New Today: Heartstopper Forever, They Fight & More — Jul 17

Friday is here, and July 17 brings a diverse streaming slate that spans heartfelt goodbyes, Korean occult mysteries, German real-life heroism, and a Tribeca-premiered boxing drama. Whether you are in the mood for a tearjerker, a thriller, or something the whole family can enjoy, there is plenty to choose from on this mid-July weekend.

Heartstopper Forever: A Bittersweet Finale

The biggest release today is undoubtedly Heartstopper Forever, the feature-length finale of Netflix's beloved YA romance. Picking up after the events of Season 3, the film follows Nick (Kit Connor) as he prepares for university and Charlie (Joe Locke) as he finds new independence at school. Directed by Wash Westmoreland from a script by series creator Alice Oseman, this 114-minute feature brings the story of Nick, Charlie, and their entire friend group to a close.

The Heartstopper series has been a critical darling since its 2022 debut, with all three seasons scoring between 96% and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The finale film introduces new cast members including Anna Maxwell Martin as Nick's mother and legendary actor Derek Jacobi in an undisclosed role. Kit Connor and Joe Locke also serve as executive producers on the project, making this a true labor of love for the cast.

A Global Netflix Slate

Netflix is loading up with international offerings today. 23,000 Lives is a German drama inspired by the true story of Jugend Rettet, a group of young people who crowdfunded a rescue vessel and ultimately saved over 23,000 refugees in the Mediterranean. Directed by Markus Goller, the film explores what happens when a humanitarian mission collides with legal reality and public scrutiny.

Korean drama fans get The East Palace, an 8-episode occult horror series set in a fictional historical kingdom. Starring Nam Joo-hyuk and Roh Yoon-seo, it follows a ghost-slayer who can walk the spirit world and a court lady who hears the dead, both summoned by the king to investigate sinister forces lurking within the royal palace.

Spanish romance lovers have The Map of Longing, a six-episode series based on Alice Kellen's popular novel. Alícia Falcó stars as Greta, a young woman pushed into a journey of self-discovery by her dying sister's final game — a path that leads her toward the charming but haunted Will Tucker. It is a heartfelt tearjerker from producers associated with Elite and Money Heist.

Also on Netflix today: Desire, a steamy Mexican thriller starring Ludwika Paleta as a married lawyer whose affair with her daughter's swim coach sends her carefully ordered life into a dangerous tailspin.

Prime Video, Disney+ and More

On Prime Video, The Amateur arrives after its theatrical run. Rami Malek stars as a CIA decoder who turns his intelligence into a weapon after his wife is killed in a London terror attack. The same platform adds Jesy Nelson: Life Changing, a raw documentary on the former Little Mix singer's motherhood journey, and Do Not Enter, a horror-thriller about urban explorers livestreaming from a haunted hotel.

Disney+ welcomes Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, the fifth film in the popular musical franchise. Premiering on Disney Channel yesterday and streaming today, Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker return as Red and Chloe in a Wonderland-themed adventure directed by Kimmy Gatewood. It is a strong pick for family viewing.

Hulu debuts They Fight, a boxing drama that premiered at the Tribeca Festival. André Holland stars as a formerly incarcerated coach helping a youth team chase a national championship, with Wendell Pierce and Samira Wiley co-starring. On Paramount+, the RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Season 11 finale and its Untucked companion cap off the night with double the drag excellence.

What to Watch First

Start with Heartstopper Forever if you want a warm, emotional sendoff to one of Netflix's most acclaimed series. If you need something more grounded afterward, They Fight on Hulu delivers strong performances and an uplifting story. And for family movie night, Descendants: Wicked Wonderland on Disney+ is the perfect pick for younger viewers ready for a musical adventure.