What new movies are playing this week? Jordan Peele's 'Nope,' 'American Pie' doc and more

With ripped superheroes, Minions and Tom Cruise, things have been pretty straightforward this summer. So here comes Jordan Peele to make it all weird.

This weekend, the "Get Out" and "Us" director unleashes his newest horror epic starring Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer and Steven Yeun. Tony-winning actor Billy Porter makes his directorial debut with an Amazon rom-com centered on a transgender girl and a Muslim boy, while Don McLean's iconic song "American Pie" and metal band Gwar both get the documentary treatment.

Here's a guide to new movies that will satisfy every cinematic taste, plus some noteworthy theatrical films making their streaming and on-demand debuts:

'Nope' review: Jordan Peele takes UFOs for a successful spin with Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer

If you think UFO flicks are out of this world: 'Nope'

After home runs with both "Get Out" and "Us," Peele keeps up the impressive batting average and leans into Spielbergian sci-fi with his latest outing. Ambitious, plenty freaky and pretty funny to boot, "Nope" casts Kaluuya and Palmer as horse-wrangling siblings seeing weird things in the sky above their California gulch home and scrambling to save their animals and themselves.

Where to watch: In theaters

If you love a great rock documentary: 'The Day the Music Died'

The fascinating film delves into songwriter Don McLean's life story but it's much more about his eight-minute-plus 1971 song "American Pie." The doc digs into the 1959 rock ’n’ roll tragedy that inspired it, with various artists (including Garth Brooks) explaining their connection to the track and McLean himself insightfully breaking down the autobiographical elements and social themes of his masterpiece, verse by verse.

Where to watch: Paramount+

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If you need an inclusive love story: 'Anything's Possible'

This refreshing tale of modern young love centers on Kelsa (Eva Reign), a confident trans girl, and her senior classmate and crush Khal (Abubakr Ali), who asks Kelsa out even though he understands there might be some drama involved. Porter's directorial debut hits familiar teen-movie notes but in new ways, buoyed by strong characters and constant respect for the personal struggles each is going through.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

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If you prefer romantic strife: 'The Wheel'

Directed by Steve Pink ("Hot Tub Time Machine"), the drama stars Amber Midthunder and Taylor Gray as a young couple headed for divorce who go on a mountain getaway to save their marriage, only for their tumultuous relationship to affect their lovebird Airbnb hosts. Midthunder is great as a toxic woman ready to move on, Gray's character is holding onto love for dear life, and both need to deal with their past to find their future.

Where to watch: Apple TV, Vudu

Here's how: You can stream The Bob's Burgers Movie on Hulu and HBO Max

If you're a Katie Holmes superfan: 'Alone Together'

Holmes writes, directs and stars in this romance that's pretty by the numbers but definitely has a pandemic-era reliability factor. Food critic June (Holmes) rents an upstate New York Airbnb with her boyfriend (Derek Luke), travels solo as the world is shut down by COVID-19, and finds out it's been double-booked when she meets single Charlie (Jim Sturgess) there. Do-it-yourself masks, McDonald's runs and feelings ensue.

Where to watch: In theaters (and on demand July 29)

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If you're all about stranger-than-fiction tales: 'My Old School'

Awkward 16-year-old Brandon Lee enrolled at a Glasgow academy in 1993, impressed students and teachers with his big brain, dreamed of going to medical school and even starred in the school musical. Then the crazy truth was revealed. Because the intriguing documentary's subject doesn't want his face shown, Alan Cumming lip-syncs Brandon's narration and former classmates help tell a twisty story of youth and obsession.

Where to watch: In theaters

If you dig horror movies and metal: 'This Is GWAR'

Musical purveyors of shlock and awe with a penchant for guitar riffs, social commentary and fake blood, the rock band Gwar was an unlikely cult success story. The documentary is a deep dive into the group's colorful history, revolving door of characters (from Sexecutioner to Beefcake the Mighty), in-fighting between members, and soldiering on after tragedy, including the 2014 death of co-founder Dave Brockie.

Where to watch: Shudder

Streaming on Netflix, Apple TV+ and more

• The dinosaur-filled blockbuster "Jurassic World Dominion," starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, is now available on Apple TV+, Vudu and Google Play.

• Action-packed spy film "The Gray Man" arrives on Netflix with Ryan Gosling as CIA Black Ops assassin who gets targeted for death himself and Chris Evans as an unhinged bad guy.

• Director Alex Garland's folk horror film "Men," with Jessie Buckley as a woman haunted on an English countryside getaway, is also streaming on demand.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 new movies streaming and in theaters this week (July 2022)