Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!
Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.
Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're in the mood for twisted true crime, hilarious cartoons, bold tales of grief, historical epics, or absolute horror stories, we've got something just for you.
12. Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes
Conversations with a Killer is a recurring docuseries that Netflix produces with writer/director Joe Berlinger, who has spent his career digging into the most notorious America serial killers, from John Wayne Gacy to Ted Bundy, and now David Berkowitz, aka the Son of Sam or the .44 Caliber Killer.
From 1975 to 1977, when he was arrested, Berkowitz stalked New York City, shooting strangers with a .44 caliber gun, sometimes fatally. The randomness of these acts of violence instilled fear in the city, which Berlinger aims to recaptures by interviewing the cops, residents, and journalists who lived through it. But — as the title suggests — the main draw for Conversations with a Killer are the audio-taped interviews the still-living Berkowitz gave to a journalist shortly after his arrest.
Dragged out over three hour-long episodes, Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is overlong. As he has with other killers, Berlinger's fascination with their inner workings means compelling talking head interviews about the case and its effects on society are overshadowed by the way the series treats Berkowitz's brain like a sacred text, worthy of decoding. To put it mildly, Berlinger's brand of true crime is one that turns victims into two-dimensional props, while the notorious murderer gets the spotlight. Depending on what you crave from true crime, your mileage may vary. As for me? I tapped out partway through episode two. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is now streaming on Netflix.
11. Memoir of a Snail
A bleak, brilliant, and at times hilarious portrait of grief and loss, Memoir of a Snail is unlike the narratives you might have seen on these universal experiences. Mary and Max director, writer, and production designer Adam Elliot pulls you into a detailed stop-motion animation story, following Grace Pudel (voiced by Sarah Snook) and her twin brother Gilbert (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who endure a staggering amount of misfortune. Wrenched apart and plunked onto either sides of the globe, the two live strangely different lives without ever forgetting each other. As I wrote in my review, "Despite appearances, this is not is a kids' movie. A funny, strangely sweet, and macabre tale, Memoir of a Snail embraces the surrealism of life's darker side in a bleak but fascinating world." — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
Starring: Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong, Paul Capsis, Bernie Clifford, Davey Thompson, Charlotte Belsey, Mason Litsos, Nick Cave, and Jacki Weaver
How to watch: Memoir of a Snail begins streaming on Hulu on Aug. 1.
10. The Friend
Trigger warning: The following film (and the blurb discussing it) involves mentions of suicide.
Last year, The Friend was a dramedy that earned solid film festival buzz, thanks in no small part to the charismatic performances from stars Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Bing, a beautiful Great Dane who is the film's adorable scene-stealer. During the enchanting press tour, you might have caught that Watts plays Iris a woman who's grieving the death of a friend (Murray) while caring for the problematically large pet he left behind. You might have missed, however, that Murray's character dies by suicide.
I mention this not to shock you, but so you might brace yourself (or just duck this one) as needed. Written and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend treats the topic of grieving a person who has died by suicide with great care. One aspect of grief and its different stages can be a sense of guilt, which is a significant factor in Iris' dilemma over whether or not to keep the dog. It's a bittersweet film, rightly deserving of the praise it's received. But as someone who went in not knowing what to expect, I'd recommend proceeding with caution if the topic of grieving a friend lost to suicide hits too close to home. — K.P.
Starring: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, and Ann Dowd
How to watch: The Friend begins streaming on HBO Max on Aug. 1.
9. The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball
From 2011 to 2019, across 240 episodes, creator Ben Bocquelet gave kids and grown-ups alike a bevy of colorful characters, gleefully colliding art styles, and stories hilarious and often heart-warming with The Amazing World of Gumball. And now, the titular 12-year-old cat and his bestie/brother Darwin are back with new adventures in the sequel series The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball.
What has the Watterson family been up to since they've been gone? Collecting dust per their "leaked" teaser from Cartoon Network! Which means that Gumball and company shouldn't miss a beat when it comes to fresh mayhem and mind-bending pop culture references. Will they be able to top the Golden Girls parody ep? Look, that's a very, very high bar to clear. But we're happy to see them try! — K.P.
Starring: Alkaio Thiele, Hero Hunter, Kinza Syed Khan, Teresa Gallagher, and Dan Russell
How to watch: The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is now streaming on Hulu.
8. The Yogurt Shop Murders
In 1991, a yogurt shop in Austin, Texas, was the scene of a nightmarish quadruple homicide that took the lives of four teenagers. Documentarian Margaret Brown (Descendant) looks back on the cold case in this four-part docuseries with sensitivity and care. Beyond searching for clues or fresh leads, The Yogurt Shop Murders explores the lives of those who were lost, and how their families were impacted — and how they continue to endure the lingering mystery around what happened that night.
I watched the first episode of this docuseries ahead of its debut at SXSW 2025, which was hosted in Austin. Even just from this introduction to the series, Brown's empathy for the families and her desire to uncover the truth and achieve justice is clear. Be warned: This murder mystery may hook you, and haunt you. — K.P.
How to watch: The first episode of The Yogurt Shop Murders debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 3.
7. Eyes of Wakanda
The four-episode animated miniseries Eyes of Wakanda takes us back into the history of Wakanda and the MCU. Directed by Todd Harris and executive produced by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, the series follows the Wakandan warriors known as the Hatut Zeraze as they retrieve dangerous vibranium artifacts from across the globe. Maybe we'll even see the Black Panthers who preceded Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa, or older iterations of the Dora Milaje warriors.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Lynn Whitfield, Jacques Colimon, Jona Xiao, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Gary Anthony Williams, Zeke Alton, Steve Toussaint, and Anika Noni Rose
How to watch: Eyes of Wakanda premieres Aug. 1 on Disney+.
6. Marc Maron: Panicked
American's most stressed out stand-up is back with a new special. Marc Maron, who's been a comedy icon for decades and a top-notch podcaster with WTF with Marc Maron, dives right into MAGA America by kicking off Panicked with how "great" things are going.
Maron doesn't hold back, making punchlines of President Trump, Robert F. Kennedy, and Elon Musk before going in on comedy podcasters, who denounce "wokeness" and crave free speech. To drive his points home, he embraces language that makes some uncomfortable — but knowingly so. The result is a special that is electric, like George Carlin at his best. So, if you're feeling panicked, Maron may not be the cure. But he sure as hell knows what ails ya. — K.P.
Starring: Marc Maron
How to watch: Marc Maron: Panicked debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 1.
5. Final Destinations Bloodlines
Summertime means family fun, blended drinks, and DEATH AROUND EVERY TURN! As teased in the enticing trailer for the latest Final Destination entry, no place — no matter how convivial — is out of the reach of death. Directing duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein (who made the underrated 2018 gem Freaks) bring comical carnage and eye-popping practical effects to Final Destination Bloodlines, a reboot/sequel that brings fresh horror to the franchise through a family twist.
Long before Devon Sawa deboarded that plane, a swinging '60s massacre was prevented by the premonition of a young pregnant woman. Decades later, her family thinks she's nuts for believing death is after her and her kin. But once she dies, her granddaughter Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) faces the bloody truth, one horrific freak "accident" at a time!
Twisted fun that'll have you side-eying everyday objects, Final Destinations Bloodlines is a splashy sequel not to be skipped! — K.P.
Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd
How to watch: Final Destinations Bloodlines debuts on HBO Max on Aug. 1.
4. Chief of War
Looking for a historical epic that will knock your socks off? Then check out Apple TV+'s Chief of War, based on the true story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Co-created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Chief of War transports viewers to the end of the 18th century, when the kingdoms of O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawai'i are at war. At the center of it all is warrior Ka'iana (Momoa), who must navigate shifting sides, villainous kings, and the outside threat of colonization. The result is a bloody, exquisitely crafted look at the corrupting power of prophecy, and the compromises people make to ensure their survival. (It also boasts some jaw-dropping battle sequences that you won't want to miss.) — B.E.
Starring: Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale'o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, and Te Kohe Tuhaka
How to watch: Chief of War debuts on Apple TV+ on Aug. 1.
3. King of the Hill
Hank Hill and company returns! Fifteen years after the Season 13 finale, creator Mike Judge has gotten most of the original gang back together for new misadventures in Arlen, Texas.
Several years have passed since we last saw the Hills. Hank and Peggy were living it up in Saudi Arabia, where Hank's expertise in propane (and propane accessories) allowed them to live the sweet life, while Peggy put her language skills to learning Arabic. But now they're back home, eager to reconnect with friends like Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer. And of course, they're happy to reunite with their son Bobby Hill. Now 21, Bobby has rebuffed college to start his own fusion restaurant. And while each episode of Season 14 has its moments, the one centering on Bobby's drive and dreams for his Japanese/German barbecue joint was the one that had me laughing, gasping, and tearing up.
Simply put, we're so back. — K.P.
Starring: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, and Stephen Root
How to watch: King of the Hill returns to Hulu with Season 14 on Aug. 4.
2. 28 Years Later
Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland reunite for a killer sequel to 2002's 28 Days Later, delivering yet another zombie film for the ages. In 28 Years Later, the Rage Virus continues to run rampant in the quarantined UK, but survivors in an island community have found ways to thrive in the apocalypse. The film kicks off with 12-year-old islander Spike (Alfie Williams) and his father (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) heading to the mainland as a rite of passage, which quickly spirals into an unrelenting stress ride.
Bursting with gore, deep emotion, and innovative filming techniques, 28 Years Later proves just as harrowing and fresh as Boyle and Garland's first foray into zombie filmmaking. As Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan wrote in her review, "In a landscape heaving with zombie apocalypse media from The Walking Dead to The Last of Us, 28 Years Later manages to declare its footing as an original monster. Magnificently shot, ruthlessly edited, and outrageously scored, it's a rambunctious, grisly, human tale of survival." — B.E.
Starring: Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell
How to watch: 28 Years Later is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
1. The Life of Chuck
Writer/director Mike Flanagan and Stephen King are a match made in heaven. Look no further than Flanagan's adaptations of Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep. However, with The Life of Chuck, Flanagan outdoes himself, tackling a twisty King novella and creating a gorgeous film that honestly works way better if you go in knowing nothing about it.
What I will say is this: As the title suggests, The Life of Chuck chronicles the life of 39-year-old accountant Chuck Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). But that's all you get! For more reasons to watch Flanagan's "career-best" work, look no further than its critical acclaim. In her review, Mashable's Kristy Puchko wrote, "The Life of Chuck is masterfully told. Like King's most moving adaptations, it doesn't play by standard rules of structure or audience expectations. It demands we follow the winding road through playful dialogue, painful lows, and rollicking highs, to an unknown beyond." You heard her, get to watching! — B.E.
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hiddleston, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill
How to watch: The Life of Chuck is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
(*) denotes a blurb comes from a previous list.
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.
