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It’s a new month, and that means new movies on streaming. There are bountiful picks on everything from Netflix to Max to Prime Video to Apple TV+ this month, including a new horror-thriller starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, a bevy of romantic films for Valentine’s Day and some of the best films of the last few years newly added to your favorite streaming service.

Check out our picks for the best new movies streaming in February 2025 below.

“Kinda Pregnant” Amy Schumer in “Kinda Pregnant” (Netflix)

Netflix – Feb. 5

Happy Madison isn’t just for Adam Sandler comedies. Sometimes it’s responsible for Amy Schumer comedies too! In “Kinda Pregnant,” Schumer stars as “a woman who gets so jealous of her best friend’s pregnancy that she starts to wear a fake baby bump of her own,” according to Netflix. The movie was directed by Tyler Spindel, who happens...

Prolific director Steven Soderbergh has already released one film this year that was met with critical acclaim (Presence), and now his second movie of 2025, Black Bag, is yet again being heralded as a masterpiece. Starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as a pair of legendary intelligence agents, the film follows Fassbender's character of George Woodhouse as his loyalty to his country and his marriage is put to the test when his wife, Kathryn, is suspected of betraying the nation. Hitting theaters on March 14, 2025, folks who saw an early screening of the film have thus far had nothing but good things to say about it on social media.

Taking to X, Drew Taylor from The Wrap calls Black Bag one of Soderbergh's "very best," while also adding that it's "a tense, taut, crackling spy movie whose note-perfect script by David Koepp is equal parts Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Mission: Impossible.

The streaming overlords have smiled upon TV watchers, kicking off the new year by making Apple TV+ programming free to watch for the first time.

The special event runs Friday-Sunday, Jan. 3-5, giving everyone the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the original content you might have heard about — but that didn’t pique your interest enough to cough up the subscription price.

While big hits like “Ted Lasso” and “The Morning Show” are sure to snag big eyeballs during the deal period, TheWrap highlights the more hidden diamonds in the Apple TV+ slate. From sci-fi favorites that have gathered cult followings like “Silo” and tense thrillers that keep us guessing like “Presumed Innocent”, to heartwarming comedies like “Acapulco” and epic tales like “Pachinko.”

Look below for our list of TV shows to watch during Apple TV+’s free weekend:

Fernando Carsa, Enrique Arrizon and Camila Perez in “Acapulco.

The science fiction genre had a banner year in 2024 and it’s time to look back on the best of the best.

This year brought us a handful of new “Star Wars” shows that took the canon to new eras, a devastating finale to Netflix’s beloved animated series “Arcane” and reintroduced fans to the classic X-Men in “X-Men ’97.” It was an embarrassment of riches for fans of the genre.

These are the nine best sci-fi TV shows that made their mark on the year.

“X-Men ’97” (Credit: Marvel Studios) “X-Men ’97”

There have been plenty of good-to-great reboots of beloved series in the past few years. But there’s something about “X-Men ’97,” perhaps owing to its animated origins, that feels as though these new episodes are picking up right where the beloved 1990s show left off. And that’s no easy feat. While the animation has definitely improved,...

The first reactions to Parker Finn's highly anticipated sequel Smile 2have just hit the Internet and by the looks of it, the psychological thriller may be on track to outshine its predecessor. Although Smile 2 won't arrive in theaters for another week, critics are already raving about the scares and special effects, which paint a promising picture for the future of the franchise.

A follow-up to the original 2022 box office hit, Smile 2 casts Naomi Scott as Skye Riley, a pop star sensation preparing to embark on a world tour when inexplicably terrifying events force her to confront her dark past or risk losing everything. The iconic trauma-chasing demon is back in a big way, haunting an ensemble cast that includes Euphoria's Lukas Gage, Amexicano's Ral Castillo, Dream Scenario's Dylan Galula, and Rosemarie Dewitt from the 2015 Poltergeist remake. Fans will also recognize a familiar face in the film: Kyle Gallner,...

You didn't think the Joker would be the only one putting a twisted smile on your face this spooky season, did you? Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix, and Lady Gaga had no choice but to watch as their version of the Clown Prince of Crime dropped the ball with the critical and box office disaster of "Joker: Folie à Deux," but maybe a more modest sequel to another horror hit could pick up the slack in a big way. In 2022, "Smile" scared the living daylights out of audiences on its way to generally positive reviews and a total of well over $200 million worldwide -- both key ingredients to greenlighting an inevitable sequel. Fast forward a couple of years later, and "Smile 2" is already staring down the barrel of a much-needed opening weekend success. And those prospects just increased significantly now that early reactions have just begun to hit social media.

There’s nothing quite like a good scare, and the best horror movies deliver thrills, chills and spills in equal measure. It can be daunting trying to figure out the right horror movie to watch on your favorite streaming service, but that’s where we come in. We’ve curated a list of some of the best and scariest horror movies on Netflix right now. Films that will rattle you to your bone, give you goosebumps and some that merely excel at giving off extreme spooky vibes. Whatever your pick, you won’t be disappointed. Especially as Spooky Season is off and running.

Here are the best horror movies on Netflix right now.

“Apostle” Netflix

An underrated original horror selection on Netflix, “Apostle” sends Dan Stevens to a remote island where he sets out to rescue his sister from a religious cult and discovers, of course, horrors beyond imagination. It...

Summer is over and Autumn is here, which means Max has a whole new slate of movies falling onto the streamer in September.

Whether you’re into anime flicks, romance thrillers or an action-packed movie that keeps you on your toes, these films are worth adding to your watch list. While Max’s list of new films in September stretches way beyond these seven titles, TheWrap wanted to point your attention to the best ones on its lineup.

Check out our picks for the best new movies on Max in September 2024 below.

“Boogie Nights” (New Line Cinema) “Boogie Nights” (1997)

We had to start you off with a Hollywood classic that will give you some good ‘ole belly laughs while also giving. “Boogie Nights” follows the story of Eddie Adams (Mark Wahlberg), a teen growing up in 1977 San Fernando Valley, who makes a life pivot into the porn industry after being...

Fall is here! It’s not too early to break out the sweaters, jackets and pumpkin spice (and everything nice), and what better way to settle in than with a great movie? September brings with it a bounty of noteworthy new movies streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+ and more, and we’ve put together a curated list of the films you should earmark this month. From new releases that hit theaters just a couple months ago to streaming originals to classics, there’s something for everyone.

Check out our list of the best new movies streaming in September 2024 below.

“A Quiet Place: Day One” Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn in “A Quiet Place: Day One” (Paramount Pictures)

Paramount+ – Aug. 27

Ready to go back to the beginning? “A Quiet Place: Day One” rewinds to the day that the sound-sensitive aliens arrived on earth. But instead of a sleepy farm town,...

Summer is winding down but it’s still hot hot hot out there, which means it’s the perfect time to kick back with a good movie. August has a bevy of noteworthy new movies streaming on various services, and we’ve put together a curated list of the best ones to watch this month. From Netflix to Prime Video to Hulu we’ve got a selection that offers something for everyone. And we’ve picked a handful of new movies streaming on Peacock so you can put that free trial to good use after the Olympics are over.

Check out our list of the best new movies streaming in August 2024 below.

“Tarot” Sony Pictures

Netflix – Aug. 1

First, let’s get this out of the way: this movie was once called “Horrorscope.” “Horrorscope” is a much better name than “Tarot.” In fact, one could argue, it’s one of the...

“Avatar 3” is officially called “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” James Cameron took a trip to Anaheim on Saturday to appear at Disney’s D23 convention and unveil the “Avatar 3” title to an audience of 15,000.

The sequel follows 2022’s “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the decade-in-the-making sequel to 2009’s “Avatar.” The second “Avatar” film grossed over $2.3 billion at the box office and ensured Cameron’s intention of filling out the franchise with four sequels will likely come to fruition.

“It’s so gratifying to feel that love for this world of Pandora and these characters that my team has been working on for over 18 years,” Cameron said at D23. “I can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on for ‘Avatar 3.’ Every day when I’m reviewing new shots, it’s like Christmas morning. The characters are so alive and it all feels so real. As you’d expect,...

Disney is a huge studio with many subsidiaries but the main thing it is known for its for its hopeful, magical animated films. With several projects in the works, several films got exciting updates.

Ahead of the fan event D23, Disney CEO Bob Iger gave a preview of what to expect from Disney moving forward, including a tease for Inside Out 3. Disney struggled at the box office post-pandemic, similarly to other big studios. However, 2024 is proving to be a great year for the House of Mouse, as films like Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine created magic and pushed the studio beyond $3 billion at the box office so far.

Disney CEO Bob Iger sits down with @RebeccaJarvis to give a preview of D23 and share whats next for blockbuster movies Inside Out and Moana. https://t.co/B3HflgUx2s pic.twitter.com/pFjnQJ11Jl Good Morning America (@GMA...

The heat is on, but chilling with a great movie is the best way to cool down. July has a number of noteworthy new releases in the world of streaming, and we understand the sheer volume of content on the major streamers can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a curated list of the best new movies streaming this month that’s as robust as it is diverse. We’ve got picks from Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Peacock and even MGM+ which has a very buzzy movie this month. There’s a little something for everyone, from genuine new releases to recent hits that are making their streaming debut to library titles that are well worth checking out.

See our list of the best new movies streaming in July 2024 below.

“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold and John Ashton in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F...

The first Transformers One reactions rolled out yesterday evening and, as we first reported on Toonado.com, they're overwhelmingly positive. In fact, we haven't been able to find a single negative comment and all signs point to this exceeding the expectations of Transformers fans.

Lots of comparisons are made to the 1980s adventures we know led to many of you falling in love with these characters as children and, despite replacing the legendary Peter Cullen, Chris Hemsworth receives the lion's share of praise for his take on Optimus Prime.

The story, animation, and general look and feel all appear to be a win as well and this might just be a sleeper hit when it opens in September.

Here are just a handful of the most noteworthy Transformers One reactions...

Wow. #TransformersOne is Freaking Awesome.

Totally honors the legacy of the franchise while also expanding and elevating it. A powerful...

Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment are bringing “Transformers One” to San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H, the studio announced Tuesday.

The panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation from the movie will also have Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry and Keegan-Michael Key, along with director Josh Cooley and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura in attendance. The film is the fist animated “Transformers” movie in nearly 40 years.

The Hall H panel will kick off the convention on Thursday, July 25, at 11:45 a.m. Pt. Fans who attend the panel will receive an exclusive poster.

Paramount was the only motion picture studio to host a panel last year with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.”

The animated movie recently screened at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. TheWrap’s Drew Taylor wrote: “It is exactly what it has been described as — an origin story for how two young robots went from being besties to mortal enemies,...

Summer is here, which means you might have some extra time on your hands. Why not watch a great movie? Ah, but finding the right movie to watch on streaming can be a chore. Not to worry, we’ve put together a curated list of some of the best new movies streaming in June — from monster mashes to Oscar contenders to underrated gems that hit theaters earlier this year and are making their streaming debut. Platforms spans Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu and more — there’s a little something for everyone, and we’ve also thrown in some new library titles to put on your watchlist as well.

Check out our picks for the best new movies streaming in June 2024 below.

“Godzilla Minus One” Godzilla Minus One (Credit: Toho Studios)

Netflix – June 1

Yes. “Godzilla Minus One” is finally streaming. Our long national nightmare is finally over. The movie, which is...

An unfinished version of Transformers One was screened at the Annecy Animation Festival earlier today, and the audience gave it a rousing standing ovation. Although those who saw the Transformers One screening have been sworn to silence, the first reactions that have emerged paint a very positive picture.

Director Josh Cooley introduced the movie, saying, “I’m very, very excited. So much talent and nostalgic love has gone into this movie.” He also thanked the team behind the film as the “greatest animators and CG artists in the world,” while also giving a shout-out to Industrial Light & Magic. Turning to the audience, he added, “I want to thank you all for being ‘audience one.’“

Transformers One is a blast! A much different movie than we've seen the past two decades, with an epic story and some fantastic animation. It is also funny as hell. #Annecy2024

— Rafael Motamayor (@RafaelMotamayor) June 10, 2024

We...

May is here, and with it the beginning of summer and — most crucially — more time to watch movies. But while the multiplex is sure to deliver some great thrills, spills and chills this month, if you’re looking to stay in for a night we’ve got a bevy of streaming recommendations to throw your way. Indeed, a number of exciting new movies are streaming in May, from an Anne Hathaway-led romcom to a truly bonkers Jerry Seinfeld movie to a much-maligned Marvel film that may be good for some unintentional laughs.

Below we’ve put together a curated list of the best new movies streaming in May on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, Hulu and more. So heat up some popcorn, grab your favorite blanket and settle in.

“Turtles All the Way Down” Isabela Merced in “Turtles All the Way Down” (Max)

Max – May 2

Based on the bestselling...

The impressive reboot series of the Planet of the Apes movies continues as the stories look to extend further than the arc of the revolutionary leader, Caesar (memorably played by Andy Serkis). The film is out in about a week, and now reactions to the new entry from The Maze Runner director Wes Ball have started to roll out on social media. Our official review will be released on Wednesday at 11 am Et, but our own Chris Bumbray got to catch an extended preview of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes at CinemaCon in Las Vegas and was impressed, calling the footage “pretty jaw-dropping” and a worthy continuation of the modern trilogy.

Our own JimmyO participated in the junket, writing on Twitter, “#KingdomOfThePlanetOfTheApes maintains – and builds – this impressive world that was explored by Matt Reeves. Wes Ball, The Maze Runner director, offers rich characters and an interesting take on the franchise.

While many rolled their eyes at the thought of a Willy Wonka origin story, the talent of those involved started to win people over. Writer/director Paul King achieved perfection with his Paddington movies and Timothée Chalamet is in the midst of an all-star rise to the top; thankfully, those ingredients seem to have mixed into a lovely family movie just in time for the holidays. Wonka had its world premiere in London today, and the first reactions have begun to emerge.

We’ve assembled a handful of Wonka first reactions below and will update with more as they come in.

#Wonka/ #WonkaMovie is a winning confection, filled with perfect amounts of charm, whimsy & poignancy, powered by pure imagination & bright, nimble musical numbers. Timothée Chalamet is a charisma factory. His full committal is intoxicating. Hugh Grant in exceptional Idgaf mode. pic.twitter.com/vjKJqqY6ll

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) November 28, 2023

#Wonka...

The dog days of summer are here, and what better way to spend them than chilling out with a great movie? Or better yet, a movie marathon? If you’re looking for new movies to stream, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve carefully curated a list of some of the best films newly streaming throughout the month of July, including a bounty of brand-new documentaries, classics that are fresh on streamers and full franchise binge-watches that’ll fill up long weekends. Our selection ranges from Netflix to Prime Video to Hulu to Max to Paramount+ and beyond, so there’s quite literally something for everyone.

Check out our picks for the best new movies to stream in July 2023 below.

“Titanic” “Titanic” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (Paramount Pictures)

Netflix – July 1

Unfortunate/fortunate timing, but “Titanic” is back on Netflix this month. This is hands-down one of the best,...

Animated adventures as well as classics based on true stories abound on Netflix in July 2023. From theatrical releases that made waves — such as James Cameron’s “Titanic” to DreamWorks’ “Puss in Boots” — we’re running down some of the best new movies to stream on Netflix this month.

Those in the mood for family fun should check out “They Cloned Tyrone,” “The Out-Laws” and “Happiness for Beginners.” “Tyrone,” starring John Boyega and Jamie Foxx promises thrilling scenes and an overall suspenseful setting. “The Out-Laws,” starring Adam Devine, Nina Dobrev, Ellen Barkin, Pierce Brosnan and Poorna Jagannathan, combines action, danger and raunchy humor. “Happiness for Beginners” was adapted from comfort book queen Katherine Center, author of the novel of the same name, and stars Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes.

Read on below for our curated picks for the best new movies to watch on Netflix in July.

Also Read:

The 25 Best...

Summer’s here, and if you’re looking for new movies to watch this June, we’ve got you covered. Newly streaming titles this month include the third (and final?) “Magic Mike” movie, Chris Hemsworth’s highly anticipated “Extraction” sequel on Netflix, the “Nicolas Cage as Dracula” new release “Renfield” and at long last, “Avatar: The Way of Water” makes its streaming debut on multiple streaming services. As always, we’ve also rounded up a number of library titles newly streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+, Hulu, Peacock and Disney+ throughout the month of June, so not only is there a little something for everyone, there’s enough to get you through those days when it’s just to hot to step outside.

Check out our list of some of the best new movies to stream in June 2023 below.

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What’s New on Amazon Prime Video in...

Finally, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is back, with “Vol. 3” lighting up Hollywood with an appropriately Big premiere, throwing one of the most-coveted bashes in recent weeks. Not to be outdone, Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival brought Zendaya back to the mic, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” actually took over a mile of Manhattan and “Citadel” stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden did the same in the heart of Westwood. A-List stars were out from the desert to the ballrooms and we’ve got this inside peek for your viewing pleasure.

Jessica Chastain and Meryl Streep reflect the feeling of the night at the 2023 Chaplin Award Gala honoring Viola Davis at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Flc)

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

Dolby Theatre, Hollywood

James Gunn and Chris Pratt attend the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” premiere...

While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has drawn his battle lines with Disney World and Disney CEO Bob Iger over the last year, the “Morning Joe” team has largely been left scratching their heads over what kind of political sense picking that fight makes. Host Joe Scarborough, in short, doesn’t think DeSantis stands a chance: “He’s taking on Mickey Mouse, but now Mickey Mouse has brass knuckles because he’s taking on Bob Iger,” he said.

The dispute between Disney and DeSantis began when the company took a public stance against the divisive governor’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill in spring 2022. That’s when DeSantis decided to openly wage a campaign against Disney, which climaxed earlier this year with the dissolution of the park’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, a governmental body established in the 1960s that oversaw the construction of roads and other infrastructure in the sprawling compound,...

Disney and Pixar are returning to the Cannes Film Festival with the world premiere of their latest collaboration, “Elemental.”

Positioned as the closing night film of the fest’s 76th edition on May 27, “Elemental” marks Pixar’s return to the Croisette, following world premieres of “Up,” “Inside Out” and “Soul.”

Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, said in a statement Tuesday that the studio’s return to Cannes was particularly special this year, having come out of years-long restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and come together in story rooms, animation dailies and impromptu brainstorming sessions, it’s a joy and honor to have Pixar back on La Croisette,” he said. “Directed by the extraordinary storyteller Peter Sohn, ‘Elemental’ is so funny, full of heart and, frankly, stunning to see. It was created for audiences to experience on the big screen and...

Believe it or not December is here, and the holiday season brings with it a bounty of new movies streaming. Specifically, this month finds Oscar-contenders from the likes of Guillermo del Toro, Rian Johnson and Alejandro G. Iñárritu debuting on Netflix while Tom Cruise’s beloved blockbuster sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” makes its streaming debut at long last. And that’s not to mention the streaming releases of Billy Eichner’s “Bros,” the Colin Farrell/Brendan Gleeson comedy “The Banshees of Inisherin” and Will Smith’s slavery drama “Emancipation,” as well as the terrific library titles heading to Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock and Paramount+ this month.

We’ve put together a curated list of some of the best new movies to stream in December 2022, both new releases and new library titles, and where and when you can stream them.

If Beale Street Could Talk Annapurna Pictures

Paramount+ – Dec.

2022 was a very good year at the movies, and 2023 promises to be potentially even bigger and even more exciting. While there’s no telling which films will actually deliver, we’ve rounded up 40 of our most anticipated films coming out next year. For some, it’s the combination of director and material (Greta Gerwig and “Barbie”) that piques our interest; for others it’s an exciting sequel (“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”); and for others it’s as simple as “Nicolas Cage as Dracula.”

With the caveat that there will surely (and hopefully) be surprises we don’t see coming, here are some of the films we’re most looking forward to in 2023.

Knock at the Cabin “Knock at the Cabin” (Universal Pictures)

Feb. 3

After making a movie about the beach where you get old (aptly named “Old”), M. Night Shyamalan is back with a movie about the cabin in which...

In a crowded field of awards contenders, a surefire way to get an audience talking (and tweeting) is to end with a bang. A great film isn’t defined by its final shot, but some of 2022’s best films exemplified the power of a great ending. Some breathed new meaning into a well-known image (see: the poster for “The Banshees of Inisherin”). Others expertly tied together a theme or plot. There were the hilarious, the poignant (“Corsage”), and the just plain haunting (“Pearl”).

In no particular order, TheWrap presents nine films of 2022 that best stuck the landing.

Spoiler alert: This article spoils the ending of “The Fabelmans,” “Aftersun,” “Tár,” “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Corsage,” “White Noise,” “Pearl,” “Nope,” and “Crimes of the Future.”

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The 15 Best Romance Movies of 2022 “The Fabelmans” “The Fabelmans” (Universal Pictures)

There are many reasons that the final shot of “The Fablemans” is...

From subsequent installments of fan-favorite series to breakout debuts, 2022 featured a host of shows across genres, worlds and themes that dominated conversations, engaged our senses and thrilled us to our cores.

Whether it was the plethora of memes that came out of “The White Lotus” Season 2 finale, the numerous analyses about what “Severance” says about our relationship to work-life balance or the collective Twitter fervor over the budding romance between Janine and Gregory in “Abbott Elementary,” we were entertained, shaken, enthralled and captivated by these excellent TV shows.

As we look toward 2023 — and the many, many series (returning and new) that are sure to grace our screens — members of TheWrap staff and TV team took a moment to reflect on some of the standout shows we loved this year. “Pachinko” moved us, “Bad Sisters” made us cackle, “The Bear” stressed us the f— out and “The Rehearsal” pushed the boundaries of our understanding of television.

Netflix released a lot of original films in 2022, from animation to prestige fare to especially young adult book adaptations. There was no shortage of feel-good and transporting films to immerse viewers into entire universes, and even a bona fide box office success in the form of Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” follow-up “Glass Onion.” Below, we’ve singled out some of our favorites.

Behold, the best Netflix original movies of 2022, listed in order of release.

Windfall Netflix

This one flew way under the radar when it was released back in March, but it’s a taut and twisty little thriller that touches on some hot-button issues in interesting ways. Jesse Plemons plays a wealthy CEO who returns to his home in Ojai one day with his wife (played by Lily Collins), only to discover they’re in the midst of being robbed by a stranger (played by Jason Segel). The...

Looking to close out the year with a good new movie on your favorite streaming service? We can help with that. HBO Max is not just removing content — it’s home to a pair of high-profile new releases from 2022 this month, along with a handful of excellent library titles that are sure to be winners whether you’re cozying up alone or watching with your family over the holidays. Indeed, from Dwayne Johnson’s DC extravaganza “Black Adam” to the brilliant Oscar-contending “The Banshees of Inisherin” and beyond, we’ve rounded up the best new movies on HBO Max in December 2022.

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The 25 Best New Movies to Stream in December 2022 The Banshees of Inisherin The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)

Martin McDonagh, one of our most celebrated playwrights and filmmakers, is following up his Best Picture-nominated “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” with a more intimate, even darker comedy. “The Banshees of Inisherin...

Monday night, Paramount hosted an early screening of Damien Chazelle’s highly anticipated new film “Babylon,” and reactions to the comedic epic set in the Golden Age of Hollywood are as wild and grandiose as the era it depicts.

Out Dec. 23, the film is the Oscar-winning “La La Land” writer-director’s first feature since 2018, and in his own words, his most ambitious project yet. The A-list cast is led by “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” co-stars Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt, as well as newcomer Diego Calva. Olivia Wilde, Flea, Jean Smart, Tobey Maguire and Spike Jonze among many others also star in this fictionalized account of big dreams and bigger debauchery in 1920s Hollywood.

A first trailer, released in September, promised entertainment and chaos in equal measure, with characters narrowly avoiding certain death on movie sets, falling off of balconies at sumptuous parties and snorting lines of coke.

The fanboy desire for R-rated superhero movies is -- by and large -- silly, especially when it comes to tentpole characters like Batman, Superman and the X-Men. James Mangold made it work with the elegiac "Logan," but that's an itch that should rarely get scratched. The DC films are dour enough as it is, and, outside of Christopher Nolan's "Batman" trilogy, this miserabilist approach saps what should be enthralling yarns of their fun and vitality. If I want to go see a humorless studio flick about crime-fighters made for adults, well, they don't make those anymore so I'll stay home and watch a streaming series like David Simon's "We Own This City."

There are exceptions. If you're adapting Alan Moore's "Watchmen," you're defanging the material if you don't go for the hardest of R ratings. And if you're taking on John Constantine, the cynical, chain-smoking protagonist of the "Hellblazer" comics,...

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is facing some of the highest expectations seen by any Marvel film thus far; but if the social media reactions from those who attended the film’s premiere on Wednesday are any indication, those expectations will be cleared.

Critics and filmmakers who came out of the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood say that “Wakanda Forever” eschews the traditional tone of the MCU in favor of a much more dramatic approach. It’s not surprising, considering that the death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 and the absence of his character, King T’Challa, hangs over every second of this film.

“‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ prioritizes sentiment over spectacle and for the most part it’s a transporting and engrossing triumph,” tweeted TheWrap’s Drew Taylor. “Arguably Marvel Studios’ most deeply felt and emotional resonant extravaganza. Also Ludwig [Goransson]’s score is an all timer.”

Also Read:

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever...

After months of hype, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" is finally about to be released in theaters. It might feel strange and even sad to see Wakanda without the presence of Chadwick Boseman as King T'Challa. However, it has been made very clear that director Ryan Coogler and all others involved in the production did their best to honor the late actor throughout.

Of course, the memory of Boseman is not the only reason why "Wakanda Forever" has been getting a lot of attention. The film also serves as the introduction to Namor (Tenoch Huerta) and Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), two fan-favorite characters that will likely serve as important figures moving forward. It also has a storyline that utilizes Boseman's absence in an interesting and poignant way — after King T'Challa's death, Wakanda has opened itself up to the rest of the world as he had promised. However, this decision has yielded some complicated results,...

Following a Los Angeles premiere Wednesday night, first reactions to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” are pouring in. Critics have applauded writer/director Ryan Coogler’s MCU installment that both honors the late Chadwick Boseman’s legacy while introducing new characters into the epic world of Wakanda.

Wednesday’s premiere screenings were split between the Dolby and El Capitan theater across the street. Along with the cast and crew, the Dolby brought in everyone from Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph to Chloe x Halle and Daveed Diggs. Marvel stars like Simu Liu, Kumail Nanjiani, and Iman Vellani also turned out for the world premiere, along with directors (MCU and non-mcu alike) Destin Daniel Cretton, Gina Prince-Bythewood, David Lowery, Rian Johnson, and Steve Caple Jr. Audiences cheered for every character intro, especially for newcomer Tenoch Huerta as Namor, and for Dominique Thorne.

In “Black Panther 2,” following the death of King...

Whatever people were expecting from David Gordon Green's "Halloween Ends," the third and final film in his revival trilogy of John Carpenter's 1978 horror classic, it almost certainly wasn't the strangely subdued film he's delivered. The previous installment, "Halloween Kills," seemed to be setting up one last grudge match between Jamie Lee Curtis' Laurie Strodeand her seemingly unkillable nemesis Michael Myers. After all, the stakes had been raised to a series-high personal level with Michael's murder of Laurie's daughter, Karen (Judy Greer). To me, this would've been a disappointingly pat resolution to Green's new take, which had wiped out every sequel to Carpenter's original and started from scratch. Fortunately, Green felt the same way.

"Halloween Ends" kicks off with a teenage babysitter, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell), accidentally killing his bratty charge, and proceeds, for a shockingly lengthy stretch of the film, to work shockingly well as a young outlaw romance.

Netflix has acquired the animation studio Animal Logic, which is behind films like “Happy Feet,” “The Lego Movie” franchise and Netflix’s upcoming animated film “The Magician’s Elephant.”

The acquisition will support Netflix’s original animated film slate, which already includes titles like “Klaus,” “Over the Moon” and the upcoming “The Sea Beast.” The Animal Logic and Netflix Animation teams together will create a global creative production team and an animation studio that will produce some of Netflix’s largest animated film titles. However, Netflix will continue to work with many other studios for its animated series and movies.

Animal Logic is led by CEO and co-founder Zareh Nalbandian. Animal Logic leadership will remain operating under the Animal Logic brand and will fulfill production of existing and ongoing commitments and continue to collaborate and work with longstanding studio partners.

Animal Logic is also working on the soon-to-be-released “DC’s...

This week on TheWrap-Up podcast, TheWrap sits down with “Elvis” director, co-writer and producer Baz Luhrmann to discuss his epic biopic, while TheWrap’s founder and editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman talks about the week’s biggest headlines and stories with podcast guest co-host and TheWrap assistant managing editor for audience Adam Chitwood.

The interview with Baz Luhrmann touches on why he wanted to tell Elvis Presley’s story in the first place. “I took it on not to do a biopic but I always thought Elvis would be this great canvas to explore America, because he’s sort of at the center of everything in the 50s, 60s and 70s,” Luhrmann said.

The “Moulin Rouge!” filmmaker also revealed that the project started to coalesce when he learned more about Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, played in the film by Tom Hanks, and drew inspiration from “Amadeus” to make him a major part of the story.

Taika Waititi may have spent his post-“Thor: Ragnarok” success winning a screenplay Oscar for “Jojo Rabbit,” but the writer and director returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with flying colors next month with “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

Reuniting with star Chris Hemsworth and with Natalie Portman returning as Jane Foster, hopes are high for this next installment — and if initial reactions out of Thursday night’s LA premiere are any indication, the film does not disappoint.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” puts our hero up against one of his most formidable foes yet: Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) and powerful extraterrestrial hellbent on sending gods into extinction. He faces off with Gorr alongside Portman’s Foster, returning for the first time since 2013’s “Thor: The Dark World,” who also possesses the power of Thor. Tessa Thompson returns as Valkyrie, and the film co-stars “Guardians of the Galaxy” heavyweights Chris Pratt and others.

We’re just two weeks away from the release of Marvel’s latest MCU installment, but Thor: Love and Thunder has now had its premiere in Los Angeles, so we get to read all the first reactions from those who were invited to attend! As always, we absorb these reactions with a hefty fistful of salt, but anticipation and goodwill for this movie has been high ever since it was first announced. Returning director Taika Waititi essentially reinvented the Thor franchise with his 2017 Marvel outing Thor: Ragnarok by capitalising on the more comedic side of the central character and, as a result, Chris Hemsworth is currently the only MCU star to lead four solo movies.

In Thor: Love and Thunder Hemsworth reprises his iconic role, but as a God of Thunder who is now looking to finally find some peace after losing so much that was dear to him during the events of Thor: Ragnarok,...

When Restless opened Un Certain Regard in Cannes this spring, most critics groaned and moved on to their next screening. Some, though, such as Manohla Dargis in the New York Times, weren't ready to dismiss it entirely, and Daniel Kasman found a few kind words for cinematographer Harris Savides. Still, having screened in Toronto and now set for a limited release in the States tomorrow, Restless is being slapped with another round of pans.

Nick Schager in Slant: "Gus Van Sant's cinema, which of late has been fixated on immersing viewers in particular times and spaces, takes a detour into excruciating quirkland with Restless, a work of off-putting bathos and lovey-dovey nonsense that inspires not just the titular agitation, but stomach-cramping, eye-rolling antipathy. Written by Jason Lew with a dedication to making every single note ring false, this modern-hipster Love Story charts the unexpected and ill-fated romance of two dopey fictional creations,...