The Bikeriders, Challengers, The Instigators: New movies to stream this weekend

August is here, so it is time to update your watchlist with a range of new streaming offerings this weekend. Highlighting the lineup is everything from the Olympics-ready Zendaya starrer 'Challengers', to the Tom Hardy and Austin Butler starrer 'The Bikeriders' and the R-rated comedy 'The Instigators' starring Matt Damon. Whether you’re in the mood for intense drama, thrilling sci-fi, or light-hearted comedy, these new releases have got you covered. Take a look...

Nearly two months after its theatrical release, the period crime thriller "The Bikeriders" has made its way to OTT and is now available on Peacock. Directed and written by Jeff Nichols, the film provides a vivid dramatization of the birth of an American subculture, chronicling the rise of a Chicago motorcycle club in the 1960s. The film stars Austin Butler and Tom Hardy as rebellious riders who help found the Vandals, only to watch their club grow beyond their control. Amidst the male-dominated cast, Jodie Comer stands out as the heavily accented narrator, bringing a unique perspective to the story and serving as a closer connection to the main character.

Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" has made its streaming debut on MGM+ just in time for the audience to catch in on Olympics fever. The film, set in the world of competitive tennis, stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. The movie delves into fractured relationships, egos, infidelity, and ambition, presenting a psychodrama filled with intense emotions and dynamic visuals. The film is worth the watch as it has been dubbed as one of the best movies of 2024 so far.

Arriving on Hulu this Friday is “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” This instalment in the franchise takes place generations after Caesar’s death, focusing on a society run by intelligent apes and primitive humans. Owen Teague plays Noa, an ape whose peaceful village faces threats from those misusing Caesar’s legacy. The new film will now be available on Hulu and Disney+ Hotstar, where fans of the franchise can view all previous films.

Starring Lea Seydoux and George MacKay, the French sci-fi film "The Beast" is now streaming on the Criterion Channel. Loosely based on Henry James’ story “The Beast in the Jungle,” the movie features a time-jumping narrative with Seydoux’s character living three different lives in three different eras. Directed by Bertrand Bonello, the film blends elements of horror and romance.

This Ben Affleck-produced R-rated heist comedy, starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, follows two clueless thieves who drag along a therapist after a robbery goes wrong. The Doug Liman directorial, filled with comedic chaos, is now available on Apple+.

The 2024 neo-noir romance “Love Lies Bleeding” has found a new home on Max. The film stars Kristen Stewart as a gym manager who falls in love with a bodyguard named Jackie, played by Katy O’Brian. Their love story takes a dark turn as they become entangled in a violent crime.