What to watch: new movies and TV shows to stream this week
Great shows and movies you should be streaming on Netflix and beyond.
Welcome to the WatchList, the ultimate place to find what you should be streaming at the weekend and beyond.
Each week we will look at some fantastic new things that have landed on the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, NOW, Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus.
We have spent A LONG time watching things on all these streaming services. So, if you want more of an in-depth look at the shows and movies you can stream the please head to the following guides.
- The best Apple TV Plus shows, revealed
- The best Netflix shows and best movies on Netflix
- The best Amazon Prime Series and best movies on Amazon Prime Video
- The best Disney Plus shows and best Disney Plus movies
- The best NOW TV shows and best movies on NOW TV
- The best Paramount Plus shows
Still here? Then what you are after are a handful of recommendations to stop you endlessly scrolling into next week...
The Night Agent
If you’re looking for an engaging weekend watch, you’ve found it. The Night Agent is a 10-part spy-thriller-espionage show with the suspense and action we look for in the genre. While not ultra high-minded, the well-written scripts and largely sensical story make this one a winner for those tired of scrolling through Netflix. Get on it.
Yellowjackets Season 2
The much-acclaimed horror-thriller TV series Yellowjackets has returned for a second season — 16 fresh episodes. We’re yet to chomp through them, but early write-ups suggest that while this isn’t quite as hard-hitting a set of episodes as the first season, it’s still absolutely worth a watch for Yellowjackets fans. When you centre your show around a mystery, it’s hard to keep that particular momentum going long-term.
Agent Elvis
Matthew McConaughey is Elvis. Yep, that Elvis. But Elvis is also an “agent”, a spy working for the president of the US. Agent Elvis sounds "off the reservation" until you hear it’s an animated show, where unhinged is the norm. Agent Elvis may not reach the heights of Archer — these comparisons are unavoidable – but it’s fast and funny. It also has a cracking cast, including Don Cheadle, Christina Hendricks, Johnny Knoxville and Jason Mantzoukas.
Succession Season 4 (from 26 March)
The fourth and final season of Succession hits NOW (UK) and HBO (US) on March 26. Steel your nerves because these last 10 episodes are set to jangle them like a hammer set to a piano’s strings. This series was never going to be easy to finish but Jesse Armstrong and co seem to have pulled it off. We say “seem” because so far reviewers have only seen four of the 10 episode set. Fingers crossed the rest will maintain the high quality level. We think they will.
- Stream on HBO (US)
- Stream on NOW (UK)
John Wick: Chapter 4
Remember the old diminishing returns pattern in movie series? They gradually get worse, then stop making it into the cinema altogether. That hasn’t happened to John Wick. Chapter 4 currently has the highest Rotten Tomatoes ranking of the entire series, an amazing 95%. It is also by far the longest in the series too, over an hour longer than the first movie at two hours 49 minutes. Keeping the pacing bracing at that sort of length is quite the achievement. Add Keanu Reeves and it's a no-brainer.
- Now in cinemas
Previously on The Watchlist...
The Glory
If you’ve not yet delved into Korean cinema and TV, The Glory is not a bad place to start. This gripping revenge thriller tale has a refreshingly different feel to the US and UK dramas you may have sampled recently, rooted in the mores of South Korean society. And, taking a step back, its filmic heritage. It’s beautifully shot, and arresting to boot. This week saw the second half of the first season drop on Netflix, an eight episode arc to join the first eight episodes already available.
Money Shot: The Pornhub Story
Don’t clutch your pearls just yet, Money Shot is more about the impact of Porn Hub than the material it streams. It is comprised of interviews with performers and employees, as well as those who have criticised the site for the scandals with which it has been involved. It doesn’t take a side, which has caused some to dismiss it as a bit muddled. But as a 90-odd minute piece, Money Shot doesn’t waste your time.
Boston Strangler
Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon star as intrepid reporters on the case of the Boston strangler. The cast is strong. The script, well, maybe less so. However, this one is worth a look for the true crime fans out there, even if it could be a bit more thrilling given the subject matter it’s working with. The Boston Strangler clocks in at eight minutes under two hours, handy if you’re looking for something to watch that doesn’t go on forever.
Empire Of Light
This movie has received mixed reviews, oscillating between 2-star and 4-star territory. But, geez, have you seen some of the people involved in this one? Sam Mendes directs, and the cast includes gold-star names like Olivia Colman, Toby Jones and Colin Firth. It centres around an unlikely romance between Colman’s Hilary and cinema usher Stephen, played by Michael Ward — best known for his roles in Top Boy and Blue Story.
Swarm
If you’re wondering what Donald Glover has been up to recently, here’s an answer. He created Swarm alongside Janine Nabers, who previously worked with Glover on TV series Atlanta. Dominique Fishback stars as Dre, a young woman who becomes obsessed with a pop star. And it doesn’t end well. A possible major word-of mouth hit, check this one out if you’re not going to be turned off by its more gory bits.
Luther The Fallen Son
Idris Elba’s grizzled detective returns for a feature-length investigation after five seasons of the show, which ended in 2019. Fans of the show, rest easy — Luther The Fallen Son has received a largely warm reception, and does feel like the sort of story you might see in the TV series, told with a more lavish budget. It may not convert scores of new fans to the show, but Luther devotees should certainly check it out.
Outlast
Sending people out to “survive” somewhere feels like a bit of a worn-out reality TV trope, but Outlast makes it feel vital and fresh. 16 contestants are sent to Alaska, competing for an $11m prize. And they have to work together in order to win. Sure, there are elements of other reality shows in here, but Netflix has really made this one work. It’s also a manageable 8-episode run.
Finding Michael
Here’s an unlikely premise. A chap from Made in Chelsea heads up Mount Everest to find a climber who disappeared more than 20 years ago. And it’s actually good. The documentary was delayed by a couple of days after Disney Plus faltered, because the piece shows dead bodies. It now comes with a disclaimer, but it’s something to bear in mind. It’s not your average former reality TV star show.
Wu-tang: An American Saga
Season three of the dramatisation of the early years of the Wu Tang Clan is rolling out on Disney Plus right now in the UK, and on Hulu in the US. Not caught up yet? This is Wu Tang in their young years, before the fame and success, as they try to get off the streets. Documentary series Wu Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men is still the number one must-see for Wu Tang fans, but this remains a solid watch.
Ted Lasso Season 3
We usually only put content on our “what to watch” list that you can dig into at the moment we publish. However, Ted Lasso season 3 gets a special pass. Season three of this beloved series starts on March 15, over at Apple TV Plus. This will be a episode drip-feed, but this last series of Lasso is something to savour. Writer (and star) Brett Goldstein says the show will end with season 3.
The Mandalorian Season 3
Disney’s lauded bounty hunter series returns for its third season, which can already call itself critically acclaimed, just days after its launch. This one features — minor spoilers ahead — Baby Yoda. The show's character is also slightly adjusted in S3, with less of a Western feel in some respects. However, that’s up for debate, and the main change is that Djarin and Grogu are back together as a team.
A Whole Lifetime with Jamie Demetriou
A “comedy special” usually means a stand-up comedian telling jokes into a mic for an hour. Not in the hands of Jamie Demetriou, who turns the form into a series of sketches depicting the different stages of life. It's well worth a watch, particularly for fans of the brilliant Stath Lets Flats, which has come to a halt after three seasons.
Drive To Survive Season 5
Season five of Drive to Survive focuses on the 2022 Formula 1 season. It's 10 episodes of the biggest and most impactful stories of that year, including Kevin Magnussen’s return after leaving the Haas, having been dropped down to a reserve driver in 2020.
We Have a Ghost
A horror comedy from the director of Happy Death Day, We Have Ghost has promise. It arguably doesn't quite stick the landing, but this could well be a case where the audience feels more positively than the critics. It's packed with references to classic movies from the 80s and stars David Harbor as a ghost residing in a house that a family have just moved into.
The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone
In 2020 Francis Ford Coppola had another stab at re-editing the third and least-loved of the Godfather films. It was given the tweaked title of The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. Opinions are mixed as to whether it turns The Godfather Part 3 into something approaching a masterwork, but there are important tweaks to the pacing and the ending. It's a good time to re-appraise this contentious pick, when you find a spare three hours.
Daisy Jones & The Six
Taylor Jenkins Reid's popular novel Daisy Jones & The Six has been made into a TV show. It's a 1970s rock ’n' roll story said to be inspired by Fleetwood Mac, whose awkward arrangement of relationships roughly mirrors those of the fictional band here. Reviews have not been glowing for the most part, but those who loved the book will want to give it a go.
The Reluctant Traveller
Eugene Levy is our Reluctant Traveller. The legendary actor and Schitt’s Creek creator travels around the world, visiting places most of us can’t afford to go. And while there's an An Idiot Abroad style schtick that Levy is afraid of everything, the show is really kept afloat by Levy’s warmth — plus all that wonderful holiday porn, of course.
Liaison
Eva Green and Vincent Cassel star as a UK agent and French spy trying to tackle cyberterrorism attacks against Britain. Just the one episode is available so far, the other five set to unlock over the coming weeks. Liaison has received middling reviews, but the leads have garnered some acclaim. And the criticism is that Liaison lacks substance, not thrills or tension.
On the big screen... Cocaine Bear
It may sound like a film concept drummed up by a random name generator but Cocaine Bear has become the left-field hype pick of the season. And it turns out this is a pretty decent little over-the-top genre flick. Cocaine Bear has the horror comedy the name promises, and at a brisk 95 minutes it’s a stark contrast to the Ant-Man movie likely playing in most of the other cinema screens down at your local. The idea of this $35 million Elizabeth Banks movie knocking the $200 million Ant-Man off the top spot is also almost too delicious not to buy a ticket for.
- Now in cinemas
The Consultant
A quick glance at the cast list for The Consultant should tell you this is worth at least a one-episode test drive. It stars Chrisoph Waltz. We’re in. The Consultant stars Christoph Waltz as a scenery-chewing, you guessed it, consultant who appears at a mobile game company after its CEO mysteriously disappears. Double in. That may make it sound like a workplace comedy, but this one is pitch black with elements of horror thrown in.
The Strays
Two words are sure to pop into many minds on watching the trailer for The Strays: Get Out. A middle-class black woman finds herself welcomed into a suburban UK community, but all is not as it seems — a premise reminiscent of Jordan Peele's brilliant film Get Out. The Strays has picked up from flak for not having quite enough heft to its examination of race and class, but enter with the right expectations and this mystery thriller is well worth 1hr40 of your time.
Outer Banks Season 3
Netflix YA hit Outer Banks’s third season has dropped on Netflix. The Pogues are stranded on an island after the finale of season two, and the treasure hunting plot gets amped up alongside the level of ridiculous sub-plots. It’s shaping up to be a weaker season than the last, but fans of the show may just be glad even more is on the way, with season 4 already confirmed.
Red Rose
Horror series Red Rose has come to Netflix. UK folks could already stream this one on BBC iPlayer, but now everyone else can get involved. A bunch of teenagers download an app called Red Rose on their phones, and it quickly takes over their lives, forcing them to complete tasks or face major consequences. While it sounds like the stuff of a 2-star horror film, Red Rose picked up some genuinely glowing reviews its initial release in 2022. It was written brothers Paul and Micheal Clarkson, who were part of the writing team for The Secret of Bly Manor.
Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Fancy a trip to the cinema? In most you’ll find all other films pushed into the smaller screens by Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which has just been released. It’s a classic Ant-man romp — won’t make you think too deeply or trouble your dreams for weeks. But the larger sci-fi scale of this third instalment doesn’t half make room for some moments of sheer visual spectacle. A must-watch for Marvel fans, take it or leave it for everyone else.
- Now in cinemas
Willy’s Wonderland
The top-tine premise of Willy’s Wonderland should be enough to persuade a few of you. It sees Nicholas Cage beat up a bunch of animatronic cartoon character robots, which have been possessed. This B-grade flick is C-grade at best on the Nicholas Cage movie weirdness scale, but sometimes a bit of scenery chewing is what really hits the spot after a hard week.
Sharper
Julianne Moore and Sebastian Stan star as con artists in this slick and enjoyable thriller, tricking the rich of New York out of their fortunes. It feels like a modern take on the classic con caper — not groundbreaking but a thoroughly fun watch largely thanks to a bunch of great lead performers. This one also clocks in at under two hours, which is always good to see.
Star Trek: Picard S3
The third and final season of Star Trek: Picard has started dribbling out on Paramount Plus. At the time of writing, you can check out the first episode, which has received largely positive write-ups. It sees the show establish a partly fresh cast, after the events of the season 2 finale. Picard is lured out of retirement once more after he receives a distress call from Beverley Crusher.
The Law According to Lidia Poët
Lidia Poët is Italy’s first lawyer, and ends up investigating murders while fighting for her rights to practice law. While it may sound unlikely, this series is based in reality. Lidia Poët was a real person, born in 1855. Of course, this is still a period piece mystery drama show — don’t come expecting a dry documentary. The series is an Italian language production, so stick on those subs.
Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence
Picture your school years, and some of your best friends from back in the day. Remember their parents? Now picture one of them luring you and your friends into a bizarre sex cult. That’s the tale of Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence, a 3-part docuseries. Larry Ray is this shadowy figure, exposed in interviews by actual people who were drawn into his lies. Extortion, sex trafficking and more means this isn’t one for a light watch.
South Park Season 26
The first episode of South Park season 26 has dropped on Paramount Plus in the UK. Kanye West gets a light roasting in this one. Cartman becomes Cupid Ye and starts spouting statements similar to those West has filled the internet with over the last year or so. Why? Cartman becomes jealous of Kyle’s budding friendship with Tolkien — that character known as Token until season 25. We’re not sure how many episodes Season 26 will offer, but you can expect them to drop one a week in the UK.
Funny Woman (UK Only)
Gemma Arterton stars as Barbara in Funny Woman, an adaptation of Nick Hornby’s 2014 novel Funny Girl. Barbara is a beauty queen living in the 1960s who rails against the sexism she experiences and moves to London to become a star. Reviews suggest you should watch it for Arterton’s charm and some classic ham factor from Rupert Everett rather than the script. However, there’s plenty of enjoy here.
Assembled: The Making of Wakanda Forever
Can’t wait for Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania to arrive next week? A fresh slice of Marvel has been released, but this one is a little different. Assembled: The Making of Wakanda Forever sees director Ryan Coogler and key actors from the movie discuss the making of the film. It’s just under an hour long, so won’t eat up your whole evening as actual Marvel movies tend to do. This doc was directed by Brad Baruh, who has helmed other “making of” documentaries for Eternals, WandaVision, Moon Knight and others.
You Season 4
The first half of You’s season four has arrived on Netflix. These five episodes will be joined by the second bunch on March 9. This season sees the murderous Joe Goldberg relocate to London in this rather ridiculous but entirely enjoyable thriller. UK folks may take issue with the way the show handles London’s geography, but as with so many other elements of You, it’s better to tone down your critical faculties a bit and just enjoy the ride.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Wakanda Forever isn't your typical superhero movie. It's Marvel in mourning for obvious reasons and its shows on the screen. There's a morose tone to proceedings, with the country of Wakanda grieving over the death of their king. But this makes for a thoughtful film which eventually kicks into gear when Namor enters the scene, threatening Wakanda's way of life.
Skinamarink
We got real shivers down the spine from this low-budget Shudder gem. Just typing the plot gives us the fear: "Two children wake up in the middle of the night to find their father is missing, and all the windows and doors in their home have vanished."
This is a movie that's experimental, hypnotic at times so won't please everyone but turn the lights out and immerse yourself and you are in for a terrifying treat.
100 Physical
This reality show is what you get if you mix Squid Game with something like Enter The Dragon. Physical: 100 sees 100 of the fittest Koreans fight it out in one-on-one bouts. The winner gets to choose their own opponent but there are twists and turns along the way. It's a fascinating, gruelling watch that shows just what you can do when you are fit and you know it.
The Ark
The Ark feels like a TV show throwback. It's certainly not perfect but we liked the Battlestar Galactica feel - and, to a point, Stargate which makes sense as it's made by the same person Dean Devlin - of the thing. Plot-wise, The Ark in question is a bunch of space travellers who are off to colonize a planet. As you can guess, things don't quite go to plan.
Dear Edward
Bring your tissues for this one. Dear Edward is from the creator of Friday Night Lights (and also stars Connie Britton) and focuses on a child who loses parents in a plane crash, of which he was the only survivor. Taken in by his aunt, he has to deal with the fame of being the only survivor plus the grief of losing the people close to him.
Lockwood and Co
From the always-excellent mind of Joe Cornish (Attack The Block and the criminally underrated The Kid Who Would Be King) comes this fantastic 80s-inspired ghost-hunting tale. Based on the books of Jonathan Stroud, the show is about children who are enlisted as ghost hunters as they are more susceptible to sensing the apparitions. The catch: the ghosts they are after will kill you if they touch you. There's a real Amblin feeling to this show and we can't get enough of it!
Narvik
This is a cracking World War II drama, with the action taking place in the small Norwegein town of Narvik - a key place for Hitler as it's where he mines the iron ore needed to create his deadly war machines. He thinks he can easily take the town but the locals have other ideas.
We watched this one because it rocketed to the top of the streaming charts - and finding out that it's based on a true story (mixed with fictional elements) makes the whole thing even more riveting.
You People
Written by (and starring) Jonah Hill, this comedy is uneven but when it works, it really works. It's a spin on Meet The Parents, with Hill's Ezra falling in love with Amira (Lauren London) and their parents meeting for the first time. The idea here is that there are lots of cultural differences between Hill's Jewish background and Amira being black. The cast is star stuffed, with Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, David Duchovny and Julia Louis-Dreyfus all brilliant as the meddling parents.
Poker Face
Natasha Lyonne can do no wrong in our eyes and neither can Rian Johnson, so having them team up for a weekly 'whodunnit' series is inspired. The premise is great: Charlie (Lyonne) is a former poker player and someone who is on the run because of that life. She has an uncanny knack for telling when someone is lying so as she is coasting from town to town she becomes an amateur detective of sorts. This is an old-school TV show in the mould of Columbo, brought bang up to date with a super-smart script, great acting (and guest stars) and assured direction.
Shrinking
Brett Goldstein may be better known as Roy Kent in Tad Lasso but he's also a great writer. His new show Shrinking has been co-developed by Scrubs' Bill Lawrence and Jason Segal (who also stars). It's about a therapist on the brink, grieving and partying too hard. When his life decisions are called into question he decides to not hold back in what he thinks of his parents and his clients, leading to some big changes and a lot of dirty laundry aired. Segal is superb as the therapist gone rogue but the star of the show here is his boss, the fantastic Harrison Ford who puts in a superb comedic turn throughout.
Succession: S4 trailer
The release date for Succession: Season 4 has been revealed! We are set to start seeing the next chapter in the Roy family's descent/ascent 26 March. To get you in the mood, a teaser has been revealed where Logan (Brian Cox) and the rest of his family are at odds with each other once again.
Jung_E
We have been eagerly waiting for Jung_E for a while now. It's a sci-fi movie from Sang-ho Yeon, the director of the excellent Train to Busan. Here he confronts dystopia once more with Jung_E focusing on Earth in the 22nd Century, when climate change has ruined the planet. Survivors live in man-made shelters but a civil war threatens the peace. If you are a fan of sci-fi horror, then this one is a must.
Devotion
Based on a true story, Devotion focuses on Jesse Brown, who was the first Black aviator in US Navy history. The film charts his friendship with fighter pilot Tom Hudner. Jonathan Major and Top Gun: Maverick's Glen Powell star as the two pilots and while this doesn't soar quite as high as Tom Cruise's epic sequel, it's a solid war movie.
The Chemistry of Death
Based on the hit suspense novel of the same name, The Chemistry of Death is a cracking whodunnit crime thriller. Set in the UK (Norfolk), it stars the always-brilliant Harry Treadaway as a forensic anthropologist who moves to the country for a quiet life, after a tragedy he endured in his job. A murder of a local woman though makes him a prime suspect. Jeanne Goursaud also stars.
The Legend Of Vox Machina
Season 2 of The Legend Of Vox Machina sees the show delve deeper into Dungeons & Dragons lore and we are all for it. The Legend Of Vox Machina was born out of the hugely popular Critical Role series, where voice actors play the ultimate game of D&D. Here their campaign is animated and serialised which heightens the experience. Couple this with improved animation and a fantastic continuation of the storyline and what you have is a must watch!
Little Demon
Little Demon has a stellar voice cast. Aubrey Plaza, Danny DeVito (and daughter Lucy DeVito) all star, as well as the likes of Michael Shannon and Darcy Fowler. Thankfully the show lives up to this talent, with the plot focusing on a mom who was impregnated by the devil. She tries to live a normal life with her young daughter in Delaware, but when you are the antichrist it's tough to be normal. Rude, loud and hilarious this is a show set to become something of a cult classic.
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