What's New on Streaming This Week: Saoirse Ronan Fights World War II, 'Romulus' Comes Home, and More (2024)

It's the week before Thanksgiving, and the lineup of movies coming to streaming isn't slowing down anytime soon. From hotly anticipated Oscar contenders to the return of some fan-favorite franchises, you can check out our list below to see which new movies are heading to streaming this week.

New on Apple TV+:

'Blitz'

Available Now

From Academy Award winner Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), comes his first feature film in six years; the World War II drama Blitz.

Set in London during the Blitz, young George's mother, Rita, sends him to the English countryside to avoid the Blitz Bombings. Unwilling to just stand by, George sets off on a perilous quest to return home to his mother and grandfather in East London, facing immense danger at every corner.

Blitz stars Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird), newcomer Elliott Heffernan, Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness), Benjamin Clementine (Dune: Part One), Kathy Burke (Elizabeth), The Jam's lead singer Paul Weller, Stephen Graham (Venom: The Last Dance), Leigh Gill (Joker), Mica Ricketts (Here We Go), CJ Beckford (Riches), Alex Jennings (The Crown), Joshua McGuire (Anatomy of a Scandal), Hayley Squires (Beau Is Afraid), Erin Kellyman (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), and Sally Messham (Aftersun).

Blitz

PG-13

Drama

History

War

In Blitz (2024), set during World War II, a diverse group of Londoners struggles to survive the relentless German bombing campaign. Their intertwined stories reflect resilience, courage, and humanity amid wartime chaos, as they navigate personal and collective challenges while striving to maintain hope and unity.

Release Date

November 1, 2024

Director

Steve McQueen

Cast

Elliott Heffernan , Saoirse Ronan , Paul Weller , Harris Dickinson , Benjamin Clementine , Kathy Burke , Stephen Graham , Leigh Gill , Mica Ricketts , CJ Beckford , Alex Jennings , Joshua McGuire , Hayley Squires , Erin Kellyman , Sally Messham

Main Genre

Drama

Writers

Steve McQueen

Character(s)

George , Rita , Gerald

Watch on Apple TV+

New on Netflix:

'Joy'

Available Now

From acclaimed screenwriter and playwright Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and director Ben Taylor (Sex Education), comes the inspiring biographical drama Joy.

The movie tells the true story of Jean Purdy, a nurse, who teamed up with scientist Robert Edwards and the talented surgeon Patrick Steptoe, in developing the world's first 'test tube baby' or how as we know it today, the first baby born through IVF.

Academy Award nominee Bill Nighy (Love Actually), Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit), and James Norton (Little Women) star in the film.

Joy

Drama

Joy (2024) chronicles the determined efforts of a young nurse, a visionary scientist, and an innovative surgeon as they confront resistance from the church, state, media, and medical establishment in their groundbreaking pursuit to create the world's first "test tube baby," Louise Joy Brown.

Release Date

November 22, 2024

Director

Ben Taylor

Cast

Bill Nighy , James Norton , Thomasin McKenzie , Charlie Murphy , Rish Shah , Cecily Cleeve , Eoin Duffy , Mariam Haque , Abbiegail Mills

Runtime

115 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Writers

Rachel Mason , Jack Thorne

Character(s)

Patrick Steptoe , Robert Edwards , Jean Purdy , Trisha , Arun , Caroline , Colin , Marie , Meg

Watch on Netflix

'The Merry Gentlemen'

Available Now

Netflix's annual slate of Christmas rom-coms continues this week with the release of their sexiest seasonal flick yet, The Merry Gentlemen.

When her parents' small-town performing arts venue is at risk of shutting down, former dancer and choreographer Ashley, teams up with a local contractor to stage an all-male Christmas-themed revue that takes the community by storm.

Peter Sullivan (Secret Obsession) directs the movie which stars Britt Robertson (Tomorrowland), Chad Michael Murray (Freaky Friday), Marla Sokoloff (The Practice), Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Michael Gross (Family Ties), Maxwell Caulfield (Grease 2), Hector David Jr. (Power Rangers Samurai), Colt Prattes (This Is Us), and Marc Anthony Samuel (General Hospital).

The Merry Gentlemen

PG

A former big-city dancer returns to her hometown to save her parents' struggling performance venue by organizing an all-male, Christmas-themed revue.

Release Date

November 20, 2024

Director

Peter Sullivan

Cast

Chad Michael Murray , Britt Robertson , marla sokoloff , Maxwell Caulfield , Colt Prattes , Hector David Jr. , Marc Anthony Samuel , Beth Broderick , Michael Gross , Maria Canals-Barrera , Meredith Thomas

Main Genre

Holiday

Writers

marla sokoloff

Watch on Netflix

'The Piano Lesson'

Available Now

Following the Academy Award-winning films Fences and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Academy Award winner Denzel Washington returns to produce another one of August Wilson's plays in The Piano Lesson.

Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, after the Great Depression, the Charles family has gathered together to decide what to do with their priceless family heirloom, a piano, which has carvings made by one of their enslaved ancestors. Siblings Boy Willie Charles and Berniece Charles clash over what will become of the piano, with one wanting to sell it, with the other proclaiming it far too valuable to give up.

Denzel's son, Malcolm Washington, makes his directorial debut with the movie, which stars John David Washington (Tenet), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Academy Award nominee Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction), Ray Fisher (Zack Snyder's Justice League), Michael Potts (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), Grammy winner Erykah Badu (The Cider House Rules), newcomer Skylar Aleece Smith, Corey Hawkins (The Color Purple), and Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk).

The Piano Lesson

PG-13

Drama

In The Piano Lesson, a brother and sister clash over selling a family heirloom piano—he sees it as a path to wealth, while she views it as a vital link to their heritage. Their uncle tries to mediate, but the conflict reveals deep truths about identity, legacy, and the past.

Release Date

November 8, 2024

Director

Malcolm Washington

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson , John David Washington , Danielle Deadwyler , Ray Fisher , Corey Hawkins , Michael Potts , Skylar Smith , Stephan James , Erykah Badu , Malik J Ali , Charity Jordan , Isaiah Gunn , Matrell Smith , Jerrika Hinton , Gail Bean , Hanniel Joseph , Pauletta Washington , Olivia Washington , Kylee D. Allen , Deetta West , Jay Peterson , David Atkinson , Tony Fox , Melanie Jeffcoat , Owen Harn , Charles Green

Runtime

125 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Writers

Virgil Williams , Malcolm Washington

Character(s)

Doaker , Boy Willie , Berniece , Lymon , Avery , Wining Boy , Maretha , Boy Charles , Lucille , Willie Boy , Mama Berniece , Young Boy Willie , Crawley , Grace , Dolly , Papa Boy Walter , Mama Ola , Young Mama Ola , Young Berniece , Mama Esther , James Sutter , Robert Sutter , Young Wining Boy , Miss Ophelia , Joel Nolander , White Man

Watch on Netflix

'Spellbound'

Available Now

The animated musical adventure film Spellbound follows Princess Ellian, who must set of on a perilous quest through the magical world of Lumbria that has split her kingdom home in two and turned her parents, King Solon and Queen Elssmere, into monsters.

Academy Award winner Vickey Jenson (Shrek) directs the film, which features original music from Disney legend and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. Populating the star-studded voice cast are Rachel Zegler (West Side Story), Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge!), Academy Award winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Academy Award nominee John Lithgow (The World According to Garp), Jenifer Lewis (The Princess and the Frog), Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and Nathan Lane (The Lion King).

Spellbound

PG

Animation

Comedy

Fantasy

Musical

Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, follows Princess Ellian on her adventurous quest to rescue her family and kingdom. As a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters, Ellian must navigate this perilous journey to restore the King and Queen of Lumbria.

Release Date

November 22, 2024

Director

Vicky Jenson

Cast

Rachel Zegler , Miguel Bernardeau , Giovanna Bush , Dennis Stowe , Jenifer Lewis , Dee Bradley Baker , Susan Fitzer , Nicole Kidman , Javier Bardem , John Lithgow , Olga Merediz , Rich Moore , Nathan Lane , Tituss Burgess , John Ratzenberger , Vicky Jenson , Angela Grovey , Jessica Molaskey , Isabelle McCalla

Runtime

109 Minutes

Main Genre

Animation

Writers

Vicky Jenson , Lauren Hynek , Elizabeth Martin

Character(s)

Princess Ellian , Chilo , Orsola , Lumbrian Soldier , Nazara , Flink Dee , Old Maid , Queen Ellsmere , King Solon , Bolinar , The General , The Postmaster , Luno - Oracle of the Moon , Sunny - Oracle of the Sun , Milo The Monster Handler , Old Blue-Haired Woman , Lumbrian Citizen

Studio(s)

Skydance Animation

Watch on Netflix

New on Hulu:

'Alien: Romulus'

Available Now

The ever-iconic Alien franchise goes back to its horror roots in the ninth and latest installment, Alien: Romulus.

Set between the events of Alien and Aliens, Romulus finds a young group of scavengers, in search of a new beginning, away from their unforgiving home at a mining colony. They end up hopping aboard an abandoned space station that once belonged to Weyland-Yutani, and while searching the sectors, accidentally unleash some deadly extraterrestrial beings that could bring a premature end to their journey.

Fede Álvarez (Don't Breathe) directs the film, which stars Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), David Jonsson (Industry), Archie Renuax (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (Superman), Spike Fearn (Aftersun), and Aileen Wu.

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Alien: Romulus

R

Sci-Fi

Horror

Thriller

In Alien: Romulus, a crew of space explorers lands on a distant, uncharted planet, only to uncover a horrifying secret lurking beneath the surface. As they delve deeper into the alien environment, they encounter deadly creatures and ancient ruins that hint at a terrifying history. The team's survival becomes a desperate battle against the relentless xenomorphs, forcing them to rely on their wits and technology to escape the nightmarish world.

Release Date

August 16, 2024

Director

Fede Alvarez

Cast

Cailee Spaeny , David Jonsson , Archie Renaux , Isabela Merced , Spike Fearn , Aileen Wu , Rosie Ede , Soma Simon , Bence Okeke , Viktor Orizu , Robert Bobroczkyi , Trevor Newlin , Annemarie Griggs , Daniel Betts

Runtime

119 Minutes

Main Genre

Horror

Writers

Fede Alvarez , Rodo Sayagues , Dan O'Bannon , Ronald Shusett

Character(s)

Rain , Andy , Tyler , Kay , Bjorn , Navarro , WY Officer , 10-Year-Old Punk #1 , 10-Year-Old Punk #2 , 10-Year-Old Punk #3 , Offspring , Xenomorph , MU/TH/UR (voice) , Rook (Facial and Vocal Performance)

Studio(s)

Scott Free Productions , 20th Century

Distributor(s)

20th Century

Franchise(s)

Alien

Watch on Hulu

'Firebrand'

Available Now

Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) and Academy Award nominee Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley) star in the scandalous historical drama Firebrand.

Based on the novel Queen's Gambit (no, not that Queen's Gambit) by Elizabeth Fremantle, the movie tells a fictionalized story of Henry VII's final years and his tumultuous marriage to his sixth wife, Katherine Parr. As Katherine begins to question the teachings of the Church of England, she is introduced to the teachings of Anne Askew, a Protestant preacher her husband had killed. While the story goes that Katherine choked Henry as revenge, nobody really knows what really happened behind closed doors. This movie tells a hypothetical story of what may have happened.

Karim Aïnouz (The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão) directed the movie, which also stars Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley (Maleficent), Simon Russell Beale (The Death of Stalin), Ruby Bentall (Poldark), Amr Waked (Ramy), Erin Doherty (The Crown), Patsy Ferran (Living), and Mia Threapleton (The Buccaneers).

510

Firebrand

History

Drama

Follows Queen Catherine Parr and Henry VIII's marriage.

Release Date

June 21, 2024

Director

Karim Ainouz

Cast

Jude Law , Alicia Vikander , Eddie Marsan , Erin Doherty

Runtime

120 minutes

Main Genre

History

Writers

Henrietta Ashworth , Jessica Ashworth , Rosanne Flynn , Elizabeth Fremantle

Watch on Hulu

'The Good Half'

Available on: Friday, November 22

Nick Jonas (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) gets a chance to flex his dramatic acting muscles in the drama The Good Half.

The film follows Renn Wheeland, who returns to his home in Cleveland, Ohio, for his mother's funeral. In the years since Renn left home, he has become estranged from most of his family, and upon his return, he begins to forge new relationships, all while slowly realizing that he can't escape his family.

Robert Schwartzman (The Princess Diaries) directs the film, which also stars Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect), David Arquette (Scream), Alexandra Shipp (Barbie), Matt Walsh (Veep), and Academy Award nominee Elisabeth Shue (The Karate Kid).

The Good Half

Not Rated

Comedy

Drama

After his mother's death, a distant writer returns home for her funeral. While reconnecting with his estranged family, he meets a vibrant stranger who helps him face his grief and unresolved issues.

Release Date

June 8, 2023

Director

Robert Schwartzman

Cast

Nick Jonas , Brittany Snow , David Arquette , Alexandra Shipp , Matt Walsh

Runtime

110 Minutes

Main Genre

Comedy

Writers

Brett Ryland

Studio(s)

The Ranch Productions

Watch on Hulu

New on VOD:

'Absolution'

Available on: Tuesday, November 19

After spending over the last decade starring in action flicks like Taken, Non-Stop, and The Grey, Academy Award nominee Liam Neeson returns with yet another, in Absolution.

Neeson stars as an aging mob enforcer simply known as Thug, who learns that he has CTE and doesn't have much time to live. Now, he must escape his criminal past and reconnect with his estranged daughter and grandson before his time runs out.

Director Hans Petter Moland reunites with Neeson after the two worked together on Cold Pursuit. The film also stars Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Yolonda Ross (The Chi), Frankie Shaw (Blue Mountain State), and Daniel Diemer (The Half of It).

310

Absolution

R

Crime

Drama

Thriller

Mystery

An aging gangster, played by Liam Neeson, is determined to reconnect with his estranged children and atone for the mistakes of his violent past. However, the criminal underworld isn't ready to let him walk away, leading to a high-stakes confrontation where old loyalties are tested.

Release Date

November 1, 2024

Director

Hans Petter Moland

Cast

Liam Neeson , Ron Perlman , Daniel Diemer , Yolonda Ross , Omar Moustafa Ghonim , Tom Kemp , Ryan Homchick , William Xifaras , Josh Drennen , Kris Eivers , Ryan Caraway , Terrence Pulliam , Ghia Truesdale , Kayla Kohla

Runtime

122 Minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Writers

Tony Gayton

Buy on Prime Video

'Armor'

Available Now

Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone (Rocky) returns once again to the action genre, but this time he's playing a much more sinister role.

Armor follows James and Casey Brody, a father and son who are transporting an armored truck full of millions of dollars between banks. This seemingly simple job takes a detour when the master thief, Rook, surrounds the truck and places James and Casey in a dire situation.

Justin Routt directs the action-thriller which also stars Jason Patric (The Lost Boys), Josh Wiggins (Max), Dash Mihok (Ray Donovan), Blake Shields (Heroes), and Erin Ownbey (Ozark).

310

Armor

Action

Crime

Thriller

Armor, directed by Justin Routt, follows armored truck drivers James and his son Casey as they navigate a perilous situation after being ambushed while delivering a suspicious package. Facing escalating danger, they discover the true value of their cargo and must collaborate to outsmart their assailants.

Release Date

November 21, 2024

Director

Justin Routt

Cast

Sylvester Stallone , Jason Patric , Josh Wiggins , Erin Ownbey , Laney Stiebing , Jeff Chase , Josh Whites , Joel Cohen , Beau Bommarito , Justin William Davis , David Perks , Dash Mihok , Victoria Paige Watkins

Main Genre

Action

Writers

Cory Todd Hughes , Adrian Speckert

Character(s)

James , Casey , Trisha Brody , Sara Brody , Viper , Echo , Bank Manager , Speeding Driver , Alcoholic #1 , Fireman

Buy on Prime Video

'Smile 2'

Available Now

Following up on one of the biggest horror hits of 2022, Smile 2 takes its grinning demon to the stage, giving it its deadliest platform to date.

Pop superstar Skye Riley has never been the same after being in a traumatic accident just a year prior. Now sober and on the road to recovery, Skye is getting ready to embark on a world tour, but when old habits lead her to a deadly encounter with her drug dealer, Lewis, she begins to be stalked by a demonic force that puts her sanity to the ultimate test.

Parker Finn returns to direct the sequel, which also stars Naomi Scott (Aladdin), Rosemarie DeWitt (La La Land), Lukas Gage (The White Lotus), Miles Gutierrez-Riley (The Wilds), Peter Jacobsen (House), Ray Nicholson (Licorice Pizza), Dylan Gelula (Dream Scenario), Raúl Castillo (Atypical), and Kyle Gallner, who reprises his role from the first film.

Smile 2

Not Yet Rated

Horror

Thriller

Release Date

October 18, 2024

Director

Parker Finn

Cast

Kyle Gallner , Naomi Scott , Lukas Gage , Rosemarie DeWitt , Dylan Gelula , Peter Jacobson , Raul Castillo , Miles Gutierrez-Riley

Runtime

132 minutes

Main Genre

Horror

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures

prequel(s)

Smile

Buy on Prime Video

'We Live in Time'

Available Now

Academy Award nominees Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) and Florence Pugh (Little Women) are destined to make you cry in the romantic drama We Live in Time.

The film focuses on Almut, a talented chef, and Tobias, a recent divorcee, who meet by chance, and quickly fall in love with each other. As the two begin to start a life together and start a family, they receive some tragic news, as they try to make do with the time they have left with one another.

John Crowley (Brooklyn) directs the film.

810

We Live in Time

R

Romance

Drama

We Live in Time follows Tobias, a recent divorcee, and Almut, an unstoppable and witty chef. Their chance encounter leads to a transformative relationship, with the narrative offering glimpses into their lives as they fall in love and build a family. However, a difficult truth challenges their strong bond.

Release Date

October 11, 2024

Director

John Crowley

Cast

Florence Pugh , Andrew Garfield , Adam James , Marama Corlett , Aoife Hinds , Nikhil Parmar , Heather Craney , Sarah Moyle

Runtime

107 Minutes

Main Genre

Romance

Writers

Nick Payne

Character(s)

Almut , Tobias , Simon Maxon , Adrienne Duvall , Skye , Sanjaya , Buffy Jones

Buy on Prime Video

New on Max:

'Watchmen: Chapter I'

Available Now

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' acclaimed graphic novel gets readapted as an animated film in Watchmen: Chapter I.

The first of the two-part story, adapts the first 6 issues of the original miniseries, as the murder of the disgraced government-funded superhero The Comedian, draws his old teammates out of retirement, as they now must confront their embattled pasts.

Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood) directs the new adaptation which features the voices of Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Katee Sackhoff (The Mandalorian), Titus Welliver (Bosch), Troy Baker (The Last of Us), Rick D. Wasserman (Werewolf by Night), Adrienne Barbeau (Escape From New York), Michael Cerveris (Fringe), and Geoff Pierson (Designated Survivor).

Watchmen: Chapter I

R

Animation

Drama

Science Fiction

Release Date

August 12, 2024

Director

Brandon Vietti

Cast

Adrienne Barbeau , Troy Baker , Corey Burton , Michael Cerveris , Jeffrey Combs , grey delisle , Kelly Hu , John Marshall Jones , Max Koch , Phil LaMarr , Yuri Lowenthal , Geoff Pierson , Matthew Rhys , Katee Sackhoff , Dwight Schultz , jason spisak , kari wahlgren , Rick D. Wasserman , Titus Welliver

Runtime

84 minutes

Writers

J. Michael Straczynski

Character(s)

Sally Jupiter / Silk Spectre / TV Broadcaster (voice) , Adrian Veidt / Ozymandias / Minister / Benny Anger (voice) , Captain Metropolis / Forbes / American Newscaster (voice) , Jonathan Osterman / Dr. Manhattan / Father (voice) , Edgar Jacobi / Moloch / British Newscaster / Photographer #1 (voice) , Female Citizen #2 / Spanish Newscaster (voice) , Vietnamese Woman / Yvonne (voice) , Hooded Justice / General #1 / Criminal #2 (voice) , Detective Joe Bourquin / Bernard / President Nixon (voice) , Comic Book Narrator / Bernie / Security Guard (voice) , Wally Weaver / Criminal #1 / Knot Top #2 (voice) , Hollis Mason / Nite Owl (voice) , Dan Dreiberg / Nite Owl / Photographer #3 (voice) , Laurie Juspeczyk / Silk Spectre (voice) , Detective Steve Fine / Happy Harry (voice) , Doug Roth / President Kennedy / Restaurant Cook (voice) , Janey Slater / Female Knot Top / Female Citizen #1 (voice) , Edward Blake / Comedian / Male Citizen #1 / Photographer #2 (voice) , Rorschach / Walter Kovacs (voice)

YouTube Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zpeK7f0SOg

Producers

James Krieg , Lloyd Levin , Sam Register

Watch on Max

New on MGM+:

'Blink Twice'

Available Now

Blink Twice serves as the star-studded directorial debut of Zoë Kravitz (The Batman), with her fiancé, fellow movie star Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street), taking on a far more sinister role than what we're used to seeing from him.

The film follows Frida, a cocktail waitress who charms her way to score her and her best friend Jess invites to the private island of embattled billionaire Slater King. What starts as a tropical getaway soon takes a weird turn as Friday and Jess begin to notice the strange behavior that the men on the island have toward the women. After Jess disappears, Friday finally "wakes up," and attempts to figure out what Slater's true intentions are.

Blink Twice also stars Naomi Ackie (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), Adria Arjona (Hit Man), Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), SimonRex (Red Rocket), Academy Award nominee Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense), Academy Award winner Geena Davis (Beetlejuice), and Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks).

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Blink Twice

R

Drama

Thriller

When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. As strange things start to happen, Frida questions her reality.

Release Date

August 23, 2024

Director

Zoë Kravitz

Cast

Naomi Ackie , Channing Tatum , Christian Slater , Simon Rex , Adria Arjona , Kyle MacLachlan , Haley Joel Osment , Geena Davis , Alia Shawkat , Levon Hawke , Trew Mullen , Saul Williams , Liz Caribel Sierra , Cris Costa , Julian Sedgwick

Runtime

102 Minutes

Main Genre

Mystery

Writers

Zoë Kravitz , E.T. Feigenbaum

Studio(s)

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer , Free Association , FilmNation Entertainment , this is important

Distributor(s)

Amazon MGM Studios , Warner Bros. Pictures

Watch on MGM+