5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Max, Paramount Plus, and more (May 17-18)

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7 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Max, Paramount Plus, and more (May 17-18)

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By
Alyse Stanley

last updated

18 May 2025

‘A Minecraft Movie,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Novocaine’ and more movie night hits are now streaming

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(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

With the weather warming up, a fresh wave of new movie releases is hitting the best streaming services this week. But when you’re spoiled for choice, narrowing down what to watch next quickly becomes a tall order.That’s why we regularly comb through the latest releases on streaming to highlight which ones are worth adding to your watchlist. Headlining this week’s lineup is the much-anticipated release of “A Minecraft Movie” on paid video-on-demand platforms. Now you can experience its chaotic charm without leaving your couch (or braving the popcorn-strewn theaters).Over on Max, you’ll find the Oscar-winning drama “The Brutalist,” a lengthy but impactful epic about how the loftiest dreams often come at the highest price. Meanwhile, Netflix just got the charming family-friendly adventure “Paddington in Peru” as well as a mind-bending horror thriller “Smile.” Paramount Plus also has the Jack Quaid-led action-comedy “Novocaine” if you’re in the mood for a breezy watch.

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So without further ado, let’s dive into the top movie premieres across Netflix, Max, Paramount Plus, and more to watch this weekend.‘A Minecraft Movie’ (PVOD)

A Minecraft Movie | Final Trailer – YouTube

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If you were waiting to stream “A Minecraft Movie” at home and skip all the “Chicken jockey” theater madness, you’re in luck. The smash-hit movie adaptation of the equally massive video game just landed on paid video-on-demand platforms after nearly cracking $1 billion at the box office, and it’s a sugar-fueled spectacle.When a ragtag crew of misfits (Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen) stumbles through a portal into the Overworld of Minecraft, they’ll need to use their imagination to survive. Helping them navigate this strange, blocky new land and get back home is Steve (Jack Black), a crafter who has been stuck there for decades.Even viewers unfamiliar with the game may find themselves having a blast in this pixelated playground. Director Jared Hess, best known for “Napoleon Dynamite,” adds his trademark sense of offbeat humor, and Jack Black, as always, is in top form cracking up a new generation of kids.
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Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Streaming now with purchase on Amazon or Apple’Paddington in Peru’ (Netflix)

PADDINGTON IN PERU – Official Trailer (HD) – YouTube

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“Paddington in Peru” landed on Netflix in the U.K. last month, but now American subscribers can finally check out the latest adventure starring everyone’s favorite marmalade-loving bear. Though not quite as critically acclaimed as 2014’s “Paddington” and 2017’s “Paddington 2,” this threequel has plenty of charm and retains enough of the warmth and magic of its predecessors to make for a thoroughly delightful watch.”Paddington in Peru” sees the titular bear (voiced once again Ben Whishaw) and his adopted family travel to (where else?) the jungles of Peru after his beloved aunt goes missing under suspicious circumstances. In the search for answers, he stumbles into a legendary treasure hunt, joining forces with the swashbuckling captain Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) along the way.Since family members tend to be huge hits for the streamer, don’t be surprised to see this one haunting Netflix’s top 10 list for the foreseeable future.Watch it now on Netflix‘The Brutalist’ (Max)

The Brutalist | Official Trailer HD | A24 – YouTube

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“The Brutalist” chalked up an impressive 10 nominations at the 2025 Oscars, taki