Congratulations, you’ve made it through another week of non-stop work. Your price for that is to get up and enjoy one or more of these new movies and TV shows on the world’s best streaming services.
There are also plenty of choices. From the long-awaited return of Apple’s best TV Original to the debut of fun and highly emotional new films, this week’s streaming suggestions are for all types of movie and TV fans. So, grab some snacks and join us as we spend the next few days in front of your TV. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
Separation season 2 (Apple TV Plus)
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It’s time, Breakup the fans! After a three-year absence, the much-loved Apple TV Plus series is finally back on our screens – and, as I allude to in my Breakup Season 2 review, definitely worth the wait.
Picking up immediately after the events of its ancestor’s cliffhanger ending, Breakup Season 2 reunites us with Mark Scout (Adam Scott), who returns to Lumon Industries to discover that things are not the same as he left them. That’s also all I’ll say about the final season of the sci-fi mystery thriller, because I don’t want to spoil anything important about one of the best sophomore releases in Apple TV Plus shows. Stick it ASAP so your “innie” and “outie” can immerse themselves in the first must-see show of the year. – TP
Extraterrestrial: Romulus (Disney Plus)
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In what’s known as the golden age of streaming, I’m always baffled when new movies don’t release simultaneously on platforms owned by the same entertainment giant. This is exactly what happened with Extraterrestrial: Romuluswhich originally arrived on Hulu (US only) in November 2024 but only made its international debut on Disney Plus this Wednesday, January 15.
However, I can still guarantee the quality of this Stranger cinema is. Set between the events of 1979 Stranger and the years 1986 Extraterrestrialsit follows a group of *ahem* alienated young people who, after traveling to an abandoned space station, get more than they bargained for when they encounter the sci-fi horror franchise’s iconic xenomorphs and the capers of face. Before you stream one of the best Disney Plus movies and the best Hulu movies, check out my exclusive conversation with director Fede Alvarez about the film series’ terrifyingly bold evolution. – TP
Back in Action (Netflix)
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Cameron Diaz is finally back in action after more than a decade of so-called retirement. The ’90s romantic comedy star is back on our screens in an action-packed new Netflix film that sees her play a character in a very similar situation… Back in action, Diaz is Emily, a former CIA spy who was brought back to work after her identity and that of her husband (Jamie Foxx) were revealed – Diaz must have been permanently linked to Seth Gordon and Brendan O’Brien’s storyline when ‘she read it.
The premise for Back in action reads as if it could be the sequel to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with Foxx playing Emily’s retired CIA colleague. Diaz’s big comeback film is one of 27 new movies streaming in 2025 that I can’t wait to watch after being pushed back from a 2024 release, making it a great Friday action movie evening. However, based on its abject Rotten Tomatoes score, one of January’s new Netflix movies won’t make our list of best Netflix movies. – Amelia Schwanke, Entertainment Editor
Unstoppable (Prime Video)
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Sticking with the theme of streaming big stars in new movies, we recommend heading over to Prime Video next to watch Unstoppable, a new docudrama about the inspiring life of NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg. Robles, who plays his double in the film, is played by Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight) with Jennifer Lopez (out of sight) take on the role of his mother.
That’s not all, either: MCU actor Don Cheade has been cast as Roble’s wrestling coach, Shawn Charles, alongside Michael Peña (American agitation) who plays Roble’s high school coach, Bobby Williams and Bobby Cannavale (The station agent) who plays Roble’s stepfather, directing this star-studded sports biopic that could be in the running to earn a spot among our rankings of the best Prime Video movies. – AS
Harley Quinn season 5 (Max)
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Harley Quinn has gone through many forms over the years. Whether it’s Margot Robbie’s version in The suicide squad or Lady Gaga’s recent take in the not-so-successful film Joker: Folie à Deuxhe’s a character who continues to dominate our screens. Its adult animated (and really well done) outing continues on Max with Harley Quinn season 5, which sees Kaley Cuoco reprise her role as the titular villainess. This season, Batman’s iconic antagonist has a new city to explore: Metropolis, aka the city that Superman protects.
Joined by Poison Ivy and their group of misfits and villains, including Clayface, who is getting a standalone live-action film in the DC Universe (DCU), Harley has decided that they should pack their bags and leave Gotham. I can’t really blame them for leaving, considering the state it’s in (note the giant rats in the trailer). But knowing Harley, wherever she goes, chaos will ensue. I hope Metropolis is ready for the giant rats or whatever they unleash… Either way, check out one of the best latest chapters in the Max shows ASAP! – kg
XO, Kitty season 2 (Netflix)
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As the first Netflix series to spin off a Netflix film, XO, Kitty could start a new trend, especially since it performed well enough to benefit from a second season. If you haven’t heard of it, you may have done so with To all the boys I’ve loved beforethe Netflix romantic film that inspired it all. If you’re new here, you have two whole seasons to enjoy this weekend and if you’ve been looking forward to what’s next, it’s here!
Season 1 ended on a cliff-hanger with truths revealed and feelings confessed, so if you’re looking for your romantic fix, you’ll definitely have it here. I’m sure season 2 will tie up some loose ends from the first installment and perhaps pave the way for a third as well? Only time will tell if this is the case and if XO, Kitty will be added to our best Netflix shows guide. – kg
A different man (Max)
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Max is the place to be for A24 movies (in the US, anyway). Some of my favorites are already available on the platform, like I saw the TV glowaka my favorite movie of 2024. Another one joins its library this weekend, and with a glowing 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, you won’t want to miss it.
In A different manAdam Pearson plays an aspiring actor who undergoes a medical procedure to radically transform his appearance, which sees Pearson replaced in the lead role by Marvel star Sebastian Stan after the operation. However, he soon regrets his decision after it turns into a nightmare and he becomes obsessed with getting back what he lost.
In classic A24 style, this film hits hard, particularly with its exploration of neurofibromatosis type I, the disease Pearson suffers from. A24 seems to be going strong and there will be more this year. For now, I can’t wait to see this one added to our list of the best Max movies. – kg
For more streaming suggestions, read our guides to the best Disney Plus shows, the best Paramount Plus movies, the best Hulu shows, and the best Apple TV Plus movies.
