Buzz
In the days of Blockbuster, waiting almost six months to watch a theater-released movie at home was the norm. Today, that waiting period has drastically reduced to around 30 days—or sometimes none at all. Take the unexpected hit Five Nights at Freddy's, which earned over $75 million at the box office while being available on Peacock simultaneously.
But the changes don’t stop there. While direct-to-video films with modest budgets have existed for years, streaming platforms are now creating high-budget movies featuring A-list stars, often bypassing theaters entirely.
With this shift in mind, here’s a curated list of the finest 2023 releases, focusing on recent theater hits, now available to stream for 'free' (included with a subscription to top streaming services, rather than requiring a separate rental fee).
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
This Spider-Man sequel proves that superhero films can still be innovative, diverse, and full of joy, even as other parts of the Marvel universe feel repetitive. Miles Morales returns, teaming up with Gwen Stacy for a visually stunning adventure through the multiverse.
Where to stream: Netflix
Asteroid City
Wes Anderson delivers his quintessential style in this 1950s-set tale, blending retro-futurism with his signature aesthetic. The story revolves around the creation of a play in a world that feels both nostalgic and otherworldly.
Where to stream: Peacock
Infinity Pool
Brandon Cronenberg, son of David, infuses this sci-fi horror hybrid with intense anger and a unique visual flair, blurring genre lines much like his father's iconic works. The story follows a couple on vacation in an exotic locale who break the law and discover they can avoid punishment by paying for clones to take their place.
Where to stream: Hulu
A Haunting in Venice
Kenneth Branagh’s third Poirot film stands out as the strongest in the series, offering a chilling and atmospheric murder mystery set in a decaying Venetian palace on Halloween. Tina Fey stars as Ariadne Oliver, a recurring Agatha Christie character, while Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh plays the medium who sets the eerie events in motion.
Where to stream: Hulu
Creed III
The third installment in the Creed series, marking Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, demonstrates that this Rocky spinoff can thrive independently. With no Stallone in sight, Donnie Creed holds his own as a compelling protagonist.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Evil Dead Rise
Staying true to the Evil Dead legacy, Rise delivers a gruesome, adrenaline-pumping experience, moving the horror from remote cabins to a decaying urban high-rise. This time, an entire family becomes ensnared by the dark powers of the Necronomicon.
Where to stream: Max
How to Blow Up a Pipeline
Adapting a non-fiction book into a gripping action-thriller, How to Blow Up a Pipeline tracks eight activists plotting to destroy oil pipelines in two locations. The film, much like its source material, argues that property destruction pales in comparison to environmental devastation, though the personal cost of such radical actions is profound.
Where to stream: Hulu
Elemental
Arguably Pixar’s most romance-focused film, Elemental also stands out as one of its most visually creative achievements—no small feat for the studio. The intricate details reward repeat viewings, while its heartwarming tale, blending an immigrant story with a world where the four elements represent distinct cultures, remains effortlessly engaging.
Where to stream: Disney+
Knock at the Cabin
Adapted from Paul Tremblay’s novel, M. Night Shyamalan’s newest film presents a chilling dilemma: a couple (Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge) enjoying a peaceful getaway in a remote cabin are confronted by a group of unsettling strangers, led by Dave Bautista, who insist that one family member must be sacrificed to prevent global catastrophe.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Though it may rank among Marvel’s weaker entries this year, the film still delivers a quirky, action-packed journey through a minuscule universe. Plus, more screen time for Michelle Pfeiffer is always a win.
Where to stream: Disney+
Rye Lane
In this South London rom-com, Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah) navigate life after breakups. The film feels like a fresh take on Before Sunrise, while also carving out its own unique identity.
Where to stream: Hulu
Scream VI
Six films deep, the Scream franchise remains a powerhouse, relocating to New York without falling into the traps of other horror series that faltered in the city (yes, Jason Takes Manhattan, we’re talking about you). While Neve Campbell’s absence is felt, the new cast of Ghostface’s targets and hunters delivers sharp wit and gruesome deaths with equal flair.
Where to stream: Paramount+
Shazam: Fury of the Gods
Despite underperforming at the box office, this DC sequel shines in a home viewing setting. While it lacks some of the emotional depth of the first film, it delivers plenty of lighthearted entertainment, featuring a formidable trio of villains played by Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Max
Theater Camp
A heartfelt ode to summer camp and theater enthusiasts, Theater Camp is a mockumentary in the style of Christopher Guest. It follows a group of young actors staging a play to honor their camp’s comatose founder, portrayed by Amy Sedaris. In a year filled with heavy themes, this film offers a delightful escape.
Where to stream: Hulu
Linoleum
This quirky sci-fi gem stars Jim Gaffigan as a former host of a science program who discovers a new mission when a rocket lands in his yard. As he attempts to rebuild it, the story takes increasingly strange turns, leaving both his family and the audience wondering if he’s losing his grip on reality.
Where to stream: Hulu
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
A comedic take on the iconic role-playing game, this film starring Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez delivers a perfect mix of action and humor, never veering into self-seriousness. While D&D enthusiasts will spot numerous nods, newcomers won’t feel left out.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
While it may not break new ground, this film lives up to its promise: a vibrant, beautifully animated adventure centered on the Mario Bros. Chris Pratt, though not America’s top Chris, handles the role of Nintendo’s famous plumber with ease.
Where to stream: Peacock
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3
A standout in Marvel’s recent lineup, James Gunn’s final chapter in the trilogy shines, focusing on Rocket, the Bradley Cooper-voiced raccoon. The animal-centric narrative evokes deep emotion and provides a satisfying conclusion to the Guardians’ journey.
Where to stream: Disney+
Fast X
As the Fast series approaches its conclusion—with two(?) more films and spin-offs planned—this installment doesn’t innovate much. However, it introduces a compelling antagonist in Jason Momoa’s Dante Reyes. While it feels like we’re treading water until Fast 11-3, the setup is still engaging.
Where to stream: Peacock
The Little Mermaid
Disney’s live-action remakes haven’t surpassed their animated counterparts, but this version of The Little Mermaid comes closest. Halle Bailey shines as Ariel, and the film balances action, emotion, and Melissa McCarthy’s scene-stealing turn as Ursula, despite its extended runtime.
Where to stream: Disney+
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
While not the franchise’s low point, this film pales in comparison to 2018’s Bumblebee, which revitalized the series with charm and coherence. Still, it retains some of the original magic, though it devolves into the usual chaotic CGI robot battles by the finale.
Where to stream: Paramount+
The Flash
Debate continues over whether this film is a heartfelt superhero saga or a total disaster (I dozed off). Regardless, it’s essential for DC fans, featuring Michael Keaton’s likely final return as Batman.
Where to stream: Max
Enys Men
Set in 1973 on a remote Cornish island, Enys Men embraces folk horror without resorting to imitation. Mary Woodvine stars as a wildlife volunteer searching for a rare flower, a quest that spirals into a surreal and unsettling experience.
Where to stream: Hulu
Insidious: The Red Door
While not the pinnacle of the series, this potential final chapter of the Insidious saga delivers several genuinely chilling moments and ties up the demonic storyline in a mostly satisfying way. The concept of distorted time in "the Further" allows for some clever nods to earlier films.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Nun II
This sequel, a spinoff from The Conjuring universe, improves on its predecessor. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) takes charge, confronting the demonic nun that haunts the series. It’s light but entertaining.
Where to stream: Max
Cocaine Bear
Recall the buzz around Cocaine Bear? Neither do I. Still, Elizabeth Banks, as director, fully commits to this horror-comedy inspired by a loosely true tale of a bear on a cocaine-fueled rampage. The concept alone is a selling point.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Haunted Mansion
Featuring Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, and Jamie Lee Curtis, this new take on the Disney ride lands somewhere between the mediocre Eddie Murphy version and the charming Muppets adaptation in terms of appeal.
Where to stream: Disney+
When Evil Lurks
This Argentinian horror masterpiece treats demonic possession as both commonplace and infectious. Its graphic gore and deeply humanized characters make the inevitable horrors even more impactful. Not recommended for the faint of heart.
Where to stream: Shudder
Air
A film directed by and starring Ben Affleck, centered on the deal that birthed Air Jordans, might not sound riveting, but Affleck’s confident direction and a stellar cast (Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, and more) elevate it. The story highlights how Michael Jordan’s Nike partnership shaped sneaker culture and redefined celebrity endorsements, making it worthy of cinematic treatment.
Where to stream: Prime Video
A Thousand and One
Spanning 11 years, this film tracks Inez de la Paz (a phenomenal Teyana Taylor), who, after her release from prison, takes her son from foster care and strives to build a life they’ve never known. It’s one of the year’s most overlooked gems.
Where to stream: Prime Video
The Killer
Michael Fassbender takes the lead in David Fincher’s newest project, a Netflix original that also enjoyed a brief theatrical run. Fassbender portrays a hitman caught in a high-stakes chase, with the film leaning more into action than Fincher’s usual tone, though it remains sharp, cold, and enhanced by a gripping voiceover.
Where to stream: Netflix
Rustin
Another Netflix release, this film stars Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, a pivotal queer figure in the civil rights movement, leading up to the 1963 March on Washington. Domingo’s performance is generating Oscar buzz, and the film itself is a strong contender.
Where to stream: Netflix
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
While it doesn’t break new ground, this second sequel to one of the most successful indie films ever retains its endearing charm, catching us up with Toula Portokalos and her lively extended family.
Where to stream: Peacock
Quiz Lady
Awkwafina and Sandra Oh shine as mismatched sisters in this chaotic road trip comedy, reminiscent of ’90s classics like Romy & Michele's High School Reunion. One sister is uptight, the other a disaster, and they must team up to pay off their mother’s gambling debts. Things get complicated when a loan shark kidnaps their dog. Luckily, Awkwafina’s character is a trivia genius, thanks to her obsession with a Jeopardy-style game show. (The film also features numerous hilarious cameos, including one that’s surprisingly touching.)
Where to stream: Hulu
Nyad
Annette Bening portrays Diana Nyad in this biopic chronicling her daring attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. Both Bening and Jodie Foster, who plays her coach, are generating Oscar buzz for their performances.
Where to stream: Netflix
John Wick: Chapter 4
Keanu Reeves returns as the star of our most dependable and brutal action franchise. What else is there to say?
Where to stream: Starz
Plane
Sometimes, all you need is a Gerard Butler film featuring a plane crash and dangerous rebels. Butler portrays a pilot who joins forces with Mike Colter’s fugitive to survive hostile terrain. It’s a solid, low-budget action flick that defies its simplistic title.
Where to stream: Starz
They Cloned Tyrone
John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx unite in this brilliant blend of comedy, sci-fi, crime thriller, and blaxploitation satire. The trio uncovers a sinister plot to manipulate Black communities through cloning. The film is both hilariously entertaining and incisively thought-provoking.
Where to stream: Netflix
