Best New Movies and TV Shows to Watch This Week

☕️ TL;DR

Recent recommendations: [TV Series] Spider-Noir, [Animation] Rick and Morty Season 9, [TV Series] Dutton Ranch, [TV Series] Widow’s Bay, [TV Series] The Curious Retirement of the Townsfolk Season 1, 🔦 [Film] Everything’s Fine, [Japanese Drama] Is It Sushi Time Already!?, [Animation] Patlabor EZY Episode 1

A few notable trailers: Toy Story 5 Final Trailer, Rise of Vought First Trailer, New Trailer for The Witch Beneath the Dome, Ribbon Hero First Trailer

A few industry updates: Revealed Day set for mainland China release on June 12, Fire in the Eyes set for mainland China release on June 11, Johnny Keep Walking! 2 scheduled for August 7, Memento unveils a China-exclusive poster

Based on reader feedback, if a recommendation contains spoilers (revealing key story elements, hidden plotlines, foreshadowing, endings, or other major details), we will add a 🔦 emoji before the title of the corresponding work.

For previous recommendations, click here or browse the tag #WhatToWatch at the end of the article. For more themed watchlists, click here. If you’d like to explore more in-depth film and television content, be sure to follow our companion column, “What to Watch Café.” As always, we welcome your suggestions in the comments section. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for the “What to Watch” series.

[TV Series] Spider-Noir

Keywords: Action / Mystery / Crime
Also Known As: Spider-Noir
Runtime: Approximately 46 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
Where to Watch: Prime Video; Douban Link

If you still can’t find the answer, it’s because there is no answer.

@SHY: They say, “With great power comes great responsibility,” but private investigator Ben Reilly, who once used his powers to fight crime, failed to save the woman he loved. Ever since, he has drifted into self-destruction—until what appears to be an ordinary case pulls him into a dangerous vortex. To save the people he cares about, Reilly must confront the past he once abandoned and become Spider-Noir once again.

Anyone who watched Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse probably remembers the black-and-white Spider-Man who seemed completely out of place. Nicolas Cage, who voiced the character, finally gets his wish to lead a live-action adaptation, and his masterful performance has lost none of its former brilliance. The character’s built-in sense of world-weary melancholy feels almost too authentic. Unlike the friendly neighborhood heroes of other universes, this Spider-Man is a sharp and capable detective with an icy demeanor. He would rather climb stairs himself than swing across rooftops, and the show delivers plenty of unexpected dark humor along the way.

As a tribute to both the animated version and classic cinema, the series offers two viewing experiences: “Authentic Black-and-White” and “Original Full Color.” Both versions use carefully applied film grain and tasteful color grading to create a vintage atmosphere. The meticulously crafted sets also embrace the era’s aesthetics, making it feel as though viewers have stepped back into New York City in 1933. Visually, the series is captivating. While the script occasionally leans on familiar tropes, this delightfully unconventional standalone production skillfully blends hard-boiled detective fiction with superhero storytelling, resulting in a flavor best experienced firsthand.

[Animation] Rick and Morty Season 9

Keywords: Comedy / Animation
Also Known As: Rick and Morty Season 9
Runtime: Approximately 20 minutes per episode × 8 episodes; Douban Link

The internet’s craziest grandpa and the world’s unluckiest grandson.

@潘誉晗: One day, Morty decides to chat with his grandpa Rick, only to discover Rick happily texting someone on his phone. Curious about who’s on the other end, Morty tries to find out, but Rick immediately hides the device when he enters the room. Fortunately, Morty has gotten smarter. He deliberately changes the subject while sneaking a glance at the screen, but Rick instantly reaches out to stop him. After a brief struggle, Morty finally sees the name on the display—Evil Morty.

Rick and Morty Season 9 returns with a bang. Not only does fan-favorite character Evil Morty make his comeback in the very first episode, but the season also opens with a series of large-scale action sequences. The momentum is incredibly strong right from the start, showcasing production values of the highest caliber and pleasantly surprising many longtime fans. This has always been one of the series’ greatest strengths: using high-concept science-fiction storytelling and absurd comedic setups to explore deeper themes. This time, Evil Morty’s reappearance sparks a subtle sense of jealousy in Morty over the close relationship between Evil Morty and Rick. That complex, awkward, and all-too-human dynamic resonates with many viewers, reflecting the tangled relationships we often encounter in real life.

[TV Series] Dutton Ranch

Keywords: Drama / Western
Also Known As: Dutton Ranch
Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes per episode × 9 episodes; Douban Link

The eldest daughter and her husband are back.

@潘誉晗: Beth and Rip’s peaceful life at Dillon Ranch turns out to be far too short-lived. A devastating fire destroys everything they have. Six months later, they relocate to Texas and purchase the historic Edwards Ranch, a property with a long-standing reputation throughout the region. What they do not know is that Beulah, the formidable owner of the nearby Ten Petals Ranch, also has her sights set on acquiring Edwards Ranch. Beth and Rip’s arrival is bound to threaten her business empire, and the strong-willed Beulah is equally determined to stand in the way of their fresh start.

As a spin-off within the “Yellowstone Universe,” Dutton Ranch takes place after the events of the original series. By using a natural disaster as the catalyst, the show provides a believable and organic reason for Beth and Rip’s new beginning. Members of the Dutton family are destined to be tied to the land, and they are seemingly incapable of living a truly peaceful life. Even deep in Texas, that Montana-born instinct to protect their home remains etched into their bones. The series is packed with the authentic Yellowstone spirit, inviting viewers to saddle up and ride into adventure alongside Beth and Rip once more.

[TV Series] Widow’s Bay

Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Horror
Also Known As: Widow’s Bay
Runtime: 35–40 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban Link

The fog over the sea swallows everything.

@潘誉晗: Widow’s Bay is a remote island shrouded in mist year-round. There is no internet, and old legends of maritime disasters continue to circulate among its residents. But Mayor Tom refuses to believe in such superstitions. Determined to revive the island’s struggling economy, he invites a journalist to visit. Thoroughly impressed, the reporter writes a glowing feature about the island, successfully attracting a wave of tourists. Yet something seems to emerge from the thick fog. A bell bound in chains begins to ring. Tom is scratched and pursued by a mysterious old man. The tranquility of Widow’s Bay is shattered beyond repair.

This horror-comedy from Apple TV+ has turned out to be far better than expected, earning a string of positive reviews on sites such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. While the isolated-island mystery setup is hardly new, the series’ greatest achievement lies in its perfect balance between suspense, horror, and comedy. Just as the atmosphere begins to draw viewers into a state of mounting tension, the cast’s deadpan humor pulls them right back to reality. At the same time, the show cleverly pays homage to numerous classic horror films, delivering the delightful feeling of discovering hidden Easter eggs.

[TV Series] The Boroughs Season 1

Keywords: Science Fiction / Mystery
Also Known As: The Boroughs Season 1
Runtime: Approximately 51 minutes per episode × 8 episodes
Where to Watch: Netflix; Douban Link

Welcome to Retirement Town.

@潘誉晗: In New Mexico, there is a retirement community known simply as “Retirement Town,” and Sam has recently moved in. It was originally chosen by his wife as the place where they would spend their later years together, but her sudden passing leaves him to arrive alone. Still grieving, Sam keeps everyone at arm’s length. His neighbor Jack, however, is unfazed by the cold reception and even throws a barbecue party in Sam’s honor. That very night, Sam witnesses Jack’s death—and sees a massive ten-legged creature resembling a spider crawling over his body. As Sam and several other residents begin investigating, they gradually realize that the string of elderly deaths within the community were anything but natural.

Created by the Duffer Brothers, The Boroughs has often been described as a senior-citizen version of Stranger Things. Its protagonists are a group of retirees in the latter stage of life, and these seasoned veterans bring a unique energy that sets the show apart from youth-centered adventures. Once they see through the lies and realize that this supposed retirement haven may actually be a community built around death, the retired engineers, journalists, doctors, and other residents spring into action. Through its older cast, the series also delivers thoughtful reflections on aging, mortality, and what it means to face the final chapters of life.

🔦 [Film] All Greens

Keywords: Drama
Also Known As: All Greens (オール・グリーンズ)
Runtime: 119 minutes; Douban Link

Enjoy your youth in a town with no hope.

@利兹与青鸟: Park Sumi is a second-year student at a vocational high school in a small Japanese town. To escape her hot-tempered and abusive father, she spends her nights carrying her skateboard to freestyle rap sessions, using rhythm and rhyme to vent her anger and frustration. When confronted with violence from an industry senior, she not only fights back with courage and quick thinking, but also walks away with cannabis seeds from the offender’s safe.

After her father’s suicide and her mother’s mental breakdown, Yaguchi Miruku has spent her days hiding behind a mask, playing the role of the perfect daughter and popular class president. But after a workplace accident costs her a little finger, she finally decides to be herself. Meanwhile, Iwakuma Mako loves manga, but her parents only care about seeing her settle down and get married, paying little attention to her dreams. Bringing together equal parts despair and determination, the three girls form a gardening club with the shared goal of escaping their town. Recruiting a member from the chemistry club, they hatch an ambitious plan: grow their own cannabis and make a fortune.

The film uses its cinematography to emphasize an artistic style, and cinephiles may catch glimpses of French New Wave influences throughout. However, the pacing occasionally feels slow and understated, with the highly anticipated central event—growing cannabis on the rooftop—not arriving until the latter half of the film. Although danger constantly lingers around the protagonists, it never quite reaches the level of true suspense. Thankfully, the film’s climactic burst of destructive celebration and its playful twist during the end credits add a spark of vitality, leaving audiences smiling at this youthful story that is both grounded in reality and touched by a hint of absurdity.

[Japanese Drama] Is It Sushi Time Already!?

Keywords: Drama / Comedy / Romance
Also Known As: Toki Sude ni Osushi!? (時すでにおスシ!?)
Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode × 10 episodes; Douban Link

Can you start over at fifty?

@潘誉晗: Minato Machiyama is a fifty-year-old woman. After her husband’s death, she raised her son on her own through years of hardship and sacrifice. Yet when her son finally lands his dream job and moves out, she suddenly finds herself without a sense of purpose. She tries ordering takeout and booking beauty treatments, only to give up halfway each time. Encouraged by a close friend from high school, she enrolls in a three-month intensive sushi-making course at a sushi academy. Minato decides to use this opportunity as the first step toward living for herself.

This series, centered on a middle-aged woman beginning a new chapter in life at fifty, carries a gentle sense of healing. Through the character of Minato, it directly addresses a challenge faced by many middle-aged women in modern urban society after raising children: the “empty nest syndrome.” It is an issue that deserves far more attention. Countless mothers spend decades dedicating themselves to their children, only to find themselves uncertain about what comes next once those children enter adulthood and leave home. Minato’s chaotic second act begins in a whirlwind of uncertainty, but fortunately she is able to rediscover her direction in life. After all, she is only fifty.

[Animation] Patlabor EZY File 1

Keywords: Science Fiction / Action / Slice of Life
Also Known As: Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 (機動警察パトレイバー EZY File 1)
Runtime: 25 + 21 + 26 = 72 minutes; Douban Link

For us, the best-case scenario is that nothing happens at all.

@SHY: The multipurpose humanoid construction machines known as Labors, introduced in the 1990s, greatly improved social productivity while simultaneously giving rise to new forms of crime. To counter these threats, the Metropolitan Police Department established the Special Vehicles Section 2. Now, in the 2030s, Labor technology has gradually become outdated, but the mission of SV2 remains unchanged. They continue to fight every day to protect the public.

As one of the defining works of the “real robot” genre, Patlabor has always grounded its worldbuilding in practicality and plausibility. The timeline of the series has long stayed close to real-world history, looking ahead toward the near future that is steadily approaching. EZY takes place against a backdrop shaped by pandemics, artificial intelligence, and an aging population, while its mechanical designs draw inspiration from technological developments of recent years, creating the feeling that science fiction is gradually becoming reality. Decades later, the Section 2 headquarters has transformed from a suburban outpost into a bustling urban location, yet its equipment is still based on upgraded versions of the classic Type 98 machines. Naturally, the beloved veteran characters continue to play an important role as well.

Among the original HEADGEAR creative team, original creator Masami Yuki, mechanical designer Yutaka Izubuchi, character designer Akemi Takada, and screenwriter Kazunori Ito all return. The only notable absence is director Mamoru Oshii, who has been left out of the reunion. The story is also unrelated to Oshii’s theatrical films or live-action adaptations, instead continuing the timeline established by the TV series and the New OVA. As a result, the overall tone returns to the franchise’s roots, focusing on workplace ensemble storytelling and everyday comedy. The straightforward comedic jabs in Episode 3 are sure to bring a smile to longtime fans. As a sequel arriving nearly forty years after the original, it stands as a remarkably successful and heartfelt renaissance for the franchise.

[Korean Drama] My Royal Archenemy @潘誉晗：After Lady Jang Dan-sim, remembered in the Joseon Dynasty as a notorious femme fatale, is sentenced to death by poisoned wine, her soul travels to the modern era and inhabits the body of Shin Se-ri, a young, unknown actress. After unexpectedly crossing paths with Cha Se-gye, the third-generation heir of a chaebol family, the two embark on a romantic love story. While the time-travel romance premise is not particularly groundbreaking, the drama’s greatest strength lies in Dan-sim’s appreciation for the second chance life has given her. Though saddened by the way history has painted her as a villain, she understands that being alive matters more than anything else.

[Korean Drama] Rookie Mess Hall Soldier @潘誉晗：After receiving his enlistment notice, Kang Seong-jae reports for military service. Already terrified of life as a recruit, he unexpectedly awakens a mysterious ability: he can see game-like recipe guides floating before him. As long as he clicks “Accept,” he receives a perfect recipe, allowing him to cook delicious meals with ease. Adapted from the manga of the same name, this fantasy comedy is outrageously funny, and its imaginative food-related sequences are especially entertaining.

[Japanese Drama] TXQ FICTION: Ryunosuke Kamiki @潘誉晗：The fifth installment in the TXQ FICTION series invites beloved actor Ryunosuke Kamiki to participate in a standalone story that follows an investigation into the disappearance of former child star Teruhisa. Continuing the franchise’s mockumentary format, the drama cleverly incorporates Kamiki’s own real-life background as a child actor. His actual experiences and career history mirror and contrast with Teruhisa’s fictional profile, making viewers increasingly curious about where reality ends and fiction begins.

[Film] Summer Restlessness @利兹与青鸟：Shai feels suffocated by her brother’s overbearing control, while Geneva struggles to care for her younger sibling after her mother abandons the family. Hoping to earn some money and escape their difficult home lives, the two best friends apply for counselor positions at a summer camp, supervising children on mountain camping trips. Along the way, they find inspiration in the children’s behavior—sometimes innocent and compassionate, sometimes mischievous and completely out of control. Through the voices of its young characters, the film explores social issues such as gender, race, class, and family, wrapping heavy realities in warmth, laughter, and youthful innocence.

[Film] The Last KPI @利兹与青鸟：Fleur is an HR professional whose anxiety leaves her battling insomnia night after night. Exhaustion and numbness are etched across her face. The harsh job market has made her both overly demanding toward candidates and deeply worried about losing her own position. She is so uncertain about the future that she cannot even imagine bringing a child into the world. And so she drifts through a life seemingly devoid of light, pushed forward only by the passage of time. Though some joke that “watching it feels like working two extra hours of overtime,” the film offers an uncomfortably realistic portrait of the struggles faced by ordinary workers today. Its cinematography and performances are outstanding, and countless small details strike with painful accuracy.

[Animation] Mating Season @SHY：Winter has passed, and mating season has arrived once again. Josh the bear wakes up from hibernation only to discover that his girlfriend Olivia has already moved on. Fawn the deer, burdened by a troubled childhood, seeks comfort from an older stag. Meanwhile, Ray the raccoon, who never does anything halfway, finds himself inseparably attached to a skunk. Created by several of the minds behind Human Resources and Big Mouth, this wildly explicit and unapologetically chaotic adult animated series fearlessly explores the tangled relationships of a forest full of restless animals. Beneath the shameless jokes and outrageous humor, it also manages to offer a surprising amount of genuine wisdom about life.

[Animation] Small Money, Big Problems @SHY：Encouraged by his friend Wild Boar, Zerocalcare decides to co-open a café. Unfortunately, the debt-ridden boar keeps robbing Peter to pay Paul until he lands himself in serious trouble. Zerocalcare and his band of eccentric friends are forced to devise a rescue plan, all while dealing with the endless frustrations of everyday life. Following the success of Tear Along the Dotted Line and This World Can’t Tear Me Down, Italian cartoonist Zerocalcare returns with another dialogue-heavy animated series. Packed with razor-sharp observations and inventive metaphors born from broad life experience, it cuts straight to the anxieties and worries of modern living. Melancholic yet comforting, it once again proves his unique talent for turning frustration into healing.

📅 This Week’s New Trailers

Toy Story 5 Final Trailer

On May 26, Pixar released the final trailer for Toy Story 5, which is set to open in mainland China on June 19. Directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, the film sees Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and other familiar friends return as all-powerful technology begins to “invade” childhood, setting the stage for a clash between a changing era and the timeless value of companionship. Source

Vought Rising First Trailer

On May 22, Vought Rising, the prequel series to The Boys, unveiled its first trailer and is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video in 2027. Jensen Ackles returns as Soldier Boy, while Aya Cash reprises her role as Stormfront. Set during the Cold War era of the 1950s, the series explores the early rise of Vought and the politically incorrect age of the first generation of superheroes. Source

New Trailer for The Witch Beneath the Dome

On May 27, the TV anime The Witch Beneath the Dome released a new trailer and confirmed a July 4 premiere, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back during launch week. Adapted from the manga of the same name, the series features Naoko Yamada as chief director, Abel Gongora as director, and animation production by Science SARU. Set in the Mongol Empire of the 13th century, it follows Sitara, a slave girl who has lost everything and sets a storm in motion. Source

THE RIBBON HERO First Trailer

On May 26, the animated feature film THE RIBBON HERO released its first trailer and was announced for a Netflix debut on August 8. Directed by Yuki Igarashi, with character concept designs by Kei Mochizuki, additional character concept support from Mai Yoneyama, character designs by Kazuto Araki, art direction by Cédric Hérole, and animation production by OUTLINE, the film is adapted from Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga Princess Knight. Source

More

TV Anime The Historians’ Eye First Trailer: Adapted from the manga of the same name by Hitoshi Iwaaki (Parasyte), produced by LIDENFILMS, and set in ancient Greece during the 4th century BCE. The story chronicles the turbulent life of Eumenes, secretary to Alexander the Great. The manga won the Grand Prize at the 2012 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the anime is scheduled to premiere in January 2027. Source

TV Anime You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2 New Trailer: Adapted from the manga by Kocha Agasawa, the second season reunites director Takakazu Nagatomo, series composer Teruko Utsumi, and animation studio Lapin Track. The romantic comedy follows the relationship between the completely opposite Suzuki Miyu and Tani Yusuke, alongside their everyday school lives with friends. The new season begins airing on July 5. Source

Enola Holmes 3 First Trailer: Directed by Philip Barantini and starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, and others, the film follows Enola Holmes as she arrives in Malta and finds herself entangled in a case more complex and mysterious than any she has faced before. It premieres on Netflix on July 1. Source

A24 Film Primetime First Trailer: Directed by Lance Oppenheim and starring Robert Pattinson, the film centers on television host Chris and his reality show, which uses decoys posing as minors online to lure child predators into a television studio, where they are confronted and arrested. The film is scheduled for release in North America this fall. Source

📽 Film & TV News Weekly

Disclosure Day Set for Mainland China Release on June 12

On May 28, the film Disclosure Day released its mainland China release trailer and poster, confirming a June 12 debut day-and-date with North America. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and others, the film follows a high-stakes disclosure operation on the verge of breaking through, bringing the truth about extraterrestrials to the big screen. Source

Fire in the Eyes Set for Mainland China Release on June 11

On May 27, the film Fire in the Eyes unveiled its mainland China release trailer and poster, ahead of its June 11 theatrical debut. Directed by Kenji Tanigaki and starring Tse Miu, Lin Kedeng, and Yang Enyou, with Lai Wei and Tsuyoshi Iwanaga in supporting roles and a special appearance by Yayan Ruhian, the story follows a father whose daughter is kidnapped in broad daylight. As he launches a desperate pursuit and fights his way through danger, he encounters others equally willing to risk everything for the people they love. Source

Johnny Keep Walking! 2 Scheduled for August 7

On May 28, Johnny Keep Walking! 2 released its release-date trailer and poster, confirming an August 7 premiere. Directed by Dong Runnian and written by Dong Runnian and Ying Luojia, the film stars Zhang Ruoyun and Bai Ke, with Gao Ye in a leading role and special appearances by Da Peng and Zhuang Dafei. The highly anticipated “Liu-Ma duo” officially reunites at a subsidiary of Zhonghe Group, setting a brand-new chapter of the story in motion. Source

Memento Unveils China-Exclusive Poster

On May 27, Memento released an exclusive poster for the Chinese market ahead of its May 29 theatrical release. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior, and Russ Fega, the film follows Leonard Shelby, who develops a rare form of short-term memory loss after being attacked in his home. Determined to uncover the truth, he embarks on a difficult and fragmented investigation.