Craving an escape this summer but just can’t get away? Our writers have found the best original series and movies that will make you feel like you’re on vacation, take you out of this world, or sweep you away to another time and place.
Black Bag
A taut, stylish and steamy take on the high-stakes espionage thriller, Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag keeps you second-guessing every character’s motives until the very end. The tension, the suspicion, the sense that the walls are closing in? It’s all here.
The Brutalist
Blending raw emotion, breathtaking cinematography, and a narrative that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, The Brutalist is a top 2025 Oscar contender and a must-watch for lovers of bold, novelistic storytelling, American history, and cinematic experiences.
Joy Ride
A truly joyous escape watch with uproarious scenes and must-find soundtrack, Joy Ride resonates on surprisingly deeper levels, reminding us of the transformative power of friendship, laughter, and adventure.
Perfect Days
A meditation on finding beauty in the ordinary and dignity in manual labor, Perfect Days serves as a lesson as well as a blueprint on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. It underscores the importance of finding solace in solitude and happiness from the simple act of living.
A Haunting in Venice
A thematic departure from the previous Poirot movies, A Haunting in Venice drops you into a Gothic post-war Italy and keeps you guessing in a film that non-horror fans can embrace.
Cha Cha Real Smooth
Cha Cha Real Smooth is a sweet, intimate antidote to all the noisy summer blockbusters out there. Filmmaker Cooper Raiff proves he’s someone to keep a close eye on.
Summertime
A vicarious vacation to Italy’s Adriatic coast that lulls you in with its summer romances, lapping waves, rich-hued cinematography, and Italian classics soundtrack.
The Last Letter from Your Lover
A date night movie that transports you to a lush 1960s French Riviera, the adaptation of the JoJo Moyes novel entwines two eras and two sharply contrasted romances, delivering a wistful summer escape watch.
AlRawabi School for Girls
AlRawabi School for Girls is a binge-worthy teen drama that is not only well written, but features a stellar cast of newcomers. While the plot is fairly universal, the insight it offers into Jordanian culture is what makes it stand out.
Poor Things
A rare cinematic gem, Poor Things invites viewers to laugh as they grapple with its complexities, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the mind and heart. Immersive and full of visual splendor, the acting, production, and musical craftsmanship are sure to earn this one multiple Oscar nominations across the categories.
Napoleon
A stunning, riveting, and surprisingly funny biopic, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon is a cinematic tour de force: a visual masterclass in humanity and all its ills.
If You Were the Last
Though it’s squarely a rom-com, If You Were the Last will pique the curiosity of the sci-fi lover. It’s a date night movie with an undeniable sweetness that never crosses over to cheesy.
