Worried you need to do homework before watching this week’s biggest streaming releases? Don’t be. While Ballerina, Karate Kid: Legends, and M3GAN 2.0 are all part of existing franchises, they’ve been crafted to be excellent entry points for newcomers. Here’s why you can jump right in.
Ballerina (Starz, Sept 25) is a spin-off, not a direct sequel, meaning it focuses on a new protagonist with her own self-contained story. While it’s set in the John Wick universe and features a cameo from Keanu Reeves, the film gives you all the context you need. You can enjoy the incredible action and compelling revenge plot without having seen any of the previous movies.
Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix, Sept 27) may feature iconic characters, but its story is centered on a new student, Li. His journey is the audience’s journey. You’ll learn about the world of karate and the philosophies of his two masters right alongside him. The film is designed to welcome a new generation while still rewarding long-time fans.
M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) is a sequel, but its premise is refreshingly straightforward. The first film’s events are quickly recapped, and the new threat—a rogue military android—is a simple, effective concept. The movie is built for immediate thrills, not complex lore, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the sci-fi action.
These accessible franchise films are joined by two fantastic originals that require no prior knowledge whatsoever. The psychological thriller The Surfer (Hulu) and the sci-fi romance All of You (Apple TV+) are completely standalone stories. So, dive in anywhere—the water’s fine!