A New Sci-Fi Installment Is Hulu’s Most-Watched Movie of the Week Again

Hulu’s most-watched list this week features a fascinating mix of brand-new releases and enduring classics that continue to find audiences years after their theatrical debuts. From fresh sci-fi installments and acclaimed dramas to beloved rom-coms and action-adventure staples, the current chart reflects a wide variety of viewer tastes. Several films have seen significant movement, with high-profile 2025 releases making their streaming debuts and climbing the ranks alongside nostalgic favorites.

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

Rick and Evelyn O’Connell are back in action, now married and raising their son Alex, when a new threat emerges from the sands of Egypt. The resurrected Imhotep seeks to defeat the Scorpion King to command a supernatural army that could destroy the world. The O’Connells must race against time to save their kidnapped son and stop the ancient forces from unleashing chaos. This action-packed sequel expands the mythology of its predecessor with higher stakes and the introduction of Dwayne Johnson’s character.

‘The Astronaut’ (2025)

After a mission to space ends in a near-fatal crash, astronaut Sam Walker returns to Earth only to be placed in high-security quarantine. General William Harris oversees her rehabilitation, but she begins to suspect that something extraterrestrial has followed her home. As terrifying events unfold around the isolated facility, Sam questions her own sanity and the true nature of her survival. Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne star in this tense sci-fi thriller that blends psychological horror with alien mystery.

‘Ella McCay’ (2025)

James L. Brooks returns to the director’s chair with this political comedy-drama centered on an idealistic young politician. Emma Mackey stars as the title character, who unexpectedly ascends to the governorship and must balance the intense pressures of office with her chaotic personal life. The film features a sprawling ensemble cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Woody Harrelson, who bring life to the various family members and colleagues complicating Ella’s journey. It explores themes of leadership, mental health, and the intricate dynamics of modern families.

‘Blended’ (2014)

After a disastrous blind date, single parents Jim and Lauren vow never to see each other again, only to end up at the same African safari resort. Stuck sharing a suite, their families are forced to bond as they navigate the humorous challenges of their vacation. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore display their signature chemistry as their characters move from hostility to affection amidst the beautiful wildlife backdrop. The film combines slapstick comedy with heartwarming moments about parenting and second chances.

‘The Mummy’ (1999)

adventurer Rick O’Connell guides a librarian and her brother to the lost city of Hamunaptra, where they accidentally awaken a cursed high priest. Imhotep rises with formidable magical powers, bringing the ten plagues of Egypt with him as he seeks to reincarnate his lost love. The trio must find a way to send the creature back to the underworld before he consumes the world. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz anchor this swashbuckling adventure that revitalized the monster movie genre.

‘The Help’ (2011)

Set in 1960s Mississippi, this poignant drama follows an aspiring writer named Skeeter who decides to interview Black maids about their experiences working for white families. Her project challenges the deeply ingrained racial prejudices of her community and puts the participants at significant personal risk. Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer deliver powerful performances as the women who bravely share their stories of hardship and resilience. The film highlights the power of truth and friendship in sparking social change during the Civil Rights Movement.

‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Quentin Tarantino’s stylized western follows a freed slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner. Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz traverse the pre-Civil War South, taking down criminals and navigating dangerous social hierarchies. The narrative culminates in a high-stakes confrontation at the Candyland plantation, presided over by the charismatic but cruel Calvin Candie. Known for its sharp dialogue and intense action sequences, the film offers a bold revisionist take on American history.

‘F Valentine’s Day’ (2026)

This contemporary romantic comedy follows several characters who are disillusioned by the heavy expectations of the mid-February holiday. The plot weaves together multiple stories of people experiencing breakups, new flirts, and solo adventures in a bustling city. It challenges traditional notions of romance by focusing on the humor found in awkward social interactions and failed dates. The film serves as a modern counter-narrative to standard holiday-themed cinema.

‘Rental Family’ (2025)

Brendan Fraser stars as a lonely American actor living in Tokyo who finds an unusual path to connection by working for a Japanese agency that provides stand-in family members. Hired to play various roles for strangers, he begins to blur the lines between his professional obligations and genuine emotional bonds. Directed by Hikari, the film offers a unique look at cultural isolation and the universal need for belonging. Fraser’s performance anchors this dramedy, which balances humor with a touching examination of human relationships.

‘Predator: Badlands’ (2025)

The latest installment in the long-running sci-fi franchise shifts perspective to follow a young Yautja warrior named Dek on a hostile planet. Cast out from his clan, Dek must forge an unlikely alliance with an android named Thia, played by Elle Fanning, to survive a hunt against a terrifying apex predator. Director Dan Trachtenberg reinvigorates the lore by focusing on the alien protagonist and expanding the universe’s mythology. The film delivers intense action sequences while exploring new narrative territory for the iconic hunter.

Which of these trending movies are you planning to stream this weekend? Share your top picks in the comments.