15 Shows and Movies to Watch This Weekend

Yes, there are a lot of streaming services, and, yes, there's a lot of buzz around the latest releases. But just because something's trending or on lists of most-viewed titles doesn't mean it's always worth a watch.

Last month, April gave us nine must-watch shows (like BEEF season two and Love on the Spectrum season four). And now, May is here with even more great content (like Citadel season two).

Allow me, an entertainment editor, to help you parse through it all with shows and movies that are actually worth watching this week. I'm talking highly anticipated blockbuster films, new under-the-radar series and exciting documentaries. Enjoy the best selections (recommended by yours truly) on Netflix, HBO, in theaters and more.

From Lord of the Flies to Remarkably Bright Creatures, here's what to watch this weekend.

• Rating: PG-13
• Runtime: 111 minutes

Sally Field comes to Netflix with this drama about a widow who becomes BFFs with an octopus while working at an aquarium. Diehard fans of 2020's My Octopus Teacher and/or diehard fans of Field are bound to fall for this sweet film based on the novel by Shelby Van Pelt.

• Rating: TV-14
• Number of seasons: 2

This big-budget, action-packed spy series is back for season two, with three members of its top-notch cast returning: Richard Madden aka Robb Stark, Priyanka Chopra aka everyone's favorite J-Sister and Stanley Tucci aka Miranda Priestly's number two. This season features a major conspiracy and, of course, a huge global threat.

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 1

We all remember the story: A group of schoolkids crashes on a deserted island and is forced to survive. Fans of the awards-darling show Adolescence will be thrilled to know this new four-episode adaptation is written and directed by Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne. Is that Emmys buzz I hear? (Or maybe it's just those "flies"...)

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 1

A woman's family is murdered (yikes), so she sets out for revenge (I'm listening...) in the scary underground of Miami (I love Miami!). Princess Bride actor Cary Elwes co-stars in this crime thriller series that has my name written all over it.

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 11

Racers, start your engines, and may the best drag queen all-star win! RuPaul is back for an impressive eleventh season of the all-stars version of her drag competition series. The best of the best will be vying for the title with a series of acting, sewing, dancing and, obviously, lip-syncing challenges. Let's see who's able to snatch the crown.

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 2

Back in 2024, PureWow reviewed the first season of Worst Ex Ever, with editor Dana Dickey writing, "This show is number one on Netflix. As a woman, I can't stop watching." The docuseries returns for season two with four new episodes about the world's worst exes (yes, that includes a convicted murderer).

• Rating: N/A
• Number of seasons: 1

This eight-episode historical drama about the Shinsengumi, a samurai force that fought to keep Kyoto safe, comes to HBO May 9. Get ready for epic battles, heartbreaking betrayal and a whole lot of intricate sword fights.

• Rating: N/A
• Runtime: 90 minutes

Taye Diggs stars in this romantic drama where, according to Peacock, "a millionaire makes a shocking offer to a married couple in crisis." I think I'm getting Indecent Proposal vibes... Regardless, after How Stella Got Her Groove Back and The Best Man, I'm fully on board any movie starring Diggs.

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 1

It's a hot take on a world-famous feud (and this one isn't between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr). The fun new spin on the classic historical story pits Mozart against Salieri (played by Marvel actor Paul Bettany) in an intense and drama-filled rivalry.

• Rating: TV-G
• Number of seasons: 1

Some of Jane Austen's Bennet sisters are more famous than others—but that all changes now. In the new Britbox series, middle sister Mary gets her turn in the spotlight as she sets out looking for love and independence.

• Rating: N/A
• Runtime: N/A

If you love watching love stories set in Tuscany (think You, Me & Tuscany, Under the Tuscan Sun), this original Italian film is going to be right up your alley. In this one, a single mother's life is turned upside down when a childhood friend returns home. Sound predictable? Absolutely. Do I care? Absolutely not.

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 1

This new Matthew Rhys series is one of the best shows of the last few weeks, hands-down (and you probably haven't heard about it yet). Keri Russell's husband plays the mayor of a small town with a spooky, supernatural past in this horror-comedy series. Don't worry if you don't like things too scary—it leans much more funny than terrifying.

• Rating: TV-MA
• Number of seasons: 1

Adding another thriller to the list with this sports-adjacent crime series about two brothers investigating a murder. You may need subtitles for the Indian Hindi-language show, but aren't we all in need of a reason to look at the TV screen instead of our phones?

• Rating: R
• Runtime: 106 minutes

It sounds like a movie that we've all seen already, but trust me, it's actually a new one. This shark-centered action horror flick sadly features zero sharknadoes, but it does star Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley. Will it live up to The Meg, Deep Blue Sea, Open Water or Jaws? I'll be watching through my fingers to find out.

• Rating: PG-13
• Runtime: 119 minutes

I'm having flashbacks to the Wicked press tour, because The Devil Wears Prada 2 cast has been everywhere in the lead-up to the new film. Naturally, there was been plenty of Fash-un with a capital "F" from Meryl, Emily, Stanley and Anne (who was even photographed wearing a garment bag...seriously). Stakes are higher than Miranda's heels for this one, so I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that part two lives up to the hype.

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