6 Top Picks for Streaming This Weekend: Fresh Films and Series

With December kicking off, there’s no shortage of fresh entertainment landing on streaming platforms. Whether you’re after a bit of Christmas cheer or just keen for something new, this weekend’s line-up has you sorted. From a star-studded dramedy to a classic animated adventure, here’s what’s worth a look on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Apple TV Plus, and Hulu.

Big Names and New Laughs

First up, Netflix is rolling out Jay Kelly, a new dramedy from Noah Baumbach, the bloke behind Marriage Story and co-writer of Barbie. The cast is a who’s who: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, and Greta Gerwig all feature. Clooney plays Jay Kelly, a well-known actor who heads off on a trip across Europe with his manager, Ron (Sandler). Along the way, the pair are forced to reckon with their past choices, family ties, and what sort of mark they’ll leave behind. Streaming from 5 December, it’s one for those who like their comedy with a bit of bite.

Over on Prime Video, Michelle Pfeiffer stars in Oh. What. Fun., a Christmas flick directed by Michael Showalter. Pfeiffer’s character, Claire Clauster, is usually the glue holding her family together at Christmas, but this year she’s decided to take a break. As her family scrambles to track her down and rescue their holiday, Claire gets a chance to rediscover what the season means when you finally put yourself first. This one’s available from 3 December and is sure to get you in a festive mood.

Family Favourites and Nostalgia

If you’re after something for the whole family, Disney Plus has the original Zootopia back in the spotlight. With the sequel smashing box office records, it’s a good time to revisit Judy Hopps, the first rabbit to join the city’s police force, as she teams up with the sly fox Nick Wilde to crack a big case. It’s a classic for a reason and perfect for a family night in.

Hulu, meanwhile, has gone all out by adding the entire Home Alone franchise, including the main films and spin-offs. The 1990 original follows young Kevin McCallister, left behind while his family jets off to Paris for Christmas. He’s got to defend his house from a couple of not-so-bright burglars, using every trick in the book. Available from 1 December, it’s a dose of nostalgia that never gets old.

Action, Thrills, and a Bit of Mayhem

For those after something with a bit more bite, Shin Godzilla lands on HBO Max. Released in 2016, this modern take on the Godzilla story mixes sharp political satire with big-budget action. Tokyo comes under attack from a monstrous creature, and the government scrambles to pull together a team to deal with the chaos. It’s available from 1 December and is a must for fans of monster mayhem.

Wrapping up the week, Apple TV Plus is dropping the season finale of The Last Frontier. This action-packed thriller, inspired by ‘90s classics, stars Jason Clarke, Dominic Cooper, and Haley Bennett. The story follows retired U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick as he hunts down dangerous inmates after a federal transport crashes near his remote Alaskan hometown. The final episode is out from 5 December, so if you’ve been following along, now’s the time to catch up.