New to Streaming This Week: Must-Watch Movies and Shows (Jan. 31, 2025)
Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice with platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that’s before you even dive into the vast libraries of movies and TV shows each service offers!
To save you from endless scrolling, we’ve curated a list of the latest releases across your favorite platforms. Whether you're in the mood for drama, comedy, animation, or horror, there’s something new and exciting to stream this week.
Netflix
"Lucca's World" (Drama)
This Spanish-language film follows Lucca, a young artist navigating personal and professional challenges. A heartfelt story about creativity and resilience. Available from January 31.
"American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson" (True Crime Docuseries)
A deep dive into the infamous O.J. Simpson case, offering fresh perspectives and insights. Released on January 29.
"Mo, Season 2" (Comedy Series)
One of 2022’s most important TV shows, Mo returns for its second and final season. Created by comedian Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, the series follows Mo Najjar (Amer, playing a version of himself), a Palestinian refugee living in the U.S. After accidentally deporting himself to Mexico without a passport in Season 1, Mo’s struggle to return to the U.S. takes him through an unfeeling embassy, a dangerous border crossing, and a grim detention facility.
Amidst the chaos, Mo learns that the love of his life, Maria (Teresa Ruiz), is seeing someone else back home. Yet, against all odds, Mo finds humor and hope in the darkest of situations. A timely and poignant exploration of immigration, family, and identity, Mo is both hilariously funny and deeply moving. As we said in our review, it’s "a superb comedy about a guy just trying to succeed." — S.C.
Starring: Mo Amer, Farah Bsieso, Teresa Ruiz, Tobe Nwigwe, and Omar Elba
How to watch: Mo Season 2 debuts on Netflix Jan. 30.
Prime Video
"You're Cordially Invited" (Comedy)
Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell teaming up for comedy? With the former making her mark in rom-coms like Legally Blonde and Sweet Home Alabama, and the latter known for goofy laffers like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Step Brothers, what might audiences expect in a joint venture? Especially when it's directed by Nicholas Stoller, known for such wild fare as Neighbors and Bros? Well, it's a mixed bag.
You're Cordially Invited centers the battle between a no-nonsense TV producer (Witherspoon) and a devoted girl-dad (Ferrell), who are determined to make the wedding of their respective brides-to-be perfect. So when a cozy B&B double-books the nuptials of her sister and his daughter, plenty of hijinks ensue, involving sabotage, Dr. Seuss, and alligators. Blending sentimental moments with cutting barbs and a string of goofy set pieces, You're Cordially Invited is big-hearted but jarringly uneven. Far from the best from any of these comedy luminaries, it's still a joy in bursts. — K.P.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, and Jimmy Tatro
How to watch: You're Cordially Invited debuts on Prime Video Jan. 30.
"Sing Sing" (Drama)
This critically acclaimed drama, which has earned three Oscar nominations (including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor), is now available for purchase. Named for the prison where its story unfolds, Sing Sing is based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in New York. The film follows a group of incarcerated men who find community and confidence through putting on a theatrical production.
Starring: Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José, and Paul Raci
How to watch: https://www.tranganhnam.xyz/2025/01/new-to-streaming-this-week-must-watch.html" />
Directed by Greg Kwedar, Sing Sing is more than just a feel-good tale about creativity—it’s a profound exploration of redemption and humanity. The film features Colman Domingo (nominated for a 2024 Oscar for Rustin) alongside formerly incarcerated actors, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth.
As critic Siddhant Adlakha noted in his review from the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, "For the men of Sing Sing, art becomes both refuge and rebellion, presented not only as a coping mechanism for incarceration, but a therapeutic alternative. Kwedar, through his gentle visual approach, affords each imprisoned character (and formerly imprisoned actor) the room — and just as importantly, the time — to tell their own stories, in ways that cinema seldom does. The result is a heartrending, visually enrapturing balm for the soul." — K.P.
Starring: Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José, and Paul Raci
How to watch: Sing Sing is now available for purchase on Prime Video.
"Babygirl" (Drama)
Nicole Kidman shines as a high-powered CEO juggling her demanding career, her gentle theater director husband (Antonio Banderas), and her lively teen daughters (Vaughan Reilly and Esther McGregor). Her life takes a dramatic turn when a cocky intern (Harris Dickinson) begins to flirt inappropriately with her.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas
How to watch: https://www.tranganhnam.xyz/2025/01/new-to-streaming-this-week-must-watch.html" />
Delving into themes of sex, power dynamics, forbidden lust, and identity, Babygirl is an electrifying blend of humor and yearning. As our rave review from TIFF noted, "Emotionally naked, unapologetically provocative, and defiantly playful, Reijn's film joyfully explores the complicated ties that bind. Amid stiff competition, she delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year." — K.P.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas
How to watch: Babygirl is now available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
Disney+
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" (Animated Series)
It’s a story we've seen a fair few times at this point, but why not again? In Marvel Animation's new series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, we’re back to the very beginning with Peter Parker (voiced by Hudson Thames), when he's just acquired his Spidey senses. In this series, he's (barely) surviving high school, living with Aunt May (Kari Wahlgren), and being mentored by the future Green Goblin, scientist Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo). There’s plenty of familiar faces to come in this series, including voice appearances from some Daredevil favorites. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
Starring: Hudson Thames, Colman Domingo, Hugh Dancy, Cathy Ang, and Paul F. Tompkins
How to watch: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man debuts on Disney+ Jan. 29.
"Moana 2" (Animated Film)
Get ready to go "Beyond" all over again, because Moana 2 is coming to digital. The sequel to Disney's 2016 smash hit reunites us with wayfinder Moana (voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho) as she embarks on a new quest to save her home island of Motunui. This time around, she must find the legendary island of Motufetu, which was cursed long ago by the human-hating god Nalo, and reconnect all the ocean's peoples.
The ensuing journey is a blast, with Moana's new companions adding extra fun to the high seas, and with demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) once again bringing his shapeshifting fun to the screen. Yet Moana 2 still falls short of Moana in several ways. Nalo proves to be an underwhelming villain, while Moana 2's songs are simply unmemorable without Lin-Manuel Miranda. As I wrote in my Moana 2 review, "Miranda's presence is greatly missed, with songs often feeling like lackluster rehashes of the first film's songs." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Gerald Ramsey, and Alan Tudyk
How to watch: https://www.tranganhnam.xyz/2025/01/new-to-streaming-this-week-must-watch.html" />
The ensuing journey is a blast, with Moana's new companions adding extra fun to the high seas, and with demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) once again bringing his shapeshifting fun to the screen. Yet Moana 2 still falls short of Moana in several ways. Nalo proves to be an underwhelming villain, while Moana 2's songs are simply unmemorable without Lin-Manuel Miranda. As I wrote in my Moana 2 review, "Miranda's presence is greatly missed, with songs often feeling like lackluster rehashes of the first film's songs." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Gerald Ramsey, and Alan Tudyk
How to watch: Moana 2 is now available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Prime Video, and more.
Hulu
"Paradise" (Drama Series)
Hulu’s Paradise reunites This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown and creator Dan Fogelman for a thriller series that’s equal parts twisty, ridiculous, and fun. The show takes place in the aftermath of the murder of U.S. President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). His head of security, Xavier Collins (Brown), is on the case—but he’s also the number-one suspect.
Starring: Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Jon Beavers, Krys Marshall, Aliyah Mastin, and Percy Daggs IV
How to watch: https://www.tranganhnam.xyz/2025/01/new-to-streaming-this-week-must-watch.html" />
If the initial political conspiracy premise doesn’t grab you, stick around for the premiere’s jaw-dropping twist. As our review noted, it "took me from 'meh' to 'this rocks, actually' within the span of [Paradise’s] very first episode." Brace yourself for a wild ride. — B.E.
Starring: Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Jon Beavers, Krys Marshall, Aliyah Mastin, and Percy Daggs IV
How to watch: The first three episodes of Paradise are now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes weekly.
Apple TV+
"Mythic Quest" Season 4 (Comedy Series)
The beloved series about a video game development studio returns with more antics, rivalries, and a murder-mystery party on a remote island. A must-watch for fans of workplace comedies. Available from January 31.
Starring: Rob McElhenney, Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, Imani Hakim, David Hornsby, Charlotte Nicdao, Danny Pudi, F. Murray Abraham, and Naomi Ekperigin
How to watch: Mythic Quest Season 4 premieres Jan. 29 on Apple TV+.
Mubi
"La Sustancia" (Body-Horror Film)
A critically acclaimed film delving into the horrors of body transformation. A visually stunning and unsettling experience. Available from January 31.
Shudder
"Dark Match" (Horror)
If you love professional wrestling and gory scares, you'll want to enter the gnarly ring of Dark Match. Written and directed by Wolfcop's Lowell Dean, this horror movie follows a hardscrabble band of wrestlers who accept a lucrative gig in a dubiously remote location. They realize too late that this isn't just a dangerous event, it's a deadly one. Surrounded by Satanists and facing off against a sinister cult leader, will they come out on top or be down for the count?
Per the trailer above, critics have cheered Dark Match's grisly and ultra-violent approach to horror. The low-budget look promises a grimy approach that's sure to thrill fans of midnight movies. But best of all, pro wrestling icon Chris Jericho tags in, bringing his showmanship to the screen with a deranged relish. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
Starring: Chris Jericho, Ayisha Issa, Steven Ogg, Sara Canning, Michael Eklund, and Jonathan Cherry
How to watch: Dark Match debuts on Shudder and AMC+ Jan. 31.
Peacock
"Saturday Night Live: 50th Anniversary Special"
A star-studded celebration of SNL’s 50 years of comedy, featuring iconic cast members, musical performances, and unforgettable sketches.
With so many new releases, your streaming schedule is about to get a lot busier. Whether you’re into heartwarming animation, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, or laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone this week. Happy streaming! 🎬🍿
Note: Release dates and availability may vary based on your region and subscription.
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