Best New Movies to Watch This Weekend in Theaters and on Streaming

Still confused about what to watch this weekend? Whether you’re planning to watch a movie at the theater or enjoy one from your couch, there are plenty of options to explore this weekend.

This guide will take you through the best new movies to watch this weekend, from theatrical releases to new arrivals on Netflix, Max, Hulu, and Prime Video.

Quick List

Here are all the options that you can go with this weekend across platforms and theaters:

Note: Man on Fire and The Boys are limited series, not films, but are strong additions to the streaming platforms this weekend. If you want, you can give them a try.Best New Movies in Theaters This Weekend

You have two big releases to choose from at the multiplex this weekend. The first one enters its second week at the box office while the other opens on May 1, 2026.

Best New Movies in Theaters This Weekend

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has hit US theaters on May 1, 2026, giving cinema audiences one more option to explore this weekend. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all return in the film. With director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, the story picks up as Andy returns to Runway while Miranda Priestly fights to keep the magazine alive in print media.

The movie has 79% on Rotten Tomatoes as of May 1. Early response from audiences is positive, and experts have predicted a big opening.

Michael, the biopic of Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua, is in its second week and still managing to attract audiences to the theater.

The film opened at $97 million, making it the biggest musical biopic opening ever. Critics have rejected the film with just 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the audience’s reaction is completely opposite.

The audience Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a strong 97%. If you’re an MJ fan, Jaafar Jackson’s performance alone is enough to make your day.

Best New Movies on Netflix

New big movies are making their way to Netflix this weekend, including Apex and animated feature Swapped.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, Apex stars Charlize Theron as Sasha, a rock climber, while Taron Egerton plays the hunter who stalks her through the Australian wilderness.

The movie is 1 hour and 35 minutes with an R rating. As of May 1, it has a 63% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans of survival thrillers will love this one, but if you’re looking for something with deep meaning, this isn’t the right choice for you this weekend.

Swapped is the next new animated feature, perfect for family audiences to stream this weekend. Directed by Nathan Greno (co-director of Disney’s Tangled), it features a voice cast including Michael B. Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, and Cedric the Entertainer. This is the story of two natural enemies — a small mammal and a bird — who accidentally swap their bodies and are forced to survive together.

Best New Movies on Prime Video

Prime Video doesn’t have any new movie arrivals this weekend, but the final season of The Boys is out on the platform as of April 8.

For those looking for a new movie on Prime Video, No Other Choice could be the right fit. The film has been available on the platform as a VOD rental since February and is currently available to buy or rent.

The Park Chan-wook masterpiece is rentable at $14.99, making it accessible for those who want to watch it without a Hulu subscription. For Hulu subscribers, more details are mentioned in the Hulu section below.

The other option you can try out this weekend on Prime Video is Mark Wahlberg’s Balls Up, which dropped on the platform in April 2026.

Best New Movies on Max

Max doesn’t have any original films slated for release over the weekend, but there are definitely some movies that landed on the platform in April that you may want to try.

Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme is the most talked-about tennis period drama, starring Timothée Chalamet. The film dropped on Max (previously HBO Max) on April 24 and is the top recommendation to check out this weekend if you missed it in theaters.

The Substance was also added to Max recently after a successful run on MUBI. Demi Moore plays an ageing actor who tries an experimental drug to regain her youth, but things get worse after doing so. The film won the Academy Award for Best Makeup.

Viewers who missed the original Devil Wears Prada can watch it on Max before going to theaters this weekend. The film was added to Max in April 2026, making it the perfect time to catch it on the platform.

Best New Movies on Hulu

I would rate Hulu among the top two streaming platforms to watch out for this weekend when it comes to new movies.

No Other Choice is the first pick you can enjoy this weekend. Directed by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy), the film stars Lee Byung-hun as a paper industry expert who, after a sudden layoff, goes after eliminating all the competition for his job.

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has a strong 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes as of May 1. It began streaming on Hulu on April 24. I believe this is the best new movie on streaming this weekend. The movie gives off the vibe of Parasite, with fun, darkness, and a detailed structure that will delight its fans.

The original Devil Wears Prada is also available for streaming on Hulu, making it a good choice for those planning to watch the sequel in theaters.

Best Movie to Watch First

With different options available across different platforms, here are the top three recommendations for you to enjoy this weekend.

• No Other Choice (Hulu) — If you’re looking for a movie that delivers quality, this is the best choice you have this weekend. A 97% on Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t happen accidentally. Go and check it out on Hulu.
• The Devil Wears Prada 2 (Theaters) — The best sequel you can access this weekend is none other than The Devil Wears Prada 2 in theaters. For those new to this franchise, you can watch the sequel at the multiplex after completing the first one on Hulu.
• Apex (Netflix) — The ninety-five-minute thriller features a stellar performance by Charlize Theron in the lead. Ideal for those looking for a quick edge-of-your-seat thriller for a Friday night streaming session.

Best Movie by Mood

• Action: Apex on Netflix, with Charlize Theron pitted against a psychopathic hunter across the Australian wild, is a quick action thriller to experience this weekend.
• Comedy: The Devil Wears Prada 2 in theaters. The sequel carries the same elements that made the original a hit. Loved the original? If yes, go for the sequel.
• Thriller: No Other Choice on Hulu. Park Chan-wook turns a job search tension into a dark comedy murder spree. As the title says, there’s no other choice — and the film does justice to it.
• Family: Swapped on Netflix. An animated adventure with big names in the voice cast and the director of Tangled is the perfect fit for both kids and adults this weekend.
• Drama: Michael in theaters. Jaafar Jackson, throughout the music sequences is on point. For dance and singing, he has definitely done justice to his uncle’s biography. Critics gave mixed reactions, but fans are embracing the film with open arms, and the 97% on Rotten Tomatoes is proof of it. Want to feel what a Michael Jackson concert looks like? Head to theaters to experience one.

Final Verdict

The best movie to watch this weekend is No Other Choice on Hulu. Park Chan-wook’s dark comedy has the most positive ratings of all the movies available across platforms this weekend. It’s available to stream for free with a Hulu subscription.

If you’re planning for a multiplex night, The Devil Wears Prada 2 could be the ideal pick this weekend. The film is out on May 1, with the full original cast reuniting.

For a general Friday night watch, Apex on Netflix delivers a thrilling experience with Charlize Theron at her action best.