The best new streaming movies this week: Jackpot!, and more

We’re back this week with a new list of movies for you to stream. It’s an interesting combination, let’s get started. 

The best new streaming movies this week

• Release date: August 9, 2024 
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
• Rating: TV-MA
• Director: Lee Myeong-hoon
• Cast: Hwang Jung-min, Yum Jung-ah, Jeon Hye-jin, Jeong Man-sik, Kim Ju-hun, Cha Rae-hyung, Kim Chan-hyung

In this South Korean action-comedy, Kang-moo is a seemingly ordinary stay-at-home husband married to Mi-seon, a top police detective. But Kang-moo’s past as an elite military intelligence officer resurfaces when he encounters Hee-joo, a former colleague desperately searching for her missing husband.

As Kang-moo secretly assists Hee-joo, he must juggle his covert mission with maintaining his domestic facade. Expect a blend of domestic humor, espionage thrills, and high-stakes action as Kang-moo’s two worlds collide in unexpected ways.

• Release date: August 9, 2024 
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Angela Patton
• Cast: Lance Acord, Sam Bisbee, Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Paul Rachman, Mindy Goldberg

This poignant documentary follows four girls as they prepare for a special “Date with Dad” dance with their incarcerated fathers. The film interweaves the girl’s stories with scenes of their fathers participating in a 10-week fatherhood course in prison. Through intimate portraits, we witness the complex emotions and challenges faced by these families torn apart by incarceration.

As the dance approaches, tensions and expectations rise, culminating in an emotionally charged reunion that becomes both a celebration and a reckoning. Daughters offers a nuanced look at the power of connection in the face of separation.

• Release date: August 15, 2024
• Genre: Action, Comedy
• Rating: R
• Director: Paul Feig
• Cast: Awkwafina, John Cena, Simu Liu, Ayden Mayeri, Seann William Scott, Dolly de Leon, Donald Watkins

Set in a dystopian Los Angeles of 2030, we see a world where economic inequality has reached new heights. The California Grand Lottery offers a compelling solution: a multi-billion dollar jackpot. The catch? If you win, you must survive until sundown, as your location is broadcast and anyone who kills you claims your fortune.

When down-on-her-luck former child star Katie Kim accidentally wins the lottery, she’s thrust into a frantic chase across the city. Her only ally is Noel Cassidy, an amateur lottery protection agent. Together, they navigate a gauntlet of colorful adversaries, including a ruthless mercenary and Machine Gun Kelly’s panic room. Blending over-the-top action with dark comedy, this movie addresses economic desperation (ironically) while delivering high-octane thrills.

• Release date: June 21, 2024 
• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Rating: R
• Director: Jeff Nichols
• Cast: Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Mike Faist, Boyd Holbrook, Norman Reedus

This movie is set in the gritty world of a 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club called the Vandals. The story is primarily told through the eyes of Kathy, a young woman who falls for charismatic biker Benny.

As Kathy becomes more involved with the club, she witnesses its evolution from a group of thrill-seeking outsiders to a more dangerous, criminal organization under the leadership of Johnny. With its period setting and focus on the motorcycle subculture, take a look at a transformative era in American history, blending romance, drama, and the allure of the open road.

• Release date: August 2, 2024
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
• Rating: R
• Director: Doug Liman
• Cast: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina

In this Boston-set crime comedy, desperate vet and divorced dad Rory teams up with his mouthy, ex-con buddy Cobby for a high-stakes scheme. The pair are tasked by a local crime lord to rob the corrupt incumbent mayor. However, their plan quickly spirals out of control, putting them in the crosshairs of various factions: the police, the crime lord’s lackeys, and a relentless special ops officer who pursues them in an actual tank.

Their only ally is Rory’s sympathetic therapist. As they navigate a web of double-crosses and close calls across Massachusetts, The Instigators satirizes political corruption, economic desperation, and the lengths people will go to for a shot at a better life. Expect rapid-fire dialogue, elaborate chase sequences, and a distinctly Boston flavor in this star-studded caper.

What was new and worth watching over the last month

Here’s a quick roundup of our previous lists, if you missed them. Also, if you’re in the mood for something else this weekend, we have a list of streaming shows to cater to that.

• Release date: August 7, 2024
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: N.A.
• Director: Benedict Mique
• Cast: Euwenn Mikaell, Joel Torre, Juan Karlos Labajo, Iza Calzado, Meryll Soriano, Joem Bascon, Nico Antonio

This Filipino drama follows Lolo, an elderly con man played by Joel Torre, who forms an unlikely partnership with a young orphan boy in Manila. They survive through small scams, navigating the city’s underbelly. As their bond deepens, Lolo is forced to confront his past and consider a different future.

The film explores themes of found family and redemption against the backdrop of urban poverty in the Philippines. It shows you the harsh realities of street life, including encounters with authorities and rival hustlers, while examining how this unexpected relationship changes both characters.

• Release date: August 8, 2024
• Genre: Action
• Rating: R
• Director: Kelly Blatz
• Cast: K.J. Apa, Eric Dane, Maia Reficco, Austin North, Edward James Olmos, Jackson Hurst, Adam Thomas Ziemba

K.J. Apa stars as Wes, an ex-military man seeking redemption in the world of motorcycle racing. After losing his military benefits, he tracks down his estranged father Dean, a former racer now working at a struggling motorcycle shop. Dean reluctantly agrees to train Wes in road course racing.

The film follows Wes as he navigates the competitive racing world while attempting to rebuild his relationship with Dean. It features intense racing sequences, rivalry on the track, and a high-stakes race where Wes must prove himself. If you’re a fan of motorsports dramas or enjoy stories of father-son reconciliation, give it a shot.

• Release date: August 3, 2024
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: TV-MA
• Director: Nanette Burstein
• Cast: Elizabeth Taylor

This documentary is based on 40 hours of recently discovered audio recordings of Elizabeth Taylor from the mid-1960s. It covers a pivotal time in her career, including her Oscar win for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and her relationship with Richard Burton.

Discover Taylor’s thoughts on her marriages, career transitions, and the pressures of fame and new insights into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars during a tumultuous period in her life and career. A must-watch for classic movie buffs.

• Release date: March 15, 2024
• Genre: Biography, Drama, History
• Rating: PG
• Director: James Hawes
• Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn, Lena Olin, Romola Garai, Alex Sharp, Jonathan Pryce, Helena Bonham Carter

Anthony Hopkins stars as Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia before World War II. The film spans two time periods: Winton’s rescue efforts in 1938 and the rediscovery of his story decades later.

The story explores the emotional public revelation of Winton’s heroism. It shows Winton working against time to arrange transport and foster homes for the children, then explores how his past actions impacted his later life.

• Release date: August 3, 2024
• Genre: Romance
• Rating: TV-G
• Director: David Weaver
• Cast: Autumn Reeser, Aaron O’Connell, Mila Jones

This indie drama follows Madeleine, a Chicago art dealer, as she visits her new husband George’s family in rural North Carolina. Obviously, there’s a culture clash between Madeleine’s urban sophistication and the Southern lifestyle of George’s family.

Amy Adams plays Ashley, George’s pregnant sister-in-law who forms an unlikely bond with Madeleine. The story unfolds over a few days, examining family dynamics, communication barriers, and the complexities of marriage and expectations. If you take joy in profound moments in everyday interactions, this one’s for you.

• Release date: August 2, 2024
• Genre: Mystery
• Rating: TV-G
• Director: Marco Deufemia
• Cast: Rachel Skarsten, Corey Sevier

Based on Kylie Logan’s book series, this mystery follows Jazz Ramsey, a cadaver dog trainer in Cleveland who becomes involved in a murder investigation. The film balances the procedural elements of solving the crime with insights into the world of working dogs and their handlers.

It showcases how Jazz’s expertise with dogs aids in uncovering clues and tracking suspects. The story also explores Jazz’s personal life and relationships within the law enforcement community, while also highlighting the unique bond between handlers and their K-9 partners. Expect a mix of suspense, local Cleveland color, and scenes demonstrating the capabilities of search and rescue dogs.

• Release date: May 3, 2024
• Genre: Horror
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Spenser Cohen
• Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Jacob Batalon, Humberly González, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson

A group of friends carelessly breaks a sacred rule during a tarot card reading, unknowingly unleashing an evil entity trapped within the cursed cards. As they start dying one by one in mysterious and frightening ways, they realize they’re in a desperate race against time. Each friend faces their nightmare based on the tarot card they drew.

The movie aims for suspense and scares, relying heavily on jump scares and an eerie atmosphere.

• Release date: August 2, 2024 
• Genre: Action, Adventure
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Wes Ball
• Cast: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, William H. Macy, Eka Darville, Travis Jeffery

Set 300 years after the previous films, this movie shows a world where apes have become the dominant species and humans are considered wild creatures. A young chimpanzee named Noa starts a dangerous journey to rescue his clan after they’re kidnapped by a tyrannical ape ruler named Proximus Caesar.

Along the way, Noa befriends a human girl who can speak and a wise orangutan who teaches him about the legendary ape leader Caesar.

• Release date: March 15, 2024 
• Genre: Crime, Thriller
• Rating: R
• Director: Michael Keaton
• Cast: Michael Keaton, Al Pacino, Marcia Gay Harden, James Marsden, Suzy Nakamura, Joanna Kulig, Ray McKinnon

Michael Keaton stars as Knox, a skilled hitman diagnosed with dementia. As his memories begin to slip away, Knox’s estranged son Miles shows up at his door, covered in blood after killing his teenage daughter’s adult abuser. Desperate to help his son before losing his mind completely, Knox uses his criminal expertise to cover up the crime.

With a detective closing in and his mind deteriorating, Knox races against time to protect his son and possibly find redemption.

• Release date: August 1, 2024 
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• Rating: TV-MA
• Director: Edwin
• Cast: Putri Marino, Yoga Pratama, Lukman Sardi, Yudi Ahmad Tajudin, Yusuf Mahardika, Kiki Narendra, Siti Fauziah

This Indonesian thriller follows Detective Sanja, a skilled investigator from Jakarta, as she’s assigned to a perplexing case in the remote border region between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The case becomes more complicated as it ties into human trafficking operations and corruption among local officials.

Adding to the intrigue is the presence of a malevolent forest spirit that seems to be influencing events. Sanja must navigate unfamiliar territory, both literally and figuratively, as she investigates a series of gruesome murders.

• Release date: April 26, 2024 
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Rating: R
• Director: Luca Guadagnino
• Cast: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, Darnell Appling, Bryan Doo, Shane T Harris, Nada Despotovich

Set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis, this movie centers on a love triangle between three characters. Zendaya plays Tashi, a former tennis prodigy whose promising career was cut short by an injury. She’s now married to Art, a once-gifted player now struggling on the pro circuit. The third point of the triangle is Patrick, Art’s childhood friend and former tennis rival.

The narrative jumps between different periods, revealing how their relationships and tennis careers have intertwined and complicated over the years. As Art and Patrick face off in an important tournament, with Tashi coaching her husband, past tensions and unresolved feelings resurface.