Club Benefits
Hulu is a great streaming service for streaming new movies. Not only does it regularly add originals and classics to its library, but, because it's owned by Disney, it's the streaming home for new releases from several Disney-owned studios. It's the perfect place to start building your next movie marathon.
This weekend, I have three movies recently added to Hulu that are a must-watch. They're all relatively new releases, too. "Descendent" was a well-liked extraterrestrial sci-fi thriller from last year that just landed on Hulu. "Afraid" is also a sci-fi movie with some thrilling elements that's new to Hulu, though admittedly, it's far less well-liked. Finally, there's "Arco." This movie also has sci-fi elements, but without the horror vibes. It's a must-watch for any Studio Ghibli fan, and was even nominated for an Oscar just this year.
So here are the three new to Hulu movies you need to stream this weekend. For more recommendations, check out the full list of everything new to Hulu in May 2026.
Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022. He watches dozens of movies every year, and has already seen over 25 new releases this year.
'Descendent' (2025)
Genre: Sci-fi thriller movie
What's it about? Sean (Ross Marquand) is a school security guard who struggles with childhood trauma. Despite this, he and his wife, Andrea (Sarah Bolger), are eagerly preparing for the birth of their first child. That plan gets upended, though, when, during his night shift, a mysterious beam of light appears in the sky. After the encounter, he wakes up in a hospital and finds he has some unexplained new abilities.
Why you should watch it: This gives "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" vibes, but with a bit more horror going on than a pure alien abduction story. Just be warned, while critics rated it highly on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences were not so kind.
Watch "Descendent" on Hulu now
'Afraid' (2024)
Genre: Sci-fi horror movie
What's it about? Turns out that "Afraid" is really "AfAId," because this sci-fi horror movie features a murderous A.I. voiced by Havana Rose Liu. This A.I., named AIA, is supposed to help Curtis (John Cho) and Meredith (Katherine Waterston) around the house with their three kids. But it becomes clear that it's getting too close to the family, and the family might not survive without it.
Why you need to watch it: This movie is reviled by critics and audiences didn't love it either, at least according to Rotten Tomatoes. But the hate isn't universal; more than a few reviews suggest it's worth giving a shot. Maybe it's so bad it's good? Or maybe it's just misunderstood? You'll have to watch to find out.
Watch "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" on Hulu now
'Arco' (2026)
Genre: French animated fantasy movie
What's it about? Arco (Oscar Tresanini [French]/Juliano Krue Valdi [English dub]) is a young boy from the year 2932. That time is a utopia, where time travel exists. But when Arco tries to see the dinosaurs, he ends up stranded in 2075. This time is far more dangerous than his own, and features frequent extreme weather events that have forced humanity to live behind bubble-like barriers.
Why you need to watch it: This movie immediately gave off Studio Ghibli vibes, and that's never a bad thing. It's also been very well received, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 2026 Academy Awards. Like Studio Ghibli films, it features impressive native-language voice actors and English-language actors, so don't be afraid to opt for the dubbed version. The English voice cast for "Arco" includes Mark Ruffalo, Natalie Portman, Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg and Flea; an impressive cast.
Watch "Arco" on Hulu now
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