sequences and immersive world-building. At its core, Furiosa is a tale of resilience and identity in the face of societal collapse.

    A Costa Rican Wedding – August 18, Peacock

  • Release date: August 17, 2024
  • Genre: Adventure
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Director: Colin Theys
  • Cast: Rhiannon Fish, Christopher Russell
  • This charming romantic comedy whisks viewers away to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. When Emily loses her best friend's wedding rings to a mischievous monkey, she reluctantly teams up with the groom's best friend, Ryan.

    Their jungle adventure is a backdrop for witty banter, growing attraction, and self-discovery. While the premise may seem familiar, the film's exotic setting and genuine chemistry between the leads elevate it above typical rom-com fare. A Costa Rican Wedding offers a delightful escape, blending humor and heart against a stunning tropical backdrop.

    Dancing Village: The Curse Begins – August 16, Shudder

  • Release date: April 11, 2024
  • Genre: Horror
  • Rating: N.A.
  • Director: Kimo Stamboel
  • Cast: Aulia Sarah, Maudy Effrosina, Jourdy Pranata
  • Shudder never disappoints. This Indonesian horror prequel weaves local folklore with visceral terror. Set in the 1980s, it explores a village gripped by a curse that compels victims to dance themselves to death. Director Kimo Stamboel crafts a visually striking film that balances supernatural dread with shocking body horror.

    While the plot may occasionally confuse those unfamiliar with the original, the film still manages to be an engaging watch. Dancing Village offers a unique cultural perspective on horror tropes, resulting in a fresh and unsettling experience.

    Ordinary Angels – August 21, Starz

  • Release date: February 23, 2024
  • Genre: Drama
  • Rating: PG
  • Director: Jon Gunn
  • Cast: Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Emily Mitchell, Skywalker Hughes, Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones, Drew Powell
  • Based on true events, this drama showcases the power of community in the face of adversity. Alan Ritchson delivers a moving performance as a widowed father struggling with his daughter's mounting medical bills. Hilary Swank brings charm and determination to her role as a hairdresser who rallies the town to help.

    The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the American healthcare system. Ordinary Angels reminds us of the profound impact small kindnesses can have, and of everyday heroes, and offers a touching and timely story of hope and solidarity.

    What was new and worth watching over the last month

    Here's a quick roundup of our previous lists, if you missed them. Also, if you're in the mood for something else this weekend, we have a list of streaming shows to cater to that.

    Mission: Cross – August 9, Netflix

  • Release date: August 9, 2024 
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Director: Lee Myeong-hoon
  • Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Yum Jung-ah, Jeon Hye-jin, Jeong Man-sik, Kim Ju-hun, Cha Rae-hyung, Kim Chan-hyung
  • In this South Korean action-comedy, Kang-moo is a seemingly ordinary stay-at-home husband married to Mi-seon, a top police detective. But Kang-moo's past as an elite military intelligence officer resurfaces when he encounters Hee-joo, a former colleague desperately searching for her missing husband.

    As Kang-moo secretly assists Hee-joo, he must juggle his covert mission with maintaining his domestic facade. Expect a blend of domestic humor, espionage thrills, and high-stakes action as Kang-moo's two worlds collide in unexpected ways.

    Daughters – August 14, Netflix

  • Release date: August 9, 2024 
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Director: Angela Patton
  • Cast: Lance Acord, Sam Bisbee, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Paul Rachman, Mindy Goldberg
  • This poignant documentary follows four girls as they prepare for a special "Date with Dad" dance with their incarcerated fathers. The film interweaves the girl's stories with scenes of their fathers participating in a 10-week fatherhood course in prison. Through intimate portraits, we witness the complex emotions and challenges faced by these families torn apart by incarceration.

    As the dance approaches, tensions and expectations rise, culminating in an emotionally charged reunion that becomes both a celebration and a reckoning. Daughters offers a nuanced look at the power of connection in the face of separation.

    Jackpot! – August 15, Prime Video

  • Release date: August 15, 2024
  • Genre: Action, Comedy
  • Rating: R
  • Director: Paul Feig
  • Cast: Awkwafina, John Cena, Simu Liu, Ayden Mayeri, Seann William Scott, Dolly de Leon, Donald Watkins
  • Set in a dystopian Los Angeles of 2030, we see a world where economic inequality has reached new heights. The California Grand Lottery offers a compelling solution: a multi-billion dollar jackpot. The catch? If you win, you must survive until sundown, as your location is broadcast and anyone who kills you claims your fortune.

    When down-on-her-luck former child star Katie Kim accidentally wins the lottery, she's thrust into a frantic chase across the city. Her only ally is Noel Cassidy, an amateur lottery protection agent. Together, they navigate a gauntlet of colorful adversaries, including a ruthless mercenary and Machine Gun Kelly's panic room. Blending over-the-top action with dark comedy, this movie addresses economic desperation (ironically) while delivering high-octane thrills.

    The Bikeriders – August 9, Peacock

  • Release date: June 21, 2024 
  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • Rating: R
  • Director: Jeff Nichols
  • Cast: Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Mike Faist, Boyd Holbrook, Norman Reedus
  • This movie is set in the gritty world of a 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club called the Vandals. The story is primarily told through the eyes of Kathy, a young woman who falls for charismatic biker Benny.

    As Kathy becomes more involved with the club, she witnesses its evolution from a group of thrill-seeking outsiders to a more dangerous, criminal organization under the leadership of Johnny. With its period setting and focus on the motorcycle subculture, take a look at a transformative era in American history, blending romance, drama, and the allure of the open road.

    The Instigators – August 9, Apple TV Plus

  • Release date: August 2, 2024
  • Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
  • Rating: R
  • Director: Doug Liman
  • Cast: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina
  • In this Boston-set crime comedy, desperate vet and divorced dad Rory teams up with his mouthy, ex-con buddy Cobby for a high-stakes scheme. The pair are tasked by a local crime lord to rob the corrupt incumbent mayor. However, their plan quickly spirals out of control, putting them in the crosshairs of various factions: the police, the crime lord's lackeys, and a relentless special ops officer who pursues them in an actual tank.

    Their only ally is Rory's sympathetic therapist. As they navigate a web of double-crosses and close calls across Massachusetts, The Instigators satirizes political corruption, economic desperation, and the lengths people will go to for a shot at a better life. Expect rapid-fire dialogue, elaborate chase sequences, and a distinctly Boston flavor in this star-studded caper.

    Lolo and the Kid – August 7, Netflix

  • Release date: August 7, 2024
  • Genre: Drama
  • Rating: N.A.
  • Director: Benedict Mique
  • Cast: Euwenn Mikaell, Joel Torre, Juan Karlos Labajo, Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano, Joem Bascon, Nico Antonio
  • This Filipino drama follows Lolo, an elderly con man played by Joel Torre, who forms an unlikely partnership with a young orphan boy in Manila. They survive through small scams, navigating the city's underbelly. As their bond deepens, Lolo is forced to confront his past and consider a different future.

    The film explores themes of found family and redemption against the backdrop of urban poverty in the Philippines. It shows you the harsh realities of street life, including encounters with authorities and rival hustlers, while examining how this unexpected relationship changes both characters.

    One Fast Move – August 8, Prime Video

  • Release date: August 8, 2024
  • Genre: Action
  • Rating: R
  • Director: Kelly Blatz
  • Cast: K.J. Apa, Eric Dane, Maia Reficco, Austin North, Edward James Olmos, Jackson Hurst, Adam Thomas Ziemba
  • K.J. Apa stars as Wes, an ex-military man seeking redemption in the world of motorcycle racing. After losing his military benefits, he tracks down his estranged father Dean, a former racer now working at a struggling motorcycle shop. Dean reluctantly agrees to train Wes in road course racing.

    The film follows Wes as he navigates the competitive racing world while attempting to rebuild his relationship with Dean. It features intense racing sequences, rivalry on the track, and a high-stakes race where Wes must prove himself. If you're a fan of motorsports dramas or enjoy stories of father-son reconciliation, give it a shot.

    Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes – August 3, Max

  • Release date: August 3, 2024
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Director: Nanette Burstein
  • Cast: Elizabeth Taylor
  • This documentary is based on 40 hours of recently discovered audio recordings of Elizabeth Taylor from the mid-1960s. It covers a pivotal time in her career, including her Oscar win for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and her relationship with Richard Burton.

    Discover Taylor's thoughts on her marriages, career transitions, and the pressures of fame and new insights into one of Hollywood's biggest stars during a tumultuous period in her life and career. A must-watch for classic movie buffs.

    One Life – August 5, Paramount Plus

  • Release date: March 15, 2024
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • Rating: PG
  • Director: James Hawes
  • Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Jonathan Pryce, Helena Bonham Carter
  • Anthony Hopkins stars as Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia before World War II. The film spans two time periods: Winton's rescue efforts in 1938 and the rediscovery of his story decades later.

    The story explores the emotional public revelation of Winton's heroism. It shows Winton working against time to arrange transport and foster homes for the children, then explores how his past actions impacted his later life.

    Junebug – August 4, Peacock

  • Release date: August 3, 2024
  • Genre: Romance
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Director: David Weaver
  • Cast: Autumn Reeser, Aaron O'Connell, Mila Jones
  • This indie drama follows Madeleine, a Chicago art dealer, as she visits her new husband George's family in rural North Carolina. Obviously, there's a culture clash between Madeleine's urban sophistication and the Southern lifestyle of George's family.

    Amy Adams plays Ashley, George's pregnant sister-in-law who forms an unlikely bond with Madeleine. The story unfolds over a few days, examining family dynamics, communication barriers, and the complexities of marriage and expectations. If you take joy in profound moments in everyday interactions, this one's for you.

    Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery – August 3, Peacock

  • Release date: August 2, 2024
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Director: Marco Deufemia
  • Cast: Rachel Skarsten, Corey Sevier
  • Based on Kylie Logan's book series, this mystery follows Jazz Ramsey, a cadaver dog trainer in Cleveland who becomes involved in a murder investigation. The film balances the procedural elements of solving the crime with insights into the world of working dogs and their handlers.

    It showcases how Jazz's expertise with dogs aids in uncovering clues and tracking suspects. The story also explores Jazz's personal life and relationships within the law enforcement community, while also highlighting the unique bond between handlers and their K-9 partners. Expect a mix of suspense, local Cleveland color, and scenes demonstrating the capabilities of search and rescue dogs.

    Tarot – August 1, Netflix

  • Release date: May 3, 2024
  • Genre: Horror
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Director: Spenser Cohen
  • Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Jacob Batalon, Humberly González, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson
  • A group of friends carelessly breaks a sacred rule during a tarot card reading, unknowingly unleashing an evil entity trapped within the cursed cards. As they start dying one by one in mysterious and frightening ways, they realize they're in a desperate race against time. Each friend faces their nightmare based on the tarot card they drew.

    The movie aims for suspense and scares, relying heavily on jump scares and an eerie atmosphere.

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – August 2, Hulu

  • Release date: August 2, 2024 
  • Genre: Action, Adventure
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Director: Wes Ball
  • Cast: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy, Eka Darville, Travis Jeffery
  • Set 300 years after the previous films, this movie shows a world where apes have become the dominant species and humans are considered wild creatures. A young chimpanzee named Noa starts a dangerous journey to rescue his clan after they're kidnapped by a tyrannical ape ruler named Proximus Caesar.

    Along the way, Noa befriends a human girl who can speak and a wise orangutan who teaches him about the legendary ape leader Caesar.

    Borderless Fog – August 1, Netflix

  • Release date: August 1, 2024 
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
  • Rating: TV-MA
  • Director: Edwin
  • Cast: Putri Marino, Yoga Pratama, Lukman Sardi, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Yusuf Mahardika, Kiki Narendra, Siti Fauziah
  • This Indonesian thriller follows Detective Sanja, a skilled investigator from Jakarta, as she's assigned to a perplexing case in the remote border region between Indonesia and Malaysia.The case becomes more complicated as it ties into human trafficking operations and corruption among local officials.

    Adding to the intrigue is the presence of a malevolent forest spirit that seems to be influencing events. Sanja must navigate unfamiliar territory, both literally and figuratively, as she investigates a series of gruesome murders.

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