Here Are the Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on Netflix, Including ‘Ballad of a Small Player’

If your queue needs a quick refresh, here are ten fresh arrivals and buzzy additions landing in time for the weekend—pulled from this week’s Netflix drop and ordered with the newest releases first. You’ll find brand-new premieres alongside recent crowd-pleasers and a few award-season standouts, with cast, creators, and exact arrival days so you can plan what to press play on first.

‘Ballad of a Small Player’ (2025)

Based on Lawrence Osborne’s novel, ‘Ballad of a Small Player’ follows Lord Doyle, a high-roller whose debts and past catch up with him across Macau’s casinos. Edward Berger directs, reuniting with collaborators from ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’, with Colin Farrell leading the cast and Tilda Swinton in support. The filmmaking team includes cinematographer James Friend and composer Volker Bertelmann. It arrives on Wednesday, October 29, and will be available for the weekend.

‘Babo – Die Haftbefehl-Story’ (2025)

‘Babo – Die Haftbefehl-Story’ is a feature documentary about German rapper Haftbefehl (Aykut Anhan), built from candid interviews with the artist, his family, and collaborators. The film is directed by Juan Moreno and Sinan Sevinç and produced by Elyas M’Barek and Pacco-Luca Nitsche. Netflix’s description emphasizes an intimate portrait of the icon’s life and impact on German hip-hop. It arrives on Tuesday, October 28.

‘The White House Effect’ (2024)

‘The White House Effect’ is an all-archival documentary tracing political decisions in the George H. W. Bush era that redirected global climate policy. It reconstructs key negotiations and internal battles that shaped later international action. The project presents itself as an “origin story” for today’s climate crisis debates. It arrives on Friday, October 31.

‘Dear Santa’ (2024)

In ‘Dear Santa’, a boy’s misspelled letter brings Satan—played by Jack Black—instead of Santa, setting off a holiday misadventure. Bobby Farrelly directs from a script by Peter Farrelly and Ricky Blitt, with appearances from Keegan-Michael Key, Brianne Howey, and Post Malone. The production was mounted for Paramount with filming in Georgia. It arrives on Saturday, November 1.

‘Wonka’ (2023)

‘Wonka’ is a musical fantasy that explores the early days of the famous chocolatier, with Timothée Chalamet starring and Paul King directing. The ensemble includes Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, and Rowan Atkinson, with songs by Neil Hannon and a score by Joby Talbot. The story charts Wonka’s first inventions and a clash with a so-called Chocolate Cartel. It arrives on Saturday, November 1.

‘Joy Ride’ (2023)

‘Joy Ride’ follows four friends whose business trip to Asia becomes a chaotic and personal search for identity and family. Adele Lim directs from a script by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, with Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu starring. The film was produced by Point Grey Pictures with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg among the producers. It arrives on Saturday, November 1.

‘The Nun II’ (2023)

Set within the ‘Conjuring’ Universe, ‘The Nun II’ continues Sister Irene’s battle against the demon Valak. Michael Chaves directs from a screenplay by Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and Akela Cooper, with Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, and Bonnie Aarons returning. The film builds on events introduced in ‘The Nun’ and ‘The Conjuring 2’. It arrives on Saturday, November 1.

‘Elvis’ (2022)

‘Elvis’ is a biographical drama tracing Elvis Presley’s career through his fraught relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker. Austin Butler plays Presley opposite Tom Hanks as Parker; Baz Luhrmann directs and co-writes with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner. Mandy Walker handles cinematography, and the film drew multiple Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor. It arrives on Saturday, November 1.

‘Moonage Daydream’ (2022)

‘Moonage Daydream’ is an authorized, immersive documentary on David Bowie that weaves rare archival footage, concert material, and Bowie’s own art and narration. Brett Morgen writes, directs, produces, and edits the project, which also received IMAX presentations in theaters. The title references Bowie’s 1972 song and frames his creative evolution. It arrives on Saturday, November 1.

‘The Outfit’ (2022)

‘The Outfit’ is a contained crime thriller about an English cutter in Chicago who is drawn into a dangerous night with local gangsters. Graham Moore directs and co-writes with Johnathan McClain, with Mark Rylance starring alongside Zoey Deutch, Dylan O’Brien, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and Simon Russell Beale. The craft team features cinematography by Dick Pope and a score by Alexandre Desplat. It arrives on Sunday, November 2.

Tell us what you’ll be watching first this weekend—and share your own picks in the comments!