It’s time to fire up the barbecue, break out the sparklers, and hit the road again this July 4th weekend. When you’re not watching the rest of the fireworks, be sure to grab some popcorn because the best streaming services are offering a slew of new movies this weekend.
If you’re not sure what to watch, look no further. We’ve rounded up all the hits and none of the hits to make your next movie night one to remember. Topping the pack this weekend is a hilarious Netflix throwback, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which sees Eddie Murphy return for more crime-solving on 90210. You’ll also find the latest amazing piece of animation from a Ghibli alumni studio, ‘The Imaginary’.
At Max, you can watch the ultimate kaiju showdown in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”. Meanwhile, Paramount Plus has the award-winning emotional roller coaster ride that is “Memory,” and Prime Video has a new rom-com that’s basically “Legally Blonde” if Elle Woods trades law for flinging space.
So, without further ado, if you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, these are the top movies that are new to streaming. Still looking for even more recommendations on what to watch? Then be sure to check out our list of this week’s best new TV shows.
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (Netflix)
Eddie Murphy returns as the brilliant detective Axel Foley in Beverly Hills. The final episode of the popular ’80s action-comedy franchise, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” sees Foley return to Los Angeles to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Taylor Paige), now a criminal defense attorney in Beverly Hills. However, tensions rise when her ex-boyfriend becomes Axel’s (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) new partner and the three must work together to uncover a conspiracy.
Old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) return to help Foley and the crew solve the case. With Murphy’s signature, this film combines thrilling action with comedy, introducing new characters while bringing back some familiar faces that fans will recognize. It’s a must watch if you want to relax and laugh.
Watch it now Netflix
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (Max)
I was a big fan of “Godzilla Minus One,” but the kaiju’s latest venture, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” brings the series back to its roots: larger-than-life sets and a big showcase of spectacular special effects to fall upon from the cracks of the thin paper of the plot.
The 2021 sequel to “Godzilla vs. Kong” brings the laser-shooting lizard and the giant ape together as they put aside their previous rivalry to face a new hidden enemy that threatens their existence. To stop a frost-breathing titan from bursting out of the Hollow Earth and wreaking havoc on the surface, these former enemies will need all their might and some teamwork. Although the human side of the story is particularly dry this time around, if you’re looking for two hours of skyscraper-sized creatures clashing in epic battles, you’ll have a blast with “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Just don’t expect anything deeper than popcorn thrills.
Watch it now Maximum
“The Imaginary” (Netflix)
The latest animated film on Netflix is a larger-than-life fantasy directed by renowned animator Yoshiyuki Momose. It is the second animated film from Studio Ponoc, which was founded by Studio Ghibli alumni, following 2017’s “Mary and the Witch’s Flower.”
Not to be confused with Blumhouse’s horror “Imaginary” or John Krasinski’s fantasy-friendly “IF,” “The Imaginary” follows a young girl named Amanda who dreams of an imaginary friend named Rudger to cope with her father’s death her. The two of them while away the days traveling through her wild imagination, but after Roger learns of his fate – that Imaginations disappear as soon as their creators forget them – he sets out in search of a haven for forgotten Imaginations.
Watch it now Netflix
‘Memory’ (Paramount Plus)
Multi-award-winning Mexican writer-director Michel Franco’s latest film Memory is a slight departure from his austere, pessimistic work. Jessica Chastain stars as Sylvia, a social worker and single mother who keeps a strict schedule centered around her daughter, her job, and her meetings with Alcoholics Anonymous.
Her structured life falls apart when Saul (Peter Sarsgaard), with whom she has a history, unexpectedly follows her home from her high school reunion. After finding him sleeping outside the next morning, she manages to contact his brother, who reveals that Saul has early onset dementia. Their unexpected meeting reopens old wounds and memories, forcing both Sylvia and Saul to confront parts of their past they’d rather forget.
Watch it now Paramount Plus
‘Space Cadet’ (Prime Video)
A cross between “Private Benjamin” and “Legally Blonde,” Prime Video’s latest rom-com “Space Cadet” follows Tiffany “Rex” Simpson (Emma Roberts), a Florida bartender with only a high school diploma who nevertheless he dreams of becoming an astronaut. .
She applies to NASA’s astronaut training program and manages to get accepted after her best friend Nadine (Poppy Liu) embellishes her application behind her back. After tricking herself inside, Rex must rely on her quick thinking, viciousness, and bravado to survive training before her secret is revealed and her dreams of space come crashing down.
Watch it now Prime Video
