Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have an incredible selection of new movie releases available to watch instantly. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide which new films are worth your time. This comprehensive guide covers the 10 best new movies that you can stream right now.
Overview of the Best New Movie Releases to Stream
Comedy
Barbarian – A young woman finds her Airbnb rental occupied by a strange man in this hilarious and unpredictable horror comedy. It stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long.
Bros – Billy Eichner makes history in the first major studio romantic comedy about two gay men maybe, possibly, probably stumbling towards love. The all-star cast includes Luke Macfarlane, Ts Madison, and Guy Branum.
Emily the Criminal – Aubrey Plaza shines in this gripping crime drama about a student saddled with debt who gets involved in a credit card scam.
Drama
Blonde – Ana de Armas transforms into Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe in this fictionalized take on her tragic life.
The Good Nurse – Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne deliver powerful performances in this chilling true story of a nurse who becomes suspicious of her new colleague.
Till – Danielle Deadwyler stars as Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, in this biographical drama that details her pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son.
Thriller
Lou – Allison Janney and Jurnee Smollett play an unlikely duo who team up to rescue a kidnapped girl. This action-packed thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.
No Exit – Havana Rose Liu stars in this gripping, claustrophobic thriller following a young woman stranded at a rest stop during a blizzard.
The Woman King – Viola Davis leads a fierce female warrior unit to protect the African Kingdom of Dahomey in this epic historical drama action film.
Family
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile – Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, and Shawn Mendes star in this delightful musical comedy about a crocodile who lives in a New York City family’s home.
My Father’s Dragon – This gorgeously animated tale follows a young boy who befriends a baby dragon and journeys to a magical island. Voice actors include Gaten Matarazzo, Golshifteh Farahani, and Whoopi Goldberg.
The 10 Best New Movies to Stream Now Ranked
1. Barbarian (2022)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Director: Zach Cregger
Cast: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Runtime: 1h 42m
Barbarian tells the twisted story of a young woman who arrives at a rental home only to find it occupied by a strange man who claims he also booked the place. This brilliant horror comedy subverts expectations at every turn, taking you from feeling unsettled to laughing out loud. Newcomer Georgina Campbell is exceptional as the headstrong yet vulnerable protagonist. Bill Skarsgård is downright unnerving as the creepy interloper. And Justin Long provides needed comic relief as an incompetent Airbnb customer service rep. Barbarian will shock you with its sheer originality and wit.
Key Details:
- Fresh, unpredictable story with plenty of twists
- Terrific performances from the cast
- Masterfully infuses humor into the horror
- Keeps you guessing until the very end
2. Till (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Chinonye Chukwu
Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, Frankie Faison
Genre: Biographical Drama
Runtime: 2h 10m
Till tells the heart-wrenching true story of Emmett Till, the Black 14-year-old who was brutally murdered after being accused of whistling at a white woman in 1955 Mississippi. Danielle Deadwyler delivers a powerful, engrossing performance as Emmett’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. Despite threats and trauma, Mamie bravely insists on an open-casket funeral to “let the people see what they did to my boy.” Director Chinonye Chukwu vividly captures the ugly reality of racism in ‘50s America through Mamie’s righteous pursuits of truth and justice. Till provides an intimate look at a grieving mother’s unwavering dignity and fight against racial injustice.
Key Details:
- Danielle Deadwyler’s Oscar-worthy portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley
- Emotionally devastating yet inspiring true story
- Evocative visuals transport you back to 1955
- Timely themes still relevant today
3. The Woman King (2022)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim
Genre: Historical Drama, Action
Runtime: 2h 15m
Loosely based on true events, The Woman King follows an all-female unit of warriors known as the Agojie who protect the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. Viola Davis is commanding as General Nanisca, their resolute leader. Epic battle sequences feature the incredible martial arts skills of the fierce Agojie as they fight enemies who violate their honor. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood deftly weaves in themes of female empowerment while delivering thrilling action grounded in history. The Woman King is an entertaining underdog story of courageous women warriors.
Key Details:
- Viola Davis leads powerfully as General Nanisca
- Stunning, sweeping battle sequences
- Spotlights an unknown facet of history
- Timely themes of female strength and unity
4. Blonde (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Andrew Dominik
Cast: Ana de Armas, Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Julianne Nicholson
Genre: Biographical Drama
Runtime: 2h 46m
Based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde boldly reimagines the tumultuous private life of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. Ana de Armas fully embodies Monroe’s complex personality and iconic sensuality. Director Andrew Dominik uses striking visuals to portray Monroe’s challenging childhood and harsh realities as an objectified bombshell. While fictionalized, the film gives insight into Monroe’s inner turmoil and fragile psyche beneath her public persona. Blonde is a raw, intimate character study of Monroe that escapes the usual biopic tropes.
Key Details:
- Ana de Armas’committed transformative performance
- Feminist themes on the cost of fame, stardom
- Dreamlike cinematography and editing
- Captures Monroe’s humanity beyond the icon
5. Bros (2022)
Where to Watch: Peacock
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Ts Madison, Guy Branum
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Runtime: 1h 55m
Bros makes history as the first gay rom-com from a major studio. Comedian Billy Eichner co-writes and stars as Bobby Lieber, a commitment-phobic podcast host. Sparks fly when he meets the handsome Aaron (Luke Macfarlane), but their fledgling relationship faces relatable modern dating struggles. Refreshingly, the LGBTQ themes are seamlessly woven into the romantic comedy formula. The witty dialogue filled with quips about queer culture represents a huge step in on-screen inclusivity. Thanks to its hilarious and heartfelt screenplay, Bros puts the spotlight on LGBTQ joy and togetherness.
Key Details:
- Groundbreaking as first studio gay romantic-comedy
- Chemistry between Eichner and Macfarlane
- Laugh-out-loud funny yet makes you shed a tear
- Major win for on-screen LGBTQ representation
6. Lou (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Anna Foerster
Cast: Jurnee Smollett, Allison Janney
Genre: Action Thriller
Runtime: 1h 47m
In Lou, storms are brewing both figuratively and literally for Hannah (Jurnee Smollett), a grieving mother whose daughter has been kidnapped. She reluctantly teams up with her mysterious older neighbor Lou (Allison Janney) to track down the kidnapper under threatening skies. These two generationally opposite women make for a mismatched pair of badasses. Smollett brings raw emotion while Janney gets to show off surprising physicality. With high stakes and nonstop rain, Lou will leave you soaked with suspense.
Key Details:
- Powerhouse duo Jurnee Smollett and Allison Janney
- Relentless thunderstorm builds suspense
- Balances emo character depth with action
- Will keep you guessing until the end
7. No Exit (2022)
Where to Watch: Hulu
Director: Damien Power
Cast: Havana Rose Liu, Danny Ramirez, David Rysdahl
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 1h 44m
In the taut thriller No Exit, Darby (Havana Rose Liu) finds herself stranded at a remote highway rest stop during a blizzard. Short on gas and cell service, she’s forced to wait out the storm. Things turn sinister when she discovers a kidnapped child in a van parked outside. No Exit ramps up the tension as Darby tries to find a way to save the girl while evading the kidnapper. Liu is fantastic as the scrappy heroine who must rely on her wits to survive this cat-and-mouse game. With no one to turn to, she faces an impossible situation. No Exit will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Key Details:
- Edge-of-your-seat suspense
- Outstanding lead performance from Havana Rose Liu
- Confined setting heightens the tension
- Shocking twists will catch you off guard
8. Emily the Criminal (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: John Patton Ford
Cast: Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi, Megalyn Echikunwoke
Genre: Crime Drama
Runtime: 1h 35m
In the gripping crime drama Emily the Criminal, Aubrey Plaza shows serious acting chops as the title character. Emily is saddled with student debt and can’t get a job due to a minor criminal record. Out of options, she gets involved in a credit card scam operation. Plaza makes Emily’s moral quandary palpable as she weighs risk and reward with few alternatives. While the crimes start small, the stakes ramp up as she falls deeper down the rabbit hole. Timely themes of income inequality and a broken system undergird this tense character study featuring Plaza in her best performance to date.
Key Details:
- Career-defining dramatic performance from Aubrey Plaza
- Nuanced exploration of socioeconomic inequity
- High tension as schemes become more dangerous
- Big moral dilemmas and stakes
9. The Good Nurse (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Tobias Lindholm
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, Nnamdi Asomugha
Genre: True Crime Drama
Runtime: 2h 1m
Based on the true story of serial killer Charlie Cullen, The Good Nurse follows Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a compassionate ICU nurse who befriends the newly hired Cullen (Eddie Redmayne). After suspicious patient deaths, she risks her career and safety to stop Cullen from murdering more helpless victims. Redmayne is chilling as Cullen, using his mild-mannered “good nurse” persona to conceal his horrific crimes. Chastain captivates as the everyday hero who ultimately helps expose his evil actions and prevent further loss of innocent life. The Good Nurse provides a sobering look at this shocking case.
Key Details:
- Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne shine in lead roles
- Redmayne perfectly unsettling as the sinister serial killer nurse
- Honors the real unsung hero who helped stop Cullen
- True crime drama with surprising emotional depth
10. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022)
Where to Watch: Netflix
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Director: Will Speck, Josh Gordon
Cast: Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Shawn Mendes, Winslow Fegley
Genre: Family Musical Comedy
Runtime: 1h 46m
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile puts a whimsical spin on the beloved children’s book about a crocodile who lives in a New York City family’s Victorian home. Shawn Mendes lends his vocals as Lyle, whose talents make him a neighborhood celebrity. But when a nasty neighbor threatens Lyle’s home, the Primm family bands together to help save their unusual friend. Javier Bardem is delightful as eccentric magician Hector P. Valenti, who recognizes Lyle’s singing gifts. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a tuneful, family-friendly adventure with delightful performances, catchy songs, and a positive message about celebrating differences.
Key Details:
- Family musical featuring inventive crocodile CGI
- Shawn Mendes shows off vocals as Lyle
- Javier Bardem is fabulous as washed-up performer
- Feel-good story with positive themes
FAQs About the Best New Movie Releases Streaming Now
What is the best new movie available for streaming right now?
Based on critical reception and audience buzz, the best new movie release available now is Barbarian, a clever horror comedy that masterfully subverts expectations while delivering laughs alongside scares. Georgina Campbell gives an outstanding lead performance.
What is the best new drama movie out right now?
The best new drama film to stream right now is Till, the emotional true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son Emmett Till following his brutal, racist murder in 1955 Mississippi. Danielle Deadwyler delivers an Oscar-worthy portrayal of Mamie.
What is the best new action movie streaming now?
For action fans, the top new movie is The Woman King, an epic historical drama focused on the Agojie, the all-female warrior unit who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. Viola Davis leads powerfully as General Nanisca, with stunning, sweeping battle sequences throughout.
What new movie should families watch together right now?
The best new family film to bring everyone together is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, a delightful live-action/CGI musical comedy based on the classic children’s book. With tuneful original songs, fabulous performances from Javier Bardem and Shawn Mendes as Lyle, and a whimsical story, it’s fun for all ages.
What is the best new romantic comedy available for streaming?
The top new rom-com is Bros, starring Billy Eichner as a commitment-phobic gay podcast host navigating love. As the first major studio romantic comedy with an all-LGBTQ cast and lead characters, this historic film puts gay relationships front and center in a hilarious, heartfelt story.
What new thriller or crime drama should I watch?
For edge-of-your-seat thrills, check out No Exit, following a woman forced to confront a kidnapper holding a child hostage when she’s stranded at a rest stop during a blizzard. For crime drama, Emily the Criminal features Aubrey Plaza in an nuanced story exploring socioeconomic inequality through one woman’s involvement in credit card fraud.
Conclusion
With so many phenomenal films across genres released in recent months, there’s no shortage of great options for your next movie night. This roundup features the absolute best new movie releases you can stream right now on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and other platforms. From the clever horror comedy Barbarian to thought-provoking dramas like *T
Till* and Blonde, to family-friendly musical Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, there’s something for everyone.
While Hollywood still struggles with diversity and representation, standouts like Bros and The Woman King showcase progress, telling inclusive stories centered on underrepresented leads. Across the board, these new releases feature talented casts delivering compelling performances.
For a quality film experience from the comfort of home, look no further than these expertly crafted, must-watch new movies. Their first-rate production values combined with engaging stories and characters make them well worth your limited free time.
Stream them during a cozy night in, for family movie night, or your next group watch party. However you view them, these new releases are bound to entertain, move, and thrill you.