7 Best Movies Available This Weekend on Netflix, Max, and More

7 Best Movies Available This Weekend on Netflix, Max, and More

This fall already promises to be a season full of movies being released on the best streaming services, including Netflix, Max, and Hulu. Topping this weekend's watch list is the digital release of the blockbuster "Barbie," which broke box office records this summer.

Now you can experience Barbie's first (or second, or third) journey into the real world from the comfort of your own home. There are other strong contenders for your next movie-going experience, including the brain-busting thriller "Source Code," available this month on Max, and the Sandra Bullock heartwarming comedy "Miss Congeniality" on Netflix.

If you're looking for your next movie-watching companion, look no further. Here are a few newly released movies available for streaming that deserve to be on your to-watch list.

Greta Gerwig's feverish film has spawned countless memes, grossed a staggering $1 billion at the global box office, and transcended into a pop culture sensation. Film screenings became a communal experience, an excuse to dress head to toe in pink and to endlessly echo "Hello, Barbie" with the rest of the audience.

And now you can enjoy this adventure at home. Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, seems to have it all in Barbie Land: a perfect life, a dream house, and a dream boyfriend, Ken (Ryan Gosling). Little known fact: His job is the beach. Just a beach.

But when an existential crisis strikes, Barbie takes a trip to the unfamiliar outside world. There, she is confronted with the uncomfortable truth she has been told: that Barbie is not the decisive force of sexism and patriarchy. It is a wake-up call to feminists who do not preach or pander, and is positively infectious, tempered by a cheeky and often surreal sense of humor.

Buy and watch on Amazon or Apple

If you want to stick a little closer to home than Barbie Land, Prime Video recently added a fascinating biopic inspired by the true story of NASA flight engineer Jose Hernandez, A Million Miles Away" was added.

He is played by Michael Peña, familiar to viewers from Prime Video's "Jack Ryan" series, in a moving portrait of family relationships and perseverance. The journey of a Mexican-American agricultural worker to become an astronaut begins in a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, through the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, and ultimately to the stars. Well, not literally the stars, but 200 miles above Earth on the International Space Station.

With the support of his parents, relatives, and teachers, Jose demonstrates boundless determination and relentless drive to achieve a goal that seemed impossible.

Available on Prime Video

For something a little more action-packed, the 2011 thriller "Source Code," starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Helicopter pilot Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) is drafted into a top-secret military operation that allows him to experience the final minutes of a school teacher killed in a train explosion. His main goal in reliving her final moments is to uncover the identity of the elusive bomber and prevent future terrorist attacks.

Directed by Duncan Jones, who won critical acclaim for his 2009 sci-fi film "Moon," "Source Code" is a smart, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that will keep you guessing what will happen next until the end credits roll. A seemingly simple mission quickly turns complex as Colter unravels the truth behind it all.

Available on Max

Sandra Bullock is at her best as the brusque but charming FBI Special Agent Gracie Hart in Miss Congeniality. An innocent tomboy, her life is turned upside down when she is assigned to go undercover as a contestant in the Miss America pageant and is forced to change out of her out-of-shape suit into a fancy gown and bikini.

But this diamond in the rough is in dire need of a makeover. Hurry up. Enter pageant coach Victor Melling (Michael Caine). As Gracie learns to navigate the glamorous, glamorous, and fiercely competitive world, she forms unexpected bonds with her fellow contestants that overturn her initial stereotypes about contest singing and dancing as a whole. Meanwhile, she pursues the whereabouts of a domestic terrorist who has threatened to blow up the competition.

Available on Netflix

"Love, Simon" is a coming-of-age gay love story based on the popular YA novel "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli. While not the first film of its kind, it is the first film of its kind to be produced by a major studio and to achieve mainstream success.

The protagonist, Simon (Nick Robinson), is a secretive high school student who becomes friends via email with an anonymous gay classmate who uses the pseudonym Blue. Like Simon, Blue is also struggling with his identity, and as the two grow closer, they become attracted to each other.

Things take a dramatic turn when Simon's email is discovered by the cast of the school play and they threaten to expose Simon. Simon is forced to overcome his fear of revealing his identity to his family and friends. While uncovering the identity of his mysterious lover.

Available on Hulu

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is the rare rom-com that even a rom-com hater like me can enjoy. Much of its charm, I think, is due to its all-star cast, but the interwoven plot throws a few curve balls to keep things interesting.

Steve Carell stars as Cal Weaver, a middle-aged father forced back into the dating pool when he discovers his wife, played by Julianne Moore, has cheated on him. Struggling with single life, Cal meets the ultra-savvy Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), who takes him under his wing. But while Jacob is teaching Cal the benefits of being single, he meets Hannah (Emma Stone) and begins to question his own commitment to being a heartbreaker.

It all culminates in the third act, which is utterly delightful. Its heart and hilarious script make "Crazy, Stupid, Love" the perfect date movie.

Available on Max

"Banshee of Innishailan" mixes comedy and drama perfectly in a heartfelt story that reflects the ugly truth of growing old. set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland in the 1920s, this award-winning film follows Padraic ( Colin Farrell) as a young man. Padraic is devastated when his partner Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly breaks off their lifelong friendship.

Not wanting to be ignored, Padraic refuses to accept the rejection. With the help of his sister and a troubled young islander, he tries by any means possible to repair their damaged relationship. But his stubbornness is matched only by that of Colum's. Eventually, his former drinking buddy gives him an ultimatum that has shocking consequences.

Available on Hulu

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