When it comes to streaming, the choices seem infinite: Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and a lot more. And that’s just scratching the surface of their extensive catalogs of films and TV shows!
It can be quite daunting, but Mashable is here to guide you. They provide [watch guides](https://mashable.com/category/watch-guides) for all the top platforms, sorted by genre: [comedy](https://mashable.com/article/best-comedies-on-netflix), [thriller](https://mashable.com/article/best-thrillers-hbo-max), [horror](https://mashable.com/article/best-horror-movies-peacock), [documentary](https://mashable.com/article/best-documentaries-hbo-max), [animation](https://mashable.com/article/best-cartoons-netflix), and more. But if you’re just hunting for something fresh and entertaining without a genre in particular, fear not.
Mashable’s Entertainment Team has gone through the latest releases across streaming platforms and ranked them from least to most captivating. Whether you’re in the mood for horror documentaries, animated shows, or debut films, they’ve got you set.
### 8. *A Man Called Otto*
In search of something heartwarming? *A Man Called Otto*, an American take on Fredrik Backman’s darkly humorous Swedish novel *A Man Called Ove*, might be exactly what you’re after. However, it doesn’t succeed in balancing the themes of grief and humor that the original book and its Swedish film adaptation achieve. Tom Hanks plays a recently widowed grouch who reluctantly becomes entangled in the lives of his neighbors. While Hanks gives it his all, the film ultimately lacks the emotional resonance of its inspirational source.
**Starring**: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Mike Birbiglia, Rachel Keller
**How to watch**: *A Man Called Otto* is currently streaming on Hulu.
### 7. *Poolman*
Chris Pine steps behind the camera for his directorial debut with *Poolman*, a neo-noir comedy that nods to everything from *Chinatown* to *Golden Girls*. Pine takes on the roles of co-writer, director, and lead, portraying Darren Barrenman, a poolman in Los Angeles. The film is a whirlwind of ideas, and while it aspires to be ambitious, it doesn’t fully succeed. The humor might be lost on viewers unfamiliar with Los Angeles culture, and the narrative can be convoluted.
**Starring**: Chris Pine, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Danny DeVito, Annette Bening
**How to watch**: *Poolman* is now available on Hulu.
### 6. *Meet Me Next Christmas*
Kicking off Netflix’s 2024 holiday rom-com series is *Meet Me Next Christmas*. Christina Milian plays Layla, who crosses paths with James (Kofi Siriboe) at an airport during Christmas and hopes to see him again at a Pentatonix concert the following year. However, when she can’t obtain tickets, she enlists a concierge (Devale Ellis) to assist her, leading to unexpected chemistry. Will she adhere to her original plan or follow her heart?
**Starring**: Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe
**How to watch**: *Meet Me Next Christmas* is now streaming on Netflix.
### 5. *The Lost City*
At times, all you crave is a Sandra Bullock rom-com. *The Lost City* provides just that, featuring Bullock as a reclusive romance author who gets abducted by a quirky billionaire. Channing Tatum plays her cover model, trying to rescue her despite lacking any practical skills. It’s a delightful, light-hearted escapade filled with charm and humor.
**Starring**: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe
**How to watch**: *The Lost City* starts streaming on Netflix on Nov. 9.
### 4. *The J Horror Virus*
For aficionados of Japanese supernatural horror, *The J Horror Virus* on Shudder is essential viewing. Helmed by Sarah Appleton and Jasper Sharp, this documentary investigates the transformation of Japanese horror films that blend cutting-edge technology with malevolent forces. From *Ring* to *Ju-On*, this film ventures into the chilling realm of J-horror.
**Starring**: Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Takashi Shimizu, Rie Inoo
**How to watch**: *The J Horror Virus* is now available on Shudder.
### 3. *Black Cab*
Nick Frost takes on the role of a sinister cab driver in *Black Cab*, a thriller where a couple’s drive home turns into a terrifying ordeal. Directed by Bruce Goodison, this film tracks Anne and