Nerd’s Watch: Streaming Picks of the Month – The Best of the Best
Welcome, fellow streamers, to a revamped and refined Nerd’s Watch! For years, we’ve diligently compiled comprehensive lists of genre titles hitting the biggest streaming platforms. But let’s be honest, wading through those extensive catalogs to unearth the true gems could feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
This month, we’re shaking things up. Forget endless scrolling through every new release. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, curating a selection of the most noteworthy movies and shows hitting streamers this month. Whether they’re fresh off the press or beloved classics, we’ll tell you why they deserve a spot on your watchlist (or at least crack a joke or two while doing so). So grab your favorite snacks, settle into your comfiest couch spot, and prepare for the new and improved Nerd’s Watch, spotlighting the streaming essentials you won’t want to miss.
Science Fiction & Horror Double Feature (and then some!)
Prepare for a cinematic universe of extraterrestrial terror and intergalactic hunting prowess. Because all of the following are now available:
- Alien (1979)
- Aliens (1986)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Alien Resurrection (1997)
- Prometheus (2012)
- Alien: Covenant (2017)
- Predator (1987)
- Predator 2 (1990)
- Predators (2010)
- The Predator (2018)
- Alien Vs. Predator (2004)
- Aliens Vs. Predator – Requiem (2007)
That’s right, the entire Alien and Predator franchises are here. Whether you’re a seasoned Xenomorph hunter or a newbie eager to experience the thrill of the hunt, there’s something here for everyone. Rewatch your favorites, finally catch up on those you missed, or dive into the eternal debate of which franchise reigns supreme.
Marvel’s Reunited Heroes
The moment fans have been waiting for is finally here! The MCU and the Netflix Marvel Universe officially merge. Daredevil is back! He is back for a new era that stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofiro reprising their roles as Matt Murdock/Daredevil and Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, respectively. Expect more action, more grit, and more of the complex moral dilemmas that made the original series so captivating.
The Musical Phenomenon
One of 2024’s biggest hits finally makes its way to streaming. Get ready to sing along (again!) to the infectious tunes that have captured the hearts of kids and adults alike. Consider yourself warned: your kids can now replay the songs over and over and over again as they look ahead to the sequel, Wicked: For Good, due out later this year.
Silent Screams: A Horror History Lesson
Interested in the original classic horror? If last year’s Nosferatu got you curious about the original? Well, that 1922 film, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, is coming to Shudder along with two other horror classics of the era: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari from 1920 and The Phantom of the Opera from 1925. Travel back to the dawn of cinema with these iconic silent films that defined the horror genre. Experience the chilling atmosphere, the groundbreaking special effects, and the sheer artistry that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Sci-Fi Action with a Stellar Cast
Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown lead an all-star cast in this sci-fi adaptation directed by the Russo Brothers. This movie follows a girl on the hunt for her missing brother in a near future where humans and robots are at war. Fast-paced action sequences, a compelling mystery, and a thought-provoking exploration of the human-robot relationship make this one of Netflix’s biggest movies ever.
Creepy Seniors and Killer Dolls
John Lithgow plays a psychotic elder care resident who terrorizes his fellow residents with a creepy baby doll and only Geoffrey Rush can step up to stop him. Don’t let the premise fool you; the movie is way creepier and sadder than that makes it sound, though. Prepare for a psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Luck Be a Leprechaun!
The killer Irishman is coming to Peacock to the tune of seven movies all dropping at the same time: Leprechaun, Leprechaun II, Leprechaun III, Leprechaun 4: Lost in Space, Leprechaun V: In The Hood, Leprechaun VI: Back 2 Tha Hood, and Leprechaun Origins. From the streets of Los Angeles to the depths of space, this horror-comedy franchise delivers campy thrills and plenty of cheesy one-liners.
Evil Dead Double (or Triple!) the Fun
“But wait,” you’re thinking. “Which Evil Dead?” Good news. Both the 1981 original by Sam Raimi and the awesome 2013 remake by Fede Álvarez are dropping this month. Plus, Army of Darkness—Raimi’s conclusion to his trilogy, will be available. Time to immerse yourself in the world of Deadites, chainsaws, and groovy one-liners.
Decoding Kubrick’s Masterpiece
If you haven’t seen Room 237 yet, you are in for a treat. And if you have seen it, maybe it’s time for a rewatch. It’s a super fascinating deep dive into the symbolism and intentions of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining that’s endlessly entertaining. Prepare to have your mind blown by the layers of interpretation and conspiracy theories surrounding one of cinema’s most enigmatic films.
Kill Bill: A Bloody Good Time
Quentin Tarantino still hasn’t been able to release “The Whole Bloody Affair” cut of Kill Bill to the public but here’s the next best thing. Uma Thurman, slicing and dicing her way to revenge, both on the same streamer. It makes a double feature that much easier. Get ready for a stylish and action-packed revenge saga that redefined the genre.
Superhero Origins: Before It Was Cool
It’s hard to put into words what seeing Unbreakable was like when it was first released. Back in 2000, superhero movies were few and far between. And then here came M. Night Shyamalan, who had this cool, tense thriller with the surprise twist that you’d been watching a superhero origin story. Revisit this film that changed the landscape of superhero cinema forever.
Schwarzenegger’s Spy Thrills
James Cameron has made some of the biggest films of all time, but one that’s often overlooked is this smart, exciting spy thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a little dated but damned if it’s not rousing and infinitely quotable. Get ready for explosions, witty banter, and classic Schwarzenegger action.
A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Epic
Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, we could go on and on about the cast of this stunning sci-fi masterpiece. Co-directed by the Wachowskis, Cloud Atlas is every bit the mind-melter The Matrix was, just way, way denser. Prepare for a mind-bending journey through time and space.
David Lynch and David Lynch: A Double Dose of Genius
Paramount has two of the late, great director’s films going up this month and we wanted to call them both out together. There’s the flawed but unforgettable 1984 film Dune and the unforgettable and basically perfect Mulholland Dr. from 2001. The only instruction is watch them. Love them. Live them.
The Truman Show: More Relevant Than Ever
Few movies in our lifetimes have been as incredibly on the money as Jim Carrey’s 1998 film, The Truman Show. At the time, the idea that a TV show running 24 hours around the clock featuring a corporate-owned human seemed widely exaggerated. Today, it seems almost too simple. Revisit this thought-provoking and prescient film that has only become more relevant with age.
Men in Black: Still Protecting the Earth
The first three Men in Black movies (and trust us, you don’t want to go further than that) are on Max this month. It’s the rare series that while the quality dips a little for each sequel, each is still pretty great. Get ready for alien-fighting action, hilarious banter, and those iconic sunglasses.
The Definitive Blade Runner
How lucky are you? When I was growing up I had to figure out which cut offered the best version of Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi thriller. These days Scott has told you. It’s this Final Cut that he finished back in 2007. Experience the visionary film that defined the cyberpunk genre.
A Knight’s Tale: Rock and Roll Jousting
The Joker, along with Vision and K-2SO, team up to take down Alexander Hamilton in jousting. Oh, sorry, Heath Ledger, along with Paul Bettany and Alan Tudyk, star in this rock and roll take on a classic knight movie, which sees them battle Rufus Sewell, who played Hamilton on HBO’s John Adams. Prepare for a fun, irreverent, and surprisingly heartwarming twist on a classic tale.
Edge of Tomorrow: Tom Cruise Time Loop Perfection
Tom Cruise loves starring in a sci-fi vehicle and arguably the best of his career is this time looping extravaganza co-starring Emily Blunt. An all-time classic in waiting. Get ready for intense action, clever storytelling, and a surprisingly witty performance from Cruise.
Fantasy Fans Rejoice
Prime Video can be hit or miss with its shows but the fans seem to love this fantasy adaptation, returning for its third season. Dive into a world of magic, adventure, and mythical creatures.
Big: A Timeless Classic
Tom Hanks was already a star in 1988 when he headlined this adorable (but now slightly dated) comedy. But Big was such an incredible success that it shot him into the superstardom we think of today. Watch the magic again with this lovely film.
Wayne’s World! Excellent!
Gonna go ahead and follow the first and second rules here. All kidding aside though, these are delightful, hilarious movies that are also jewels in the legacy of Saturday Night Live. Prepare for a dose of ’90s nostalgia, iconic catchphrases, and a healthy dose of comedic brilliance.
Hancock: Revisiting a Unique Superhero Film
With the subversive superhero film back in the news with Will Smith teasing potential follow-up, it might be time to revisit this unique mega-movie. We did a few years back and found it fascinating. Revisit this superhero film that dares to challenge the tropes of the genre.
