The Ultimate List of What To Watch This Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26)
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s the perfect time to unwind, recharge, and maybe even press pause on the hectic pace of everyday life by watching the hottest new titles. Whether you’re staying local or heading out of town, there’s something comforting about settling in with a great movie or binge-worthy series. From feel-good stories that uplift to gripping dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat, the long weekend offers the ideal chance to dive into something new—or revisit an old favorite.
Here’s a roundup of the best viewing options to make the most of the extra time off, whatever your mood or plans may be.
Theatrical Releases
1) “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (watch in Theaters)
Looking for edge-of-your-seat excitement to kick off the long weekend? The eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise arrives just in time, bringing back the high-octane stunts, globe-trotting intrigue, and intense showdowns fans have come to expect. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, the relentless secret agent who’s once again racing against time—this time to stop a rogue artificial intelligence known only as The Entity.
Joining Cruise are franchise regulars Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, and Angela Bassett, along with exciting new additions like Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso), Nick Offerman, and Tramell Tillman (Severance). Under the direction of Christopher McQuarrie, the film promises jaw-dropping action set pieces—from an upside-down airplane sequence to a tense underwater submarine chase—all grounded by Ethan’s personal struggle as a leader facing impossible choices.
With speculation swirling about whether this might be Cruise’s final run as Hunt, this chapter is not just a summer blockbuster—it’s a potential cinematic farewell. Whether you’re in it for the stunts, the story, or the legacy, this one’s worth the big-screen experience.
2. “Lilo & Stitch” (watch in Theaters)
If you’re in the mood for something heartfelt, nostalgic, and a little out of this world, Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake is the perfect pick. This reimagining of the 2002 animated classic brings the beloved story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her chaotic alien companion back to the big screen—with a fresh cast, dazzling visuals, and all the emotional depth fans remember.
Newcomer Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, while Chris Sanders reprises his role as the voice of Stitch, bringing that same mischievous energy to the live-action format. Sydney Agudong plays big sister Nani, and the supporting cast includes Zach Galifianakis as the eccentric Dr. Jumba, Billy Magnussen as Agent Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance as the no-nonsense Cobra Bubbles. In a sweet nod to the original, Tia Carrere—who voiced Nani in the animated version—returns in a new role as Mrs. Kekoa.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell With Shoes On), this version captures the spirit of the original while updating the story with modern visual effects and breathtaking Hawaiian landscapes. At its heart, Lilo & Stitch is still a celebration of chosen family and unconditional love, wrapped in a fun, chaotic, and touching sci-fi adventure.
Whether you’re watching with kids or just revisiting your Disney favorites, this one’s bound to deliver plenty of laughs, a few tears, and a reminder that “ohana means family”—and family means nobody gets left behind.
Streaming Favorites
3) “Fountain of Youth” (watch on Apple TV+)
If you’re craving a mix of globe-trotting adventure and emotional depth, Guy Ritchie’s “Fountain of Youth” is your go-to watch this weekend. Set against a backdrop of ancient myths and modern ambition, this sleek, action-packed film brings a fresh take on the legend of immortality—while keeping its focus firmly on the ties that bind.
John Krasinski and Natalie Portman star as estranged siblings Luke and Charlotte Purdue, who set off on a high-stakes quest to find the mythical spring their late father spent his life chasing. From the sands of Egypt to the streets of London, their journey is filled with danger, discovery, and a fair share of sibling tension. Domhnall Gleeson plays the enigmatic billionaire bankrolling the expedition, whose motives aren’t as pure as they seem.
With Ritchie’s signature blend of slick editing, fast-paced action, and stylish visuals, Fountain of Youth delivers thrilling set pieces and exotic locales. But beyond the spectacle, the film digs into questions of legacy, reconciliation, and what it really means to live a meaningful life. It’s a story about more than eternal youth—it’s about second chances, family, and finding clarity through chaos.
Whether you’re into mythology, emotional drama, or just want to escape on a cinematic adventure from the comfort of your couch, this Apple TV+ original checks all the boxes.
4) “She The People” (watch on Netflix)
If you’re looking to balance your weekend binge with sharp comedy and social insight, “She the People” delivers both—with heart, humor, and an unapologetic voice. In Tyler Perry’s first original comedy series for Netflix, veteran actress Terri J. Vaughn steps into a breakout leading role as Antoinette Dunkerson, the newly elected—and unexpectedly overwhelmed—Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi.
This isn’t your typical political satire. Created by Perry and Niya Palmer, and executive produced by former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the series explores what happens when a Black woman ascends to power in a system that was never built for her. Vaughn brings warmth, wit, and depth to the role, portraying a woman juggling high-stakes politics and her suddenly very public family life with equal parts determination and comedic flair.
The ensemble cast includes Jo Marie Payton, Jade Novah, Drew Olivia Tillman, and rising talent Dyon Brooks, all helping build a rich and relatable world full of awkward press conferences, family chaos, and fierce political showdowns. With the first eight episodes dropping just ahead of the long weekend, this is the perfect time to dive in.
More than a political comedy, “She the People” is a story about identity, leadership, and what it means to break barriers—while still getting dinner on the table. It’s personal, it’s funny, and with Terri J. Vaughn leading the charge, it’s one of the freshest new shows to stream this season.
5) “Sirens” (watch on Netflix)
If your holiday weekend vibe leans more “psychological chess match” than “feel-good family flick,” Sirens might be your ideal binge. This new limited series from “Maid” creator Molly Smith Metzler blends biting humor and slow-burn suspense in a sun-drenched setting that’s anything but relaxing.
Julianne Moore stars as Kiki, a magnetic and mysteriously controlling lifestyle guru with a beachfront compound and a loyal following. Meghann Fahy plays Devon, a concerned sister trying to pull her younger sibling Simone (Milly Alcock) out of Kiki’s orbit. But what starts as a simple family intervention quickly spirals into a sharp, unsettling exploration of power, privilege, and the fine line between influence and indoctrination.
Adapted from Metzler’s play Elemeno Pea and directed in part by Nicole Kassell (Watchmen), Sirens serves up visually striking scenes and emotionally charged moments. It’s the kind of show where nothing is as it seems, and everyone has something to lose.
With a stacked supporting cast including Kevin Bacon, Glenn Howerton, and Bill Camp—and production backing from Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley—Sirens is smart, eerie, and impossible to stop watching. If you’re looking for something gripping and gorgeously twisted, make space for this one on your watchlist.
6) “Sarah Silverman: PostMortem”
If your idea of the perfect watch includes equal parts sharp comedy and soul-searching truth, “PostMortem” delivers in a way only Sarah Silverman can. Premiering May 20, this marks her first stand-up special in eight years—and it’s her most personal yet. Born from a year of profound loss, including the deaths of both her father and stepmother just days apart, PostMortem transforms grief into something deeply human, surprisingly funny, and undeniably Silverman.
Known for her fearless approach to taboo topics, Silverman doesn’t sidestep sorrow—instead, she invites the audience into it, laughing through the discomfort and finding levity in the strangest corners of mourning. From her father’s funeral eulogy to awkward family moments and absurd rituals around death, she threads stories with a deft mix of irreverence and vulnerability.
Filmed at New York’s Beacon Theatre and directed by Silverman herself, the special has an intimate tone that matches its content. It’s polished but deeply personal, filled with the kind of humor that hits hard because it’s so real.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just in the mood for comedy that digs a little deeper, PostMortem is a standout this holiday weekend—a cathartic, thoughtful, and hilarious reminder that even in grief, laughter has a place.
7) “Nine Perfect Strangers” (watch on Hulu)
If you’re craving a show that mixes emotional depth, psychological twists, and jaw-dropping moments, look no further than “Nine Perfect Strangers” Season 2. Premiering May 21 on Hulu, the latest chapter takes viewers from California’s sun-soaked Tranquillum House to the icy, enigmatic beauty of the Austrian Alps.
Nicole Kidman returns as the captivating and mysterious Masha Dmitrichenko, the guru of a wellness retreat that’s as dangerous as it is transformative. This season’s group of nine strangers arrives in the snowy sanctuary of Zauberwald, each with their own emotional baggage and unresolved trauma. As Masha pushes them through intense healing methods—from spiritual guidance to mind-altering rituals—nothing is as it seems. Will they make it out? And what will they uncover about themselves—and Masha—along the way?
The all-star cast includes Henry Golding, Lena Olin, Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski, and more, each bringing their own drama to the table. As secrets are revealed and tensions rise, “Nine Perfect Strangers” explores themes of wellness, trauma, and redemption in the most intense ways possible. Expect shocking twists, surreal memory replays, and a retreat that’s anything but relaxing.
With stunning alpine visuals and a plot that keeps you guessing, Season 2 is bound to leave you on the edge of your seat. The first two episodes of the season are streaming now! New episodes drop on Wednesdays.
Whether you’re in the mood for high-octane action, deep emotional storytelling, or a thrilling mix of mystery and drama, this Memorial Day weekend has something for everyone. From explosive blockbusters to introspective comedies and captivating psychological thrillers, these picks offer the perfect way to unwind or get swept up in a gripping narrative. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the show—there’s no better time to catch up on these must-watch releases.
