Family—both the one you’re born into and the one you choose—is a powerful, recurring theme in this week’s lineup of new streaming movies. From avenging a father’s death to protecting a friend’s family business, these five films explore the ties that bind us and the lengths we go to for those we love.
In Ballerina (Starz, Sept 25), the entire plot is ignited by a familial bond. Ana de Armas’s character embarks on her deadly quest to avenge the murder of her father. Her journey is fueled by love and loss, adding a deep emotional weight to the film’s stunning action sequences. She is also part of the larger, dysfunctional “family” of assassins, with all its complex loyalties and betrayals.
Karate Kid: Legends (Netflix, Sept 27) highlights the importance of found family and community. The protagonist, Li, enters a karate tournament not for personal glory, but to help his friend Mia save her family’s business. The film celebrates the idea that family is about supporting each other, with Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han stepping in as father figures.
The family dynamic is at the heart of the conflict in The Surfer (Hulu, Sept 25). Nicolas Cage’s character is simply trying to bond with his son when he is confronted by a hostile local gang. His desperate, escalating fight is driven by his desire to be a strong father figure and protect his son from the world’s ugliness.
Even the week’s sci-fi films touch on this theme. Gemma’s relationship with her creation in M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) is a twisted maternal one, as she must guide the android she brought into the world. And in All of You (Apple TV+, Sept 26), the bond between two best friends is so deep it transcends friendship, becoming the most important relationship in their lives.