6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (April 18

This weekend’s latest feature films and television series include some highly anticipated returns and one of the most discussed movies from the recent awards season. There’s always something available for everyone among the top streaming services, though finding the hidden (or not-so-hidden) gems that genuinely deserve your attention can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to help.

In this list, we highlight the freshest films and TV series added on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Max, Apple TV Plus, and Hulu, selecting six appealing titles that should be on your radar right now. Whether you’re in the mood for apocalyptic action, a story of romantic yearning, or a surreal comedy, we’ve got you covered.

We’re already halfway through April, with flowers blooming and everyone thinking about their summer plans. In this just over four months into 2025, we’ve seen some truly remarkable television, including Netflix’s Formative Years, Severance season 2, and Max’s The White Lotus season 3. Much more is on the horizon, so make sure to leave space on your watchlist.

With new TV shows emerging and upcoming films releasing in theaters and via streaming, we barely have time to catch our breath as new titles fill the streamers’ libraries. If you sometimes feel overwhelmed and are in need of some expert recommendations, here’s our guide to the top new films and TV shows on streaming.

We selected one title for each major streaming platform, so you can be aware of the best series to binge-watch and the top films to check out in the streaming landscape.

New Feature Films

Conclave (Prime Video)

Currently available on: US
Watch now: Prime Video

What if Women ruled the Vatican? Intriguing, right? One of this year’s Oscar contenders, Conclave is an intense and incredibly captivating thriller that highlights some outstanding performances (kudos to Isabella Rossellini for her brief yet masterful role) and a concluding twist that you’ll probably never see coming. Guaranteed.

Set in the wake of the Pope’s demise, the film centers on Cardinal Lawrence (portrayed by a gentle Ralph Fiennes) as he conducts a conclave to elect a new leader, summoning cardinals from around the globe. Once they are sequestered until reaching a determined majority, the psychological games truly commence, with dark secrets and revelations surfacing to undermine rivals.

The film has just been added to Prime Video, so make sure to check it out!

For more options, explore the full best movies on Prime Video right now.

New TV Shows

The Last of Us Season 2 (Max)

Currently Available On: US
Watch Now: Max

Following the triumph of season 1, The Last of Us is debuting this week on Max with new episodes that are bound to tug at our heartstrings. Once again. Enthusiasts of the popular video game are well aware of what we’re referring to since the narrative introduces new characters and heart-wrenching story arcs that will alter Joel and Ellie’s lives dramatically. That’s all we can mention without giving away too much for those unfamiliar with the plot. Our final piece of advice? Prepare yourself.

Set five years after the conclusion of the last season, The Last of Us season 2 centers on a vengeful 19-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as she grapples with forgiving Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) previous actions and discovers love with her best friend Dina (Isabela Merced). However, their relatively peaceful existence is on the verge of disruption not only by the infected but also by the enigmatic Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who seeks vengeance for the death of her family.

For more information, read our review of The Last of Us season 2, and explore our compilations of the best HBO series and the top HBO films.

Doctor Who Season 2 Premiere (Disney Plus)

Available now: US
Watch now: Disney Plus

Doctor Who has returned! The second season of this latest iteration of the series, featuring Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, debuted this week, and you should absolutely dive into it as soon as possible. The Doctor is back for a fresh season filled with time-traveling escapades, introducing new characters and exciting guest appearances.

The premiere episode of the current season, titled The Robot Revolution, can now be streamed on Disney Plus. It kicks off with the Doctor searching for his new companion, Belinda Chandra (portrayed by Varada Sethu), who has been kidnapped by enormous crimson robots intent on making her their queen. If that storyline doesn’t compel you to hit play, nothing will.

For more details, check out our Doctor Who season 2 review and our guide to all cameos and Easter Eggs in Doctor Who season 2. Also, don’t forget to check our listing for the best series on Disney Plus.

Ransom Canyon (Netflix)

Accessible: Globally
Watch now: Netflix

For fans of Yellowstone, another western series has just premiered on Netflix, and it could genuinely become your next favorite binge. Already drawing comparisons to one of the platform’s most beloved dramas, Virgin River, the show features Josh Duhamel from Transformers and Minka Kelly from Friday Night Lights.

Based on Jodi Thomas’ novel series, Ransom Canyon chronicles the journeys of three ranching families in the Texas Hill Country as they vie for control. The steadfast Staten Kirkland (Duhamel) is the proprietor and only resident of Double S Ranch, facing external pressures that threaten his way of life and the cherished land he inhabits. While grappling with the grief of losing his wife, he also finds himself in the midst of a romantic tension with Quinn O’Grady (Kelly).

For further details, check out the top shows on Netflix to watch right now.

The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 premiere (Hulu)

Available on: US
Watch now: Hulu

June Osborne is poised to indirectly ignite chaos in Gilead, and we’re eager to witness it. It’s been a long, drawn-out journey for Elizabeth Moss’ character since season 1, and she is now seeking the ultimate revenge in this concluding season of the award-winning series. This might also serve as a much-needed farewell not just for one of the top Hulu shows, but also for a narrative that has left a significant mark on contemporary culture. Its cautions cannot go ignored.

Following the conclusion of season 5, where we observed June’s escape to Canada, the upcoming episodes will showcase her infiltrating Gilead and reuniting with familiar faces such as Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski), Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), and Nick (Max Minghella).

The premiere episode of the new season is currently available for viewing on Hulu.

For more, explore the best Hulu shows available right now.

Government Cheese (Apple TV Plus)

Available on: Worldwide
Watch Now: Apple TV Plus

David Oyelowo stars in the ensemble of this new Apple TV Plus drama, which premiered this week with its first four episodes. The series, crafted by Paul Hunter and Aeysha Carr, is labeled as a “surrealist family comedy,” and a quick glance at the trailer reveals that this narrative doesn’t take itself too seriously ??? and we appreciate that.

Set in 1969, the plot centers around Hampton Chambers (Oyelowo), a reformed burglar who is released from prison and returns to his home in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. After reuniting with his family, Hampton attempts to start anew by inventing a self-sharpening power drill, which he calls the Bit Magician. However, according to the synopsis, “the unusual dynamics of the Chambers family, shaped during his absence, memories from his past, encounters with dubious and perilous characters, and even moments of apparent divine intervention complicate matters.”

For more, check out our lists for the best films on Apple TV Plus and the top TV shows on Apple TV Plus.

Looking for something different to watch? Try our list of the finest Netflix movies or the top films on Disney Plus.

Mireia is a UK-based culture journalist and critic. She previously served as Deputy Movies Editor at Digital Spy, and her writings as a freelance contributor have appeared in WeLoveCinema and Spanish publications Fotogramas, Esquire, and Elle. She is also an accomplished author, having penned a book on Studio Ghibli’s ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ in 2023. Discussing anime and musicals is her favorite way to capture her interest.