— Selecting a movie from streaming apps can be a daunting task, and I appreciate the value of a good recommendation. Whether it’s a film you’ve never heard of or one you’ve been meaning to watch but forgot about, just having someone suggest a title can make all the difference. Each week, I’ll share a curated mix of personal recommendations that I’ve seen and films from my own watchlist. I’ll spotlight a few titles that have just landed on streaming services and highlight why they might deserve your attention. If this helps you find something to watch, then mission accomplished. —

At the beginning of every month, the streaming services get inundated with brand-new titles. As many titles move to different platforms and companies save their premiere titles for the start of a new month, there are many more films and television series to choose from. Once a month, “Couch Cinema” will be a countdown of the top twenty-five films that are new to specific services. The list will highlight personal favorites, must-watch titles, and generally well-loved classics in hopes of providing something for everyone by casting a wider net than the handful of titles thrown around from the week-to-week recommendations.

We may not have “Barbarian” on physical media yet, but you can now catch it on Prime Video. Next month will mark its two year anniversary since it was released in theaters. If you’ve ever wanted a reason to be afraid of AirBNBs, this is the horror film for you.

Wholly underrated when it came out in theaters, “Underwater” is science-fiction horror at its very best, pitting an underwater drilling crew against an unknown creature. Kristen Stewart brings so much to this role, as does the entire ensemble cast, including Vincent Cassell and Jessica Henwick.

Writer-Director Boots Riley delivers one of the most original films in recent memory with “Sorry To Bother You.” And, just as you think the concepts couldn’t get any more ridiculous, they keep reaching further. LaKeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson are perfect in this.

Much like the hate that M. Night Shyamalan received for some of his original ideas, his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan, suffered some of the same for her film, “The Watchers.” Starring Dakota Fanning and using many of her father’s techniques in creating a twisting mystery, it may not be the very best thriller ever, but it, at the very least, deserves a watch.

Before making films and television series for Netflix or taking over as the Stephen King adaptation master, Mike Flanagan wrote and directed one of the best horror films to come out of the 2010s that doesn’t get enough praise. Starring Karen Gillan, before she became a Guardian of the Galaxy, the film sees two siblings facing off against a possessed mirror.

Ever since 2010, during awards season, I have watched every single Academy Award-nominated film. One of the central motivators in that decision stemmed from seeing films like “Biutiful,” which, at the time, I would have never sought out on my own. Over a decade later, my film tastes have expanded, but back then, I didn’t even know who Alejandro G. Iñárritu was or that I would one day consider him one of my favorite directors.

Yorgos Lanthimos’ humor may not be for everyone, but it resonates with me. Yes, the mainstream caught on with films like “The Favourite” and “Poor Things,” which were Oscar darlings. However, some of his earlier films, like “Dogtooth” and “The Lobster,” are masterpieces in their own right. Needless to say, “Kinds Of Kindness” hit a chord with me, and even though it’s very different from any of those other titles, I loved where it went.

Kicking off this past summer blockbuster season with much controversy, “The Fall Guy” was initially slept on. But after seeing it, I was left wondering why because Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have such great chemistry, the movie set setting was a nice change from most blockbusters, and overall, I enjoyed the film’s tone. The film did go on to make plenty of money at the box office, but at least for that first week, many cried for the end of the blockbuster.

Much like Yorgos, we know Denis Villeneuve for his high-profile epics like “Blade Runner 2049” and “Dune: Part One & Two.” However, before those films, he was pouring his creativity into lesser-seen films like “Arrival,” starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, who are scientists tasked with first contact.

Another film that solidified my desire to watch all the Academy Award-nominated films was “Blue Valentine,” starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as a toxic couple who navigate their troubled relationship over the years. They both deliver highlight performances, with Williams receiving an Oscar nomination for her role.

Florence Pugh continues to be one of my favorite actresses, so my defense of “Don’t Worry Darling” could stem from that. However, I honestly loved the film. It takes chances and steps outside the characteristics of films in this genre. I wonder what it was that made people turn against it in such a visceral way.

“The Menu” is one of the most memorable films of the past decade, and although the twist is now widely known, at the time, it was wholly surprising and fresh. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes, among a smorgasbord of other widely known actors, the film’s writing is so strong and captivating that it lives with you for years.

What could be cuter than a little shell with an eye and shoes, voiced by Jenny Slate, looking for his lost family members in a documentary-style film? Produced by A24, if you haven’t seen this extraordinary little film, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Containing one of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s very best performances, “The Master” pits him against Joaquin Phoenix as Hoffman plays the leader of a cult. With Hoffman, Phoenix, and Amy Adams garnering Oscar nominations for their performances, this is also one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s films.

“The Deer Hunter” ranks as one of my all-time favorite films. Its exploration of what war does to men when they return was highlighted perfectly by the performances from Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, and it’s no wonder the film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

With a sequel coming up, the original “It Follows” reinvigorated the horror genre, putting Maika Monroe on an impressive acting trajectory that would see her in some of the most original horror films to come out of the last decade, including “The Guest” and “Longlegs.” Did I mention that the film is terrifying?

Samara Weaving nails her role in “Ready Or Not,” as a newlywed forced to play a sinister game with her in-laws on her wedding night. It’s a perfect example of a horror thrill with an original concept.

“Sicario,” another earlier Denis Villeneuve film, puts Emily Blunt in the middle of the war on drugs at the U.S. and Mexico border, with corruption and carnage around every corner. Paired with genius cinematographer Roger Deakins, this film will always end up on my “best of” lists.

“The Hurt Locker” winning Best Picture in 2010 was one of the best decisions that group of people has ever made, especially having it win over James Cameron’s “Avatar.” I mean nothing against Cameron, but Kathryn Bigelow’s war film was just masterful filmmaking on every level. It has memorable performances, great scene-building, and an accurate depiction of the current state of war.

Ask anyone what one of Nicolas Cage’s best roles is, and chances are high that “Face/Off” will be one of the most recognized performances. Acting opposite John Travolta, this was the heyday for these actors, and they both made each other better in this ridiculous concept of a film that is made utterly acceptable and exceptional by these two powerhouse actors.

Carey Mulligan steals the show with her performance in “Promising Young Woman,” as she seeks revenge on the people who took part in a horrific act during college involving her now-deceased best friend. Subtle yet effective, director Emerald Fennell comes out the gate with a poignant and memorable debut, with “Saltburn” that would follow shortly after.

Depending on how you feel about “The Fabelmans” and “West Side Story,” “Ready Player One” may be considered Steven Spielberg’s last great directorial effort. Elevating this adaptation, Spielberg brings it to a level that I don’t think many other directors could have achieved. With how visually impressive this film is, I’m surprised it doesn’t garner more praise.

I miss director Tony Scott. And any time I can recommend his films, I will. “Man On Fire” is not on most people’s radar, but with a career highlight performance from Denzel Washington and Scott’s unique style, it’s a must-see film.

Michelle Williams captures the spirit and demeanor of Marilyn Monroe perfectly in “My Week With Marilyn,” a quaint little behind-the-scenes look at what Marilyn’s life was like when she wasn’t on camera. Filled with great performances from Eddie Redmayne and Emma Watson, this film deserves more recognition.

Highlighting all the skills that Taika Waititi has as a director, “Jojo Rabbit” is the funniest and most heartfelt film he’s ever been a part of. Capturing a tone that not many directors could match, Waititi tells the story of a young German boy in the Hitler youth whose idol (and imaginary friend) is Adolf himself, grappling with the revelation that his mother, played expertly by Scarlett Johansson, is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home.