Top New Films and Series to Stream This Week

After a bit of a slow kick-off to the year, streaming services are finally stepping up with a solid line-up of fresh releases. This week, there’s a mix of gripping dramas, sci-fi adventures, and a few familiar faces making a comeback. Whether you’re after a tense thriller, a new spin on a classic franchise, or just something to keep you glued to the telly, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Fresh Faces and Old Favourites

Netflix is leading the charge with The Rip, a hard-hitting thriller featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The story follows a group of Miami cops who stumble across a stash of cash during what should’ve been a routine job. The temptation to pocket some of the loot tests their loyalties, and things quickly spiral. With a cast like this and sharp direction, it’s a top pick for anyone after a bit of Friday night suspense.

Paramount Plus is offering something different with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Set centuries after the days of Picard and the Enterprise, the series focuses on the first intake of cadets at a rebuilt academy following a galaxy-wide catastrophe. The show juggles space missions and earthbound stories, with a cast that includes Holly Hunter, Tig Notaro, and Paul Giamatti. It’s a lively take on the franchise, mixing seasoned mentors with eager recruits, and keeps the optimistic spirit of Trek alive.

Action, Espionage, and Sci-Fi

Apple TV brings back Hijack for a second season, with Idris Elba returning as Sam Nelson. This time, the action shifts from a plane to Berlin’s U-Bahn, where Nelson finds himself caught up in another high-stakes hostage situation. The new season digs deeper into Nelson’s character, showing the toll his past ordeal has taken. It’s tense, fast-paced, and just a bit over the top – perfect for fans of edge-of-your-seat drama.

For those who can’t get enough of spy stories, The Night Manager returns for a second season. Tom Hiddleston is back as Jonathan Pine, the ex-soldier turned hotel night manager who’s drawn back into the world of espionage. Olivia Colman reprises her role as Angela Burr, and the pair are thrown together again when Pine crosses paths with a mercenary from his past. Based on John le Carré’s work, the series offers a cool, stylish alternative to the usual spy fare, and the new episodes promise plenty of twists.

Classics and Surprises

Bond fans are in for a treat, with Netflix making all 25 James Bond films available from January 15. That’s every mission from Dr. No to No Time to Die, plus the rarely-seen Never Say Never Again. Whether you’re keen on the classics or prefer the newer instalments, there’s something for every 007 enthusiast. It’s a great chance to revisit old favourites or catch up on any you’ve missed.

On the more emotional side, The Life of Chuck lands on Hulu in the US and Netflix in the UK. This isn’t your standard Stephen King adaptation. Directed by Mike Flanagan, the film follows Chuck Krantz, a dance-loving accountant played by Tom Hiddleston. The story starts with his death and works backwards, exploring the ups and downs of his life. It’s a heartfelt piece that divided critics, but Flanagan’s touch and King’s storytelling make it worth a look for anyone after something a bit different.