This Week in Entertainment: Heartstopper Forever, Obsession & More

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The week of July 14-20 brings an embarrassment of riches for entertainment fans. Netflix wraps up one of its most beloved young adult franchises with a feature-length finale. Peacock lands a horror phenomenon that became the year's most unexpected box office smash. And Christopher Nolan delivers his most ambitious epic to IMAX screens worldwide. Here is everything worth watching across streaming platforms and cinemas this week.

Heartstopper Forever Ends Netflix's Beloved YA Romance

Heartstopper Forever arrives on Netflix on July 17, serving as the feature-length conclusion to Alice Oseman's beloved series. The film runs one hour and 55 minutes and picks up with Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) as they face the reality of long-distance love. With Nick preparing for university and Charlie running for head boy at Truham, their relationship faces its toughest test yet.

The ensemble cast includes Yasmin Finney as Elle, William Gao as Tao, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, and Corinna Brown as Tara. Director Wash Westmoreland, who previously helmed Still Alice, returns to guide the finale. New additions include Anna Maxwell Martin and Derek Jacobi.

Creator Alice Oseman, who began the Heartstopper webcomic in 2016, told reporters that the decision to close with a film rather than a fourth season was driven partly by the cast's busy schedules. The move from television to cinema reflects the story's own maturation. As Locke explained to The Hollywood Reporter, "Going from television to cinema is almost like it's growing up. It's a really nice way of properly finishing the stories."

Obsession Brings Its $427M Horror Sensation to Peacock

The year's most unlikely box office juggernaut arrives on Peacock on July 17 at 3 a.m. Pacific Time. Obsession, directed by 26-year-old Curry Barker, has earned over $427 million worldwide against a production budget of roughly $750,000 — making it one of the most profitable films of the decade.

The film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a lonely music store employee who uses a supernatural "One Wish Willow" to make his crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) fall in love with him. What begins as a romantic fantasy quickly spirals into something far more disturbing when his wish is granted with terrifying literalness.

Originally acquired by Focus Features out of the Toronto International Film Festival for a record $15 million, Obsession opened in theaters in mid-May and legged out to a rare A- CinemaScore. The film had a 63-day theatrical window before its streaming debut. It remains available to rent or buy digitally on platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

Horror Fans Are Spoiled for Choice

Beyond Obsession, horror fans have two more notable arrivals this week.

Exit 8 lands on Shudder on July 17. The Japanese psychological horror film, directed by Genki Kawamura, is a live-action adaptation of the 2023 indie video game of the same name. It stars Kazunari Ninomiya, Nana Komatsu, and Kotone Hanase. The film world-premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Midnight Screenings section before opening in US theaters on April 10, 2026. It holds a 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Also available this week is Backrooms, which hits premium video-on-demand platforms starting July 14.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Arrives in Theaters

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey opens in wide release on July 17, distributed by Universal Pictures. Early showings at select locations began July 16 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Robert Pattinson as the suitor Antinous. The ensemble also features Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. At 173 minutes, it is Nolan's longest film since The Dark Knight Rises.

Shot using new IMAX film technology, The Odyssey is available in multiple formats: IMAX 70mm, standard 70mm, 35mm, and various premium large format configurations. The film premiered in London on July 6 and held an Indian premiere event in Mumbai on July 10-11 — the first time a Nolan film received an official premiere event in India.

Marc by Sofia Offers a Fashion Documentary on HBO Max

HBO Max adds Marc by Sofia on July 16. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the documentary provides an intimate look at fashion designer Marc Jacobs as he prepares for his spring 2024 show. The film explores Jacobs' creative process and his decades-long friendship with Coppola, who has called Jacobs a muse. The PG-13 documentary runs alongside HBO Max's growing library of fashion and culture programming.

Additional Streaming Releases This Week

Several more titles arrive across platforms between July 14 and 20.

Cold Storage begins streaming on MGM+ on July 15. The sci-fi horror comedy stars Joe Keery and Liam Neeson as employees of a government facility dealing with an extraterrestrial threat. The film opened in US theaters on February 13, 2026, via Samuel Goldwyn Films and received positive critical reception. It is also available to rent or buy digitally.

The Breadwinner arrives on premium video-on-demand on July 14. The family comedy marks Nate Bargatze's feature film acting debut. Bargatze plays a salesman who becomes a stay-at-home father when his wife (Mandy Moore) lands a major deal on "Shark Tank." Directed by Eric Appel, the film earned $20.2 million domestically against a reported $25 million budget. It will be available for digital purchase at $24.99 or a 48-hour rental for $19.99.

Netflix also adds several original films on July 17, including the documentary 23 000 Lives, the Mexican drama Desire, and limited series The East Palace and The Map of Longing.

Quick Guide: What to Watch This Week

Whether you are in the mood for a bittersweet romance, a low-budget horror phenomenon, or a mythic cinematic epic, this week delivers options across every major platform and genre.