This Weekend's Top Streaming and VOD Releases: From Sci-Fi to Horror

As the weekend arrives, a fresh wave of cinematic experiences washes over various streaming platforms and Video On Demand services, offering a diverse array of genres to captivate audiences. From chilling horror and thought-provoking documentaries to martial arts sagas and suspenseful thrillers, there's something to suit every taste, inviting viewers to delve into new narratives from the convenience of their living rooms.

Among the standout titles, David Cronenberg’s highly anticipated horror film, 'The Shrouds', makes its debut on The Criterion Channel. This intriguing movie follows a widower and entrepreneur who invents a revolutionary device allowing the bereaved to observe the decomposition of their loved ones’ remains. The plot thickens as vandalism and eerie growths on his late wife's body lead him to suspect a sinister plot targeting his controversial technology.

Meanwhile, Disney Plus commemorates a cinematic milestone with 'Jaws @ 50', a National Geographic documentary that delves into the making and enduring impact of the original summer blockbuster. This film features archival footage and interviews with renowned filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, and George Lucas, offering an insightful look into how 'Jaws' revolutionized the film industry and shaped public perception of sharks. For those seeking lighter, yet equally absurd, aquatic horror, 'Hot Spring Shark Attack' delivers a humorous take on the genre, showcasing an ancient shark disrupting a new tourist attraction in Japan.

On the action front, 'Karate Kid: Legends' continues the beloved franchise, reuniting Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso with Jackie Chan's Mr. Han. This new chapter sees them mentoring a young martial arts prodigy in New York, who, despite initial reluctance due to a family tragedy, finds himself drawn into the world of karate to combat bullies. Viewers can also explore a variety of other fresh releases across different platforms. Netflix adds 'Brick', a thriller about a couple trapped in their apartment by an inexplicable brick wall, and 'Ziam', a horror film where a Muay Thai fighter must navigate a zombie outbreak to save his girlfriend. HBO Max presents 'Opus', a suspenseful A24 production where a pop star invites journalists to his remote compound, only for a young writer to uncover the disturbing truth about his followers. Hulu offers 'Riff Raff', a dark comedy featuring a former criminal's chaotic family holiday, and Peacock introduces 'Drop', a thriller where a first date turns terrifying due to menacing phone messages. Shudder delivers the horror thriller 'Push', where a pregnant realtor fights for survival during a home invasion. Additionally, several films are available for rent, including 'Bang', an action thriller about a hitman's quest for redemption; 'Everything’s Going to Be Great', a drama about a family's struggles after a cross-country move; and 'The Phoenician Scheme', Wes Anderson’s latest quirky comedy. Rounding out the VOD options are 'Sovereign', a crime thriller inspired by real events; 'The Unholy Trinity', a Western set in Montana; and 'Watch the Skies', a Swedish sci-fi film utilizing AI for English lip-syncing.

This rich selection of newly available films and documentaries promises to provide ample entertainment, catering to a wide spectrum of cinematic preferences and ensuring a captivating viewing experience for audiences seeking diverse stories and innovative filmmaking at their fingertips.