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Here at Tom’s Guide, we watch a lot of movies and TV shows each week. After all, it’s our job to bring readers the best recommendations across the best streaming services and in movie theaters every single day. And when we watch something we really like, we’re always keen to shout about it. That’s why I asked my colleagues to pick the best movie or TV show they watched over the past seven days, and have collected them together for your convenience (no need to thank me!). Whether you’re looking to head out to your local multiplex this weekend or just settle in for a Netflix binge-watching marathon, there are picks down below that should suit your mood. So, without further introduction, let’s dive into the very best movies and shows the Tom’s Guide streaming team watched over the past week. ‘Predator: Badlands’ (Theatrical) If you go into “Predator: Badlands” expecting a sci-fi horror movie like “Predator,” you’ll be sorely disappointed. Despite director Dan Trachtenberg returning to the franchise’s action thriller roots in 2022 with “Prey,” his follow-up film is a pure action adventure movie, bordering on comedy. If you go into “Predator: Badlands” ready to have a good time, it’s there to be had. The movie gets too cute at times and the thin story doesn’t always work, but it manages to be gorgeous, with a killer score and deadly action sequences that have “John Wick” level kills. Despite its flaws, I had a blast watching this popcorn movie, and I’d definitely recommend checking it out in theaters if you’re looking for something fun to watch this weekend. — Malcolm McMillan (Streaming Editor) Watch "Predator: Badlands" in theaters now ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (HBO Max) “IT: Welcome to Derry” isn’t just the best show of 2025 but one of the best shows ever made. I’ve said this countless times to family and friends, and it’s a testament both to how much I love it and to the creators of the modern “IT” movies, who have crafted something truly spectacular with this prequel. Set in 1962 in the small town of Derry, Maine, the series follows the arrival of the Hanlon family just as mysterious disappearances start to pile up, and the sinister, supernatural force known as Pennywise begins to stir. What’s so impressive about the show is that it does what the movies struggled to do: explore more of Stephen King’s lore. Several Easter Eggs from the book appear in the first two episodes, and with episode 3 almost here, excitement over the show’s wider universe is only growing. Plus, I’ve been rewatching the previous two episodes just for the shock value, because I don’t think any show has left my jaw on the floor this often. The gore, stunning set design, and talent are all there, combined in a thrilling story that turns fear into a cinematic experience. — Alix Blackburn (Senior Staff Writer) Watch "IT: Welcome to Derry" on HBO Max now ‘Poldark’ (Netflix) I love a period drama, so I’m not sure why I never got into “Poldark” when it aired in the late 2010s in the U.S. via the PBS franchise Masterpiece Theater. But now it’s on Netflix, and the algo finally got me. I’ve been binge-watching it at a lightning pace, now halfway through season 3. I’ve even started slowing down so I don’t burn through all the episodes too soon. And honestly, I get the hype. The sweeping Cornish cliffs, Aidan Turner’s brooding hero with too many feelings and so much unruly hair, the simmering class tensions — it’s pure catnip for anyone who loves a little angst with their empire waistlines (it me). I’m fully invested in the drama, the romance and the questionable financial decisions of Ross Poldark. Better late than never. — Kelly Woo (Managing Editor, Streaming) Watch "Poldark" seasons 1-5 on Netflix now ‘Pluribus’ (Apple TV) Vince Gilligan may be synonymous with crime dramas and morally complicated characters, but before Walter White and Saul Goodman’s antics had us glued to our TVs, he first got his big break on the small screen with the iconic sci-fi “The X Files.” “Pluribus,” his new show for Apple TV Plus, returns to the strange and otherworldly, bringing Gilligan's distinctly dry humor and intrigue to what, based on the first two episodes, is one of the freshest twists on a classic sci-fi concept I’ve seen in years. It’s equal parts unnerving, hilarious, and unpredictable, and I’m delighted to see Better Call Saul’s phenomenal Rhea Seehorn (I’m still pissed she never won an Emmy for the best on-screen breakdowns in TV history) given the spotlight to stun us once more. She stars as Carol Sturka, a middle-aged, bestselling author of romantic fantasy novels and the last cynic standing after a mysterious virus irradiates all doom and gloom in America, infecting everyone with toxic positivity. Society desperately wants her to be as content and carefree as the rest of them, but this stubborn curmudgeon won’t go down without a fight. — Alyse Stanley (News Editor) Watch "Pluribus" on Apple TV now 'Frankenstein' (Netflix) I’m surprised it’s taken Guillermo del Toro this long to make a cinematic version of Mary Shelley’s iconic Gothic novel “Frankenstein.” The source material and the director, famed for his own trademark gothic style, are basically a match made in heaven. While the final result isn’t quite the peak cinema I was hoping for, it’s still a lavishly epic sci-fi drama with impeccable production design, mesmerizing visuals and a score that sets the somber mood perfectly. It’s also just bloody enough to repulse on occasion, which I like (don’t judge me!). Split into two chapters, the first tells the tragic tale from the perspective of the genius, but egotistical, scientist Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), before switching to the viewpoint of his creation (Jacob Elordi), a creature made from reanimated body parts. The first chapter is a bit of a slog, not helped by some disappointingly wooden work from the usually dependable Isaac, but it’s in the second half where “Frankenstein” comes alive. Elordi steals the show and portrays a “monster” who might just be more human than his titular creator. — Rory Mellon (Senior Entertainment Editor) Watch "Frankenstein" on Netflix now Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. More from Tom's Guide
