These are the best new streaming movies this week: Kung Fu Panda 4, Greatest Hits, and more

There is a lot to watch on the various streaming services available in 2024 — sometimes, it almost feels like too much. To simplify things for you, we’ve compiled some of the best new streaming movies to watch that are new this week.

Check out our top picks from major streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and will sometimes even bring you an exciting new VOD movie or two. In addition to the latest movies from this week, we also give you other recommendations for shows that have arrived on a new streaming platform in the last 30 days. 

The best new streaming movies this week 

This week saw a smaller amount of options, but a nice mix of genres, including one that’s perfect for the whole family. Click on any of the links below to jump directly to the films that catch your eye. 

Kung Fu Panda 4 – April 9, VOD

Kung Fu Panda 4 represents a major change for the series, as the Furious 5 are nowhere to be seen and all the focus is on Po and his mission to save the world from a new threat. At the same time, a big part of the story is that Po must select a new Dragon Warrior so he can move on and become a spiritual leader. Of course, that’s not an easy transition for everyone’s favorite Kung Fu-loving panda. When the trailers first hit, I wasn’t certain how to feel about this one as it’s a big change, but I have to say it still feels like a KFP movie, even if it’s quite a bit different than the three that came before it.

• Release date: March 8, 2024
• Genre: Family/kids
• Rating: PG 
• Director: Mike Mitchell
• Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis

The Greatest Hits – April 12, Hulu

After discovering the power to time travel through the use of certain songs, Harriet reconnects with her dead former boyfriend in the past. As she relives the love of her life she also starts to plan out a way to save him. Unfortunately, she soon finds her actions may just jeopardize her present in ways she can’t realize just yet. 

• Years active: April 5, 2024
• Genre: Romantic fanstasy
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Ned Benson
  
• Cast: Lucy Boynton, David Corenswet, Just H. Min

Drive-Away Dolls – April 12, Peacock

Argylle – April 12, Apple TV Plus

An introverted spy novelist is about to finish her fifth book about Agent Aubrey Argylle but finds herself running into some major writer’s block. Shortly after she finds herself on a journey to visit her father but along the way crosses paths with a real life spy. Even worse, he warns her a secret organization is after her, as they believe her stories have inside information about their plans. If you like fast-paced, fun over-the-top films, you’ll love this one. 

Strange Way of Life – April 19, Netflix

Pedro Pascal stars as Silvia, a man who rides a horse halfway across the country and into the desert to visit his old friend Sherrif Jake (Ethan Hawke). While the Sherrif is happy to see his old friend, there’s another reason for the visit and it’s not just about taking a trip down memory lane. 

What was new and worth watching over the last month 

Looking for more recommendations? Here are other great movies that debuted in the last 30 days or so:

The Greatest Hits – April 12, Hulu

After discovering the power to time travel through the use of certain songs, Harriet reconnects with her dead former boyfriend in the past. As she relives the love of her life she also starts to plan out a way to save him. Unfortunately, she soon finds her actions may just jeopardize her present in ways she can’t realize just yet. 

• Years active: April 5, 2024
• Genre: Romantic fanstasy
• Rating: PG-13
• Director: Ned Benson
  
• Cast: Lucy Boynton, David Corenswet, Just H. Min

Drive-Away Dolls – April 12, Peacock

Argylle – April 12, Apple TV Plus

An introverted spy novelist is about to finish her fifth book about Agent Aubrey Argylle but finds herself running into some major writer’s block. Shortly after she finds herself on a journey to visit her father but along the way crosses paths with a real life spy. Even worse, he warns her a secret organization is after her, as they believe her stories have inside information about their plans. If you like fast-paced, fun over-the-top films, you’ll love this one. 

Kung Fu Panda 4 – April 9, VOD

Kung Fu Panda 4 represents a major change for the series, as the Furious 5 are nowhere to be seen and all the focus is on Po and his mission to save the world from a new threat. At the same time, a big part of the story is that Po must select a new Dragon Warrior so he can move on and become a spiritual leader. Of course, that’s not an easy transition for everyone’s favorite Kung Fu-loving panda. When the trailers first hit, I wasn’t certain how to feel about this one as it’s a big change, but I have to say it still feels like a KFP movie, even if it’s quite a bit different than the three that came before it.

• Release date: March 8, 2024
• Genre: Family/kids
• Rating: PG 
• Director: Mike Mitchell
• Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis

Musica – April 4, Amazon Prime

Rudy is a man with synesthesia who sees music and the world around him in a very different way than most folks. Every regular sound and motion in the world is seen as rhythmic music to him. Despite his uncertain future and condition, Rudy must balance love, family, and find himself in a world he continually has trouble navigating. 

Wish – April 3, Disney Plus

Wish might have gotten pretty mixed reception while in theaters but it’s found quick success on Disney Plus, with over a million views in just a few days. If you’ve yet to check this one out, Wish is meant to celebrate Disney’s birthday and is filled to the brim with easter eggs as a result. Beyond that, the story is a bit cookie-cutter but nonetheless, it has fun characters and is a great watch for the whole family. Without giving it all away, the movie takes place in a kingdom run by a sorcerer who has the power to grant wishes and is seen as a benevolent and wise ruler, though he has a dark secret. If you’re a fan of classic Disney movies, this film definitely has that old-school vibe, though it doesn’t quite come close to the polish or charm achieved by the golden age Disney movies that it attempts to mimic. 

Lisa Frankenstein – March 29, Peacock 

A dark and misunderstood teen girl accidentally brings back to life the animated corpse of a Victorian man. Despite coming from very different worlds, the two have an immediate connection and she decides he would make the perfect boyfriend. There’s just one problem, he’s missing many of the vital body parts needed to be a complete person. Soon the unlikely pair team up to harvest organs and more from the classmates she feels have wronged her. This could be the perfect weekend watch if you like over-the-top violence and quirky, dark humor. 

Shirley – March 22, Netflix

It’s 2024 and we’ve yet to have a woman president in the US, even the first Black president wasn’t elected until 2009. It’s been a long road ahead when it comes to diverse representation in politics and we clearly still have a lot of work to do as a country, but it’s important to acknowledge how far we’ve come and some of the important figures involved in helping us get to where we are right now. One of these important figures was Shirley Anita Chisholm, who shook the political scene in a major way when she became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination back in the 1970s. This movie takes a fictionalized look back at her campaign and the challenges she encountered along the way. There’s plenty of talent here too, including Terrence Howard, as well as the wonderfully talented Regina King as the titular character.  

• Release date: November 10, 2023
• Genre: Comedy/drama/fantasy
• Rating: R
• Director: John Ridley
• Cast: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, Lucas Hedges

Anatomy of a Fall – March 22, Hulu

A couple lives with their son in an isolated mountain chalet, with few visitors. When the husband dies suddenly, the woman becomes a prime suspect. The woman claims he committed suicide by falling out the window in the attic, but the prosecution claims she pushed him. As information on her affair and their constant fights come to light, the mother begins to look more and more guilty, but she’s adamant that she had nothing to do with her husband’s death. In the end, it all comes down to the testimony of their visually impaired son. If you like crime dramas that make you think, you’ll want to keep an eye out for this one when it hits Hulu on March 22, if you’ve yet to watch it elsewhere. 

Road House – March 21, Amazon Prime

Patrick Swayze is known for many films, but Road House is one of his most unique, with a fairly strong following even to this day. I was personally more than a little mixed to hear it was getting the reboot treatment, but I felt Jake Gyllenhaal was at least a reasonably decent fit. The new version isn’t a complete remake as it does make a few character changes here and there in order to help it stand on its own a bit more and to make the film fit the times a bit better. Dalton is still a charming and witty character, but he’s a bit lighter and more sincere in his banter. The general story remains the same: a woman named Frankie hires underground fighter Dalton to be a bouncer at her bar, but what he finds is a much bigger fight as a corrupt and powerful man wishes to take control of the bar for himself. If you like fast-paced, fun action and enjoyed the original Road House, you’ll more than likely enjoy this one as well.

Violent Night – March 20, Peacock 

Okay, March isn’t the usual time to watch a Christmas movie, but then again Violent Night isn’t exactly your typical Christmas movie.  This dark comedy thriller shows a grittier, worn-out old Saint Nick that has just about given up on the season altogether. When a girl and her family are held hostage by a group of criminals, her wish brings Santa into action as he goes full-Rambo in order to save the family in time for the holidays. If you’ve yet to see this one, it has arrived at Peacock as of March 20, 2024. 

Lego Batman Movie – March 19, Amazon Prime

One of the most irreverent, and yet delightful, takes on Batman has now arrived on Amazon Prime! Lego Batman might not have seen as much success as the original Lego movie, but it was one of my family’s favorites back in 2008. Will Arnett returns as Lego Batman, this time set in a Legoized version of Gotham City. After feeling neglected by Batman, Joker decides to get the ultimate revenge by enlisting the help of some of the Phantom Zone’s most notorious residents, which include Suaron, Jurassic Park raptors, and many other quirky characters. If you’re looking for something silly and light to watch with the family that still has a pretty decent central message, Lego Batman is absolutely worth the watch whether it’s your first time or fifteenth. 

• Release date: September 23, 2008
• Genre: Animated/family
• Rating: PG
• Director: Chris McKay
• Cast: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson

Stormy – March 18, Peacock

You’re no doubt well aware of the Stormy Daniels and Trump controversy but this latest documentary goes beyond just exploring the incident and the payout to keep quiet about the affair, it also takes a closer look at Stormy’s life and how it has changed in the years since her association with Trump came to light. If you’re interested in learning more about the woman behind the controversy or seeing a deeper look into what really went down, this could be the perfect watch this weekend. 

• Release date: March 18, 2024
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: N/R
• Director: Sarah Gibson

Irish Wish – March 15, Netflix

Lindsay Lohan stars in her second film since her return to acting in 2022, this time playing the role of Maddie Kelly, a book editor who is in love with the author she works for. The only problem is he’s engaged to be married and has no idea she feels this way about him. In a cliche moment, she makes a wish that they could be together. Before she knows it, her wish is granted and she finds herself in an alternate reality where she’s about to get married instead of the original bride. This sort of reminds me of the Nicholas Cage movie, The Family Man which had a similar concept, though this one has a twist: when she finally gets what she wants, she falls for someone else. Now she wishes she could take the wish back, but finds herself clueless on how to do it. 

Dream Scenario – March 15, Max

After bringing him up in the last entry, now we have a film starring Cage as Paul Matthews, an ordinary man who quickly is catapulted to fame when nearly the whole world starts dreaming about him suddenly and quite literally. At first, this brings him plenty of attention and fame, much to his delight. Unfortunately, fame often has a price to pay as he finds out when people start having nightmares involving him as the villain. It doesn’t take long for his new fans to completely turn on it him in this delightfully dark comedy drama. Dream Scenario hit theaters last year but if you have yet to see it, it is now finally on Max. 

• Release date: November 10, 2023
• Genre: Comedy/drama/fantasy
• Rating: R
• Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Lily Bird

Trolls Band Together – March 15, Peacock

While my family was a fan of the first film, I have to admit the second one was a bit more of a mixed bag. With that in mind, my family has yet to watch the third. We want to see it, just not enough to spend anything extra to do it. If this at all sounds familiar, the good news is it is finally coming to Peacock on March 15, giving you an alternative to theaters and VOD for the first time. In the latest chapter, Poppy and Branch end up reconnecting with his family, a former boy band. They also soon find themselves on a mission to rescue one of Branch’s brothers. 

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour – March 14, Disney Plus

The Taylor Swift: Eras Tour experience saw a big theatrical debut last year but not like this. Disney Plus is now bringing the tour to new audiences and for those who just want to watch it again, but with a bonus: There are now five songs featured that weren’t in the earlier theater or later digital releases. If you’re interested in this, we probably don’t need to tell you that the Eras Tour was a huge concert experience for Swift and showcased music from all of her eras a performer, paying homage to all ten of her albums. 

Frida – March 14, Amazon Prime

Frida is a relatively common subject in film especially with Salma Hayek’s film of the same name. While that film is a great fictionalized look, this new documentary aims to tell the full story of Frida’s life and contributions using archival footage, animated interpretations of her paintings and sketches, and high-profile interviews that help pull it all together. Frida’s own words and thoughts are also represented here as the documentary includes excerpts from her diaries as well. If you’re a fan of the renowned artist or simply want to learn more, this new documentary is now available on Amazon Prime and is absolutely worth the watch. 

• Release date: March 14, 2024
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: R
• Filmmaker: Carla Gutiérrez

Little Wing – March 13, Paramount Plus

Little Wing is a coming-of-age drama film about a 13-year-old girl who doesn’t know where she belongs in the world, made worse by her parent’s upcoming divorce and the fact that they now have to sell their house. When the girl is given two pigeons of her own, she finds herself learning more about the world of pigeon racing and soon she hatches a plan to steal a pigeon worth a substantial fortune. Enough to buy her house back. Her plan succeeds but she realizes it comes at a cost: she essentially ruins a man’s life in the process. Little does she know, this is just the beginning of a bigger bond between the two. 

• Years active: March 13, 2024
• Genre: Coming-of-age drama
• Rating: PG-13
• Creator: Dean Israelite
  
• Cast: Brooklynn Prince, Che Tafari, Brain Cox

Cinderella – March 8, Disney Plus

While not all of Disney’s attempts to bring animated classics to life have been winners, the 2015 live-action Cinderella remains one of the highest-rated Disney remakes even today. Most Disney remakes have either stuck too closely to the original or changed too much, so that’s what makes this one special. While Cinderella is a very familiar story even beyond the animated classic, the 2015 remake manages to keep the heart of the film intact while adding more character development and depth in the process. If you’ve never seen it, you can finally do so on Disney Plus starting March 8th.

Wonka – March 8, Max

The vast majority of those reading this have likely seen some iteration of the Wonka story, but this particular telling is different. It’s not a rehash; instead, the film Wonka tells the origins of the eccentric chocolatier. After traveling around the world for seven years to perfect his craft, Wonka sets out to make chocolate for the masses but finds a major obstacle: the Chocolate Cartel. These powerful businesses aim to keep anyone else from success, but Wonka isn’t your ordinary businessman. His creativity, ingenuity, and spirit won’t keep this one down for long. I had the pleasure of watching this one in theaters last year but will definitely be watching it again after it hits Max on March 6th.

• Release date: December 15,  2023
• Genre: Fantasy Musical
• Rating: PG
• Director: Paul King
• Cast: Timothée Chalamet,  Gustave Die, Murray McArthur

Damsel – March 8, Netflix

Damsel isn’t your typical fairy tale. Millie Bobby Brown might be best known for portraying Eleven on Stranger things, but this time around she stars as a young woman who agrees to marry a charming prince, only to find herself thrown off a cliff by her beloved. It turns out she’s just part of a sacrifice ritual, where she is sent below to be eaten by a dragon. Of course, she has no intention of dying and uses her wits to eventually escape, and plan vengeance for herself and the many other women who have fallen victim before her. This looks like a fast-pacing adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not sure about you, but I know what movie I’m watching this Friday. 

• Release date: March 8, 2024
• Genre: Dark Fantasy
• Rating: PG-13
• Creator: Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum
  
• Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Nick Robinson, Robin Wright

To Kill a Tiger – March 8, Netflix

To Kill a Tiger is a Canadian documentary that centers on a family in Jharkhand, India, and their campaign for justice after the brutal raping of their teenage daughter. Many in India claim that there isn’t enough being done to handle high levels of rape in some areas of the country, and this documentary dives deeper into one such incident. Be aware this is pretty heavy subject matter and is best suited for an adult audience only.

• Release date: October 2020, 2023
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: R
• Creator: Nisha Pahuja

The Thundermans Return – March 7, Paramount Plus

In early 2013 The Thundermans debuted on Nickelodeon, with the series running until 2018. The show was about a family of superheroes trying to live normal lives in the city of Hiddenville. Six years later, the Super family is back once again, this time in a Paramount Plus exclusive film. After being fired from the T-Force, the Thundermans are back in Hiddenville once more. It doesn’t take long for new threats to surface and for the family to return to crime fighting once more, but this time, are their powers enough to save the day? As you can tell, it’s not exactly an original concept but if you and your kids watched the original, this could be a great nostalgic watch this weekend.

• Release date: March 7, 2024
• Genre: Superhero
• Rating: J-14
• Cast: Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, Addison Riecke, Diego Velazquez

Ricky Stanicky – March 7, Amazon Prime

Ricky Stanicky is nothing short of a best friend to Dean, Wes, and JT. There’s only one catch: he doesn’t exist. As kids, the three made him up as a scapegoat of sorts, and over the past thirty years, they’ve kept notes on his life and more, all so they can use it to get out of doing things they don’t want to do or to have fun getaways without their partners knowing. Only one problem: their partners are becoming very suspicious, and the guys fear this could ruin their relationships for good. Fighting one lie with a new one, the guys decide to hire someone to play the role of Stanicky so they can prove their scapegoat is real after all. Everything goes great, until “Stanicky” starts to engrain himself further into their lives even after the gig ends. 

Raging Grace – March 6, Paramount Plus

A Filipina immigrant takes a job as a caretaker for a rich terminally ill man in the United Kingdom hoping to make a better life for her and her daughter. Instead, she stumbles into dark secrets from her employer’s past in this unique British horror film. Overall this is a fast-paced film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but ultimately it doesn’t look like it breaks new ground either. Still, this could be a perfect weekend watch. 

• Release date: December 1, 2023
• Genre: Horror/thriller
• Rating: R
• Directors: Paris Zarcilla, Chi Thai
• Cast: Leanne Best, Eva-Jane Willis, David Hayman