5 must-see movies & TV shows streaming now (Nov. 7, 2025)

Streaming

The best of what’s new streaming on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and more.

Welcome to Boston.com’s weekly streaming guide. Each week, we recommend five must-watch movies and TV shows available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and more.

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For even more great streaming options, check out previous editions of our must-watch list here.

New Movies Streaming

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)

After three abysmal attempts at adapting the story of Marvel’s first family of superheroes on the big screen, Marvel has finally crafted a competent (if somewhat uneven) film to usher in Phase 6 of the MCU. (Read my review here.)

There’s echoes of Pixar’s “The Incredibles” in the film’s joyful first 30 minutes, in which Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/The Human Torch (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) protect a version of Earth that feels like “The Jetsons.” While the movie starts to get formulaic around the time a Thanos-type baddie shows up, it’s still worth a watch.

How to watch: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is streaming on Disney+.

‘Frankenstein (2025)

Guillermo del Toro has been talking about making a version of Mary Shelley’s novel for decades, and the end result — a moody, visually spectacular saga — is certainly del Toro’s own unique vision. Fans of the novel may be surprised by del Toro’s wholesale changes, but the director of “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water” was always going to favor the monster (Jacob Elordi) over the mad scientist (Oscar Isaac).

How to watch: “Frankenstein” is streaming on Netflix.

‘Materialists‘ (2025)

Celine Song’s (“Past Lives”) ambitious new film is a light satire of romcom tropes, a withering assessment of modern romance, and a grand thesis on the elemental nature of companionship, all rolled into one. (Read my review here.)

Professional matchmaker (Dakota Johnson) can’t decide between an aloof millionaire (Pedro Pascal) and her poor, handsome ex (Chris Evans). You can guess where this is going, but the journey is worth taking.

How to watch: “Materialists” is streaming on HBO Max

New TV Shows Streaming

‘Death by Lightning’

You’ve probably seen dramatic portrayals of all the presidents on Mt. Rushmore. But what about one of history’s forgotten commanders in chief, James A. Garfield?

This Netflix limited series jumps between two protagonists, with Michael Shannon playing the 20th president, and “Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen playing Charles Guiteau, an admirer of Garfield’s who ultimately assassinated him.

How to watch: “Death by Lightning” is streaming on Netflix.

‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Season 2

Netflix may or may not be done with the scripted version of “Squid Game,” but the game show equivalent, in which real Americans compete for $4 million prize, is going strong.

It may be hard to form a parasocial bond when there are 456 contestants to choose from, but keep an eye on No. 415, Malden resident Eric Eldridge. As you can see in the trailer, he has no problem lying to his fellow Squid Gamers to get ahead.

How to watch: “Squid Game: The Challenge” Season 2 is streaming on Netflix.