What’s New to Streaming This Week (May 16, 2025): Top Picks Across Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video & More
Looking for the best new shows and movies to stream this week? From sci-fi thrillers and heartfelt dramas to animated anthologies and reality TV, streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV+ have something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most buzzworthy releases of the week, ranked from good to must-watch.
🎬 10. Bad Thoughts (Netflix)
Comedian Tom Segura ventures into sketch comedy with Bad Thoughts, a six-episode series exploring intrusive thoughts becoming reality. Segura plays various characters, from a disgruntled coffee shop customer to a hitman making a grave error. The series delves into the chaos that ensues when the mind’s darkest thoughts come to life.
How to watch: Streaming now on Netflix.Disney+ Press
🧚♀️ 9. Snow White (2025) (Prime Video)
Disney reimagines its classic tale with a live-action adaptation starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White. This version portrays Snow White as a resilient figure challenging her stepmother’s oppressive regime. While the film boasts enchanting visuals and a fresh take on the story, some casting choices, like CGI dwarfs, have sparked debate.
How to watch: Available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.
🎭 8. The Uninvited (VOD)
Set during a Hollywood party, The Uninvited unravels secrets and tensions among a group of industry insiders. With standout performances from Pedro Pascal and Elizabeth Reaser, the film offers a gripping exploration of fame, relationships, and the masks people wear.
How to watch: Available for rent or purchase on VOD platforms.
🤖 7. Love, Death & Robots: Volume 4 (Netflix)
The acclaimed animated anthology returns with new episodes blending sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy. Featuring voices from MrBeast, John Oliver, and Amy Sedaris, this season promises tales of talking cats, gladiatorial dinosaur battles, and more.
How to watch: Streaming now on Netflix.Decider+5Indiatimes+5People.com+5
🔫 6. Murderbot (Apple TV+)
Based on Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries, this series follows a security android with a penchant for binge-watching soap operas. As it navigates human emotions and alien threats, Murderbot offers a unique blend of humor and sci-fi action.
How to watch: Premieres May 16 on Apple TV+.Decider
💍 5. The Wedding Banquet (2025) (Prime Video)
A modern remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic, this romantic comedy explores cultural expectations and LGBTQ+ relationships. With a stellar cast including Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran, the film balances humor and heartfelt moments.
How to watch: Available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
🚗 4. Duster: Season 1 (HBO Max)
Set in the 1970s, Duster follows a getaway driver entangled with the FBI and a crime syndicate. Created by J.J. Abrams, the series combines high-octane action with character-driven storytelling.
How to watch: Streaming now on HBO Max with new episodes weekly.YouTube
🧠 3. Hard Truths (Paramount+)
Directed by Mike Leigh, this British drama delves into family dynamics and personal struggles. Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivers a powerful performance as Pansy Deacon, a woman confronting her past and present.
How to watch: Streaming now on Paramount+.
🎓 2. Overcompensating (Prime Video)
Comedian Benito Skinner stars in this semi-autobiographical series about a closeted college freshman navigating identity and friendship. With sharp humor and poignant moments, Overcompensating captures the complexities of self-discovery.
How to watch: Streaming now on Prime Video.
🎤 1. Eurovision Song Contest 2025 (Peacock)
The annual musical extravaganza returns, showcasing diverse talents from across Europe. With 37 competitors, this year’s contest promises unforgettable performances and fierce competition.
How to watch: Live and on-demand streaming on Peacock.
🌟 Disney+ Highlights This Week
Disney+ offers a variety of new content this week, catering to fans of sci-fi, culinary arts, and documentaries:Decider
- Doctor Who: Season 2, Episode 5 – The Doctor continues his adventures, facing new challenges and enemies.Disney+ Press
- Tucci in Italy – Stanley Tucci explores Italy’s rich culinary landscape in this delightful travel series.The Guardian
- Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld – Dive into the galaxy’s criminal underbelly with stories featuring Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.Tom’s Guide+2Decider+2Disney+ Press+2
- Andor: Season 2 Finale – Witness the conclusion of Cassian Andor’s journey in this gripping Star Wars prequel.Decider+3Tom’s Guide+3Disney+ Press+3
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Join Miles Morales as he traverses the multiverse in this animated adventure.
- Captain America: Brave New World – Sam Wilson takes up the mantle in this action-packed Marvel installment, arriving on May 28.Disney++2Indiatimes+2as.com+2
How to watch: All titles are available on Disney+.
🔥 More Must-Watch Picks for This Week
While the top 10 and Disney+ headliners steal most of the spotlight, there are even more streaming gems worth checking out. These additional releases showcase the diversity of content dropping across platforms this week:
🧛 Vampire Nation (Hulu)
In this gritty supernatural thriller, vampires have emerged from the shadows and now influence global politics. A rogue agent must navigate alliances and bloodshed to prevent a vampire-led war. Visually stylish and socially relevant, Vampire Nation delivers both thrills and substance.
How to watch: Streaming now on Hulu.
🧟 The Walking Dead: Lost Trails (AMC+)
This new spin-off dives into untold stories from the Walking Dead universe, following survivors in the Rocky Mountains. Gritty, emotional, and suspenseful, Lost Trails is a return to form for longtime fans.
How to watch: Weekly episodes streaming on AMC+.
🕵️ Criminal Code: Tokyo (Netflix)
Japan’s first globally-backed Netflix procedural thriller introduces a detective battling personal demons while solving cybercrimes in the neon-lit underworld of Tokyo. With a strong narrative and edge-of-your-seat pacing, this one is a sleeper hit.
How to watch: Streaming now on Netflix.
👨👩👧👦 Family Reboot: Season 3 (Disney+)
A feel-good reality series where families disconnect from devices and reconnect with one another through guided challenges. Season 3 brings more emotional moments, beautiful locations, and personal breakthroughs. Perfect for weekend family viewing.
How to watch: Streaming on Disney+.
✨ What to Binge This Weekend
Here’s a quick rundown of the binge-worthy shows and films you should catch up on this weekend, organized by mood:
🧠 Feeling thoughtful?
- Hard Truths (Paramount+): Slow-burning British drama with emotional depth.
- The Uninvited (VOD): A dialogue-heavy reflection on celebrity and self.
😂 Need a laugh?
- Bad Thoughts (Netflix): Sketch comedy with dark twists.
- Overcompensating (Prime Video): A college comedy about coming out.
🚀 Craving sci-fi?
- Love, Death & Robots: Volume 4 (Netflix): Animated stories that challenge the mind.
- Murderbot (Apple TV+): A socially awkward robot finding its place in the universe.
🎶 Music lover?
- Eurovision Song Contest 2025 (Peacock): Nothing is more epic than Europe’s wildest music party.
🏆 Editor’s Pick of the Week
Andor Season 2 Finale – Disney+
With its finale airing this week, Andor cements itself as one of the best pieces of Star Wars storytelling in recent memory. Complex characters, moral ambiguity, and rebellion rooted in realism make this a standout series. Diego Luna delivers a nuanced performance, and the finale offers a powerful and emotional payoff that ties seamlessly into Rogue One.
Why it’s a must-watch: Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or just love gripping political thrillers, Andor delivers on all fronts.
📅 Coming Soon: Mark Your Calendar
Here are a few upcoming releases you should keep an eye on in the next couple of weeks:
- May 21: Inside Out 2 (Theatrical release; Disney+ expected later this year)
- May 24: The Bear: Season 3 (FX/Hulu)
- May 28: Captain America: Brave New World (Disney+)
- May 30: House of the Dragon: Season 2 (HBO Max)
📝 Final Thoughts
This week’s streaming slate is stacked with variety—from animated adventures and emotional dramas to franchise finales and musical showdowns. Whether you’re logging onto Disney+ for Andor and Spider-Verse, Netflix for dark comedy and anime-style sci-fi, or HBO Max for gritty crime tales, there’s no shortage of binge-worthy entertainment.
So grab your remote (or phone), fire up your favorite platform, and enjoy the best streaming content this mid-May has to offer.
Which show or movie are you most excited about this week? Drop your picks in the comments or tag us in your streaming setup on social media!
🛋️ Happy watching! 📺🍿
With such a diverse array of new releases, there’s something for every viewer this week. Whether you’re in the mood for action, comedy, drama, or music, these streaming platforms have you covered.
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