As the Cannes Film Festival winds down and the Puget Sound enjoys some truly fantastic weather, many of us are looking forward to a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend.

Whether you’re staying in or planning a cozy getaway without the travel hassle, this long weekend is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the latest and greatest in entertainment.

From action-packed blockbusters to gripping dramas and insightful documentaries, there’s a treasure trove of new shows and movies available across your favorite streaming platforms and in cinemas.

Get ready to enhance your holiday relaxation with our comprehensive guide to the best new releases to watch this Memorial Day Weekend.

What to Watch in Theaters This Memorial Day Weekend

For those who crave the big-screen experience, prepare for an cinematic event that promises to be a spectacular finale:

Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise, the self-proclaimed savior of Hollywood, delivers what could be his most audacious and potentially final “Mission: Impossible” film.

Allegedly boasting a budget of $400 million or more, this installment is brimming with everything fans love and expect from the iconic series: mind-bending stunts, meticulously choreographed action sequences, and, of course, plenty of Tom Cruise’s signature running. This film solidifies its place as a must-see for the Memorial Day Weekend.

While the much-hyped plane stunt has been a staple of its promotional run, viewers are in for an even bigger treat with the highly anticipated submarine sequence. This moment alone promises to challenge any notion that the franchise is past its peak, proving its enduring ability to deliver unparalleled thrills.

Despite its impressive scale, “The Final Reckoning” does come with a couple of caveats. It is undeniably long, and at times, its attempts to weave its multi-decade narrative into a more cohesive whole can feel a bit clunky. It’s a movie so grand in scope that it sometimes overlooks the smaller, more intimate moments.

Nevertheless, “The Final Reckering” remains an undeniably thrilling ride and a truly worthy addition to the legendary “Mission: Impossible” saga, making it a prime choice for your Memorial Day Weekend cinematic outing.

Streaming Essentials for Your Memorial Day Weekend

If staying home with your favorite streaming service is more your speed, you’re in luck. Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix are dropping some compelling new content perfect for binge-watching or a thoughtful movie night.

On Hulu: The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 6)

Speaking of reckoning, the end of the road for the Republic of Gilead is finally in sight.

For fans of dystopian drama, this Memorial Day Weekend offers the ideal opportunity to catch up on The Handmaid’s Tale as June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) pushes her radicalization against the oppressive regime to its limits.

Now a full-fledged outlaw and vigilante, June’s plans for revolution and retribution are in full swing this season, leading directly into the show’s series finale, which airs this Tuesday. Make sure to use this holiday weekend to immerse yourself in the series before it bids farewell.

This final season fully visualizes the handmaids’ resistance against their corrupt rulers with breathtaking intensity. Expect dramatic consequences from past actions, jaw-dropping twists that will leave you reeling, and some truly transformative performances from the cast. With sixty-five episodes across six seasons over the last eight years, Elisabeth Moss’s portrayal of June Osborne has been nothing short of intoxicating, transforming her character into both myth and legend.

Each episode delivers a relentless barrage of emotional punches, with so much unfolding that you’ll be constantly on the edge of your seat, having no idea where the series will take you next. It’s a powerful watch for your Memorial Day Weekend.

Winner of an astonishing 15 Emmys, Season 6 has earned critical acclaim, becoming the highest-reviewed season of The Handmaid’s Tale since its groundbreaking debut in 2017.

On HBO Max: Duster (Season 1)

For those seeking something a bit lighter—or at least, a different kind of intensity—HBO Max is delivering weekly episodes of Duster, with two already available for immediate viewing. This series is 1970s cop pulp at its finest, offering a stylistic and engaging alternative for your Memorial Day Weekend viewing.

Duster follows the compelling journey of Nina Hayes, the first Black woman FBI agent, as she embarks on a high-stakes mission to dismantle a powerful crime syndicate operating across the American Southwest.

She’s aided by a band of downtrodden, reluctant companions, adding a layer of gritty charm to the narrative. This show marks J.J. Abrams’ (“Lost,” “Star Wars: Episode VII”) triumphant return to television, and it also features a pretty incredible performance from Josh Holloway as Jim, marking his own welcome return to the small screen.

With its specific 70s aesthetic spilling out from every frame, Duster is shaping up to be the perfect summer show, combining action, intrigue, and a distinct visual flair. Its weekly release schedule also makes it an ideal choice for staggered viewing throughout the Memorial Day Weekend and beyond.

On Netflix: Turning Point: The Vietnam War

For viewers interested in historical depth and gripping documentary storytelling, Netflix offers the docuseries Turning Point: The Vietnam War.

This comprehensive series delves into America’s protracted conflict in Vietnam, charting its course from the initial deployment of American troops to the dramatic fall of Saigon.

More than just a historical account, the documentary also draws poignant parallels between the Vietnam War and future conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, prompting viewers to consider how history often repeats itself.

The five episodes of Turning Point: The Vietnam War are exceptionally thorough in their coverage, examining the most consequential and horrifying moments from that era through a myriad of perspectives.

The series features powerful testimonies from American veterans and those from both North and South Vietnam, providing a deeply human and multifaceted understanding of the conflict.

While the military aspects of the war are certainly at the forefront, the documentary also delves into its profound cultural and political influence within America, revealing how the country continues to grapple with the ramifications of that war to this very day.

This makes it a thought-provoking watch for your Memorial Day Weekend, offering a chance for reflection amidst the holiday.

Whether you’re hitting the theaters for a high-octane spectacle or settling in for a streaming marathon, this Memorial Day Weekend promises a wealth of compelling entertainment options to suit every taste. Enjoy your holiday!