Happy New Year ScreenAgers! The haters said we couldn’t make it but here we are. Back with more movies to stream. It’ll never end, because there are just too many damn movies to watch. Here are 5 of those gazillion movies that currently streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu, and Peacock that might be worth your time.
Netflix: Madame Web (2024)
I’m leading the train on reclaiming Madame Web in 2025. We’re not waiting 5 years to do revisionist history on this one. We’re starting it now. Yes, it’s bad. Like pretty bad. Perhaps even really bad. But it still has moments that are enjoyable. Sometimes it’s a laugh out loud “so bad it’s good” moment. Other times, there’s a hint of directorial intention and competence. It certainly wasn’t the worst superhero movie of last year (that would be Deadpool & Wolverine). So screw it! Give it a watch.
FOR FANS OF: Morbius; Spider-Man; Venom
Prime Video: Deep Cover (1992)
In the early 1990’s there were few people who embodied “cool” the way Laurence Fishburne did. The beauty and fun of Deep Cover is the film’s dedication to highlighting that. Corruption, crime, and drugs are running wild is this grungy version of LA. Side note – cities were gross and vibey in movies in the 90’s and we need to bring that back. But the only one who could save us from said crime is Larry Fishburne being cool as hell. This movie also features Jeff Goldblum doing peak Jeff Goldblum, which is also rad.
FOR FANS OF: New Jack City; King of New York; The Departed
Max: Stagecoach (1939)
The first collab between John Ford and John Wayne was a preview of the genius to come when director/actor would collaborate on future films. Stagecoach features some inspired action sequences and really gorgeous photography. It’s a great early example of what the Western genre could be. Obviously Ford went on to become a master of said genre and Wayne became it’s biggest star, but this film is where it all started. There’s a good amount of societal intrigue in here as well to keep you fully engaged between the excitement of Wayne fighting the bad guys.
FOR FANS OF: The Searchers; High Noon; The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Hulu: Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
Alfonso Caurón has one of the most fascinating 3 film runs of any director. In 2001 he gave us Y Tu Mamá También, followed by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, then Children of Men. Three wildly different movies but all masterful in their own ways. Y Tu Mamá También is one of the great road movies of all time. Using the road trip to allow for characters to continuously discover elements of their true selves along the way. It’s gorgeous to look at and carries tremendous emotional weight. A can’t miss movie if you haven’t already seen it.
FOR FANS OF: Roma; Vicky Cristina Barcelona; Thelma & Louise
Peacock: Source Code (2011)
I am a sucker for time loop movies. Source Code is a relatively quiet but formidable entry into the sub-genre. It features a great concept and really fun lead performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan. I’m also a huge sucker for movies that prominently feature trains, so this is truly right up my alley. Frankly it’s a shame that I didn’t get to it earlier. But that’s okay – you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did. You can go watch it now and thank me later.
FOR FANS OF: Looper; Tenet; Primer
Make sure you check out all of these awesome options and let us know what you think. Also, be sure to let us know the best hidden gems you’ve streamed recently. Share in the comments and help us expand the list!
See you next month!
