8 Intriguing Movie And Shows From All Over The World Are New To Netflix Today

Usually each week, I sit down to write about all the new movies coming to the biggest streaming platforms: Amazon Prime
AMZN
, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, etc. But this weekend, only one outlet is giving us anything of note.

In fact, eight projects of note.

The biggest streamer of them all—Netflix
NFLX
—is dropping eight brand new programs this weekend from all over the world. Those movies and shows that range from french comedies to animated box office behemoths to Nollywood musicals—a much more eclectic lineup than we’re used to on any given weekend.

So what are these exciting new programs? Here’s what to expect if you’re looking for a new brand of entertainment this weekend.

Season 1 of The Duchess

Katherine Ryan is a Canadian comedian who has really staked her claim in the stand-up community over the past several years. And now—in addition to the multiple stand-up specials available from Ryan on Netflix—she brings us a brand new show called The Duchness. In this comedy series, Ryan plays herself and tries to juggle her career as a comedian and a mother. That’s all while she manages her relationship with her boyfriend and contemplates having another child.

The Duchess stars Katherine Ryan, Rory Keenan, Katy Byrne, Doon Mackichan, Steen Raskopoulos, Michelle de Swarte and Sophie Fletcher.

Pets United

This German-Chinese-American animated film didn’t make much noise when it was released in 2019. But on Netflix, it could find new life. Directed by Reinhard Klooss, Pets United focuses on a dog (named Roger) and a cat (named Belle) who are forced to team up once an out-of-control robot attempts to take over their city.

Pets United stars Natalie Dormer, Eddie Marsan, Jeff Burrell, Harvey Friedman, Ian Odle, Bryan Larkin, Naomi McDonald and Andres Williams.

Season 2 of Family Business

Truly a comedy for the 21st Century—an age where cannabis has been legalized in various pockets of the world—this French series is set to thrive and few a wider audience with its second season. The show centers on a failed entrepreneur named Joseph who decides to transform his father’s kosher butcher shop into the first marijuana coffee joint in France.

Family Business stars Jonathan Cohen, Gérard Darmon, Julia Piaton, Louise Coldefy, Enrico Macias, Liliane Rovère, Olivier Rosemberg, Ali Marhyar and Lina El Arabi.

8 Seasons of Girlfriends

As of late, Netflix has unloaded a wash of shows starring African American casts. Moesha, The Game and Sister, Sister have already made waves on the streaming platform—and now it’s time for Girlfriends to do the same. This classic sitcom that ran on UPN/The CW for eight seasons during the 2000s follows four black women as they try to build their lives.

Girlfriends stars Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, Jill Marie Jones, Reggie Hayes, Keesha Sharp, Cee Cee Michaela, Khalil Kain and Flex Alexander.

Part 2 of Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Over the past 23 years, 23 different different seasons of the Japanese animated series Pokémon have graced our televisions. So, needless to say, the animated franchise has been a huge hit. And, seemingly, this unconquerable smash likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. That storied success will look to continue with part two of Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series stars Ikue Otani, Sarah Natochenny, Zeno Robinson, James Carter Cathcart, Michele Knotz, Cherami Leigh, Rodger Parsons, Ray Chase and Casey Mongillo.

Lara and the Beat

Perhaps not many people are aware of Nollywood—but that’s likely to change soon. Nigeria’s film industry has started to blow up, and more and more of its projects have made their way onto Netflix. And that Nollywood lineup now includes Lara and the Beat, a musical-romance that focuses on two sisters who must rebuild their lives after getting caught in a financial scandal.

Lara and the Beat stars Seyi Shay, Vector, Somkele Iyamah, Wale Ojo, Sharon Ooja and Shaffy Bello.

Dad Wanted

After her father dies in a horrible accident, Bianca is forbidden from pursuing her one true passion: BMX racing. Luckily, she finds a new father figure who is willing to sign her up for a local tournament. This heartfelt film comes from director Javier Colinas, who has produced and directed a number of Mexican features and television shows over the past several years.

Dad Wanted stars Natalia Coronado, Juan Pablo Medina, Silvia Navarro, Roberto Quijano, Victoria Viera, Arantxa Servin and Aleyda Gallardo.

How to Train Your Dragon 2

This last one isn’t necessarily a hidden gem you’re waiting to discover. After all, How to Train Your Dragon 2 made $621.5 million at the international box office. But if you’re looking for a lighter, kid-friendly affair this weekend, this this should do the job. How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes place five years after the events of the first film when Hiccup and Toothless find themselves pulled into a dragon-heavy battle.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 stars Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Hounsou and Kit Harington.