The Queue

A mix of older movies and new shows streaming now.

By Kevin Slane

September 9, 2025 | 9:12 AM

4 minutes to read

You’re reading The Queue, Boston.com’s guide to streaming. Sign up to get the latest industry news, free streaming movie and TV recommendations, and more in your inbox every week.

A typical edition of The Queue starts with me going in-depth on a single topic — whether it’s the best Denzel Washington movies, Emmys snubs, or whether “Jaws” is a Massachusetts movie — before offering some quick streaming recommendations.

Once a month, however, I’ll be sending you an all-recommendations edition of the newsletter, because the struggle of deciding what to watch is eternal.

New movies to watch on Netflix

“The Four Seasons” (1981)

On the heels of Tina Fey’s remake series, Netflix is adding the original 1981 movie, about a group of married friends who take vacations together four times a year, to its library. The whole ensemble (including Alan Alda and Carol Burnett) plays together well, and the film is a nice reminder of a time in Hollywood when adult dramas with real-life stakes still had a place at the multiplex. (Netflix)

“Paddington” (2014)

“Paddington 2” is superior, but any movie featuring the well-mannered, accident-prone, marmalade-loving bear voiced by Ben Whishaw (“Skyfall”) is worth a watch whether you’ve got kids or not. (Netflix)

“Stand by Me” (1986)

Based on the Stephen King novella “The Body,” “Stand by Me” stands the test of time thanks to the chemistry of its adolescent leads (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell) and the steady hand of director Rob Reiner (“When Harry Met Sally”). (Netflix)

Read more: The best movies on Netflix right now (September 2025)

3 new movies and shows now streaming

“The Paper”

“Parks and Recreation” and the U.S. version of “The Office” are two sitcoms that showed early potential but didn’t fully hit their stride until Season 2. “The Paper,” a spinoff of “The Office” and also from creator Greg Daniels, feels like another example. (You can read my full review here.) The staff of the Toledo Truth Teller are fitfully funny, and the storylines built on running a failing newspaper are perfect plot fodder, but the show doesn’t really click until about midway through the season. Thankfully, Peacock has already renewed the show, so it will have room to grow. (Peacock)

“Friendship”

If you’re a fan of Tim Robinson’s awkward Netflix sketch comedy series “I Think You Should Leave,” then “Friendship” is a must-watch. As a boring suburban dad who strikes up a friendship with his cool neighbor (Paul Rudd), Robinson is a living, breathing, grimacing avatar for our every insecurity. (HBO Max)

“Highest 2 Lowest”

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington always make a great team, and their latest, a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” is no different. (You can read my full review here.) Even when he’s playing a record executive embroiled in a hostage crisis and on the brink of financial ruin, Washington has the unparalleled swagger he brings to every role. (Apple TV+)

Read more: Review: ‘The Paper’ shows promise, even as ‘The Office’ legacy looms large

Play or Skip: Staff Edition

You’ve heard enough of my streaming picks already, so here’s what the rest of Boston.com’s staff is watching.

Have a show you can’t stop watching? Email me about it at [email protected], and your recommendation may appear in a future edition of The Queue.

Press play on these movies and shows:

“Overcompensating” (Season 1): Boston.com staff writer Abby Patkin’s recommendation for “anyone who needs a laugh” is this Prime Video comedy that has her hooked: “It’s a fresh take on the raunchy teen comedies of the late 90s/early 2000s, there’s some heart to it, and the casting is great. Benito Skinner seems like one of the rare TikTok comedians who actually has the chops to make a successful jump to TV/movies.” (Prime Video)

“Platonic” (Season 2): Boston.com deputy editor Emily Turner’s “ideal weekday watch” is this “super funny” Seth Rogen-Rose Byrne comedy: “The plot moves every episode and Rose Byrne is THE BEST. Seth Rogen’s character has a style so distinctive it feels like a character of its own.” (Apple TV+)

“Outlander: Blood of My Blood” (Season 1): Boston.com travel writer Kristi Palma actually visited the castle used for filming in “Outlander” during her recent trip to Scotland, so of course she’s a fan of the spinoff: “It’s really cool getting to meet Jamie and Claire’s parents, and to see these younger versions of characters you’ve grown to love over the years.” (Starz)

Read more: All the new movies and TV shows streaming this month

End Credits

That’s a wrap on this edition of The Queue. If you’re a fan, please consider recommending this newsletter to your friends.

Until next time, good stream hunting, everyone!

— Kevin

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