Oftentimes, it is difficult to stay up to date with all the different movie releases debuting on streaming services since there are so many platforms to keep track of. This might have led you to miss Netflix’s recent movie releases. But no worries, TV Tea’s got you covered. I curated a list highlighting some of those excellent film debuts ranging from blockbuster flicks to Netflix originals that you don’t want to miss. Here are five of the best new movies available to stream on the platform now:
1. “May December”
When Netflix announced their new film “May December,” many users couldn’t wait to see it as the cast consisted of many excellent actors. Now, with the movie being out, it’s fair to say the film exceeded viewers’ expectations. Loosely inspired by the story of Mary Kay Letourneau, the film centers around an actress Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman) who is set to play the role of Grace Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore) — a woman infamous for being in a 23-year-old relationship with her husband Joe (Charles Melton) whom she first met as a minor. Preparing for her role, Elizabeth travels to Georgia to meet and study the life of the controversial woman. However, Elizabeth’s observations cause suppressed feelings to resurface from the problematic couple, which unveils dark truths about Joe and Grace’s relationship. From the eerie storyline to the gripping performances by Portman, Moore and Melton, viewers will find themselves utterly astounded when the film ends.
2. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
We are reuniting once again with our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man as the sequel to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is finally available to stream on the platform. This hit animated film follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) reconciling after defeating the evil Kingpin (Liev Schreiber). But this time a new threat arises named The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), who is trying to destroy everything and everyone Miles Morales has ever loved. To defeat this villainous figure, Gwen introduces Miles to a team of Spider-People, who oversee the multiverse. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle the new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. If you are a Marvel fan and have yet to see this film, it is a must-watch as the movie’s stunning animations and phenomenal storytelling create such an incredible viewing experience that will make you fall in love with Miles Morales’ character even more.
3. “Leo”
If you want to watch a film that your whole family could enjoy, you must check out “Leo.” This animation follows Leo (Adam Sandler) the lizard who has been stuck in the same fifth-grade classroom for 74 years. When he learns he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to fulfill his lifelong dream of living in the wild before he runs out of time. But his plans soon change when he is taken home by different students from the classroom for an assignment that a strict substitute teacher assigned. This film can be odd at times, but as the movie progresses, it turns out to be a heartwarming coming-of-age story that will leave you feeling moved by the end of the film.
4. “Frybread Face and Me”
Of all the movies listed, “Frybread Face and Me” is most likely to be the film you haven’t heard of. But don’t let that stop you from watching this movie because it is such a beautiful story about Navajo culture that is well worth putting on your watch list. Based on elements of Director Billy Luther’s life, this semi-autobiographical film centers around Benny (Keir Tallman) who spends his summer vacation at his grandmother’s ranch in Arizona to learn more about his Navajo heritage. While visiting his grandmother, Benny builds relationships with his clever cousin Fry (Charley Hogan) and his relatives while learning about himself and his family’s past. Although the film is a bit slow-paced, the audience begins to appreciate the authenticity of the characters and the film’s cinematography as it develops into a touching and emotional coming-of-age story. As a result, “Frybread Face and Me” is one film you don’t want to miss.
5. “Birds of Prey”
The vicious yet charming DC character Harley Quinn is finally on Netflix with her solo-based film “Birds of Prey.” This movie takes place after Harley (Margot Robbie) and the Joker have a hideous breakup, leaving Harley with a target on her back from all the people she wronged in the past. Unprotected and on the run, Harley encounters the narcissistic crime boss Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) who forces her to retrieve a multi-million-dollar diamond that a mischievous child stole. But things take an unexpected turn when she discovers that the child swallowed the precious jewel. Trying to protect both the diamond and the kid, Harley teams up with three deadly women — Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett) and Renee (Rosie Perez) to take down the powerful crime boss once and for all. With Margot Robbie’s stellar performance as Harley Quinn and the numerous action-packed sequences, this movie is an entertaining watch and one that will leave you wanting more of the beloved DC villain.