New movies this week: Watch 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,' stream 'Flamin' Hot'

Transforming alien robots are back on the big screen and doing what they do best: punching each other.

This weekend, the "Transformers" franchise returns to take on reigning box-office champ Spider-Man ("Across the Spider-Verse") with a pop-culture icon of its own: Autobot leader Optimus Prime rolls out again, this time with some new metal friends called the Maximals. With a more down-to-earth narrative, Eva Longoria directs a real-life dramedy about the Mexican janitor who claims responsibility for Flamin' Hot Cheetos, while there's also a trio of good horror-tinged films, including a documentary on "A Nightmare on Elm Street" legend Robert Englund.

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:

If you grew up loving Optimus Prime: 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts'

On paper, it sounds a little weird, even for a franchise about transforming alien robots – Pete Davidson as an illusion-casting Porsche? Michelle Yeoh as a talking metal falcon? – but a lot of the 1990s-set "Beasts" works with crowd-pleasing sci-fi adventure and wry humor. This time around, thankfully, well beyond the days of Michael Bay directing these things, Optimus Prime and the Autobots squad up with the animal-themed Maximals to thwart Unicron's plans to devour Earth.

Where to watch: In theaters

'Transformers' review: 'Rise of the Beasts' rolls out with renewed franchise vigor

If you're dying to know the origin story of spicy Cheetos: 'Flamin' Hot'

Something's in the Dasani water because it's a period of brand biopics, with everything from Nike to BlackBerry to Nintendo getting the movie treatment. The latest is a real snack attack: Director Eva Longoria's dramedy centers on Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia), a Frito-Lay janitor in California who saw a way to connect with his underserved Mexican American community via a spicy treat that ultimately became Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Sure, the true story is a bit complicated, yet the film itself is feel-good fare with a magnetic turn from Garcia.

Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu

If you need a great new take on a classic: 'The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster'

Teen girl Vicaria (Laya DeLeon Hayes) is dubbed "mad scientist" by her neighbors, who have no idea how accurate the nickname is. In Bomani J. Story's brilliant and timely modernization of the "Frankenstein" myth, Vicaria is horrified when her big brother is gunned down in a gang shooting and experiments on his and other body parts to bring him back to life. He does return, to a monstrous degree, and Vicaria deals with the horror she's wrought in a perfect example of how to resurrect a well-tread story right.

Where to watch: In theaters

Ranked: The 10 best movies of 2023 (so far), from 'Spider-Verse' to 'Air'

If you're seeking a movie to celebrate Pride Month: 'Blue Jean'

Georgia Oakley’s gripping directorial debut is set in 1988, with Rosy McEwen starring as Jean, a closeted British P.E. teacher. She keeps her girlfriend (Kerrie Hayes) a secret from loved ones and co-workers and carefully weathers a time of anti-gay rhetoric and public opinion. However, the arrival of a reserved new student (Lucy Halliday) creates a professional crisis for Jean at school while also causing her to rethink her own mindset.

Where to watch: In theaters

If you dig an excellent period chiller: 'Brooklyn 45'

A mix of supernatural thriller and locked-room spy mystery, writer/director Ted Geoghegan's creepily effective horror flick is set in New York City just after the end of World War II. A recently widowed colonel (Larry Fessenden) invites friends, including an interrogator (Anne Ramsay) and an accused war criminal (Jeremy Holm), to his home and asks them to take part in a seance to talk with his dead wife, leading to a frightfully intense night dealing with sins of the past and ghosts of war.

Where to watch: Shudder

If you're still freaked out by Freddy Krueger: 'Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story'

For those who just know Englund as the villainously clawed Freddy, do yourself a favor and watch this exhaustive look at the beloved character actor. The documentary digs into his early days as a stage thespian, his relationships with peers (Did you know Englund was considered for the role of Han Solo?) and all his career highlights, from groundbreaking TV miniseries "V" to "Elm Street." Englund has stories for days, showing both a commitment to his craft and humility about the iconic career he's crafted.

Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, Screambox

Also on streaming:

• The coming-of-age film "Are You There God? "It's Me, Margaret," starring Rachel McAdams and based on the influential Judy Blume book, is available to buy on Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon and Google Play.

• James Cameron's Oscar-nominated box-office hit "Avatar: The Way of Water," the sci-fi sequel featuring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, is now streaming on Disney+.

• The "Rocky" universe spinoff "Creed III," starring and directed by Michael B. Jordan, premieres on Prime Video Friday.

• The horror comedy "Renfield," with Nicolas Cage as Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as his put-upon servant, streams on Peacock beginning Friday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New movies to watch: 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,' 'Flamin' Hot'