This week's new streaming movies to watch together

Monday, January 4, 2021 | Account Roulette

How many people are you sharing your streaming video accounts with? I share my Netflix account with 2 families and I have access to Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video because of the gracious folks in my family and social circle. One of the incredible things about the streaming video industry right now is that the platforms allow and even encourage this kind of account sharing, leaving millions of dollars on the table. My prediction is they won't allow this forever.

Right now behind all the great new shows and movies being released on streaming everyday, there is an epic corporate battle that's about to enter its peak season - The Streaming Wars. The benefit of giant companies with easy access to capital duking it out is that we as consumers get lots of freebees. But once the dust settles and just a few services remain relevant, these perks are going to go away as the winners switch from growth mode to lets-actually-make-money mode. I hope that time doesn't come too soon so we can keep sharing and getting easy access to the great video entertainment content available now on streaming video.

Here is a list of the best movies being released on streaming video this week that will be fun to watch your favorite people.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Available Tuesday, January 5 on Netflix

This hollywood remake of the acclaimed Swedish film of the same name follows Lisbeth Salandar (Rooney Mara), a hacker who helps Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) solve a puzzling family crime mystery. Directed by David Fincher, one the most talented working American directors, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat as you see the mystery and terror unfold in front of your eyes.

The King of Staten Island (2020)

Available Friday, January 9 on HBO Max

Judd Apatow directs this coming of age film about the son of a deceased fire fighter who is figuring out what to do with his life. Judd Apatow is an absolute master of slice of life comedies and The King of Staten Island appears to follow the form. Expect great story. Expect to laugh. Expect to cry.

Ferdinand (2017)

Available Thursday, January 7 on Disney+

This animated film comes from the studio that created the popular Ice Age franchise. Featuring John Cena, who plays a bull that is nicer than his appearance, this is one that's sure to be fun to watch with the kids.

Scream (1996)

Available Thursday, January 7 on HBO Max

This 90's horror classic features familiar faces and serves up as many laughs as it does scares as it parodies with overdone horror movie tropes. This one is fun to revisit with friends.

The Rhythm Section (2020)

Available Sunday, January 10 on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu

This run of the mill thriller likely doesn't add anything new to the "revenge for my family" action thriller genre but it sports popular talent and the lead, Blake Lively, puts in a good performance. One of the precious few pre-pandemic 2020 theatrical releases. It bombed in theaters last January before the world new that the entire movie theater industry was about to bomb. Somehow, that makes it feel special.

Like this list? Hate it? Let me know and be sure to share with a movie lover near you.