The streaming landscape is buzzing this weekend, August 22-24, 2025, with a wealth of new movies and TV shows arriving across Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and more. From gripping political thrillers and acclaimed animated comedies to high-octane action and compelling true crime, there’s something to satisfy every viewer’s taste. This curated selection highlights the trending releases and provides an essential guide for your weekend binge-watching.
Netflix Delivers Edge-of-Your-Seat Thrills and Animated Delights
Netflix is leading the charge this week with the highly anticipated premiere of Hostage, a British political thriller that has already garnered critical praise. Starring Suranne Jones as the British Prime Minister and Julie Delpy as the French President, the five-episode miniseries plunges viewers into a high-stakes crisis that tests loyalty and leadership amidst political intrigue and personal blackmail. Released on August 21, Hostage promises to be a masterclass in tension and performance, making it a must-watch for fans of sophisticated drama.
For those seeking something lighter yet equally compelling, Netflix also drops Long Story Short on August 22. This new animated series comes from Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the acclaimed creator behind “BoJack Horseman.” The show delves into the complexities of family dynamics, following a family through various stages of their lives with a blend of sharp humor and emotional depth that has already drawn comparisons to “Bluey meets Tolstoy.”
Adding to the weekend’s offerings, Netflix is also showcasing a robust library of films, including classics like “The Departed,” the “Jurassic Park” franchise, and the “Rush Hour” trilogy, alongside the “Fast and Furious” saga, ensuring a movie marathon for action enthusiasts. The documentary America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys also provides an insider’s look at the legacy of the Dallas Cowboys.
Hulu Streams True Crime and Ambitious Sci-Fi
Hulu is not to be outdone, offering a diverse slate of new content. A major highlight is The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, a limited series that revisits the infamous case of the American student wrongfully convicted of murder while studying abroad in Italy. Starring Grace Van Patten as Knox, the series, which premiered August 20, meticulously chronicles her arrest, trial, and the subsequent legal battles, offering a detailed and gripping narrative.
Furthermore, Hulu is expanding its sci-fi horizons with the premiere of FX’s Alien: Earth on August 12. From Noah Hawley, the visionary behind “Fargo” and “Legion,” this series promises a fresh take on the iconic franchise, exploring events following a mysterious alien vessel crash-landing on Earth. The highly anticipated show begins with a two-episode premiere.
Fans of animated sitcoms can rejoice as King of the Hill returns with its 14th season on August 4. The beloved series picks up after a long hiatus, bringing back Hank Hill and his distinctive brand of suburban Texas humor. Additionally, the entire John Wick film series lands on Hulu on August 15, providing an excellent opportunity for a marathon of Keanu Reeves’ iconic assassin saga.
Prime Video Offers Action, Espionage, and Automotive Thrills
Amazon Prime Video is bringing a strong lineup of new movies and TV shows this weekend. The action-comedy The Pickup, starring Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, is available now, offering a heist adventure filled with wisecracks and high stakes. Premiering August 13, the espionage thriller Butterfly features Daniel Dae Kim as a spy confronting his past.
For sports enthusiasts and movie buffs, F1: The Movie is now available for rent or purchase across various platforms, including Prime Video, starting August 22. This high-octane film, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, captures the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 racing. While its permanent streaming home will be on Apple TV+ later in the year, its digital availability this weekend makes it a prime choice for car racing fans. Brad Pitt’s performance has been lauded, adding to the film’s already impressive box office run.
Other notable August releases on Prime Video include the final season of the comedy Upload (August 25) and the prequel series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf (August 27).
Apple TV+ Continues its Tradition of Quality Originals
Apple TV+ is set to captivate audiences with its slate of new releases, reinforcing its reputation for high-quality content. The epic historical drama Chief of War, starring and executive produced by Jason Momoa, launched its first two episodes on August 1 and continues weekly, offering a visually stunning and culturally rich narrative about Hawaiian unification. It’s being hailed as a significant new drama for the platform.
The critically acclaimed comedy Platonic, starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, returns for its second season on August 6, exploring the evolving friendship of its leads amidst mid-life challenges. Sci-fi fans can dive into the third season of Invasion, which premieres August 22, promising to bring its global cast together as the alien threat escalates. The animated kids’ series Stillwater also returns for its fourth season on August 1.
Box Office Successes Hit Streaming and Theaters
Beyond streaming platforms, the cinematic world offers a few standout releases this weekend. The horror film Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, continues its impressive box office run, having already surpassed $100 million domestically. This mystery horror film, praised for its suspense and narrative craft, has solidified its status as one of the year’s biggest cinematic hits.
In comedy, The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, has hit cinemas and is receiving widespread critical acclaim for its laugh-out-loud humor and Neeson’s impeccable deadpan delivery. It’s being recommended as a must-see communal viewing experience.
On the premium video-on-demand (PVOD) front, alongside “F1: The Movie,” action fans can also check out “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” For those preferring superhero action, Peacemaker returns for its second season on HBO Max on August 21.
This weekend’s streaming and theatrical releases present a dynamic and diverse array of entertainment options. Whether you’re in the mood for a tense political drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, a thrilling action movie, or a thought-provoking documentary, the trending new releases ensure there’s no shortage of quality content to explore. Happy streaming and movie-going!
