The weekend has finally arrived, and as we all know, that’s the time to kick up your feet after a long week of work and/or school and catch up on your self-care. Naturally, that includes watching endless amounts of movies and shows on Netflix!
There have been so many great new releases over the past few weeks, and it’s understandable if you’re still trying to work your way through some recent hits. You might even be also binge-watching some of the great shows and movies that have been added to Netflix, or starting a rewatch of the shows that will be returning with new episodes soon (cough, Stranger Things).
But if you’re looking to spend your time this weekend watching only the latest new Netflix shows and movies, then there are three brand-new originals that must be on your watch list. The first pick on our list is already a No. 1 sensation, so let’s get our weekend recommendations started!
1. The Beast in Me
- Cast: Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales, David Lyons, Hettienne Park, Jonathan Banks
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
The day after Netflix’s new miniseries The Beast in Me made its premiere, the series debuted in the No. 1 position on the top 10 most-watched shows on the streamer’s daily ranking in the United States. I’m not surprised that the limited series has already struck a chord with audiences since not only does it have Emmy-winning star power behind it, but it’s actually very good.
In the series, grief-stricken author Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes) receives unexpected inspiration for her next book when controversial billionaire (Matthew Rhys) moves in next door. He’s popularly deemed the suspect in his wife’s disappearance, and Aggie utilizes his mixed public perception to her advantage. What ensues is a clash of strong personalities and an unraveling of dark secrets.
The Beast in Me will definitely be one of the Netflix shows that everyone will be talking about for its incredible performances from Danes, Rhys, and Snow and will likely be regarded one of the streamer’s best of the year. Don’t miss your chance to watch all eight episodes of the new show that’s already a hit before you’re accused of being a bandwagon fan next week.
2. A Merry Little Ex-Mas
- Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamila, Pierson Fodé, Linda Kash, Melissa Joan Hart
In need of some Christmas spirit a little bit early? I won’t judge! Some folks have a hard and fast rule that Christmas simply doesn’t exist until after Thanksgiving, but if Netflix and Hallmark are already rolling out new Christmas movies, who are we to deny the holiday cheer? This week, Netflix dropped its first new Christmas romantic comedy of the year, and it’s a winner.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas comes from director Steve Carr and producer Melissa Joan Hart, who also has a small role in the movie. Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson star as Kate and Everett, a divorced couple who plan to share one last holiday for their children before selling their house. But when Everett brings his new, younger girlfriend, it throws the holiday into chaos.
Like The Beast in Me, the first Netflix Christmas movie has already proven successful with audiences, as the movie debuted in the second position on the top 10 most-watch movies ranking in the US. (Clearly, not everyone ignores Christmas until after Turkey Day!) To break up the intensity of the new Netflix shows, add this delightful movie into your weekend watch list mix!
3. Last Samurai Standing
- Cast: Junichi Okada, Yumia Fujisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, Hiroshi Tamaki, Hideaki Itō, Gaku Hamada, Hiroshi Abe
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
When you’re scrolling through Netflix and the top 10 shows ranking, there are plenty of enticing titles to choose from. Reality shows, documentary series, shows that were recently added… There’s so much to catch your eye, but don’t let your eye wander when it stops on Last Samurai Standing. The series dropped on Nov. 13 and debuted in the top 3 on the most-watched shows list.
The Japanese drama series was highly anticipated by fans, as it’s a live-action adaptation of a manga series of the same name. Last Samurai Standing takes place in the late 19th century and centers on nearly 300 fighters who unite for the chance to win a ¥100,000 grand prize to retrieve each other’s wooden tags and deliver them to Tokyo. The warriors have their own motives for winning.
Add some suspenseful action to your weekend lineup with Last Samurai Standing, which only contains six episodes that are between 47 and 53 minutes in length. That’s a relatively quick binge-watch that could arguably be finished in one sitting over the weekend. So, there you have it: Two new shows and one new movie that are guaranteed to keep your weekend exciting and entertaining!
