5 Best New Movies to Stream This Week: Oct. 20-26

It is set to be a slightly quieter week for new movie releases across major streaming platforms. While giants like Netflix and Prime Video are taking a brief hiatus, there is still plenty of high-quality content arriving on HBO Max, Disney+, Peacock, and Shudder for your weekend viewing pleasure. To help you avoid endless scrolling, we have curated the five best new movies dropping this week.

1. The Weight (Available on Apple TV)

Premiering to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, 'The Weight' finally hits digital platforms. This historical drama, set in 1930s Oregon, features powerful performances from Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe. As a WWI veteran struggling to support his family, Hawke's character is coerced into a high-stakes gold smuggling operation by a ruthless warden played by Crowe. Boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this is a must-watch for fans of gritty period dramas.

2. Moana (Disney+)

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of its animated hit arrives on Disney+ this Tuesday. While the decision to revisit this recent classic sparked debate, the film retains all the beloved musical numbers, and newcomer Catherine Laga'aia delivers a breakout performance as the titular heroine. Join Moana and the demigod Maui on their high-seas journey to save their island home.

3. Finding Emily (Peacock)

For those looking for something lighter, 'Finding Emily' is the perfect choice. This charming, quintessentially British rom-com explores the story of a university student who falls for a girl but loses her contact information. With the help of a student who shares the same name, he embarks on a quest to find her. It is a heartwarming, funny, and deeply likeable film that makes for a fantastic comfort watch.

4. The Invite (HBO Max)

Olivia Wilde’s 'The Invite' stands out as one of the most compelling films of the year. This razor-sharp comedy-drama follows a tense dinner party where marital secrets surface and unconventional relationships are laid bare. With a stellar ensemble cast—including Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton—this film balances hilarity with genuine emotional depth and has serious awards-season potential.

5. The Cycle (Shudder)

Horror fans have a treat in store with 'The Cycle,' a Shudder original that currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Blending horror with a crime-thriller narrative, the film explores the mystery of a man who disappeared 36 years ago, only for his body to be discovered at a gruesome crime scene. It falls to his daughter, played by Deborah Ann Woll, to uncover the secrets of her father's dark past.

Whether you are in the mood for a sweeping historical epic, a lighthearted romantic comedy, or an unsettling horror mystery, this week's lineup has something to keep your queue full.