It’s a new week, which means Netflix’s top 10 refreshes based on what everyone was gravitating towards over the weekend, and that usually means newer releases. This is what makes the trending list so useful, because if you missed something new dropping on the service, it’s most likely to show up in the popular section. So, if you’re looking for something to watch this week, the trending list is a great place to start.

But just because there’s a top 10 doesn’t always make it easy to decide what to watch, especially since these rankings can often include a few duds. That’s why I’ve picked out three shows currently in Netflix’s top 10 that are actually worth watching. This week, that includes the new season of a hit romantic drama, an intriguing comedy-drama that originally aired on Fox, and a British series based on a shocking true story. If you want to see what else is trending, you’ll find the full Netflix top 10 below.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘My Life with the Walter Boys’

We’re in the era of seriously messy love triangles. That’s not to say they’ve never been prominent in TV before, because you could argue “The Vampire Diaries” really kicked things off, but the past couple of years have been packed with messy romantic drama. “My Life with the Walter Boys” is certainly one of them, with the ending of season 2 only fueling its central love triangle. Now that season 3 is streaming, things have somehow gotten even messier (and more frustrating). But hey, if you’re looking for a series where you can pick a side, “My Life with the Walter Boys” is perfect.

Season 3 picks up after Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) and Cole (Noah LaLonde) confess their feelings for each other, only for Alex (Ashby Gentry) to overhear them before George is rushed to hospital. As the Walter family deals with the aftermath, Jackie focuses on developing a community space in Silver Falls while trying to work out where she belongs. Alex joins a new rodeo team, while Cole discovers a new opportunity behind the wheel after a race car driver spots his potential. Jackie’s childhood friend also arrives from New York, bringing a connection to the life she left behind.

Stream "My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3 on Netflix

‘Best Medicine’

Sometimes, the best medicine for sadness is a comedy, and what better show to watch than… “Best Medicine.” This medical comedy-drama originally premiered on Fox and serves as the official American adaptation of the long-running British hit “Doc Martin.” It takes the beloved ITV format created by Dominic Minghella and updates its iconic Cornish fishing village setting to a quirky coastal town on America’s East Coast. With its eccentric characters and plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect show for anyone looking for something uplifting to watch this week.

Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles) is a brilliant surgeon who leaves his career in Boston and moves to the coastal town of Port Wenn, Maine, where he spent summers as a child. Taking over as the town’s general practitioner, Martin quickly finds himself treating an unusual collection of local patients. His blunt manner and dislike of unnecessary conversation frequently put him at odds with the people around him. Meanwhile, Martin’s assistant Elaine Denton (Cree Cicchino) helps him navigate his new practice as he deals with a growing fear of blood.

Stream "Best Medicine" on Netflix

‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’

Those who prefer to watch a series based on a true story will want to check out “The Bombing of Pan Am 103,” a British drama focusing on the aftermath of Britain’s deadliest terrorist attack at the time in 1988. The series follows the joint Scottish-American criminal investigation as detectives and FBI agents work to identify those responsible, while the case develops into an international legal battle. Written by Jonathan Lee and Scottish screenwriter Gillian Roger Park, the series follows the investigation and its impact on those connected to the case across multiple decades.

On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people aboard and 11 people on the ground. In the aftermath, Scottish detective Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells) and his colleagues begin a huge investigation to determine how the bombing happened and identify those responsible. They soon join forces with FBI agents Dick Marquise (Patrick J. Adams), Tom Thurman (Eddie Marsan) and Kathryn Turman (Merritt Wever), taking the investigation across Scotland, America and Malta as they follow new evidence and potential suspects.

Stream "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "My Life with the Walter Boys" (2023)
2. "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" (2026)
3. "Best Medicine" (2026)
4. "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" (2025)
5. "Let's Marry Harry" (2026)
6. "Ransom Canyon" (2025)
7. "I Will Find You" (2026)
8. "The Hawk" (2026)
9. "Alone Australia" (2023)
10. "Our Sticky Love" (2026)

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Netflix in August 2026
• 5 best new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• What would it take for you to cancel Netflix?

This week’s top new movies offer a little something for everybody across plenty of the best streaming services. There are new arrivals on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu and Peacock, alongside a solid trio of movies swapping the big screen for at-home digital streaming.

My favorite pick of the week is an easy choice, “The Invite.” This bitingly funny comedy ranks in my top five favorite movies of the year (and I’ve seen almost 65 new releases in cinemas in 2026 so far). But if you want something to watch without paying a rental fee, Netflix has a new teen musical, HBO Max has an action-thriller, and Hulu has a political satire.

To save you having to scroll through each platform to find the latest additions, I’ve rounded up the most noteworthy new movies across services down below. We also have a guide to the top new TV shows this week, so you’re in the mood for some binge-watching instead. For more, check out the 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to watch this week.

‘The Invite’ (PVOD)

“The Invite” is a chaotic comedy from director Olivia Wilde. It boasts one of the year’s best screenplays courtesy of writers Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, and a quartet of fantastic performances from Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton and Seth Rogen. A remake of a 2020 Spanish movie, “The Invite” is a sharp comedy that explores the messy dynamics of long-term relationships in ways that are consistently hilarious but also tragic.

Presented almost like a play, with a single apartment setting, the movie opens with a married couple, Joe (Rogen) and Angela (Wilde), inviting their upstairs neighbors, Piña (Cruz) and Hawk (Norton), over for a dinner party. The evening rapidly descends into chaos as Joe and Angela’s marital problems surface, and Piña and Hawk’s somewhat unconventional relationship is revealed. It’s a fast-paced comedy with sharp dialogue.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 10

‘Jackass Best and Last’ (PVOD)

There are only so many times you can be kicked in the crotch before calling it quits, and for Johnny Knoxville and his band of scrappy underdogs, “Jackass: Best and Last” brings the curtain down on a couple of decades of causing bodily harm to each other. The entire cast has been adamant this will be the final “Jackass” movie, and this latest stunt comedy is more of a trip down memory lane than a full-fat fifth entry in the MTV franchise.

The new clips filmed for this movie include a quiz show with a painful punishment for getting a question wrong, an escape room from hell, and the most gross game of Twister ever. Interspersed with the new stunts are highlights from the previous “Jackass” movies and some never-before-seen footage. It leaves “Best and Last” feeling more like a DVD extra than a true “Jackass” finale, but any longtime fan will get a kick out of all the carnage.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 10

‘Minions & Monsters’ (PVOD)

Those annoying yellow terrors return in “Minions & Monsters.” Parents everywhere were probably bracing themselves for another brainless slapstick animation that they’d be forced to watch on a loop. But surprisingly, “Minions & Monsters” is the best movie in the franchise since the minions were introduced in “Despicable Me.” It loses some steam in the second half, but its first act is a remarkably fond tribute to classic cinema.

Following a new army of yellow minions, “Minions & Monsters” sees a group of nonsense-speaking pests become unexpected stars of the silent film era, quickly becoming the most in-demand talent in Hollywood. Their rise is followed by a swift fall as the introduction of sound films ruins their acting career. However, when real monsters are unleashed upon Los Angeles, it’s up to the minions to save the day from the problem they created.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 10

‘Don’t Say Good Luck’ (Netflix)

Netflix is in the Sandler family business. The streamer has partnered with Adam Sandler on numerous projects, and has now brought his two daughters into the fold. First up was Sadie Sandler’s “Roommates,” which debuted in April, and now it's the turn of Sunny Sandler, who stars in this musical teen drama. Alongside the youngest Sandler sister, this film stars Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, and Steve Buscemi.

Sophie (Sunny Sandler) is a theater kid who has just landed the lead role in her high school’s upcoming production of the hit Broadway musical “Waitress.” But the real drama is happening off stage as Sophie’s home life becomes increasingly chaotic. While it would be easy to dismiss this Netflix original as a nepobaby project, the trailer shows promise. Plus, director Julia Hart has form in the teen drama genre, having also helmed “Hollywood Stargirl” for Disney+, which debuted to a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Watch on Netflix starting August 14

‘Girls Like Girls’ (Peacock)

If one coming-of-age teen drama wasn’t enough for you this week, Peacock is set to add “Girls Like Girls” to its library following the movie’s limited theatrical run back in June. The indie movie was well received when it arrived in cinemas, with Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus reading, “Bracingly personal and finely acted, Hayley Kiyoko's ‘Girls Like Girls’ is a gently moving tale of queer love that's elevated by striking visual flair.”

As is often the case in coming-of-age teen dramas, “Girls Like Girls” opens with 17-year-old Coley (Maya da Costa) moving to a small Oregon town to live with her estranged father. Once in this new environment, she quickly falls in with a group of locals, including the charismatic Sonya (Myra Molloy). These two become fast friends, and as Coley is pulled further into Sonya’s world, romantic sparks fly, but the path of first love is often a bumpy one.

Watch on Peacock starting August 14

‘Normal’ (HBO Max)

Bob Odenkirk seems to be taking a leaf out of Liam Neeson’s book and entering his action star era, and I’m here for it. Having headlined the two “Nobody” movies (which are both great action-thrillers), his next action flick, laced with plenty of comedy, is “Normal,” which my colleague Malcolm McMillain described as “fine, for the most part, but it's also forgettable, despite a series of bloody kills.” So maybe keep expectations in check.

Sheriff Ulysses (Odenkirk) is enjoying the quiet life after being posted in the small Midwestern town of Normal, Minnesota for a temporary period. The town offers him an escape from his marital woes and a place to lick his wounds after being injured on the job. However, the town definitely doesn’t live up to its name, and after a bank robbery goes wrong, Ulysses learns that the Yakuza control Normal, and he resolves to fight back.

Watch on HBO Max starting August 14

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ (Hulu)

Director Olivier Assayas helms this political satire based on the 2022 novel by Giuliano da Empoli. It was nominated for the Golden Lion after its Venice International Film Festival premiere, but that awards success didn’t translate to much interest at the box office. Perhaps it’s the Russia-set story that put off general audiences. After all, a movie about the Russian corridors of power is a tough sell given the current political climate. The reviews weren’t so hot either, which no doubt didn’t help matters.

Set in the early 1990s, it follows Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a fictional Russian TV producer, who becomes the spin doctor for a rising figure, Vladimir Putin (Jude Law). As a new Russia takes shape, Baranov is tasked with setting the narrative and is willing to blur the boundaries between truth and lies. Also starring Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright, “The Wizard of the Kremlin" is streaming from Friday.

Watch on Hulu starting August 14

More from Tom's Guide

• The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now
• What would it take for you to cancel Netflix? We asked our staff
• 5 Netflix movies with the highest scores on Rotten Tomatoes

If you're looking to find what new movies and shows Netflix is adding this week, I've got you covered. The streaming service is adding 21 new movies and shows this week. But there are quite a few titles still worth adding to your watchlist.

Top of the list is "Tires" season 3. Shane Gillis may not be batting a thousand with his other Netflix appearances, but this show is a certified hit. If you prefer some drama with your comedy, though, you may want to watch "Don't Say Good Luck." This teen musical is the latest Netflix movie to star Sunny Sandler, but I'll be watching it for Steve Buscemi. Then again, I might stick to MLB Field of Dreams: Phillies vs. Twins, which pits my adopted Philadelphia baseball team against the former Washington Senators in a cornfield in Iowa.

If for some reason those aren't your speed, you could check out "Mourinho." This three-part docuseries puts the spotlight on a football manager who's never shied away from it in his storied career. Or, check out "Rory Scovel: Show Must Go On," which is the latest comedy special from the "Eric Andre Show" veteran.

Those aren't the only movies, shows and live events to add to your watchlist this week, though. Here's the full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days, along with my top picks for what you need to stream. Don't forget to check out everything new on Netflix in August 2026 for even more movies and shows to check out.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

'Tires' season 3

Genre: Workplace comedy series

What it's about: "Tires" stars Steve Gerben as Will. He manages his family's West Chester auto-repair chain, and he's barely keeping it alive. Not helping things is his cousin, Shane (Shane Gillis), who is not just family but also a questionable employee.

Why you should watch it: Season 3 looks to be more of the same for the Gillis-led sitcom. While his comedy is sometimes questionable (to say the least), this show acknowledges that ... to a degree. It's still often sophomoric humor, but you'll almost certainly laugh.

Watch "Tires" season 3 on Netflix starting August 13

'Don't Say Good Luck'

Genre: Musical teen drama movie

What's it about? "Don't Say Good Luck" stars Sunny Sandler as Sophie. She's a high schooler aspiring to be an actress. But as she scores the lead in the high school musical, her home life starts to unravel.

Why you need to watch it: Based on the trailer, it sure seems like Melanie Lynskey dies at the end of the movie, which is a bummer. Honestly, this "dramedy" seems to be heavy on the drama. But it also has Steve Buscemi as Sophie's grandfather, so I'm at least a little intrigued.

Watch "Don't Say Good Luck" on Netflix starting August 14

MLB Field of Dreams: Phillies vs. Twins

Genre: Live sporting event

What it's about: For the first time in four years, baseball is returning to Dyersville, Iowa. Home of the Field of Dreams, built on the site of the stadium from the iconic Kevin Costner movie of the same name, this patch of former cornfield will host the Philadelphia Phillies as they take on (and hopefully pummel) the Minnesota Twins.

Why you should watch it: If you build it, they will stream. Or, at least, that's what Netflix is hoping. It's their first time hosting the live Major League Baseball event. But Netflix is now fairly experienced at broadcasting live sports, so hopefully it'll be all Schwarbombs and no buffering.

Watch MLB Field of Dreams: Phillies vs. Twins on Netflix live starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on August 13

'Mourinho'

Genre: Docuseries

What it's about: José Mourinho wasn't always known as "The Special One." He started as a journeyman footballer. But everything changed in 2002 when he took over at Porto. In two years, he took them from a struggling side to champions of Europe. Since then, he's won at Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Roma. He may be egomaniacal, but there's no denying he's special.

Why you should watch it: Pretty much every football fan knows who Mourinho is. He's never been shy, and given the high-profile clubs he's won at, he's earned his time in the spotlight. That said, I'm very curious to see what Zlatan Ibrahimović has to say about his former manager in this docuseries.

Watch "Mourinho" on Netflix starting August 11

'Rory Scovel: Show Must Go On'

Genre: Stand-up comedy special

What it's about: Rory Scovel isn't the biggest name in comedy. But between appearances on "The Eric Andre Show," "Comedy Bang Bang" and a series of comedy specials, fans of stand-up likely know who he is. Now, he's bringing a new hour-long special to Netflix: "Show Must Go On."

Why you should watch it: We don't really know anything about Scovel's upcoming special. So I've included a clip above from his previous standup work. If you like it, you'll almost certainly like "Show Must Go On."

Watch "Rory Scovel: Show Must Go On" on Netflix starting August 11

Everything new on Netflix: August 10-16

AUGUST 10

"Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish" season 3 (Netflix family)

Fun-loving pals Red and Blue swim together through life's ups and downs while visiting the zoo, camping out in nature, going to the doctor and more.

• "Midwinter Break"

AUGUST 11

"Mourinho" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

This trophy-packed, insider-fuelled documentary charts José Mourinho's iconic rise as one of the world's top footballing managers of the most elite clubs.

"Rory Scovel: Show Must Go On" (Netflix comedy special)

With a hypothetical home invasion, a biblical reenactment and his late dad's final wish, Rory Scovel delivers unrelenting laughs in this raucous special.

• "What's Eating Dan?" season 1

AUGUST 12

"Nando Between Two Worlds - A Sintonia Film" (BR) (Netflix film)

Caught between family life and his obligations to the criminal underworld, Nando faces an impossible choice about where his true loyalties lie.

AUGUST 13

"A Child of My Own" (MX) (Netflix film)

Desperate for a baby and burdened by family and societal expectations, a woman fakes a pregnancy and gets tangled in a crime in this shocking documentary.

MLB Field of Dreams: Phillies vs. Twins (Netflix live event)

The Phillies face the Twins as Major League Baseball returns to the Iowa cornfields for a nostalgic night of America's favorite pastime.

"My Brilliant Career" (AU) (Netflix series)

Modern, rebellious Sybylla dreams only of writing. Choosing an exciting career over a safe marriage is easy — until she falls in love unexpectedly.

"This, That and Everything in Between" (PH) (Netflix film)

A TV writer's carefully rebuilt life unravels when her estranged mother resurfaces after 27 years — with a secret that changes everything.

"Tires" season 3 (Netflix series)

While settling in as part owners of a struggling Valley Forge, Will confronts the road not taken and Shane finds himself on a detour toward adulthood.

• "Immaculate"

AUGUST 14

"Don't Say Good Luck" (Netflix film)

In this coming-of-age dramedy, Sophie Birenbaum (Sunny Sandler) is ready for the spotlight as the lead in her high school musical — until suddenly she’s living with even more drama at home than on the stage.

"Moria" (AR) (Netflix series)

In this highly stylized fictionalization, Moria Casán transforms her life story into a symbolic spectacle of fame, controversy and ceaseless reinvention.

"My Best Friend, His Girlfriend and Me" (DE) (Netflix film)

Olli and Matze are best friends living, working and planning to travel the world together — until Matze's romance with Rebecca turns it all upside down.

"To the Max" (ES) (Netflix film)

A group of friends bonded by their love for extreme sports discovers BASE jumping in wingsuits — but feeling like flying carries the highest risks.

"Umthetho" (ZA) (Netflix series)

To keep their youngest brother alive, an idealistic state prosecutor is forced to become a double agent in her imprisoned older brother's gang.

AUGUST 15

• "Firehouse Dog"
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
• "The Shallows"
• "Smurfs: The Lost Village"

Leaving Netflix This Week

Leaving 8/10/26

"Copshop"
"Marry Me"

Leaving 8/15/26

"The Game" seasons 1-33

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Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller movie is proving popular just a couple of days after its release. "The Last House" has already climbed to the top of the platform’s top 10 most-watched list, securing the No. 1 spot. I’m not surprised; Netflix subscribers love thrillers, and this one has an intriguing premise focused on a family trapped in their home by mysterious forces.

If you’ve already watched “The Last House” and are craving more claustrophobic thrills, then I can help. I’ve found five movies that also center on characters trapped and seeking a way to escape. The locations range from an underground bunker, a windowless exam room, and even a coffin. These thriller flicks are intense and perfect to watch after “The Last House.”

‘Brick’ (2025)

If you want the closest movie possible to “The Last House,” the obvious choice is “Brick.” This Netflix original is about a couple who find themselves trapped in their home by an unexplainable force and desperately search for a way out. The similarities are stark. To be clear, on a quality level, “Brick” isn’t great; its dialogue is hammy, performances are weak, and the emotional trauma subtext is unsubtle, but like “The Last House,” you’ll want to finish watching just to figure out exactly what is keeping them trapped.

Tim (Matthias Schweighöfer) and Olivia (Ruby O. Fee) are an unhappy couple whose relationship is in crisis. The last thing they need is to be locked up in their apartment, but when a mysterious brick wall appears over their apartment building, they're trapped. Uniting with their neighbors, some friendly, some hostile, they resolve to figure out how the wall appeared, but more importantly, how they can find their freedom.

Watch "Brick" on Netflix now

‘Buried’ (2010)

Being trapped in a house or apartment is bad enough, but for Paul Conroy, his confinement is even more severe as he’s sealed within a coffin, buried six feet underground. “Buried” is a remarkably tense survival thriller. It makes the bold decision to set the entire movie within a single wooden box. There’s no introduction to set the scene, flashbacks or cut-aways; it’s just 90 minutes of claustrophobic camera lens and ratcheting suspense.

Ryan Reynolds plays Conroy, bringing his likability to the role, but shaving off some of his humor. After all, there’s nothing funny about Conroy's situation. Fortunately, he’s not totally alone in the box; he does have access to a cellphone, letting him call the outside world for help, but with a dwindling supply of oxygen, time is running out. It all builds to a heart-in-mouth ending that will have you in stunned silence as the credits roll.

Watch "Buried" (for FREE) on Tubi now

‘127 Hours’ (2010)

“The Last House” is a sci-fi thriller that centers on narrative elements that don’t exist in our reality. “127 Hours,” on the other hand, is a very real story of human survival against bleak odds. Directed by Danny Boyle, this Oscar-nominated movie is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a hiker who got trapped miles from civilization in Bluejohn Canyon, Utah.

Aron (played by James Franco) is hiking the dusty trails when a climbing mishap results in an 800-pound boulder pinning his right arm against a rock wall. Unable to free himself, and with only a limited supply of water and food, he has to consider the unthinkable to free himself: cutting off his arm with a cheap multi-tool blade.

The movie enjoyed a resurgence in popularity earlier this year when a superfan revealed she had watched the movie more than 1,000 times. I like this film, but with its stomach-turning finale, once was enough for me!

Watch "127 Hours" on Prime Video now

‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

My colleague Alix Blackburn is convinced the upcoming sci-fi thriller “The End of Oak Street” is a secret Cloverfield movie. Maybe this fan theory will prove to be accurate, but I wouldn’t bet on it surpassing the current best film in the franchise, “10 Cloverfield Lane.” This horror-thriller uses its claustrophobic setting to great effect, and unlike in “The Last House,” where it’s a loving family locked up together, here it's a trio of strangers.

Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) gets into a car accident after a fight with her fiancé. Rather than waking up in a hospital, she finds herself in an underground bunker with Howard (John Goodman). He explains that poisonous air has made the outside world uninhabitable and his bunker remains safe. Also down there is another man, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.). With cabin fever setting in, Michelle wonders if Howard can be trusted.

Watch "10 Cloverfield Lane" on Fubo now

‘Exam’ (2009)

“Exam” is a little different from the rest of the movies on this list (and “The Last House”) because it sees a group of people willingly trap themselves in a single location, in this case a seemingly ordinary windowless room. It’s a psychological thriller packed full of twists and turns, so if you want a flick that will keep you guessing, then here’s the answer. A limp finale might leave you disappointed at the very end, but the journey to get there is fun.

This British film opens with eight nameless candidates for a competitive corporate job entering a room, each assigned to a small desk. An overseer (Colin Salmon) explains they will have 80 minutes to answer a single question, and must follow a strict set of rules. It sounds simple enough, but as the exam gets underway, it becomes clear that this test is not so straightforward. As their confusion rises, so does the tension.

Watch "Exam" on AMC+ now

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in August 2026
• I’m convinced ‘The End of Oak Street’ is a ‘Cloverfield’ movie
• Netflix's "The Last House" review: A movie of two halves

Everyone has Netflix. Well, almost everyone. At least that's the conclusion we reached when hundreds of you responded to our Tom's Guide Streaming Survey last month. Of the 682 readers who responded, 76.4% said they had Netflix. That was just behind Prime Video, which most people have simply because they have Amazon Prime.

Just as interestingly, when asked what streaming service you would never cancel, 38.9% responded with Netflix. That was more than any other service, including Prime Video. When we ran a similar poll in other articles, the results were nearly the same: Out of 5,897 respondents, 42% of them said Netflix was the one service they'd never cancel.

So we decided to turn to the one sample we hadn't surveyed yet: our own staff. So I canvassed the Tom's Guide staff and asked them why they would — or already have — cancel Netflix. Some of the answers weren't necessarily a surprise, but a few trends raised my eyebrow.

Turns out, people hate price hikes

Of the 10 Tom's Guide staffers who responded to my call to action, half mentioned price hikes as a reason to quit. Of those five, three specifically called out the ad-tier being too expensive as a reason to leave.

"The only thing keeping me with Netflix is the low-ish price of the Ads plan," responded our Senior Editor for Reviews & Cameras, Peter Wolinski.

"I would cancel Netflix if the standard with ads went over $10," responded our News Editor, Alyse Stanley. She wasn't the only one to specifically cite $10 as an uncrossable red line, either.

To be fair, price hikes being a problem isn't a huge surprise. When we polled readers during the last Netflix price hike, 1,506 responded, and nearly half said they were "Definitely thinking about canceling." But it was interesting to see that it was the ad-supported plan getting more expensive that has people concerned, rather than the more premium tiers. It suggests that ad-supported plans do work, but only if you make them cheap enough to be desirable compromises.

Just when I thought I was out, Netflix pulls me back in

Aside from price hikes, the biggest reason our staff seemed ready to ditch Netflix (or already had) was that they simply didn't care about what the streaming giant was offering in a given month.

In the industry, this is known as "churn," and it's long been a thorn in the side of streaming services. Combating churn is one of the top priorities for streaming services. But sometimes, you just can't convince people to stick around for something they don't want.

"I’ve cancelled Netflix for now until 'Owning Manhattan' is back," our AI Editor, Amanda Caswell, responded. Both our Managing Streaming Editor, Kelly Woo, and our Senior Streaming Writer, Alix Blackburn, recommended people churn when streamers don't have the new shows and movies they want in their responses. Our UK Phones Editor, Tom, said he ditched Netflix back in 2019 after it canceled "Santa Clarita Diet," and he hasn't missed it since.

Netflix is spending on live events, but do people actually care?

Aside from price hikes and churn, some respondents mentioned canceling beloved shows as a reason to leave. One cited Paramount's gutting of CBS News as a reason they left Paramount+, and said they'd leave Netflix if similar politically motivated decisions were made by the streaming service.

But one thing that didn't get a mention? Not even once? Live sports and live events.

Now, that could be down to sample size. After all, 10 respondents at a tech lifestyle publication do not make a representative population. But nobody mentioned live programming as a reason they liked Netflix, or felt they needed to keep it around.

Given that this live programming is contributing to the price hikes for Netflix and other streaming services, maybe it's worth reevaluating how much the live programming actually helps. It's worth mentioning, though, that live programming can often be aimed at juicing new subscriber growth as much as anything else. If 10 million (just a random number) sign up for an NFL game, and 8 million leave the next month, that's still a net positive for Netflix.

Are price hikes likely what causes you to quit Netflix for good? Let us know

Ultimately, James Carville might have been right: It's the economy, stupid. At least, when it comes to canceling Netflix. While people were concerned about their favorite shows and movies disappearing, half cited price as the main cause for alarm.

That said, it seemed like price was the main reason people would cancel Netflix, but content was the main reason people actually did cancel their subscription.

So we want to hear from you, our readers. Sound off in the comments section at the end of this article to let us know why you have left Netflix, or what your breaking point would be.

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• 3 new Hulu shows you need to binge-watch this weekend (August 7-9)
• Netflix just added 39 new movies — here are the 5 you need to stream right now
• 3 new to Paramount+ movies you need to stream this weekend (Aug. 7-9)

Happy Saturday, everyone. Alyse can’t be here this week to provide her usual expert eye on what to watch, so I’m (figuratively) stepping into her shoes to give my opinion on the top ten trending Netflix movies to help you sift the cinematic magic from the disappointing duds.

Despite the critically panned “72 Hours” finally losing the number-one slot after two weeks, it’s somewhat slim pickings in the top ten. Still, I’ve picked out the best of the bunch: a gripping true crime documentary, an animated family comedy, and what one of our writers dubbed “one of the most underrated movies of 2024."

(I would have highlighted “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, but Alyse flagged it last week when it first re-entered the charts, and I don’t want to look too unoriginal…).

Of course, your tastes may differ, so you can see Netflix’s full top ten list for the weekend below. And if you’re new to Netflix, you should check in on our favorite five of the year so far, too.

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

‘In the Land of Saints & Sinners’ (2024)

This week’s new number one isn’t super recent, but you may have missed it when it was first released two years ago. If you did, now is the perfect time to see what you missed, as our own Senior Entertainment Writer, Rory Mellon, called it “one of the most underrated movies of 2024” when he wrote about it last year.

Set in Troubles-era Ireland, “In the Land of Saints & Sinners” is the kind of action-thriller movie that Liam Neeson excels in. As World War II veteran Finbar Murphy, Neeson is called upon to use his combat experience as a contract killer, with Jack Gleeson (King Joffrey from Game of Thrones) as his eager apprentice. Murphy’s desire to leave the criminal life behind is complicated when a group of IRA members arrives, causing trouble in the local community.

It pulled in a solid 83% fresh critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a deserved number one this week. And running at under two hours, you won’t have to devote a whole evening to it, either.

Watch “In the Land of Saints & Sinners” on Netflix now

‘A Toxic Love Story’ (2026)

“A Toxic Love Story” has been in Netflix’s top ten for three weeks now, but after a fortnight in second spot, it finally looks like it’s retreating. Sitting in ninth spot this week, there’s a good chance the true-crime documentary won’t be here this time next week.

If you haven’t caught it yet, you really should. This is regarded as a return to form for Netflix’s true-crime documentaries: a story that starts off as simple yet intriguing (a couple starts receiving anonymous threats after getting married) but ends up spiraling in plenty of unexpected directions before the full 88-minute run time elapses.

Reviewers loved it, with a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and while the viewer score is considerably more mixed at 64% positive, it’s well worth watching if you miss the kind of jaw-dropping true-crime stories that Netflix used to put out.

Watch “A Toxic Love Story” on Netflix now

‘Smallfoot’ (2018)

Coming in at number ten, a complete change of pace. “Smallfoot” is a family animation from Warner Brothers which entertainingly turns the Bigfoot myth on its head. What if Yeti don’t believe humans exist?

That’s the conceit, until teenage Yeti Migo (Channing Tatum) accidentally finds a real-life smallfoot (or human to, uh, humans) in the wild. Said human turns out to be a struggling TV wildlife documentarian (James Corden) who himself has been trying to fake Yeti footage to recover his tumbling ratings.

You can probably guess where the story is going, with the formation of an odd-couple friendship, but while “Smallfoot” isn’t up to Pixar standards, it charmed reviewers enough upon its release in 2018. It boasts a 76% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and at just 96 minutes long, it doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Watch “Smallfoot” on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "In the Land of Saints & Sinners" (2024)
2. "72 Hours" (2026)
3. "Minions" (2015)
4. "Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours" (2025)
5. "Black Adam" (2022)
6. "Chief of Station" (2024)
7. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017)
8. "Five Nights at Freddy’s 2" (2025)
9. "A Toxic Love Story" (2026)
10. "Smallfoot" (2018)

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Netflix adds dozens of movies every month to ensure its library never gets stale. I’m not talking about new originals here either. The streaming service regularly adds familiar favorites to its catalog. These range from cinema classics to acclaimed modern movies.

In August 2026, Netflix is adding 56 movies to its library. A total of 39 arrived on Aug. 1, and the rest will be dished out throughout the month. That’s a lot of content to consider. So, I’ve turned to review site Rotten Tomatoes to put together a list of the movies added to Netflix this month with the highest critics' score. A high RT score doesn’t guarantee a film will appeal to your taste, but it’s a useful metric for judging a movie’s overall reception.

Before diving into the list, I should note two things. Upcoming Netflix originals like “The Last House,” “The Whisper Man” and more are not eligible, as these don’t currently have a score on RT (Naturally, they’ve not been released yet!). Also, in the event of a tie, where two movies have the same critics score, I’ve used RT’s viewer ratings as the tiebreaker. Now that the housekeeping is out of the way, here are the 5 movies added to Netflix in August 2026 with the highest scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

New to Netflix movies in August 2026, ranked by RT score

5. 'Zero Dark Thirty' (2012)

A modern action-thriller masterpiece, “Zero Dark Thirty,” is gripping because of its dramatic narrative and its visceral depiction of modern conflict. It’s also notable for Jessica Chastain’s leading performance as Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst with an obsession with tracking down terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Masterfully directed by Kathryn Bigelow — who has serious chops in this area having also helmed 2008’s “The Hurt Locker” — “Zero Dark Thirty” is one of the best wars of the modern era.

Set in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Maya (Chastain) is driven to locate those responsible, and in particular the orchestrator of the tragic event, Osama bin Laden. A worldwide manhunt is launched, and the mission to locate bin Laden becomes all-consuming for Maya. Also starring Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Mark Strong, James Gandolfini and Chris Pratt, “Zero Dark Thirty” is a well-made and compelling war epic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%
Stream "Zero Dark Thirty" on Netflix now

4. 'Speed' (1994)

“Speed” is a relentlessly entertaining high-concept thriller that never drops momentum. Pairing together Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, it’s fueled by extreme tension as its cast of characters literally can’t slow down, or they’ll meet an explosive fate. In the years since, “Speed” has been imitated (and parodied across) media, speaking to its influence. Though the less said about the ill-conceived sequel, the better, just stick with the original.

Reeves plays Jack Traven, an LAPD officer who manages to prevent an elevator bombing to much plaudits. But the mastermind (Dennis Hopper) behind the plot isn’t done. He switches gears and plants a bomb on a city bus. Once activated, the bomb will explode if the vehicle drops below 50 mph. With the help of a passenger (Bullock), Jack must defuse the situation.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Stream "Speed" on Netflix now

3. 'Nightcrawler' (2014)

“Nightcrawler” boasts Jake Gyllenhaal’s very best performances. That’s a bold claim considering the strength of his filmography, but Gyllenhaal completely commits to the role of a freelance photojournalist with seriously questionable morals. Fair warning: this dark thriller is an intense character study of somebody you’d never want to meet in real life, but if you can handle two hours spent with an amoral “protagonist,” it’ll keep you in a vice-like grip.

Lou Bloom (Gyllenhaal) is a petty thief who discovers a (controversial) way to make money. Buying a camcorder and police radio scanner with the proceeds from pawning a stolen bicycle, he arrives at the scene of recent violent crimes and accidents, records footage of the grisly aftermath, and then sells it to the local news station. Business is soon booming, so he hires an assistant (Riz Ahmed). But with “graphic” footage fetching the highest price, Lou crosses moral lines in his pursuit of capturing disturbing videos that will make him rich.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
Stream "Nightcrawler" on Netflix now

2. 'Eighth Grade' (2018)

“Eighth Grade” is one of the most relatable movies I’ve ever seen. That might sound a little strange; I’m a 31-year-old male, and this is a comedy-drama about a 13-year-old middle school girl, but its core themes of struggling with self-worth and social acceptance are universal. Writer/director Bo Burnham uses the trials and tribulations of growing up as a vehicle to explore anxiety, depression and isolation. It’s a powerful watch for viewers of any age.

Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) is a 13-year-old girl in the final weeks of eighth grade at Miles Grove Middle School in suburban New York. As she navigates her adolescence, contending with popular cliques, teenage hormones, and social media overload, she attempts to fit in with her peers while dealing with plenty of growing pains. She also records social media videos in her room, offering insight into her perspective and attempts to fit in with her peers.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%
Stream "Eighth Grade" on Netflix now

1. 'Selma' (2014)

If we’re talking about powerful movies, there are few as capable of stirring real emotion in its viewers as “Selma.” This historical drama from director Ava DuVernay was nominated for Best Picture at the 87th Oscars. While it didn’t win Hollywood's biggest prize, it did take home Best Original Song for its spine-tingling anthem “Glory” performed by John Legend and Common. Based on real events that took place in 1965, “Selma” stars David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a powerhouse performance.

During this period, the civil rights leader was championing equal voting rights, which led to a march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital, Montgomery. The goal was to compel President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) to sign the Voting Rights Act, but along the way, King and his companions faced intimidation and violence. The movie uses history to look at how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go in the battle for equality for all Americans.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%
Stream "Selma" on Netflix now

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Netflix’s “The Last House” hits uncomfortably close to home. This new sci-fi thriller movie sees a family of four trapped in their home, communicating with next-door neighbors through handwritten signs, staving off boredom by watching whatever DVDs they have lying around and musing on exactly when they might be permitted to see the outside world once again.

This on-screen nuclear family is in lockdown due to a mysterious natural force. However, the parallels to the coronavirus pandemic, and the resulting quarantines many experienced, could not be more obvious. Holding a mirror up to the testing reality society battled barely half a decade ago gives “The Last House” an early sense of momentum and purpose.

But, much like its protagonist, Netflix viewers will eventually feel cabin fever set in. As the movie chugs towards a finale that jumps the shark in more ways than one, all that initial potential evaporates quicker than rainwater in the hot summer sun. Even the best efforts of its stars, Oscar-nominated Wager Moura and the equally talented Greta Lee, can’t stop the slide.

It leaves “The Last House” as a movie of two halves, one good, one decidedly less so. When stitched together as a whole — and due to the rapid change of tone, this sci-thriller does feel somewhat Frankenstein-ed together — the final result is a Netflix original that plays its best hand too early.

What is ‘The Last House’ about?

Set in rainy Seattle, “The Last House” follows a family of four: husband and wife, Jason (Wagner Moura) and Ann (Greta Lee), and their two young children, a boy and a girl.

The family’s bond, resourcefulness and survival instincts are tested when a mysterious rainfall traps them in their suburban house. All their doors are sealed and a watery barrier forms around the home, preventing them from breaking a window to escape. They can’t get in or out. All that’s left to do is bunker down, ration their food, and hope for a quick rescue.

But as days turn to months, and months into years, and the youngest child swears there are creatures lurking in the rain, the family has to contend with threats both inside and outside of their home turned prison.

‘The Last House’ is a lockdown thriller that goes on too long

For around an hour, “The Last House” is an effective (and affecting) sci-fi thriller. The family’s initial response to being locked down in their home echoes how many of us responded to our own quarantine experience. Put a brave face, make a few jokes, watch copious amounts of classic movies, try to learn a new hobby or two, and wait for further instructions to follow.

But as it becomes clear to the movie’s core foursome that swift help isn’t coming, desperation takes hold. One impactful scene sees Wagner’s Jason communicating via written sign with an also-trapped senior neighbor, asking if they have enough food, and the “no” he receives in reply is chilling. In another, the daughter (Riley Chung) begs Lee’s Ann for more food, only for her mom to snap and reveal to her kids the fridge is entirely bare.

It’s all compelling stuff, and the darker aspects of being house-bound are smartly mixed with moments of levity, like the neighborhood holding a quarantine street party, each resident dancing in their own home. Not together in person, but connected by shared experience.

The movie isn’t afraid to lean into the bleakness of it all. A mid-movie multi-year timeskip is a gut-punch moment. “The Last House” is not the first movie about being trapped in a house or building (see Netflix’s own “Brick,” released last year, as just one of many previous examples), but these usually take place over a few days or a couple of weeks. In “The Last House,” the central family is stuck in this nightmare situation for the long haul.

Viewers might start to feel creeping cabin fever, too. Running close to two hours, “The Last House” stretches its initial premise as far as it can go, and then turns to a wild genre switch-up to keep viewers engaged. But not before an oddly stilted debate about whether to eat the family’s pet dog (the family needs food…) which is closer to padding than a shocking scene.

New life is eventually breathed into “The Last House” when the second half disregards the close-quarters thriller tension for a more ambitious sci-fi monster movie approach. Frustratingly, the tonal shift is jarring, and the resolution is so cliché that it’s all a bit of a damp squib (should that be damp squid based on the tentacle-mouthed design of the monsters?).

As it crawls towards its finale, the pandemic analogy is largely disregarded in favor of a preachy environmental message that is anything but subtle. And that’s before a character directly spells it out for you. Maybe that’s for the Netflix viewers only half-watching while scrolling their phones.

Despite the best efforts of Moura and Lee (criminally wasted in a role that gives her few moments to shine), who are both talented performers, “The Last House” eventually collapses in on itself. The eye-rolling finale, coupled with a superficially deep voiceover, washes away the early promise, and by the end, you’ll be glad to be freed from having to watch this Netflix movie.

Watch "The Last House" on Netflix now

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We’re already approaching the second weekend of August, and for me, that means we’re only getting closer to the colder weather. I’m very much in the mindset of staying indoors with a hot drink and watching a bunch of movies rather than basking in the sun, and if you’re the same, Netflix has dropped a bunch of new films this week that are worth adding to your weekend watchlist.

But understandably, deciding what to stream next can be frustrating, so I’ve gone through Netflix’s lineup and picked out three movies that are well worth watching this weekend.

That includes Greta Lee’s new sci-fi thriller about a family trapped inside their home with a mysterious force outside, a brilliantly made comedy-drama, and a spooky sequel to one of the biggest video game adaptations. So, here are the movies you should stream this weekend on Netflix.

‘The Last House’ (2026)

Netflix’s biggest movie release this week is “The Last House,” a sci-fi thriller starring Greta Lee and Wagner Moura as a couple who find themselves mysteriously trapped inside their own home. I love a good single-location thriller, especially when it has a strong central cast and a premise that promises plenty of claustrophobic tension. This has all the ingredients to be one of Netflix’s best originals of 2026 so far, though it could just as easily end up being one of its biggest disappointments. I'm really hoping it’s the former, for my own sanity.

Jason (Wagner Moura) and Riley (Greta Lee) are living an ordinary life with their two children when they wake to discover they are inexplicably trapped inside their home. Every exit is sealed, the outside world has become unreachable, and an unknown force prevents anyone from escaping. As minutes turn into days and weeks, the family must ration dwindling supplies, adapt their home for survival, and uncover clues about the mysterious presence surrounding them.

Watch "The Last House" on Netflix

‘Eighth Grade’ (2018)

I’m sure we’ve all had our awkward phases growing up, and I know I certainly had a lack of confidence when I was a bit younger! “Eighth Grade” is one of the few films that takes such a universal experience and does something genuinely meaningful with it. This comedy-drama follows a young teen experiencing the relatable uncertainty of being stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming. Plus, it clearly resonated with many, earning a staggering 99% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) is a shy 13-year-old navigating the final week of eighth grade before starting high school. Although she posts upbeat motivational videos online, she struggles to connect with classmates in person and often feels invisible at school. Hoping to reinvent herself, Kayla accepts invitations to social events, forms an unexpected friendship, and faces a series of awkward, uncomfortable situations that push her beyond her comfort zone. At home, her supportive single father does his best to help as she prepares for the next chapter of her life.

Watch "Eighth Grade" on Netflix

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ (2025)

It’s quite ironic that I’m putting “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” on this list considering how much I disliked it, but given that it’s adapted from one of the biggest game franchises and earned over $200 million at the box office, I’m sure there are plenty of viewers who are interested. Being a huge fan of the games and the incredible lore that brings them to life, it’s a shame I didn’t connect with either movie adaptation (they shouldn’t be PG-13), but I can appreciate that fans simply want to step inside this world on the big screen.

“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” takes place one year after the events of the first film. Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) have kept the truth about Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza hidden from Mike’s younger sister, Abby (Piper Rubio), who still feels connected to the animatronic characters she encountered before. When Abby secretly returns to find Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, she sets off a chain of events that brings forgotten secrets back to the surface.

Watch "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" on Netflix

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Netflix is offering binge-watchers plenty of options this weekend. If you want to spend the next couple of days glued to your couch, streaming some compelling shows, there are plenty of options on the world’s biggest streaming service.

The latest arrivals include the new season of addictive teen drama, “My Life with the Walter Boys.” Sure, it’s glossy and highly melodramatic, but the show’s fanbase wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s also a new comedy series from the mind of Rick Gervais, and you shouldn’t overlook a true crime docuseries that has taken the platform by storm.

To save you from spending half your weekend trying to find something to watch, I’ve rounded up three new Netflix shows worthy of consideration.

‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ season 3

I’ll confess. I’m not an active watcher of “My Life with the Walter Boys,” but still, I’m probably going to be spending much of my weekend in Silver Falls. My partner is an avid viewer, and clearly isn’t alone, as this Netflix teen drama has picked up quite the passionate fanbase over the years. It returned for its third season of messy melodrama earlier this week.

The series centers on Jackie Howard (Nikki Rodriguez), who moves to the aforementioned Silver Falls after her family dies in a car accident. Once there, she gets involved with the Walter family and, predictably, various love triangles and family crises follow. It’s a comfort-watch show for many, and the type of series you can lazily watch all weekend.

Watch "My Life with the Walter Boys" on Netflix now

‘Ricky Gervais Alley Cats’

Netflix really wants you to know that its new adult animated series comes from the mind of Ricky Gervais. His name has been splashed across all the marketing materials, and even it’s listed as “Rickey Gervais Alley Cats” on the platform’s August slate. Whether Gervais is a selling point or a sign to steer clear will be a matter of personal taste for each subscriber.

Gervais’s latest Netflix original comedy series sees him write, direct and voice the lead character Gus in an animated show all about…well, the clue is in the name: alley cats. The series follows a pack of stray cats running wild across a city and getting into all sorts of misadventures. It might look like a cartoon, but as Gervais fans will know, it’s not for kids.

Watch "Ricky Gervais Alley Cats" on Netflix now

‘The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare’

The true crime genre has a tight grip on Netflix subscribers, with “The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare” merely the latest docuseries about a chilling real-life crime to hold the platform’s No. 1 position for several days. If you like your true crime, then this three-part series is an essential watch, and with its smaller episode count, you might just polish it off in a single sitting. Not convinced by the genre? Then this isn’t the show to change your mind.

You probably know the score if you’ve seen any true crime doc before; “The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare” explores the murder of four college students in November 2022. Using archive footage and interviews from people close to the case, it sets out a timeline from the night of the killings to the suspect’s eventual arrest and imprisonment. It’s grisly stuff, but for true crime fans, the more harrowing the tale, the more interesting the doc.

Watch "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" on Netflix now

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Every week, I comb through the recent additions to Netflix’s movie library to find the latest (and greatest) thriller flicks added to the streaming service. Subscribers are in luck this week because Netflix just added a trio of truly fantastic thrillers that any dedicated genre fan really must watch.

That’s no hyperbole. As part of its August 2026 slate, Netflix is adding two 2010s thrillers that I rank among the best of the decade, packing career-highlight performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Chastain. And that’s before turning attention to a 1994 classic starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock about a Los Angeles bus rigged to explode if it slows down.

If you want to add some thrills to your Netflix watchlist this week, you’re spoilt for choice. Here are the best thriller movies just added to Netflix.

3 new to Netflix thrillers to watch this week

'Nightcrawler' (2014)

“Nightcrawler” manages to be both thrilling and thought-provoking. It explores our society's desire for salacious coverage of grisly events in a way that is clever and chilling. It works largely because of a personal best performance from Jake Gyllenhaal, and the strong writing and direction from Dan Gilroy further elevate this neo-noir thriller to modern great status. It’s very dark with a dislikeable lead character, but it’s enthralling.

Lou Bloom (Gyllenhaal) is a petty thief who turns to freelance photojournalism to make money. His method is simple, but extremely morally questionable. He arrives on the scene of recent violent crimes or tragic accidents, records footage of the aftermath, and then sells it to a local news network. The more disturbing the footage, the higher the price paid. As Lou strives for increasingly macabre videos, he crosses ethical lines, but he sees it as simply fulfilling consumer demand.

Stream "Nightcrawler" on Netflix now

'Speed' (1994)

“Speed” is a hugely entertaining action-thriller that lives up to its name. This fast-paced watch keeps the momentum high, rarely pausing for breath or giving viewers any time to reflect on the ludicrous nature of its central premise. And how’s this for a fantastic very '90s pairing: it stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, with Dennis Hopper in support as a sinister villain. Just ignore the sequel; “Speed 2: Cruise Control” is garbage.

Jack Traven (Reeves) is an LA cop who successfully prevents a criminal from bombing an elevator, saving the lives of 13 people. However, the bomber isn’t finished with his reign of terror. He switches targets to an innercity bus. Planting a new explosive device, he informs Jack that if the bus drops below 50 mph, it will detonate. Now Jack has to defuse the situation with the help of a plucky passenger, Annie Porter (Bullock).

Stream "Speed" on Netflix now

'Zero Dark Thirty' (2012)

Kathryn Bigelow is one of the best filmmakers working in Hollywood at capturing the intensity and political turmoil of modern conflict. From 2008’s Best Picture-winning “The Hurt Locker” to last year’s Netflix original “A House of Dynamite,” Bigelow knows her stuff. If any more proof was needed, in steps “Zero Dark Thirty,” a knotty action-thriller that is more about deep-rooted obsession than it is about exploring the experience of the boots-on-the-ground soldiers.

Jessica Chastain gives a top-tier performance as Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst who is consumed by a singular goal: Finding Osama bin Laden. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the U.S. military forces are determined to capture (and eliminate) the terrorist leader, and Maya leads the charge, regardless of the personal cost; her drive is unwavering. It all culminates in a tense SEAL operation on bin Laden’s secret compound.

Stream "Zero Dark Thirty" on Netflix now

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“My Life with the Walter Boys” season 3 has arrived on Netflix, bringing back the romance and family drama that made the series such a binge-worthy hit when it debuted in 2023. Following the fallout of season 2’s emotional cliffhanger, the latest chapter shifts its focus away from the messy love triangle and towards the Walter family as they work through new challenges, complicated feelings, and plenty of relationship issues.

This time around, the family is reeling from patriarch George’s (Marc Blucas) sudden health crisis while experiencing explosive romantic fallout. Alex (Ashby Gentry) uncovers Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) and Cole’s (Noah LaLonde) secret feelings, sending shockwaves through the love triangle. As the brothers seek fresh starts — Alex with a new rodeo riding team and Cole behind the wheel of race-car driving — Jackie throws herself into a Silver Falls community project. However, the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend from New York threatens to unravel her progress.

There’s no denying that season 3 doubles down on everything fans love about the show, including the yearning and drama, but it does unfortunately fall back into old habits. With a massive cast fighting for screen time, the plot lines often feel overstuffed, bouncing from random subplots to sudden character relationships faster than you can keep track of the brothers. Yet, despite this frustrating clutter, the series somehow keeps its messy charm. Here’s my honest take on “My Life with the Walter Boys” season 3.

Some overcrowding here, but it still has heart

The last time we were in Silver Falls, there was plenty of messiness unfolding, from Jackie and Cole confessing their feelings for each other to George suddenly being involved in an accident that leaves him hospitalized. It was an intense finale for a romantic drama, and season 3 thankfully picks up right where things left off. With the family’s attention turning towards George’s recovery, the romantic conflict takes somewhat of a backseat, which is a welcome choice given these characters need time to process their emotions and figure out what comes next.

“My Life with the Walter Boys” season 3 doesn’t completely stray from the romance, though, so don’t worry. Jackie, Cole, and Alex all get enough screen time to justify the fallout from season 2’s betrayal (because, let’s be real, Jackie emotionally cheated), while each character finally starts developing their own motivations and goals. Alex focuses on his rodeo dreams, Cole discovers a new passion for race cars, and Jackie looks for ways to make a positive impact on the community. These storylines give the trio some much-needed depth beyond the love triangle.

It’s these characters viewers are most invested in, and the series delivers plenty of drama between them. Unfortunately, “My Life with the Walter Boys” season 3 still falls into one of its old habits: trying to juggle too many storylines at once. Beyond the main trio, there’s Danny (Connor Stanhope) and Erin (Alisha Newton) navigating their new romance, Kiley (Mya Lowe) and Dylan’s (Kolton Stewart) growing relationship, Nathan’s isolation (Corey Fogelmanis), Lee (Myles Perez) and Isaac’s (Isaac Arellanes) complicated history with their mother, and Jackie’s old friend arriving in town to stir up trouble.

There are simply too many subplots competing for attention, with George’s health crisis being one of the few storylines that genuinely impacts the wider family dynamic. It’s frustrating, to say the least, because it becomes difficult to fully connect with these characters when there are so many threads being thrown at you. For some viewers, this constant stream of drama might keep things exciting, but I often struggled to keep up. Thankfully, this season does turn up the heat in one key area: the romance. The yearners will still have plenty to enjoy.

Verdict: ‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ season 3 should please fans

“My Life with the Walter Boys” season 3 proves that while this series has its flaws, it knows exactly how to hook its audience. Keeping the tight 10-episode format was a smart move, ensuring the drama stays fast-paced and highly bingeable.

While there are certainly too many competing subplots, it was refreshing to watch Alex, Jackie, and Cole step out of the love triangle's shadow to pursue their own passions in rodeo, community work, and racing. On the adult side of things, Sarah Rafferty is a total standout as Katherine (and arguably gives the best performance). She grounds all the madness with real heart as she juggles a household full of chaotic teens and her husband’s scary hospitalization.

Ultimately, “My Life with the Walter Boys” season 3 might be a narrative overload, but as a guilty pleasure, it remains undeniably impossible to turn off.

"My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3 is streaming on Netflix

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Netflix added 39 new movies to kick off August 2026. The platform is also gearing up to release its latest original thriller, “The Last House,” on Friday (Aug. 7). With so many new options for subscribers to consider, it would be very easy for some great films to slip under the radar.

It's already looking like such a cruel fate will befall “Eighth Grade.” This excellent comedy-drama movie arrived on Netflix earlier this week (on Monday, Aug. 3 to be exact), and so far hasn’t made much of an impression. It looks primed to be a hidden gem within the Netflix library. To me, that's criminal, because this is one of the best comedy-dramas of the last decade.

I’m never one to let a great movie go overlooked, so I’m here to tell you exactly why this incredibly relatable movie, which explores an awkward teen's middle school experience, is a critically acclaimed flick that needs to be on your Netflix watchlist now. Regardless of your age, it's a must-watch.

What is ‘Eighth Grade’ about?

Directed by Bo Burnham, known for his popular YouTube channel, original songs and Netflix special “Inside,” “Eighth Grade” is a charming and authentic comedy-drama about a testing time in life: middle school.

Kayla Day (Elsie Fisher) is a 13-year-old girl in the final weeks of eighth grade at Miles Grove Middle School in suburban New York. As she navigates her adolescence, contending with popular cliques, teenage hormones, and social media overload, she attempts to fit in with her peers while dealing with plenty of growing pains.

She also runs a social media account publishing online videos offering insight into her middle school experience, hopes for the future, and some (ill-thought-out) teen wisdom.

‘Eighth Grade’ is a deeply relatable movie (even for grown-ups)

As a 31-year-old male who never even attended a “middle school” (I’m British; we don’t have those here), it’s perhaps surprising that “Eighth Grade” is one of the most relatable movies I’ve ever watched. After all, it’s a movie about the trials and tribulations of a 13-year-old American girl. At least on paper, it’s a film that I shouldn’t necessarily relate to so strongly.

However, what makes “Eighth Grade” so special is that, putting aside the nuts-and-bolts of its setup, it’s a movie that ruminates on universal themes like anxiety, angst, self-worth, struggling to fit in, and feeling awkward in your skin. These are subjects that I’d wager most people have experienced in their lives, and “Eighth Grade” explores them in a way that feels vulnerable, honest, and without any cynical edge. It transcends its plot.

Which isn’t to say there isn’t strength in its simple but sweet narrative, or its cast of well-written characters. Elsie Fisher absolutely shines as Kayla. The movie was filmed just a week after Fisher graduated eighth grade herself, and that authenticity shines through. I don’t say this to diminish Fisher’s work, but it doesn’t even feel like a performance. The movie is akin to getting a snapshot of a real person’s adolescence. It’s deeply powerful.

I’m far from its only fan. The movie was met with near-universal acclaim and very favorable comparisons to the works of John Hughes, whose classic movies like “The Breakfast Club” are often upheld as the gold standard for depicting realistic teenage characters on screen.

On the review site Rotten Tomatoes, “Eighth Grade” holds a near-perfect 99% score, and this isn’t a case of a small sample size inflating a movie’s score. That rating comes from more than 320 reviews. The site’s Critics Consensus reads, “‘Eighth Grade’ takes a look at its titular time period that offers a rare and resounding ring of truth while heralding breakthroughs for writer-director Bo Burnham and captivating star Elsie Fisher."

As per usual, Netflix added a lot of movies to its library to kick off the new month, but if you want my top recommendation, it’s easily “Eighth Grade.” Whatever age you are, I’m sure you’ll find something to relate to here. It’s a memorable experience, and dare I say, the best movie released to date by a YouTuber turned filmmaker. Bo Burnham nailed the assignment.

Watch "Eighth Grade" on Netflix now

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• New on Netflix in August 2026
• Netflix just added 39 new movies — here are the 5 to stream
• 5 top new movies to stream this week

Sci-fi has always been one of my absolute favorite genres. Few things are more intriguing than futuristic technology and worlds unlike our own. But honestly, it gets even better when you add a heavy dose of thriller elements to the mix. A great sci-fi thriller keeps your heart pounding while you try to figure out the answer.

With huge theatrical releases like “The End of Oak Street” and Ridley Scott’s “The Dog Stars” making this a massive month for sci-fi fans, the genre is top of mind right now. But if you want to skip the theater seats and stay on the couch, Netflix’s library has some serious gems hiding behind its bigger titles.

If you are looking for a movie night pick that packs in plenty of tension and dystopian goodness, you are in the right place. Here are five of the best sci-fi thrillers on Netflix right now that are completely worth your time.

‘Oxygen’ (2021)

I love a good single-location thriller, especially when it turns a confined space into the source of constant tension. “Oxygen” is a French-language thriller set entirely inside a sleek but ultra-cramped cryogenic pod. Through tight close-ups and shallow depth of field, the film keeps its limited setting visually compelling while maintaining a constant sense of unease. If you enjoy survival thrillers like “Buried” and “127 Hours,” this feels like a sci-fi take on that same trapped-in-one-place formula.

“Oxygen” follows a woman, Elizabeth (Mélanie Laurent), who wakes up inside a sealed cryogenic pod with no memory of who she is or how she got there. An advanced medical AI informs her that her oxygen supply is rapidly running out. Unable to open the pod without a security code, she searches its database for clues about her identity while contacting emergency services for help. As fragmented memories begin to return, she uncovers surprising details about her past and the circumstances that led to her confinement.

Stream it on Netflix

‘Ex Machina’ (2015)

“Ex Machina” is a critically acclaimed sci-fi psychological thriller written and directed by Alex Garland. Marking Garland’s directorial debut, the film became an instant classic, winning the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and earning a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Operating as a claustrophobic three-character drama, the film very much relies on psychological tension and a growing sense of paranoia. It’s definitely one of the defining AI-focused movies of the 21st century.

Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a talented programmer who wins a company competition to spend a week at the secluded estate of his employer, brilliant tech CEO Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Once he arrives, Caleb discovers he has been selected to evaluate Nathan’s latest creation: Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced humanoid robot with remarkably lifelike intelligence. Soon, he begins to question Nathan’s true intentions and uncovers unsettling secrets hidden throughout the isolated research facility.

Stream it on Netflix

‘Upgrade’ (2018)

Next up, we have a cyberpunk film with some seriously impressive choreography. Best known for co-creating the “Saw” and “Insidious” franchises alongside James Wan, Leigh Whannell wrote and directed “Upgrade” as a love letter to 1980s techno-thrillers and sci-fi B-movies, establishing a style he would refine further in “The Invisible Man.” However, “Upgrade” is honestly great to watch, not because of its satisfying revenge mission but because it has remarkable action sequences.

“Upgrade” centers around Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a mechanic living in a near-future world dominated by advanced technology. After a violent attack leaves him unable to walk and his wife dead, Grey is approached by a wealthy inventor who offers him an experimental computer chip called STEM that can restore his mobility. With his body enhanced, Grey sets out to track down those responsible for destroying his life, uncovering a dangerous chain of events along the way.

Stream it on Netflix

‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ (2019)

“In the Shadow of the Moon” is a Netflix original you may not have heard of, because I certainly didn’t when it first came out. This genre-blending thriller is part neo-noir detective procedural, part character drama, and part mind-twisting sci-fi. Central to the film is an exploration of single-minded obsession and how the relentless pursuit of an answer can dismantle a person’s life, career, and sanity over decades. Plus, Boyd Holbrook gives one of his best performances.

Philadelphia police officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) begins investigating a series of bizarre murders in 1988 after several victims are found under mysterious circumstances. As the case remains unsolved, Lockhart becomes determined to uncover the identity of the person responsible, even as similar killings begin occurring years later. His investigation spans decades, with each new discovery bringing him closer to a truth that challenges everything he thought he knew.

Stream it on Netflix

‘Elysium’ (2013)

If you’ve just watched “The Odyssey" on the big screen and need more of Matt Damon, there’s no better time to stream his underrated sci-fi film “Elysium.” This blockbuster is directed by Neill Blomkamp, serving as his high-budget follow-up to the Oscar-nominated breakout “District 9.” Damon leads the film in an intensely physical role, undergoing extensive training to wear a pneumatic exoskeleton directly bolted to his character's body (which is kinda insane, but cool).

“Elysium” follows Max Da Costa (Matt Damon), a former car thief living in Los Angeles in the year 2154. After a workplace accident leaves him with only days to live, Max is forced to take on a dangerous mission that requires him to reach the luxurious space station Elysium, where he hopes to find a way to save himself. Along the way, he becomes caught in a conflict involving the powerful officials running the city and heavily armed security forces determined to stop him from completing his mission.

Stream it on Netflix

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Deciding what to stream can feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially at the beginning of a new month when platforms drop lots of new movies, shows, and originals all at once. It’s easy to spend more time scrolling than actually watching.

Thankfully, Netflix’s top 10 list makes things a little easier, offering a quick snapshot of what’s capturing everyone’s attention right now.

This week’s top 10 features a British drama based on a harrowing true story, the second season of a romantic drama starring Minka Kelly, and a new action-thriller series following France’s elite police unit. I’ve picked the three standouts that are most deserving of a spot on your watchlist. If you want to see what else is trending, you’ll find the full Netflix top 10 below.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103’

If you’re someone who prefers watching shows based on true stories, “The Bombing of Pan Am 103” is a series that holds significant weight. Created by Jonathan Lee and developed alongside Adam Morane-Griffiths, the series centers on the real-world international investigation following the 1988 terrorist attack over Lockerbie, Scotland. This drama explores the joint Scots-US legal and police efforts, the challenges of multi-agency cooperation, and the lasting impact on the local Scottish community.

In the 1988 Lockerbie disaster, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over southern Scotland after a bomb detonated onboard, killing all 259 passengers and crew, along with 11 people on the ground. Less than 40 minutes after taking off from Heathrow Airport, the plane was cruising at 31,000 feet. The six-part series follows Scottish detectives and FBI agents as they launch a complex international investigation spanning Scotland, the United States, Germany, and Malta.

Stream "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" on Netflix

‘Ransom Canyon’

Romance fans will want to tune into “Ransom Canyon” this week, a romantic drama based on the book series by Jodi Thomas. The first season debuted at No. 2 on Netflix’s global English TV chart, earning 7.2 million views (56.6 million hours viewed) in its opening weekend alone. Its strong debut proved there was a clear appetite for small-town romantic Westerns on Netflix, and now that season 2 has arrived, the series is once again attracting plenty of attention from viewers.

“Ransom Canyon” season 2 picks up six months after the events of the first season, with rancher Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) struggling to regain control of his family’s Double K Ranch after losing his position as trustee. Meanwhile, Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) returns to the Texas town after spending time in New York pursuing her career as a concert pianist, forcing her to decide where her future lies. As Staten works to protect the ranch, new arrivals create fresh conflict for the town’s families.

Stream "Ransom Canyon" season 2 on Netflix

‘Elite Force’

Netflix recently dropped the new French action-thriller “Elite Force,” a 6-episode limited series packed with character-driven drama. Featuring a standout cast led by Tomer Sisley, this adrenaline-fueled show dives deep into counter-terrorism operations and the personal sacrifices behind the uniform. If action and suspense are more your style, this is sure to hit the mark, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it climbs to a higher spot in the charts this week.

“Elite Force” follows David Caron (Tomer Sisley), a senior officer in France’s elite GIGN intervention unit, who is preparing to leave field operations behind. However, after a devastating attack strikes his team, David is forced back into action to track down those responsible. As a new recruit, Max (Tristan Zanchi), joins the unit, David must protect his godson while investigating a dangerous enemy armed with stolen military-grade explosives.

Stream "Elite Force" on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare" (2026)
2. "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" (2025)
3. "Ransom Canyon" (2025)
4. "The Hawk" (2026)
5. "I Will Find You" (2026)
6. "My Daughter's Father" (2026)
7. "Little House on the Prairie" (2026)
8. "Worst Neighbor Ever" (2026)
9. "Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain" (2026)
10. "Elite Force" (2026)

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• Everything new on Netflix in August 2026
• 5 new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• Every new Netflix movie we’ve reviewed in 2026 (so far)

This week’s selection of new movies across the best streaming services is smaller than the packed selections we had throughout July. Fortunately, platforms like Netflix, Paramount+ and Peacock are here to ensure subscribers still have worthwhile new picks to consider.

The headliner this week is Netflix’s “The Last House,” a new original sci-fi thriller with a hooky premise, and two actors capable of acclaimed performances. Other noteworthy arrivals include “Evil Dead Burn” on digital, a charming rom-com on Peacock, and Billie Eilish fans will be delighted to see the singer’s new concert movie arrive on Paramount+.

To save you from wasting precious movie-watching time scrolling through streaming services looking for the latest additions, I’ve rounded up the most high-profile new movies across platforms down below. Plus, check out our guide to the top new TV shows this week.

‘Evil Dead Burn’ (PVOD)

The latest chapter in the “Evil Dead” franchise ramps up the blood, guts and gore to a new level. Considering the series’ pedigree as one of the most gruesome in the horror genre, that’s really saying something. “Evil Dead Burn” might be the most twisted “Evil Dead” movie to date. So, if you like your horror with a huge scoop of fake blood, this movie won’t let you down. Just take it from me, this movie is absolutely not for the squeamish.

After the death of her abusive husband, Alice (Souheila Yacoub) is in a state of conflicted grief. Traveling to the secluded home of her in-laws after the cremation service, the already tense family dynamic becomes something even darker when demonic forces are unleashed. The house becomes a survival battleground. Largely shedding the series trademark tension-cutting humor, “Evil Dead Burn” opts for a more twisted approach.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting August 4

‘Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour’ (Paramount+)

“Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” is a movie that delivers exactly what you’d expect. In the vein of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” concert movie, this is a professionally shot recording of Billie Eilish’s globe-spanning tour to support her latest chart-topping album. If you’re a fan of Eilish’s music, then you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy this concert flick.

For this pro-shot of the sold-out tour, Eilish enlisted the help of James Cameron, yes, that James Cameron. Critics praised the filmmaking skill on display from both Cameron and Eilish, who co-directed. Naturally, fans of the American singer-songwriter were even more enthusiastic, awarding the movie a strong 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The filmed setlist included hits like “Bad Guy,” “Happier Than Ever,” and “Birds of a Feather.”

Watch on Paramount+ starting August 6

‘The Last House’ (Netflix)

Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller “The Last House” drops this week, and while I’ve been critical of the streaming service’s original movie output in 2026, I’m approaching this one with cautious optimism. That’s largely because of the two leads: Greta Lee (phenomenal in 2023’s “Past Lives”) and Wagner Moura (Oscar-nominated for his excellent work in “The Secret Agent). The quality of the material these two stars have been given remains a mystery, but I’ve got faith they’ll both deliver strong performances at the very least.

Adding further anticipation, “The Last House” boasts an intriguing setup. It sees a family of four (Lee and Moura play the mother and father) suddenly sealed inside their home by mysterious forces with no means of escape. Many movies of this ilk are set over a few days, but this one takes place over years, letting viewers watch as the family is forced to contend with dwindling resources, isolation, and no doubt a severe case of cabin fever.

Watch on Netflix starting August 7

‘You, Me & Tuscany’ (Peacock)

“You, Me & Tuscany” is an easy comfort watch. It’s not a romantic comedy with genre-reinvention on its agenda; instead, it offers up two very attractive leads falling in love in an equally stunning setting — in this case, you’ve guessed it, the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Starring Halle Bailey and “Bridgerton’s” Regé-Jean Page, it makes for easy-going viewing. So long as you don’t expect surprises, you might fall under its spell.

Anna (Bailey) is drifting through life in the wake of her mother’s passing. After meeting a handsome Italian, Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), she makes the impulsive decision to visit him at his family home in Tuscany. Due to a misunderstanding, Matteo’s family comes to believe Anna is his fiancée. Playing along with the lie, Anna discovers a sense of belonging in the region’s rustic towns and lush vineyards. But the situation is complicated when she develops an attraction to Matteo’s cousin Michael (Page).

Watch on Peacock starting August 7

‘The Yeti’ (Shudder)

Shudder’s latest movie for horror fans is “The Yeti,” which had a limited theatrical release in April but could find a larger viewership on the streaming service dedicated to all things spooky. But a word of warning: you might want to keep your expectations in check with this monster movie, as it scored a mediocre 44% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set in the remote snow of northern Alaska, an oil tycoon vanishes without a trace, with a rescue team dispatched soon afterwards. What they don’t know is they’ve actually stumbled into a fiercesome yeti’s territory, and the freezing temperatures are far from the only danger they will encounter. Marketed for its use of practical effects, “The Yeti” is pitched as a throwback feature to the era when the monster movie reigned supreme.

Watch on Shudder starting August 7

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 biggest new TV shows to stream this week
• We rated the scariness of the 14 biggest horror movies of 2026
• 5 best new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week

If you're looking to find what new movies and shows Netflix is adding this week, I've got you covered. The streaming service is adding 23 new movies and shows this week. But there are quite a few titles still worth adding to your watchlist.

Top of the list is "The Last House" season 2. This new sci-fi thriller flick stars Greta Lee and Wagner Moura in a fight for survival. I can't wait to see it. If thrillers aren't your thing, though, you might prefer "My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3. This drama series may be centered around teens, but messy relationships and near-death experiences are for all ages.

There are some other options if those headliners don't speak to you. "Let's Marry Harry" tries to succeed where "Too Hot to Handle" and "Perfect Match" failed and find a partner for Netflix reality star Harry Jowsey. Meanwhile, "Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" is a new documentary that will have you ready to never eat a chicken sandwich again. Finally, for those who don't mind subtitles, "Death Inc." season 4 marks the end of a beloved Spanish comedy series with a twisted sense of humor.

Those aren't the only movies, shows and live events to add to your watchlist this week, though. Here's the full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days, along with my top picks for what you need to stream. Don't forget to check out everything new on Netflix in August 2026 for even more movies and shows to check out.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

'The Last House'

Genre: Sci-fi thriller movie

What it's about: "The Last House" centers around a family of four. Led by mom Riley (Greta Lee) and dad Jason (Wagner Moura), they suddenly find themselves trapped in their house. But as the days turn to weeks, they realize the whole world was trapped, and they're now the only ones left.

Why you should watch it: I'd be game to watch anything with Lee and Moura in it. But this movie looks seriously creepy. So I'm even more sold than I already was.

Watch "The Last House" on Netflix starting August 7

'My Life with the Walter Boys' season 3

Genre: Teen drama series

What's it about? "My Life with the Walter Boys" stars Nikki Rodriguez as Jackie Howard. She's been orphaned, so she leaves Manhattan and starts over in Colorado with the Walters. But as if the culture shock wasn't bad enough, the Walters have seven boys, and they come with plenty of drama.

Why you need to watch it: If you thought this show would manage to avoid "Game of Thrones" comparisons, I have bad news. In season 2, Nikki, who had been dating Alex Walter (Ashby Gentry), declared her feelings for Cole, another Walter brother. But if you can get past the Targaryen-esque love triangle, people do seem to love this coming-of-age drama.

Watch "My Life with the Walter Boys" season 3 on Netflix starting August 6

'Let's Marry Harry'

Genre: Reality dating series

What it's about: Harry Jowsey was a breakout star in multiple Netflix reality shows. There's just one problem. He could never find love. In this new series, Netflix aims to fix that. By the end of eight episodes, hopefully one of the 20 women competing for his heart will have said yes, but it'd be incredible television if they didn't.

Why you should watch it: "Too Hot to Handle" and "Perfect Match" were unable to find Harry the one. What's that they say about insanity? Something about doing the same thing and expecting different results? Hopefully, "Let's Marry Harry" holds to a different saying: third time's the charm.

Watch the first seven episodes of "Let's Marry Harry" on Netflix starting August 5

'Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy'

Genre: Documentary movie

What it's about: Stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan is ditching the hour-long special. Instead, he's doing a 28-day experiment to determine how bad it would be to eat fast food fried chicken every day for a month. He might get more than just a few unwelcome pounds.

Why you should watch it: Look, we already did "Supersize Me." So if you liked that piece of investigative documentary filmmaking, "Big Chicken" might be for you. Otherwise, this could be a skip. After watching the trailer, it just feels like a movie that's been done before.

Watch "Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" on Netflix starting August 5

'Death Inc.' season 4

Genre: Spanish black comedy series

What it's about: "Death Inc." (or "Muertos S.L.", in its native Spanish) centers around the employees of the Torregrosa Funeral Home. After the death of its owner, Gonzálo, his right-hand man Dámaso (Carlos Areces) seems certain to take over. But things take a twist when Gonzálo's widow, Nieves (Ascen López), decides to run it, aided by her hapless but enthusiastic son-in-law, Chemi (Diego Martin).

Why you should watch it: This is the show's final season, and things are sure to be chaotic until the very end. Chemi has given way to Dámaso, something long anticipated. But now that Dámaso has the reins, it turns out running a funeral home is really hard. This may require subtitles, but the trailer looks like a fun time.

Watch "Death Inc." season 4 on Netflix starting August 7

Everything new on Netflix: August 3-9

AUGUST 3

• "Eighth Grade"
• "Five Nights at Freddy's 2"
• "Sing"
• "Spoiler Alert"

AUGUST 4

"Badly in Love: Season 2" (JP) (Netflix series)

School's back in session in Okinawa as yankiis gather from across Japan. Will they find love and friendship — or will chaos erupt at their seaside campus?

• "Best Medicine" season 1
• "Beyond the Lights"
• "The Cocktail Lab" season 1

AUGUST 5

"1670" season 3 (PL) (Netflix series)

Obsessed with reclaiming his nobility status, Jan Paweł becomes oblivious to the trouble brewing in his family and among the villagers of Adamczycha.

"Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

In a bold 28-day experiment, comedian Mo Gilligan tours the UK and US on a fried chicken diet to uncover the impact of the craving — and industry behind it.

"Inside The Trustor Scandal" (SE) (Netflix documentary)

Key insiders revisit the snowballing financial scandal that followed the illegal purchase of a Swedish investment firm in the '90s — and who exposed it.

"Let's Marry Harry" (Netflix series)

Heartthrob Harry Jowsey (Too Hot to Handle, Perfect Match) is done playing the field. This time, he’s handing the reins of his love life to those who know him best. After years of dating in the spotlight — and getting it wrong — his closest confidants are stepping in to make the tough calls. From a carefully selected pool of potential matches, they’ll decide who stays and who goes, guiding Harry toward what he truly wants: authentic love and marriage.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" Part 2 (CO) (Netflix series)

In that instant, the keys to Melquíades were revealed to Aureliano Babilonia: the first of the line is tied to a tree and the last is being eaten by ants.

• "Soul Surfer"

AUGUST 6

"My Life With the Walter Boys": Season 3 (Netflix series)

A medical crisis forces Jackie and the Walters to find a new normal as a risky hobby, unexpected visitors and evolving romances present new challenges.

• "Tortilla Soup"

AUGUST 7

"Death Inc." season 4 (ES) (Netflix series)

Torregrosa's future is at stake. Dámaso's directorial dreams are finally within reach — until Chemi emerges as a new contender to run the funeral home.

"The Last House" (Netflix film)

A family of four are suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out, and must work together to survive against both their dwindling resources and the mysterious, looming threat that is keeping them trapped.

"Operation Safed Sagar" (IN) (Netflix series)

As the Kargil War erupts between India and Pakistan, the Golden Arrows squadron of the Air Force takes flight on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.

"Our Sticky Love" (KR) (Netflix series)

An ambitious prosecutor loses her memory and moves in with a boxing coach who claims to be her boyfriend. Can this sticky situation turn into real love?

"Ricky Gervais Alley Cats" (GB) (Netflix series)

Outrageous misadventures run wild as feral cats cause chaos on the streets in this no-holds-barred animated comedy from Ricky Gervais.

AUGUST 8

"The Ribbon Hero" (JP) (Netflix film)

When the monstrous Nergal devastates her kingdom, Princess Sapphire reawakens as the Ribbon Hero and fights to save her new home from the same dark fate.

AUGUST 9

• "Lazareth"

Leaving Netflix This Week

Leaving 8/5/26

"Spider-Man"
"Spider-Man 2"
"Spider-Man 3"

Leaving 8/7/26

"Labyrinth"

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I’ve never had an Instagram account, but I can definitely sympathize with the loneliness that drives Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) to form manic parasocial relationships with online influencers in the biting dark comedy “Ingrid Goes West.” Most of my current social media activity is limited to Bluesky and Letterboxd, but even there, it’s easy to get caught up in the lives of popular personalities, to feel like you have a window into something genuine about who they are.

The sympathetic inclination toward Ingrid is what makes “Ingrid Goes West” work as a complex character study and not just an exercise in mockery. Ingrid is clearly unhinged as she sets her sights on glamorous influencer Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen), but she’s also dealing with grief, isolation and anxiety, following a mental health crisis that lands her in a professional treatment facility. That crisis involves stomping into a wedding and pepper-spraying the bride in the face, but it’s still legitimately traumatic for Ingrid.

No matter how dark “Ingrid Goes West” can get, it remains consistently stylish and funny, slyly satirizing social media obsessions that remain relevant nearly a decade after it was first released. Now streaming on Netflix, it’s the perfect movie for viewers to rediscover in our current age of constant online performativity.

‘Ingrid Goes West’ is a bold showcase for Aubrey Plaza

Although she had been in quite a few movies by the time “Ingrid Goes West” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017, Plaza was still best known for playing the sardonic April Ludgate on NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” and “Ingrid Goes West” shows a welcome dark side to her persona that she further explored in movies like “Emily the Criminal” and “Black Bear” and on the FX series “Legion.” Ingrid is still a bit sardonic, but she’s also much more emotional than April, without the aloofness that came to define Plaza’s onscreen presence.

Plaza fully commits to the role of the mentally unstable Ingrid, from the moment she’s introduced frantically scrolling through the wedding-related posts of her initial stalking target, Charlotte Buckwald (Meredith Hagner), right before her ill-advised attack. Although Ingrid seems calmer during her stint in the treatment center, she wastes almost no time after getting out before selecting a new obsession in Taylor, whom she reads about in an issue of “Elle.”

The way that her hand shakes a bit before clicking “follow” on Taylor’s Instagram profile says a lot about Ingrid’s understanding of her own pathology, even though she immediately ignores that and dives headfirst into stalking Taylor. It’s hilarious to watch her type and then delete multiple deranged comments on Taylor’s posts before settling on something innocuous yet ingratiating enough to get her the information she’s looking for.

With the money she’s inherited from her recently deceased mother, Ingrid rents an apartment in Venice Beach, right down the street from Taylor, and befriends both Taylor and her husband Ezra (Wyatt Russell) after returning their “lost” dog — which is missing because Ingrid abducted it. This is clearly criminal behavior, but Plaza makes it weirdly endearing, and it helps that Taylor is obviously just as narcissistic and insecure as Ingrid, only able to hide it better, and bolstered by her substantial following.

‘Ingrid Goes West’ both understands and derides our social media fixations

When Ingrid has finally spent enough time with Taylor to make it into a photo with her, she prints out the Instagram post and frames it. That specific behavior may not be common, but that kind of social media thirst, especially for proximity to even moderately successful influencers (Taylor has 267,000 followers), is prevalent online. When she finds out which hipster restaurant Taylor frequents, Ingrid snaps a picture of the meal she’s ordered there, but gags on the food itself and spits it out.

Taylor is no less desperate, and Olsen plays her with a mix of warmth and phony friendliness. It’s a less showy performance than Plaza’s, but it’s equally important for capturing the movie’s takedown of vapid influencers. Taylor never even refers to herself as an influencer, instead describing her occupation as “photographer,” even though most of the time she has other people taking the photos, so she can appear in them.

It’s both pathetic and hilarious that Taylor and Ingrid would probably be perfect friends for each other if they could each be honest about their motivations. Instead, the only person who truly understands and cares about Ingrid is her neighbor Dan Pinto (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), a Batman-obsessed nerd who, in his own way, is just as odd and damaged as Ingrid, but takes a more optimistic approach to handling it.

At one point, Taylor’s lowlife brother Nicky (Billy Magnussen) refers to Ingrid as “single white female,” but her fixation never escalates to serious violence. “Ingrid Goes West” is just dark enough to convey the depths of its title character’s delusions, while remaining lively and witty rather than harrowing. No matter how terribly Ingrid behaves, redemption is always just one viral post away.

Stream “Ingrid Goes West” on Netflix now

There are few television forms as beloved as the telenovela. Filled with romantic melodrama, heartstring-tugging tragedy and gritty crime stories, these Spanish-language soap operas have been a hugely popular global phenomenon for the better part of the last century, and that's been especially true in this current streaming age.

Netflix, arguably the biggest streaming service out there, is home to many Mexican telenovelas, including the recently released "My Father's Daughter," a Roberto Stopello-created family drama centered on a medical crisis that upends the realities of two families.

If you've already whizzed through the 10-episode series — which stars Silvia Navarro, Manolo Cardona and Erik Hayser — however, and still need your telenovela fix, Tom's Guide is here to help. We've sorted through the streamer's vast selection of epically soapy sagas and narrowed the pool down to three engrossing Mexican telenovelas that are well worth a place on your Netflix watch list.

'Between Father and Son'

Given that it's told across 20 extremely short chapters (we're talking about 7 to 10 minutes each micro episode), you'll positively speed through "Between Father and Son," a fast-paced, guilty-pleasure Mexican drama following defense lawyer Bárbara (Pamela Almanza), who is happily engaged to her fiancé Álvaro (Erick Elías). That is, until she visits his family's estate with him and meets her future stepson Íker (Graco Sendel), to whom she feels an intense and irresistible attraction.

Things get even more heated when Bárbara discovers that Álvaro's first wife, believed to be tragically deceased, has actually been missing for the past six years. The woman's disappearance pulls Bárbara into a dark mystery that has her questioning exactly what kind of family she's marrying into. The romantic thriller keeps the suspense so high, you'll be rushing to click "Next episode" when those credits start to roll.

Stream "Between Father and Son" on Netflix now

'Unbreakable Sins'

This twisted 2025 telenovela from Leticia López Margalli — who also created Netflix’s "Oscuro deseo" — stars Zuria Vega ("The Five Juanas", "Thursday’s Widow") as Helena Rivas, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to her abusive husband, Claudio (Erik Hayser). She sees a hopeful way out, however, when she begins a passionate affair with a younger man, a high-class escort named Iván (Andrés Baida).

Soon, the unlikely couple conspires to free Helena and her teenage son from Claudio's dangerous grasp. However, their plan goes awry, leaving behind a bloody aftermath where Helena's husband is missing, her lover is on the run, and her young son is discovered at the scene of the crime

Stream "Unbreakable Sins" on Netflix now

'Rosario Tijeras'

Created by Adriana Pelusi and Carlos Quintanilla, this Mexican crime drama originally ran on Azteca 7 before Netflix picked it up for its fourth and fifth seasons, the latter of which was just released in June 2026. Bárbara de Regil leads the cast as the titular character, a young student who grew up with abuse and poverty in one of Mexico City's most dangerous neighborhoods, who changes the course of her life when she enters a life of crime and seeks revenge on all who hurt her.

As she gets pulled further and further into a world of hitmen, gangs and local cartels, Rosario Tijeras also must navigate a complicated love triangle with two rich young men, Antonio Bethancourt (José María de Tavira) and Emilio Echegaray (Antonio Gaona).

Stream "Rosario Tijeras" on Netflix now

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in August 2026: 5 best movies and shows to stream, plus full release list
• 5 best Netflix shows like 'Griselda'
• 10 best Netflix movies and shows of summer 2026 (so far) ranked by viewers — No. 1 is a twisting mystery thriller made for binge-watching

Netflix releases a lot of new movies every year, and here at Tom’s Guide it’s our mission to help you determine which are worth watching and which can be skipped. Because let’s be frank, quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality, and Netflix is certainly guilty of dropping several dud originals.

We’ve reviewed many of the biggest tentpole Netflix original movies in 2026 (so far), and what better way to highlight the highs and lows of the streaming year to date than to rank them in a convenient numbered list! Below, I’ve collected every Netflix movie review the Tom’s Guide streaming team has published, to give you a snapshot look at what’s worth watching.

In cases where the TG team awarded multiple Netflix movies the same score, I’ve used review site Rotten Tomatoes as a tiebreaker. So, here’s every new Netflix movie we’ve reviewed in 2026, ranked by our final star rating.

Every Netflix movie we've reviewed in 2026, ranked

12. 'Ladies First'

What it’s about: Damien Sachs (Sacha Baron Cohen) is a powerful, chauvinist ad executive. After hitting his head, he awakens in a world where power dynamics have shifted, and it’s women who sit at the top of the ladder. To return to “normality,” he has to spar with Alex Fox (Rosamund Pike), the female version of himself, and learn a few life lessons.

What our review said: "There is potential in a comedy that explores societal sexism through a humorous lens, but Netflix's 'Ladies First' completely fails to say anything meaningful. The end result is a largely joyless comedy that wastes the talents of Rosamund Pike and offers viewers little to enjoy beyond a singular, not particularly funny in the first place, gag."

Tom’s Guide rating: 1.5/5

Read our full "Ladies First" review

11. 'Thrash'

What it’s about: When Annieville, a charming coastal town in South Carolina, is hit with a Category 5 hurricane, the residents face torrential rain, devastating flooding, and powerful winds. Among the chaos, a herd of bull sharks swims into town, giving the survivors an even more dangerous obstacle to overcome. What follows is a desperate battle for survival.”

What our review said: "Netflix survival thriller "Thrash" feels caught between the demands of pleasing every shark movie fan, delivering muted thrills but also only the occasional laugh. It's elevated by some decent performances and will probably do well on the streamer, but it's no must-watch."

Tom’s Guide rating: 2/5

Read our full "Thrash" review

10. 'Office Romance'

What it’s about: Jackie Cruz (Jennifer Lopez) is the no-nonsense CEO of airline Cruz Air. When new hire Daniel Blanchflower (Brett Goldstein) joins the company’s legal team, unexpected sparks fly between the pair. Soon, Jackie is breaking her own rule against workplace romances, but outside forces threaten both their personal and professional lives.

What our review said: "'Office Romance' is another flavorless rom-com for Netflix's vast movie catalog. Its conflicting tone, ill-matched leads, and refusal to rewrite the genre script sink any ambitions of standing out. Then again, 'Office Romance' doesn't seem to have any aspiration of being anything other than a disposable rom-com in the first place."

Tom’s Guide rating: 2/5

Read our full "Office Romance" review

9. 'People We Meet on Vacation'

What it’s about: Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth) are polar-opposite personalities; she’s a free spirit, he’s uptight and obsessed with planning, yet they’ve become best friends. Striking a deal to take a vacation together every summer, their dynamic shifts over the years, as they consider whether their travel buddy might actually be the person they should be with.

What our review said: “‘This new Netflix rom-com has a lot in common with so-called “beach reads.” It’s disposable and predictable, and not especially well put together. However, while the best novels made for consuming on a summer vacation at least offer no-frills entertainment, “People We Meet on Vacation” fails to meet even this lowered bar.”

Tom’s Guide rating: 2/5

Read our full "People We Meet on Vacation" review

8. 'War Machine'

What it’s about: During the grueling final stages of the US Army Ranger selection process, recruit 81 (Alan Ritchson) and his companions face an unforeseen, extraterrestrial battle for survival when a mechanical monster from another world falls from the skies. Outgunned, they have to rely on each other and their tactical training to fend off a powerful alien threat.

What our review said: “The ending of this movie is a bit baffling, as it drags on too long and serves only to set up a sequel we may never get. But this action movie is largely well-paced, and Alan Ritchson is well-cast. Unfortunately, for all its explosiveness, ‘War Machine’ is just too formulaic and fails to use its star to the fullest.”

Tom’s Guide rating: 2.5/5

Read our full "War Machine" review

7. 'Voicemails for Isabelle'

What it’s about: Deep in grief after the passing of her sister and best friend, Jill (Zoey Deutch) leaves a series of confessional voicemails to her sister’s mobile as a coping mechanism. When the number is reassigned to Wes (Nick Robinson), he quickly falls in love with this woman he’s never met, and concocts a plan to engineer a “surprise” meeting.

What our review said: "If you don't mind your rom-coms being highly predictable, you might find 'Voicemails for Isabelle' charming enough to warrant a watch. It rigidly follows the genre playbook, but you'll still find yourself invested in this meet-cute romance thanks to strong work from its leads, Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson."

Tom’s Guide rating: 3/5

Read our full "Voicemails for Isabelle" review

6. 'Apex'

What it’s about: Sasha (Charlize Theron) is still reeling from a personal tragedy when she takes a trip into the Australian wilderness for a spot of risk-taking. But this already dangerous activity becomes even more deadly when she becomes the target of a ruthless hunter (Taron Egerton), who forces her into an unpredictable game of cat-and-mouse.

What our review said: "'Apex' is a mostly forgettable blend of the thriller genre's greatest hits. It's sorely lacking in original ideas of its own, but Charlize Theron and a devilishly unhinged Taron Egerton keep you invested until the conclusion. Just don't expect to remember much. 'Apex' fades from memory mere hours after watching."

Tom’s Guide rating: 3/5

Read our full "Apex" review

5. 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man'

What it’s about: “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” is the feature-film continuation of the popular period series. Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) returns from his self-imposed exile, and this time faces his most destructive reckoning yet. The future of his family and legacy is at stake as Shelby must decide to face his demons for good or burn it all to the ground.

What our review said: "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man" is a solid extra helping of Steven Knight's crime drama, with much of the swagger and style of the show that came before. It's a capstone to a beloved show that I think (mostly!) sticks the landing, even if it takes a little while to get going, and never quite hits the heights of some of the series' most memorable moments."

Tom’s Guide rating: 3/5

Read our full "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man" review

4. 'Roommates'

What it’s about: Starting her freshman year at college, Devon (Sadie Sandler) is hoping to find her place after a difficult high school experience. She strikes up a fast friendship with Celeste (Chloe East). They agree to be roommates before their tight bond gives way to passive-aggressive tension, disregarded personal boundaries, and many harsh insults.

What our review said: "Roommates is a funny college comedy about two fast friends who just as quickly become sworn enemies. A particularly questionable structural decision hurts the pacing, but Sadie Sandler's Devon is a likeable and relatable lead, and Chloe East is great as the 'cool girl,' who smiles while stabbing you in the back."

Tom’s Guide rating: 3.5/5

Read our full "Roommates" review

3. 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'

What it’s about: Based on Shelby Van Pelt’s 2023 novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” charts the unexpected bond between a lonely widower (Sally Field) and a young drifter (Lewis Pullman) who’s arrived in town looking for his family. It’s also narrated by an octopus (voiced by Alfred Molina). It’s a story of finding hope in the most unlikely of places.

What our review said: “Netflix's "Remarkably Bright Creatures" is a warm, feel-good feature that's made for leisurely weekend viewing. It's a simple, charming tale buoyed by strong performances from its leads, and one that I'm happy to recommend.”

Tom’s Guide rating: 3.5/5

Read our full "Remarkably Bright Creatures" review

2. 'Enola Holmes 3'

What it’s about: The third installment in Netflix’s Enola Holmes series sees the eponymous heroine (Millie Bobby Brown) head to Malta to wed Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), but these plans are put on hold when her older brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), disappears and Enola is thrown into her most twisting and most dangerous mystery yet.

What our review said: “‘Enola Holmes 3’ is a stylish, emotionally richer sequel that deepens the franchise’s charm while raising the stakes with a more personal mystery. Millie Bobby Brown anchors it brilliantly, balancing heart, humor, and action, even when supporting performances occasionally falter.

Tom’s Guide rating: 4/5

Read our full "Enola Holmes 3" review

1. 'The Rip'

What it’s about: “The Rip” is the latest collaboration between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, with the pair playing Miami cops who stumble upon millions of dollars in stashed cash within a derelict house. As the night progresses, trust within the police unit threatens to break, as they each suspect their companions of scheming to steal the money for themselves.

What our review said: “Driven by the palpable chemistry between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, ‘The Rip’ is a gritty, high-tension crime thriller that overcomes its standard plot and underwritten side characters through masterful suspense and unexpected twists.

Tom’s Guide rating: 4.5/5

Read our full "The Rip" review

More from Tom's Guide

• 10 best Netflix movies and shows of the summer, ranked by viewers
• New on Netflix in August 2026
• Why your streaming bill is topping $60 a month

Another weekend is here, and I hope your Saturday is off to a less soggy start than mine. I'm writing this from a drizzly coffee shop with some serious Café Leblanc vibes (I can practically hear the music now). If you're hiding out from this heat inside and can't narrow down what to watch, I've got you.

As usual, this weekend I'm cutting through the crap and letting you know what movies in the Netflix Top 10 are actually worth watching. Because lord knows not everything that makes the ranking is a winner. I didn't expect Kevin Hart's middling "72 Hours" to keep the top spot for two weeks in a row, but I guess we'll take any laughs we can get these days.

I only recommend Netflix Top 10 movies that actually live up to the hype. This weekend's picks include an uplifting drama based on a true story, one of the best "Spider-Man" movies to date, and "The Odyssey's" Lupita Nyong’o in a horror movie that's both haunting and charming.

If you're curious about what other movies made the cup, the platform's complete, up-to-the-minute movie rankings are detailed below. So far this year, Netflix has had 17 No. 1 movies, and our streaming team narrowed down the only 5 worth watching of the bunch.

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming'

While I'm still partial myself to the Sam Raimi "Spider-Man" movies, even I'll admit that Tom Holland is a phenomenal "Spider-Man." Or at least worlds better than Andrew Garfield. After winning our hearts alongside RDJ in "Civil War," Holland shines in his first standalone MCU venture that mercifully skips the tragic backstory we've heard a million times in favor of a fun John Hughes-style high school adventure.

After his brief stint with the Avengers, teenager Peter Parker (Holland) returns to his everyday life in Queens, barely holding it together under the load of high school and all this new hero stuff. When a mysterious criminal named Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton) starts selling advanced weapons created from alien technology, Peter dives into the case despite his mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) making it clear it's hopelessly out of his league.

Watch "Spider-Man: Homecoming" on Netflix now

'A Quiet Place: Day One'

"A Quiet Place: Day One" is the movie that reignited my love for the series after "A Quiet Place 2" felt uninspired. And to tie it back to "The Odyssey" because that's all anyone wants to talk about these days, it stars the very Helen of Troy herself, Lupita Nyong’o, on her own odyssey to grab a slice from her favorite pizza place before the world ends, and she'll do damn near anything to get it.

She plays Samira, a cancer patient at a hospice center just outside Manhattan who wants nothing more than to be left alone to die in peace. Undeterred, nurse Reuben (Alex Wolff) convinces her (along with her emotional support cat Frodo) to come on a field trip to the city. Naturally, this is when all hell breaks loose and a blind alien species with a heightened sense of hearing begins tearing through the city.

Watch "A Quiet Place: Day One" on Netflix now

‘Ordinary Angels' (2023)

This fan-favorite Alan Ritchson movie has a near-perfect 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it's one I love put on in the background around the holidays or to brighten a drizzly day. Directed by Jon Gunn, "Ordinary Angels" is based on the true story of a Kentucky community that rallied together to help save the life of a young girl.

Hilary Swank stars as Sharon Stevens, a hairdresser who can't catch a break on a collision course with widowed father Ed Schmitt (Ritchson), who's struggling to care for his two young daughters after losing his wife. When one of the girls needs a life-saving liver transplant, Sharon leads the community in providing support for the family through their darkest days, even with one of the worst snowstorms in Kentucky's history on the horizon.

Watch "Ordinary Angels" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "72 Hours" (2026)
2. "A Toxic Love Story" (2026)
3. "Ordinary Angels" (2023)
4. "Elize: Shadows of a Woman" (2026)
5. "A Quiet Place: Day One" (2024)
6. "The Debt Collector" (2026)
7. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017)
8. "The Boss Baby" (2017)
9. "The Truthers" (2026)
10. "A Private Life" (2025)

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More from Tom's Guide

• 3 new to Netflix movies you need to watch this weekend — including a mystery thriller with Jodie Foster’s best performance in years (July 31-Aug. 2)
• Netflix just added 39 new movies — here are the 5 you need to stream right now
• I would definitely cancel Netflix and Peacock in August 2026 — here's why

Netflix just added 39 new movies and shows to kick off August 2026. The first day of the month is typically a big one for the streaming service. It's when Netflix adds most of the classic library titles (aka non-originals) to its catalogue. This month was no exception.

However, 39 new movies is a lot to sort through in a single day. So I wouldn't blame you if you didn't know where to start. Lucky for you, I've already looked through everything new on Netflix in August, and I have five movies worth adding to your watchlist today.

First up, I'm recommending you check out "Clueless," which just announced a sequel series. Then, the first seven "Fast" movies are arriving on Netflix today, so you should start with "The Fast and the Furious." For something darker, check out "Nightcrawler," a criminally underrated thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Keeping things in the thriller genre, "Speed" is a must-watch any time, but especially now that it's on Netflix. Finally, "Zero Dark Thirty" is back for another tour of duty on the streaming service. It typically arrives on the platform at least once a year. But it also leaves not long after it arrives. So don't miss it.

So let's dive into the five newly added to Netflix movies and shows that you need to be streaming right now.

5 Netflix movies to stream right now

'Clueless' (1995)

Genre: Coming-of-age teen comedy movie

What it's about: "Clueless" is loosely adapted from the Jane Austen novel Emma. It follows Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a popular high school student. She, in an effort to appear good, befriends a new student named Tai (Brittany Murphy) to turn her into a popular student. But that mission becomes complicated when Tai falls for Cher's friend Josh (Paul Rudd).

Why you should watch it: The John Hughes movies always get the love when it comes to teen comedies. But "Clueless" is deserving of being included in the conversation for best teen coming-of-age movie. It's also a fairly adept take on a Jane Austen book, so feel free to watch it for that, if nothing else.

Stream "Clueless" on Netflix now

'The Fast and the Furious' (2001)

Genre: Action movie

What's it about? "The Fast and the Furious" is the movie that started it all. It's the debut of Paul Walker as LAPD officer Brian O'Conner. He's tasked with infiltrating the underground street racing world of Los Angeles to stop a spate of electronics theft. There, he meets Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), and he has to decide how to complete his mission while not betraying the criminals who have suddenly become family.

Why you should watch it: Is this movie essentially "Point Break" with cars? Yes. Is that a recipe for an awesome movie? Also yes. The first "Fast Saga" movie is still the best in this humble writer's opinion. Stream it now to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Stream "The Fast and the Furious" on Netflix now

'Nightcrawler' (2014)

Genre: Neo-noir satirical thriller movie

What's it about? "Nightcrawler" stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou. He's a bit unhinged and desperate for a job. The opportunity of a lifetime falls into his lap when he discovers the world of "stringers"; freelance photojournalists who, among other things, photograph crime scenes and sell the footage to local news stations. Lou quickly rises in this world, as he seeks out particularly violent and morbid events late at night in Los Angeles.

Why you should watch it: Simply put, this is probably Gyllenhaal's best performance. It was criminal that the Academy didn't nominate him for an Oscar. At least they nominated Dan Gilroy's brilliant script, though he's now probably most well-known for "Andor." Lou is a twisted individual, and I promise you won't forget watching his story.

Stream "Nightcrawler" on Netflix now

'Speed' (1994)

Genre: Action thriller movie

What it's about: "Speed" stars Keanu Reeves as LAPD officer Jack Traven. He's tasked with preventing a city bus from exploding if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour. It's been rigged by an ex-cop turned vengeful extortionist, Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper). Jack will need the help of a passenger named Annie (Sandra Bullock) to help keep the bus on the road while he defuses the situation.

Why you should watch it: This movie almost defines "rewatchable." It's entertaining from start to finish, living up to its thrill ride of a name. I can watch it at any point, day or night, and it's a must-watch if you've never seen it before.

Stream "Speed" on Netflix now

'Zero Dark Thirty' (2012)

Genre: Political action thriller movie

What's it about: "Zero Dark Thirty" stars Jessica Chastain as Maya, a CIA intelligence analyst tasked with hunting down al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. In this hybrid war movie/action thriller based on real events, we follow Maya as she moves from the U.S. embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2003, all the way up until the 2011 raid that resulted in the death of bin Laden.

Why you should watch it: If you've ever wondered why Jessica Chastain was one of the hottest actors of the early 2010s, this is the reason why. But despite her Oscar-nominated performance being the main draw, the rest of the cast is just as impressive. "Zero Dark Thirty" features performances from Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, James Gandolfini, Mark Duplass and Jeremy Strong as CIA personnel, as well as Joel Edgerton and Chris Pratt as members of SEAL Team 6

Stream "Zero Dark Thirty" on Netflix now

Everything coming to Netflix on August 1

Here's the full list of all 39 movies that arrived on Netflix to start this month:

• "3 Ninjas: Kick Back"
• "About Last Night..."
• "Anaconda"
• "Annie"
• "Are We Done Yet?"
• "Bride of Chucky"
• "Child's Play 2"
• "Child's Play 3"
• "Clueless"
• "Cult of Chucky"
• "Curse of Chucky"
• "Daddy Day Camp"
• "Daddy Day Care"
• "Elysium"
• "The Fast and the Furious"
• "2 Fast 2 Furious"
• "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift"
• "Fast Five"
• "Fast & Furious"
• "Fast & Furious 6"
• "Furious 7"
• "Field of Dreams"
• "The Hitman’s Bodyguard"
• "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard"
• "Holmes & Watson"
• "Marie Antoinette"
• "Mile 22"
• "Minions"
• "National Security"
• "Nightcrawler"
• "Party Girl"
• "Seed of Chucky"
• "Selma"
• "Something's Gotta Give"
• "Speed"
• "Speed 2: Cruise Control"
• "Tears of the Sun"
• "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones"
• "Zero Dark Thirty"

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• 'The Odyssey’ is the best movie of 2026 so far — and maybe topples my favorite Christopher Nolan film
• Denzel's directorial debut is a biopic drama movie you've probably never heard of, but it's a must-watch

It's the final weekend of July, folks, which, yes, sadly means that we're closer to the end of summer than the start of it, but also that an entire month of new streaming releases is graciously ahead. There's plenty of fresh films and buzzy TV series coming to Netflix in August 2026, but before you deep dive into the streaming service's new offerings, let's make sure you're not missing anything great that premiered in late July.

This weekend's the perfect opportunity to catch up on several newly released series on the platform, including an old gory favorite making its long-awaited return to Netflix (hint: you "Fannibals" will be pleased!). There's also a six-part British drama detailing the 1988 disaster of Pan Am Flight 103, which is the deadliest terrorist attack in British history, as well as a Mexican micro-drama that tackles teen bullying and toxic relationships.

So before you start exploring all of the new additions coming to the platform this August, here are three new-on-Netflix you need to have on your watchlist this weekend. Consider your couch-binge plans sorted!

'The Bombing of Pan Am 103'

On December 21, 1988, flight Pan Am 103 was traveling from London's Heathrow Airport to New York's JFK when a bomb exploded in its hold, killing 270 people and marking the deadliest terrorist attack ever on British soil. Across six episodes, this British miniseries recounts that real-life tragedy and the massive investigation that followed in the town of Lockerbie, Scotland, as Scottish police and U.S. law enforcement banded together to uncover who was behind the attack.

At the center of the harrowing Netflix dramatization are Connor Swindells as Scottish Detective Sergeant McCusker, Patrick J. Adams as FBI Special Agent Marquise, Merritt Wever as Kathryn Turman (a special assistant to then-Pennsylvania senator John Heinz) and Eddie Marsan as FBI Special Agent Thurman.

Watch "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" on Netflix now

'Final Project'

The latest in the streamer's ongoing exploration of the short-form genre, this Mexican micro-thriller series packs a lot of story into its 7-to-10-minute episodes. The teen-focused series centers on Tamara (Daniela Martínez Caballero), a transfer student at the private Campos Academy, who becomes the target of anonymous online abuse from a person who seemingly knows about her past.

Tensions heighten even further when not only is she partnered on her final school project with Xavi (Tristán Maze)—a popular student at the school and one of Tamara's regular tormentors—but she also begins to develop feelings for him. Things get even more complicated when that body in the truck gets revealed.

Watch "Final Project" on Netflix now

'Hannibal'

Great news for fans of chilling horror, stylish gore and buzzy homoerotic tension: "Hannibal" is back on Netflix! Yes, five years after the previous streaming license expired, the award-winning psychological thriller and its three deliciously macabre seasons officially returned to the platform on July 27, letting fans revisit—or experience for the first time—the twisted dynamic between FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and cannibal psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lector (Mads Mikkelsen).

Based on the Thomas Harris novels (which also inspired "The Silence of the Lambs"), the Bryan Fuller-created drama received plenty of critical acclaim over its original run, especially for its lead performance and Emmy-nominated visual style. The series has an overall 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics praised its "polished presentation of madness."

Watch "Hannibal" on Netflix now

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The weekend is here, and now is a great time to check out some of the recent movie arrivals on Netflix. The streaming service is always adding new flicks to its library, but it’s capped off this month with some particularly strong additions.

My top picks to watch on Netflix this weekend are all anchored by strong female talent, with some of the best in the business like Jodie Foster, Cate Blanchett, and Neve Campbell headlining this excellent trio of movies. These Netflix movies really deserve your attention.

So, save yourself the time scrolling through the latest movies added to Netflix, take my advice, and get these great movies on your watchlist, and start streaming them ASAP.

‘A Private Life’ (2025)

Jodie Foster is even more talented than I thought, because not only does she headline this twisting mystery thriller, but she also delivers her performance in fluent French. My colleague, Malcolm McMillan, notes it’s “worth watching for Jodie Foster’s performance alone,” and that’s an endorsement I can’t ignore. Foster became the first American to be nominated for a Lumière Award for Best Actress for “A Private Life.”

Dr. Lilian Steiner (Foster) is an American psychiatrist working and living in the French capital. She’s devastated to learn that a client has taken her own life. But after a visit from the client's widow, Simon (Mathieu Amalric), and daughter, Valérie (Luàna Bajrami), alongside the discovery that some of her files have been stolen, Lilian suspects foul play. Launching an investigation of her own, she becomes convinced this is a murder case.

Watch "A Private Life" on Netflix now

‘Scream’ (1996)

Netflix recently added the original “Scream” trilogy, so if you’re looking for some slasher fun this weekend, why not marathon all three? While “Scream 2” is a worthy successor, the original remains the best of the bunch. What’s so special about “Scream” is that it’s a slasher movie with a strong meta aspect, pointing out the tropes of the genre, and then finding clever ways to subvert expectations. Plus. the opening is downright iconic.

Set in the small town of Woodsboro, Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is a high schooler still reeling from the death of her mother a year prior. As the anniversary of this tragic event approaches, Sidney and her friends are stalked by a killer in a Ghostface mask. Also starring Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Matthew Lillard, “Scream” is part spooky horror and part intriguing whodunit mystery. This year also marks its 20th anniversary.

Watch "Scream" on Netflix now

‘Tár’ (2022)

In “Tár," Cate Blanchett delivers one of the best performances of the 21st century. This psychological drama rests entirely on her shoulders, and she carries that weight and then some. This intense character study from director Todd Field is mesmerizing. It’s a movie about hubris, power dynamics, and a spectacular fall from grace. Its lengthy 158-minute runtime might put some off, but commit to it, and you’re well rewarded.

Lydia Tár (Blanchett) is just days away from cementing her legacy as a titan of the classical music world. The chief conductor of a Berlin orchestra and masterclass teacher at Juilliard, she has the respect of her peers. But when a series of allegations are made against her character, her carefully crafted reputation starts to crumble, and Lydia spirals to dark places.

Watch "Tár" on Netflix now

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in August 2026
• I let the Netflix algorithm pick everything I watched for a week
• The best streaming services to subscribe to right now

August is typically a quiet month in entertainment. Summer blockbusters have mostly come and gone, and fall TV hasn't arrived yet. That makes it the perfect time to take stock of which subscriptions you're actually using — and which are quietly charging your credit card every month.

A Tom's Guide survey about streaming habits revealed that our readers are spending over $60 a month on seven or more subscriptions. Streaming has become an increasingly expensive habit. Instead of treating platforms as permanent, it's often smarter to rotate them based on what's worth watching each month. You'll save money without coming close to running out of great shows and movies.

For August 2026, the two easiest services to hit pause on are Netflix and Peacock. Both have a handful of worthwhile titles, but neither offers enough must-watch programming to justify paying for another month. Here's why they're the best streaming services to cancel right now.

Why I'd cancel Netflix

Netflix is probably the most controversial pick on this month's list. In our survey, it was the streaming service people were least willing to cancel, easily beating every other platform. And it's not hard to see why: Netflix still has the biggest library, the most original programming and the broadest appeal.

But popularity doesn't automatically make it worth paying for every single month. Netflix is also one of the most expensive mainstream streaming services, especially if you want an ad-free plan, and August's lineup doesn't do enough to justify the cost.

The biggest title on deck is the return of "Outer Banks" for its fifth and final season on Aug. 20. The teen adventure mystery series picks up with the Pogues reeling from JJ's death and still chasing the Blue Crown in a desperate bid for revenge.

But let's be honest, "Outer Banks" is not everybody's vibe. And even if it is, season 5 drops late enough into the month that you could just practice a bit of patience and wait a couple of weeks to re-up Netflix.

The other most noteworthy releases are two original movies. "The Last House," arriving Aug. 7, is a sci-fi thriller with Greta Lee and Wagner Moura about a family trapped in a house by a mysterious force that won't let them out. Then, on Aug. 28, there's "The Whisper Man," a crime drama starring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michelle Monaghan. When a crime novelist's son is kidnapped, he must turn to his estranged father, a retired police detective, for help.

Both movies look interesting, and I'll probably watch them — but I also don't need to right away. Neither seems like it would induce FOMO; it would be easy to wait until September and save a bit of money.

Why I'd cancel Peacock

Peacock had a surprisingly strong run earlier this summer thanks to two huge draws: the FIFA World Cup and another addictive season of "Love Island USA." But now that both have wrapped up, the service has lost momentum. While Peacock still has a solid back catalog and a few new arrivals in August, there's simply not enough fresh, must-watch programming to make the monthly fee worth it.

In fact, the only title that really stands out is the "Love Island USA" season 8 reunion ... and it doesn't even drop until literally the last day of the month, Aug. 31.

Peacock will be much more relevant in September, when fall TV brings back next-day episodes of NBC shows like "The Voice" and "The Traitors: New Blood" and Bravo shows like "The Real Housewives of New York." So, cancel now, then come back for your must-see favorites.

How much you'll save by canceling Netflix and Peacock

Canceling Netflix and Peacock for August can free up a meaningful chunk of your monthly entertainment budget, especially if you've been paying for both without getting much use out of them.

Netflix's Standard with Ads plan costs $8.99 per month, while the Standard ad-free plan is $19.99 and the Premium tier is $26.99. Peacock Premium with ads costs $10.99 per month, while Peacock Premium Plus is $16.99 per month.

That means pausing both services could save anywhere from about $19 to $42 each month, depending on which plans you have. It's an easy way to cut back without giving up streaming altogether, particularly if you rotate to another service with a stronger lineup this month. Over the course of a year, making subscription swaps like this whenever a platform hits a lull can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to get Netflix for free
• What streaming costs in 2026
• Best free streaming services

Netflix constantly claims to know what I like. It thinks it understands my viewing habits to the point where it can confidently serve up movies and shows it knows I will willingly lap up. But is that actually true?

Most of us open the app with at least a vague idea of what we want to watch—scrolling past endless rows of recommendations or searching directly for a specific title. But as an experiment, I decided to lean into the machine and spend a full week letting the Netflix algorithm take total, unyielding control of my viewing.

"Today’s Top Picks for You" and "Because You Watched" suddenly became my best friends, because without them, I was utterly lost. I stopped ignoring them and actually paid attention to the content being directed straight into my eyeballs. That new show friends kept raving about? Off-limits. The next season of the series I started months ago and wanted to jump back into? Strictly forbidden. Instead, I was stuck watching only what Netflix placed in front of me. Here’s how that experiment actually went.

More of the same, until that became a problem

Things started off well enough. Thanks to my (and my partner’s) eclectic tastes, Netflix served up a swath of great movies and TV shows. Some were aimed at me, some at her, but their appearance was always entirely logical. British comedies for me to binge on? Check. Quirky documentaries for my partner to sink into? Check. Blockbuster films such as "Barbie" and "The Fall Guy" to watch on a Saturday night? Check.

I started with the first tailored recommendation beyond the general "Show of the Week" being pushed on everyone: "The Middle," a series I’d never watched but always intended to. It was as if Netflix could read my mind. Six episodes later, I was a fan, but I needed to switch things up.

Returning the next day, however, meant things had shifted. Suddenly, my homepage was flooded with similar sitcoms, foisting titles like "Young Sheldon" and "Superstore" upon me. I gave both a shot and enjoyed a few episodes, but that’s when things got tricky.

Netflix noticed I was clearly in the mood for quirky American sitcoms, so it recommended more and more of them. Perfectly logical, sure, but also a little annoying. Yes, I like "Superstore," but that doesn’t mean I want every clone of it forced on me, especially when I’m only halfway through season 1.

I got caught in a content bubble I couldn’t escape

I didn’t just watch sitcoms all week. I decided to expand my horizons while staying true to the confines of the experiment, scrolling further right past the endless comedy clones to find something different. That worked great — until the exact same cycle repeated itself with the new genre.

Categories I enjoy watching occasionally, but not often enough for Netflix to care about, simply stopped appearing. The more I followed the algorithm, the more it asserted its own choices. Every new frame I watched fed the beast more data, leading it to serve up even more of what I was "obviously" enjoying.

This isn't inherently a bad thing. Giving people more of what they want is an algorithm’s entire raison d'être. But that mindset ruthlessly destroys discovery and kills the variety that is essential to human nature.

I did find myself watching more; it just happened to be more of the exact same thing. My total viewing time increased, partly because I was being shown content I legitimately liked, and partly because I wasn't wasting time deciding what to watch. But it was a soulless experience, making me feel like a passive passenger rather than the driver.

Netflix knows me, but it doesn’t understand human nature

So, what did I learn? Netflix's algorithmic recommendations are remarkably useful for removing friction from the viewing experience. You spend less time searching and more time actually watching. However, that convenience comes at the direct expense of variety. The recommendation engine is a great guide, but a terrible explorer—the latter still requires a human touch.

If you just want to sit back and let Netflix do the heavy lifting on a Friday evening, hand the wheel to the algorithm. But if you actively want to discover something new and interesting that isn isn’t a carbon copy of what you watched yesterday, you’ll need to work a little harder and scroll a little further.

I enjoyed letting the algorithm take over for a week, but I wouldn't do it again. The more control you give it, the more it exerts. I can only imagine that a year into this, you'd be trapped in a feedback loop, watching the exact same show recommended over and over as the algorithm circles in on itself.

So, occasionally, on a Friday night after a long week at work, I’ll cede control. But for the rest of the time, I want to make my own decisions about what to watch—even if those decisions turn out to suck.

More from Tom's Guide

• I refuse to give Netflix a new email for every profile. Use this simple Gmail trick instead
• Netflix just added 37 new shows and movies — here's 5 I'd stream right now
• What to watch in July 2026

If you're anything like me, Friday night arrives way too fast — and suddenly you're 20 (or 40) minutes deep into scrolling Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and every other streaming app instead of actually watching something. We spend all week rounding up the best new shows and movies worth your time, but even then, decision paralysis is real.

So we're trying something different this weekend. Instead of another list, we're handing out personalized streaming recommendations. Looking for a pulse-pounding thriller? A comfort-watch that'll make you forget the Sunday scaries? A comedy that'll actually make you laugh? Drop your question in the Live Q&A box below, and we'll point you toward your next binge. We'll answer every question we receive between now and Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. ET.

Answering your questions is me, Kelly Woo, streaming managing editor with 20+ years of experience watching everything, with help from senior entertainment editor Rory Mellon, streaming editor Malcolm McMillan and senior streaming writer Alix Blackburn.

See a question you know the perfect answer to? Jump in. The best recommendations often come from fellow streamers, and we're all for crowdsourcing your next obsession.

Just keep the questions focused on what to watch, and drop them into the Live Q&A box above. We'll be here with recommendations through Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. ET.

Not sure where to start? Take the quick Netflix quiz below for a personality-based recommendation. Then tell us: Did it nail your taste, or is the algorithm about to get roasted?

It goes without saying that we won't answer any questions with inappropriate or offensive language or photos. This Live Q&A is designed to be an open space for anyone looking for help, no matter how "silly" you think that question may be.

If you've never left a comment on our site before then you may need to sign up to post your first question. It's free to sign up and will unlock a host of other Tom's Club member benefits, such as exclusive rewards and savings, the ability to earn badges and enter giveaways, join in with popular conversations and all Live Q&As, and reveal hints for our quizzes and puzzles.

We can't wait to hear from you — let us know what you'd like help with now.

We're gearing up for the hottest month of the year, and Netflix is certainly matching that heat with its lineup for August 2026, with buzzy TV releases and must-watch movies arriving on the streaming service to fuel the summer weeks ahead.

On the television front is the fifth and final installment of the crowd-pleasing treasure-hunt drama "Outer Banks," as well as a fresh new miniseries adaptation of the early-20th-century classic "My Brilliant Career." And the film side of things is equally exciting, with new originals like the Greta Lee-led horror flick "The Last House," the Adam Scott-starring crime thriller "The Whisper Man" and the addition of old favorites like Parker Posey's seminal "Party Girl," all of which are hitting the streamer before September rolls around.

And those are only a few of the titles that will be joining the already-sprawling Netflix library in August. Here's the full breakdown of everything you need to stream on Netflix this month.

New on Netflix in August 2026: Top picks

'Party Girl'

Genre: Indie dramedy movie

What it's about: Turning 21 this summer, Daisy von Scherler Mayer's lively and charming "Party Girl" stars Parker Posey as a fast-talking, under-employed Manhattanite who starts working at the library to pay off her debts and turn her life around.

Why you should watch it: Long before she was a lorazepam-taking matriarch in "The White Lotus" universe, Parker Posey was best-known as the undisputed arthouse queen, a cool-kid status cemented with iconic roles in "Dazed & Confused," "Waiting for Guffman" and, yes, this 1995 cult-favorite comedy.

Stream "Party Girl" on Netflix starting August 1

'The Last House'

Genre: Horror/sci-fi movie

What it's about: Led by Wagner Moura ("The Secret Agent") and Greta Lee ("Past Lives"), this Louis Leterrier-directed thriller centers on a family of four who are suddenly and terrifyingly sealed inside their home with no way out.

Why you should watch it: We love an original thriller concept, especially one that's part survival drama (unable to leave, the family has to figure out how to survive with dwindling resources) and part supernatural mystery (of course, there's a mysterious threat forcing them indoors). “The storyline will evolve in ways that the audience certainly will not expect, but that is what makes this film so interesting,” Moura told Netflix. “There are layers and twists that I can’t wait for everyone to see.”

Stream "The Last House" on Netflix starting August 7

'My Brilliant Career'

Genre: Period drama series

What it's about: Based on the classic 1901 novel by Miles Franklin, this six-part Australian drama stars Philippa Northeast as the headstrong Sybylla Melvyn, who harbors grand ambitions of being a writer — that is, until a hunk named Harry (Christopher Chung) gets in the middle of those plans.

Why you should watch it: If you're a fan of fellow romance-filled historical dramas like "Bridgerton" and "The Buccaneers," you'll surely swoon for this lush adaptation from Liz Doran ("Please Like Me," "Barons). Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O'Reilly, Kate Mulvany, Jake Dunn, Alexander England, Sherry-Lee Watson and Miah Madden also star.

Stream "My Brilliant Career" on Netflix starting August 13

'Outer Banks' season 5

Genre: Teen drama/action-adventure mystery series

What it's about: Picking up directly after the heartbreaking loss of one of their own, our trusty treasure-hunting Pogues — Chase Stokes' John B, Madelyn Cline's Sarah Cameron and Madison Bailey's Kie Carrera among them — are back for revenge and redemption.

Why you should watch it: Because it's the last season, duh. Premiering on August 20, the 10-episode final run with the OBX gang will wrap up one of Netflix's longest-running teen dramas and given the shock and grief prompted by that season four finale, it's sure to be one hell of an emotional goodbye.

Stream "Outer Banks" season 5 on Netflix starting August 20

'The Whisper Man'

Genre: Crime thriller movie

What it's about: When his young son vanishes, a widowed crime writer (Adam Scott) enlists the help of his estranged father (Robert De Niro), who just happens to be a retired detective who once put away the serial killer now linked to the kidnapping case.

Why you should watch it: Hello, just look at that cast: Along with the aforementioned Scott and De Niro, the ensemble also includes Michael Keaton, Michelle Monaghan, John Carroll Lynch, Hamish Linklater and Owen Teague, in a harrowing story based on the novel of the same name by Alex North.

Stream "The Whisper Man" on Netflix starting August 28

Everything new on Netflix in August 2026

Synopses provided by Netflix

COMING SOON

"Mousetrap" (KR)

A reclusive writer wakes to find his identity stolen — and must ally with a ruthless loan shark to reclaim his life from a man known as “The Rat.”

August 1

• 3 Ninjas: Kick Back
• About Last Night...
• Anaconda
• Annie
• Are We Done Yet?
• Bride of Chucky
• Child's Play 2
• Child's Play 3
• Clueless
• Cult of Chucky
• Curse of Chucky
• Daddy Day Camp
• Daddy Day Care
• Elysium
• The Fast and the Furious
• 2 Fast 2 Furious
• The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
• Fast Five
• Fast & Furious
• Fast & Furious 6
• Furious 7
• Field of Dreams
• The Hitman’s Bodyguard
• The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard
• Holmes & Watson
• Marie Antoinette
• Mile 22
• Minions
• National Security
• Nightcrawler
• Party Girl
• Seed of Chucky
• Selma
• Something's Gotta Give
• Speed
• Speed 2: Cruise Control
• Tears of the Sun
• The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
• Zero Dark Thirty

August 2

• Ingrid Goes West

August 3

• Eighth Grade
• Five Nights at Freddy's 2
• Sing
• Spoiler Alert

August 4

"Badly in Love: Season 2" (JP) (Netflix series)

School's back in session in Okinawa as yankiis gather from across Japan. Will they find love and friendship — or will chaos erupt at their seaside campus?

• Best Medicine: Season 1
• Beyond the Lights
• The Cocktail Lab: Season 1

August 5

"1670: Season 3" (PL) (Netflix series)

Obsessed with reclaiming his nobility status, Jan Paweł becomes oblivious to the trouble brewing in his family and among the villagers of Adamczycha.

"Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

In a bold 28-day experiment, comedian Mo Gilligan tours the UK and US on a fried chicken diet to uncover the impact of the craving — and industry behind it.

"Inside The Trustor Scandal (SE)" (Netflix documentary)

Key insiders revisit the snowballing financial scandal that followed the illegal purchase of a Swedish investment firm in the '90s — and who exposed it.

"Let's Marry Harry" (Netflix series)

Heartthrob Harry Jowsey (Too Hot to Handle, Perfect Match) is done playing the field. This time, he’s handing the reins of his love life to those who know him best. After years of dating in the spotlight — and getting it wrong — his closest confidants are stepping in to make the tough calls. From a carefully selected pool of potential matches, they’ll decide who stays and who goes, guiding Harry toward what he truly wants: authentic love and marriage.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude: Part 2" (CO) (Netflix series)

In that instant, the keys to Melquíades were revealed to Aureliano Babilonia: the first of the line is tied to a tree and the last is being eaten by ants.

• Soul Surfer

August 6

"My Life With the Walter Boys": Season 3 (Netflix series)

A medical crisis forces Jackie and the Walters to find a new normal as a risky hobby, unexpected visitors and evolving romances present new challenges.

• Tortilla Soup

August 7

"Death Inc.: Season 4" (ES) (Netflix series)

Torregrosa's future is at stake. Dámaso's directorial dreams are finally within reach — until Chemi emerges as a new contender to run the funeral home.

"The Last House" (Netflix film)

A family of four are suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out, and must work together to survive against both their dwindling resources and the mysterious, looming threat that is keeping them trapped.

"Operation Safed Sagar" (IN) (Netflix series)

As the Kargil War erupts between India and Pakistan, the Golden Arrows squadron of the Air Force takes flight on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.

"Our Sticky Love" (KR) (Netflix series)

An ambitious prosecutor loses her memory and moves in with a boxing coach who claims to be her boyfriend. Can this sticky situation turn into real love?

"Ricky Gervais Alley Cats" (GB) (Netflix series)

Outrageous misadventures run wild as feral cats cause chaos on the streets in this no-holds-barred animated comedy from Ricky Gervais.

August 8

"THE RIBBON HERO" (JP) (Netflix film)

When the monstrous Nergal devastates her kingdom, Princess Sapphire reawakens as the Ribbon Hero and fights to save her new home from the same dark fate.

August 9

• Lazareth

August 10

"Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish": Season 3 (Netflix family)

Fun-loving pals Red and Blue swim together through life's ups and downs while visiting the zoo, camping out in nature, going to the doctor and more.

• Midwinter Break

August 11

"MOURINHO" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

This trophy-packed, insider-fuelled documentary charts José Mourinho's iconic rise as one of the world's top footballing managers of the most elite clubs.

"Rory Scovel: Show Must Go On" (Netflix comedy special)

With a hypothetical home invasion, a biblical reenactment and his late dad's final wish, Rory Scovel delivers unrelenting laughs in this raucous special.

• What's Eating Dan?: Season 1

August 12

"Nando Between Two Worlds - A Sintonia Film" (BR) (Netflix film)

Caught between family life and his obligations to the criminal underworld, Nando faces an impossible choice about where his true loyalties lie.

August 13

"A Child of My Own" (MX) (Netflix film)

Desperate for a baby and burdened by family and societal expectations, a woman fakes a pregnancy and gets tangled in a crime in this shocking documentary.

"MLB Field of Dreams: Phillies vs. Twins" (Netflix live event)

The Phillies face the Twins as Major League Baseball returns to the Iowa cornfields for a nostalgic night of America's favorite pastime.

"My Brilliant Career" (AU) (Netflix series)

Modern, rebellious Sybylla dreams only of writing. Choosing an exciting career over a safe marriage is easy — until she falls in love unexpectedly.

"This, That and Everything in Between" (PH) (Netflix film)

A TV writer's carefully rebuilt life unravels when her estranged mother resurfaces after 27 years — with a secret that changes everything.

"Tires": Season 3 (Netflix series)

While settling in as part owners of a struggling Valley Forge, Will confronts the road not taken and Shane finds himself on a detour toward adulthood.

• Immaculate

August 14

"Don't Say Good Luck" (Netflix film)

In this coming-of-age dramedy, Sophie Birenbaum (Sunny Sandler) is ready for the spotlight as the lead in her high school musical — until suddenly she’s living with even more drama at home than on the stage.

"Moria" (AR) (Netflix series)

In this highly stylized fictionalization, Moria Casán transforms her life story into a symbolic spectacle of fame, controversy and ceaseless reinvention.

"My Best Friend, His Girlfriend and Me" (DE) (Netflix film)

Olli and Matze are best friends living, working and planning to travel the world together — until Matze's romance with Rebecca turns it all upside down.

"To the Max" (ES) (Netflix film)

A group of friends bonded by their love for extreme sports discovers BASE jumping in wingsuits — but feeling like flying carries the highest risks.

"Umthetho" (ZA) (Netflix series)

To keep their youngest brother alive, an idealistic state prosecutor is forced to become a double agent in her imprisoned older brother's gang.

August 15

• Firehouse Dog
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• The Shallows
• Smurfs: The Lost Village

August 18

"Kelsey Cook: Happy Hour" (Netflix comedy special)

In this candid and clever stand-up special, Kelsey Cook explores “hangxiety,” relives a plane bathroom nightmare and breaks down dating a literal Chad.

"Take a Hike!" (KR) (Netflix series)

Four celebrity hiking newbies end up forming a club to tackle Korea's snow‑capped peaks. Can they figure out why on earth people go to the mountains?

• On the Road: Season 1
• Seal Team: Seasons 1-7

August 19

"Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing" (Netflix documentary)

Following the highly publicized death of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett, in Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Rory Kennedy and her Emmy-nominated producing partner Mark Bailey continue their urgent investigation into the once-iconic aviation giant, uncovering startling new revelations and capturing voices from the inside.

"Here the Whole Time" (BR) (Netflix film)

Felipe just wanted a quiet summer with his artsy mom and every musical he could binge... when his childhood crush knocked on his door to join the party.

"Love Is Blind": UK: Season 3 (GB) (Netflix series)

A new group of UK singles enter the iconic dating pods in search of love — but who will make it past the proposal, through the retreat and down the aisle?

• Swiss Army Man

August 20

"Blood Sacrifice" (SE) (Netflix series)

Following the brutal murder of two police officers, a tenacious detective reluctantly joins forces with his estranged ex-cop father to catch the killer.

"Chompoo: Lost & Forgotten" (TH) (Netflix documentary)

When a young girl vanishes from a remote village, the frantic police hunt becomes a media frenzy. But who turned a suspected criminal into a celebrity?

"Outer Banks": Season 5 (Netflix series)

After losing one of their own, the Pogues chase revenge and redemption as they pursue a stolen artifact with the power to change their fortunes.

"S&X" (JP) (Netflix series)

At his clinic, sex therapist Ichito Shimotori treats diverse and intimate sexual issues with sincerity. Yet, he secretly hides a struggle of his own.

August 21

"Facing El Chapo" (MX) (Netflix film)

Two Mexican officers must survive the final hours of their shift after crossing a ruthless cartel boss in this crime drama based on true events.

August 23

• Talamasca: The Secret Order: Season 1

August 24

• Danny Go!: Season 2
• M3GAN
• Revival: Season 1

August 25

"Stamptown" (Netflix comedy special)

Filmed during the Netflix Is a Joke Festival, this full-on fringe variety show blends unhinged clowning, razor-sharp bits and offbeat stand-up.

"Untold: The Testimony of Vince Young" (Netflix sports series)

From his rise to college football phenom to his tumultuous time in the NFL, Vince Young unpacks his fall from stardom in this gripping documentary.

• Martha Cooks: Season 1

August 26

"Mom Knows Best?" (BR) (Netflix series)

In this new reality TV show, nine mothers secretly observe their adult children and bet on their choices as they put their familial bonds to the test.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude: Part 2": Grand Finale (CO) (Netflix series)

In that instant, the keys to Melquíades were revealed to Aureliano Babilonia: the first of the line is tied to a tree and the last is being eaten by ants.

August 27

"Leanne": Season 2 (Netflix series)

With their parents testing their patience, Leanne and Carol dish up sass and surprises as they face old habits, new challenges and changing family roles.

August 28

"All the Truth in My Lies" (ES) (Netflix series)

Two roommates join a bachelorette road trip, where unspoken feelings ignite and shake up their entire friend group. Based on Elísabet Benavent's novel.

"Graveyard: Season 3" (TR)(Netflix series)

When sinister boxes arrive at women's homes across Türkiye, Chief Inspector Önem and her team reunite to unravel a connected web of misogynistic murders.

"The Secret Woman" (DK) (Netflix film)

After discovering she has a family and a shipping empire, a woman with amnesia returns to a wealthy and seemingly perfect past to uncover why she left.

"The Whisper Man" (Netflix film)

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Alex North. When his eight-year-old son is abducted, a widowed crime writer looks to his estranged father, a retired former police detective, for help, only to discover a connection with the decades-old case of a convicted serial killer known as "The Whisper Man."

August 29

• Four Hands, Two Sonatas (KR)

August 31

• Sex Lives of College Girls: Seasons 1-3
• Sheriff Labrador: Season 2

Leaving Netflix in August 2026

Leaving 8/1/26

27 Dresses

A Million Ways to Die in the West

The Age of Adaline

Atonement

Borat

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Chef

Click

Enough

Everest

Ex Machina

Father of the Bride

Father of the Bride: Part II

Fletch

The Five-Year Engagement

The Glass House

Hacksaw Ridge

Home Improvement: Seasons 1-8

Hunter X Hunter (2011): Seasons 1-6

I Feel Pretty

Kindergarten Cop

Midnight Diner: Seasons 1-3

Mississippi Grind

Pixels

Pretty Woman

The Proposal

R.I.P.D.

Single White Female

Splash

There's Something About Mary

Tootsie

Leaving 8/5/26

Spider-Man

Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man 3

Leaving 8/7/26

Labyrinth

Leaving 8/10/26

Copshop

Marry Me

Leaving 8/15/26

The Game: Seasons 1-33

Leaving 8/18/26

Fall

More from Tom's Guide

• 10 best Netflix movies and shows of summer 2026 (so far) ranked by viewers — No. 1 is a twisting mystery thriller made for binge-watching
• Can’t decide what to watch on Netflix this week? Answer these 5 simple questions and we’ll find your next stream
• 3 Netflix comedies to watch after '72 Hours' — including SZA and Keke Palmer's girl failure buddy comedy that hits way too close to home

We live in the streaming era. What started as a cheaper alternative to traditional cable has turned into something that feels like cable spread across a bunch of different subscriptions.

Getting all the major streaming services, even on the cheaper ad-supported plans, will set you back around $80 per month. If you go with the premium ad-free options, the price skyrockets. Then, if you want one of the top streaming cable services, you'll need to almost double that amount.

Add ESPN for sports and suddenly your monthly bill is more than $160 per month — which is more than most people spent on basic cable when that was still the main way to consume entertainment.

So I decided that rather than picking and choosing which services to keep, I dumped them all and went with a mix of free options and just not watching as many shows and movies as I normally would. I gave myself one month to try it so I could weigh having about $90 in my pocket (I didn't have a streaming cable service to begin with, so there was nothing to drop there) versus the FOMO feeling of not being able to see the new releases.

Here's what happened each week:

No paid streaming: Week 1 (June 21 - June 27)

I started this little test on Sunday, June 21, so I missed out on a lot of content. For example, "House of the Dragon" season 3 debuted on the first day, but fortunately, I haven't watched the first two seasons yet (I planned to wait until the entire series dropped and then go with the binge strategy). "Avatar: The Last Airbender" season 2 also hit, but to be honest, I couldn't care less about it, so I didn't feel like I was missing anything.

The final season of "The Bear" started on June 25, which definitely made me a little sad as I enjoy the show. However, it's not one I'm totally hooked on, so I was able to get by knowing it'll be there later.

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" dropped on June 24, but I actually didn't notice it until the following week, as I was deep in the Scary Movie franchise for week one. "Little Brother" debuted on Netflix at the end of the week, and while I was passively interested in it because I'm a wrestling fan (something else I was unable to watch without a paid service), I didn't feel too awful skipping it.

For the first week, these were the main releases that gave me a little FOMO, but they were pretty minor, especially since Pluto TV brought it hard with some big movies that kept me entertained. With "Scary Movie" dropping in theaters earlier in the month, it added the first five movies in the series for everyone to catch up, and I ripped through all of them (the latter three films aren't the best, but they're still good for a laugh).

Between work, family life and watching kids' content during the day (thankfully, he's 9 and doesn't follow the latest releases, so movies on Pluto TV were satisfying for him), these films were enough to fulfill my watching needs for the week (along with some golf YouTube content before going to bed at night). "The Sheep Detectives" would have probably caught his attention, but thankfully, we saw it in theaters.

Week 1 (June 21-27) difficulty rating (1 being easiest, 10 being hardest):

• 3 - I would have liked to have watched "The Bear" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash," but I could live without them

No paid streaming: Week 2 (June 28-July 4)

Now, this week and next would've been nearly impossible for soccer (football) fans, which I am not. The round of 32 started on June 28, then the round of 16 kicked off on July 4, and the rest of the tournament went on from there. Some games were available for free, but if you wanted to see the finals and the biggest matches, you needed subscriptions. For me, this was a non-issue, but it could've easily been the breaking point for some.

Outside of the biggest sports event that had everyone talking, I realized that "Avatar: Fire and Ash" launched the previous week and I was very much looking forward to watching it. Should I have gone while it was in theaters? Probably. But the fact remains that I didn't, and I was definitely feeling some FOMO not being able to catch it on Disney+.

And then July 1 rolled around, and my sadness increased exponentially: "X-Men ‘97" season 2 dropped on Disney+, and I was left out in the cold.

Another show I was interested in watching before the next season was "Silo" — with season 3 launching on July 3, it seemed like a good time to get in. But I didn't get a chance to watch it before shutting everything down, so there's another show I will be left out of watching for the time being (I'll have to re-up Apple TV at some point to catch it, as I don't see it going to a free service anytime in the future).

So with what I didn't watch out of the way, let's talk about what I did actually watch. Quite simply, I watched a lot of YouTube. I caught up on videos from pretty much every major YouTube golf channel from the past few months that had slipped through the cracks. I watched live concerts of my favorite bands from old-school Woodstock broadcasts to modern pro-shot stuff. I discovered Angine de Poitrine through a random YouTube recommendation.

And I dove into the Pluto library for older movies I might have missed or just wanted to see again. My childhood crush Alicia Silverstone's classic "Clueless" arrived, so I took a trip down memory lane with it. "The Matrix Revolutions," by far the worst movie in the series in my humble opinion, came to Pluto, so I gave it a second chance (I stand by my original opinion; it's a bad, bad, terrible, awful movie). Mix in the requisite kids' movies, and we had an okay week of entertainment for the family while I cried inside about not being able to see "X-Men 97."

Week 2 (June 28-July 4) difficulty:

• 8 - Missing out on "X-Men 97" season 2 hit me hard, and I'm excited for this all to be over so I can go watch it now.

No paid streaming: week 3 (July 5-11)

I'm not going to oversell it here: This week was pretty easy for me. Looking through the new releases from Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ and streaming as a whole, nothing really caught my eye. Sure, I'd normally watch the PGA Tour's Genesis Scottish Open, but it's not a tournament I can't live without (we'll get to that next week).

"Hamnet" looked good, but it's a movie I feel I need to watch. The Netflix doc "Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea" looked interesting, and I'll probably watch it at some point if I ever resubscribe, but if not, I won't lose sleep.

Pluto and YouTube carried me through week three without issue — I watched some of my favorite movies from my teenage years: "Friday" and "Next Friday" (I skipped "Friday After Next" as it's just not very funny). Then, I went even further back, jumping into "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls." Finally, I tickled my horror fancy with "Pet Sematary (1989)" and "The Cabin In The Woods," a couple of classics.

Week 3 (July 5-11) difficulty:

• 2 - It honestly could be a 1 for this week, but I added a single point because I still really want to watch "X-Men 97."

No paid streaming: Week 4+ (July 12-20)

Everything was going pretty well, with "X-Men '97" being the only release I truly had FOMO over.

And then the middle of July knocked me on my streamless butt with the release of Netflix's "The Hawk" and the airing of the Open, one of the four biggest golf events of the year. Sure, Will Ferrell's "The Hawk" was getting mixed reviews, but after thoroughly enjoying "Stick," the last big golf comedy series (on Apple TV), I really wanted to watch (and review) "The Hawk."

Could I have asked for a media screener? Sure, but that felt just as against the spirit of this test as pirating it. So I suffered through not being able to formulate my own opinion on the show.

How did I deal with the crushing lack of the Open, which broadcast on a mix of NBC Sports, USA Network, Golf Channel and Peacock? I just didn't watch it. It was hard; I don't usually miss any of the big golf tournaments, but I was committed to this experiment. I did listen to the No Laying Up podcast, which recaps the event each day to keep up with what happened, and I watched highlights on social media, but I didn't sit down and watch any of the event live. It was a sad Thursday-Sunday for me, but I made it work.

OK, that's not entirely true. I did get to see a little of the tournament at restaurants. For example, I played golf on Saturday morning, and the event was playing in the clubhouse, so I watched a bit. But it felt more like a tease than a satisfying viewing experience.

Other than that, in week four, I didn't watch much. Maybe the strain of missing two big things I really wanted to see was too much for me, but I just played a lot of Diablo IV. It had an expansion recently and a new season rolled out, so I dug in and leveled up a Barbarian. It was actually quite enjoyable, and it felt good to dive into one of my favorite video games again.

Week 4+ (July 12-20) difficulty:

• 10 - Everyone's difficult week will be different. Maybe "House of the Dragon" was the big release for you, but for me, "The Hawk" on Netflix and The Open made me realize I really can't live without paid streaming services.

No paid streaming: Final thoughts

In the end, not having paid streaming services is kind of a bummer.

FOMO is a very real thing. From live sports events to new movie releases, there's a lot of content out there that people are talking about, and if you're not willing to turn to illegal means (which I wasn't, both because it's illegal and it would kind of defeat the whole point of my test if I could just pirate anything), you will feel like you're not part of things.

So what's my ultimate advice after a month of depriving myself of the latest entertainment? Pick and choose which streaming services to keep each month. It takes a little effort, yes, but Tom's Guide's own Kelly Woo makes it easy with her monthly pieces on which services to cancel based on goodies slated to come to each one.

Obviously, your tastes will vary, and there might be a show or movie that you care about that makes you subscribe, but she'll give you a nice baseline from which you can work.

Obviously, if money is no object and you don't feel like putting in the effort, just subscribe to everything and forget it. But if that's not your situation (it's not mine, for sure), then your best bet is to be smart about what you keep active.

My ultimate conclusion after all this is that the streaming landscape is actually more annoying than cable. Instead of managing cable packages on one service, now we have upwards of 10 different subscriptions to worry about. It's great for the companies; they can nickel and dime us with increases that feel small — a dollar here and 50 cents there — but add up over time.

It feels like we're rapidly approaching a breaking point where there are just too many streaming services available, and people are going to get frustrated; I sure did, it's the whole reason I did this test.

But unless the cancellations happen in large numbers, nothing will change, and we'll be stuck jumping between multiple services to keep up with the content we want. Sure, you can survive with the ad-based freebies out there, but it's hardly ideal.

This week’s selection of top new movies across the best streaming services is another busy one with plenty of options on popular platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock and more.

Thriller fans are spoilt for choice with several worthwhile picks, including “A Private Life,” which sees Jodie Foster deliver a powerhouse performance entirely in French, and a new shark survival movie on Prime Video (we’re fully in shark movie season right now). But those looking for lighter watches should consider “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” on Peacock.

There’s plenty of new movies to talk about this week, so I’ve rounded up the most noteworthy arrivals across platforms down below. Plus, here’s a guide to the top new TV shows this week, if you want to binge-watch.

‘Supergirl’ (PVOD)

The second feature film in James Gunn’s DC Extended Universe didn’t manage to capture the attention of comic book fans like “Superman." In fact, “Supergirl” proved to be anything but super at the box office, grossing an underwhelming $124 million against a production budget reportedly north of $170 million. Ouch! Just a month after release, it’s swapping the big screen for streaming, where it’ll hope to find a larger audience.

Based on the fan-favorite “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” comic book, Milly Alcock plays the eponymous heroine, also known as Kara Zor-El. Unlike her cousin, Clark Kent, she hasn’t taken to being a world-saving hero. Supergirl spends her days wandering between planets and visiting dive bars. But she’s forced to adopt the hero lifestyle when a ruthless villain emerges. She teams up with a young survivor (Eve Ridley) to dish out some justice.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) starting July 28

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ (Hulu)

20 years after the original strutted the catwalk, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” brings viewers back to the world of Runway magazine, luxurious designer fashion and the iconic, almost impossible-to-please editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). This long-requested follow-up is your classic legacy sequel, reuniting the original cast (including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci), and making more than a few nods to how much time has passed since the first “Devil Wears Prada."

With the magazine business no longer in its heyday, the frosty editor-in-chief of fashion mag Runway, Miranda Priestly (Streep), is reluctantly forced to turn to her former assistant, Andy Sachs (Hathaway) for help. As the pair navigate the evolving world of print publishing, they face competition from an old colleague, Emily Charlton (Blunt). Meanwhile, Miranda’s right-hand man, Nigel (Stanley Tucci), offers his wisdom.

Watch on Hulu starting July 29

‘The Devil’s Mouth’ (Prime Video)

Another week, another shark movie hits streaming. The toothy thrillers served up so far this summer haven’t been of the highest quality, so here’s hoping that “The Devil’s Mouth” can buck the trend and deliver some genuine scares. While the casting of Kathryn Newton and Lana Condor offers hope it could be a cut above the low-quality shark movies already released this summer, it also comes from Jeff Wadlow, the director behind “Fantasy Island,” Kick-Ass 2,” and “Imaginary,” and those movies stink!

In “The Devil’s Mouth,” a group of five college friends signs up for a guided tour through an underwater cave system from which the movie takes its title. They plan to have one last big adventure before entering the “real world.” But what was supposed to be an unforgettable trip becomes memorable for a sinister reason when they're trapped in the submerged caves and discover there’s a bull shark swimming in the dark waters.

Watch on Prime Video starting July 29

‘A Private Life’ (Netflix)

My colleague, Malcolm McMillan, claims this mystery thriller is “worth watching for Jodie Foster’s performance alone,” and was impressed that she portrays an American in Paris while speaking entirely in French.

I knew Foster was talented, but giving an awards-nominated performance in a second language is truly commendable. Her acclaimed work in “A Private Life” saw Foster become the first American to be nominated for a Lumière Award for Best Actress. So long as you can handle subtitles, then this thriller should be on your Netflix watchlist this week.

Dr. Lilian Steiner (Foster) is an American psychiatrist working and living in the French capital. She’s devastated to learn that a client has taken her own life. But after a visit from the client's widow, Simon (Mathieu Amalric), and daughter, Valérie (Luàna Bajrami), alongside the discovery that some of her files have been stolen, Lilian suspects foul play. Launching an investigation of her own, she becomes convinced this is a murder case.

Watch on Netflix starting July 29

‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ (Peacock)

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a pure sugar-rush explosion of iconic characters, colorful animation and big action-packed moments. In all the chaos, it neglects to spin much of a story (perhaps that's appropriate for a Mario movie). However, younger viewers will delight in the playful nature of Mario and pals’ latest adventure. Though I expect the majority of older watchers will find it very much a one-and-done watching experience.

Inspired by the popular “Super Mario Galaxy” video game on the Nintendo Wii, this sequel to the 2023 movie sees Mario (voiced again by Chris Pratt) take to the cosmos to assist Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson), who has been taken prisoner by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie). Along for the ride are Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Luigi (Charlie Day) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key). However, it's Jack Black’s Bowser who again steals the show.

Watch on Peacock starting July 30

‘The Drama’ (HBO Max)

“The Odyssey” hype is flowing with no signs of slowing down, which makes now a great time to watch “The Drama.” This darkly funny romantic comedy stars two of “The Odyssey’s” cast members, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, and ranks as one of my favorite films of the year to date. It’s not your typical feel-good rom-com, instead trading in awkward humor, but it’s sharply written, and Pattinson and Zendaya both bring their A-game.

Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) are a happy couple preparing for their impending wedding. All seems perfect until an “unexpected revelation” days before they’re due to say “I do.” This sends their relationship into a tailspin, as they are forced to confront whether they truly know each other, and if their romance is built to last. I’ll say no more, because watching this spoiler-free enhances the viewing experience.

Watch on HBO Max starting July 31

‘Over Your Dead Body’ (AMC+)

“Over Your Dead Body” is in something of a similar mold to “The Drama”; it’s also a dark comedy about two people in a relationship that is anything but blissful. To add further intrigue, this movie also incorporates action-thriller elements, delivering a strong package of complementary genres. It’s also an American remake of a Norwegian movie called “The Trip,” but unlike some remakes, this one wasn’t branded a lazy, pointless cash-in.

Dan (Jason Segel) and Lisa (Samara Weaving) are a once-happy couple, heading towards an acrimonious split. Traveling to a remote cabin for the weekend, this getaway isn’t going to fix the cracks in their relationship, as they both harbor secret plans to murder the other. These plans are thrown into chaos when their weekend is crashed by strangers, forcing Dan and Lisa to pivot on the fly and maybe even team up to survive the trip.

Watch on AMC+ starting July 31

More from Tom's Guide

• New on Netflix in July 2026
• I’m not surprised ‘Supergirl’ is a $170 million box office bomb
• When is 'The Odyssey' streaming? Here's our best guess

Finding something to watch on Netflix at the start of a new week is a challenge we can all relate to. With thousands of movies and shows available, choosing your next stream can sometimes feel just as overwhelming as it is exciting. But finding the ideal watch doesn't have to mean endlessly scrolling through recommendations and hoping something catches your eye.

Instead, why not let your personality help make the decision? The way you spend your downtime, the stories you enjoy and the characters you're drawn to can all reveal what kind of movie or show you're most likely to love. Whether you’re a fan of dark psychological thrillers, unhinged comedy, gripping real-life dramas or just the classics, there’s a Netflix pick that could be the perfect fit.

We've put together a quick personality quiz below based on this week’s newest Netflix arrivals. Answer questions about your tastes, habits and preferences, and we’ll match you with the movie or show that’s most likely to become your next favorite watch!

Now that you’ve found your Netflix match, it’s time to see what makes it worth adding to your watchlist. Keep reading to discover more about your pick.

Top movies and shows on Netflix this week

‘Hannibal’ seasons 1-3

Gifted FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) is recruited by FBI agent Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) to help investigate a series of complex murder cases. To assist with his work, Will begins meeting with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), whose intelligence and expertise make him a valuable ally. As the pair work together to uncover criminals, Will becomes increasingly drawn into Hannibal’s world, unaware of the secrets his new colleague is hiding.

Stream on Netflix now

‘Tár’

Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) is a world-renowned conductor who is preparing for a career-defining performance while balancing her responsibilities as the leader of a major German orchestra, a teacher and a public figure. As she works through her professional commitments and personal relationships, Lydia’s carefully controlled world begins to shift, forcing her to confront challenges that threaten the future she has built.

Stream on Netflix now

‘Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain’

“Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain” is comedian Mary Beth Barone’s first hour-long Netflix stand-up special, featuring her sharp observations and personal stories delivered from the stage. Throughout the special, Barone explores a range of everyday topics, including relationships, friendships, dating apps and the strange moments that come with modern life. With her unique perspective and quick wit, she takes audiences through a collection of stories, questions and unexpected takes on the world around her.

Stream on Netflix now

‘The Exorcism’

Troubled actor Anthony Miller (Russell Crowe) lands the lead role in a supernatural horror film after the original star dies under mysterious circumstances. While filming, Anthony’s behavior begins to change, causing concern among the cast and crew, especially his estranged daughter Lee (Ryan Simpkins), who works alongside him on set. Unsure whether her father is struggling with his past or something more unusual is happening, Lee tries to uncover the truth as the production continues.

Stream on Netflix now

‘A Private Life’

Lilian Steiner (Jodie Foster) is a respected psychiatrist living in Paris who is left unsettled after the sudden death of one of her patients, Paula (Virginie Efira). Refusing to accept the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, Lilian begins looking into what happened and launches her own investigation. Soon, she reconnects with her ex-husband Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil) and encounters a series of unexpected discoveries that challenge what she thought she knew about the people around her.

Stream on Netflix from July 29

‘Gear Heads’

“Gear Heads” follows Lan as she explores the world of cooking through practical demonstrations, clever techniques and everyday kitchen challenges. Across the first season, she shares tips for improving common recipes, from achieving crispier fried foods and preparing meat to mastering kitchen tools and getting more from appliances like ovens and microwaves. Each episode breaks down different aspects of cooking, offering viewers step-by-step guidance and useful tricks they can try at home.

Stream on Netflix from July 29

‘Clueless’

Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is a wealthy and popular high school student living in Beverly Hills who spends her time managing friendships, school and relationships. After successfully bringing two of her teachers together, Cher decides to take on a new project by helping transfer student Tai (Brittany Murphy) improve her confidence and social life. Alongside her best friend Dionne (Stacey Dash), Cher attempts to guide those around her while figuring out her own feelings.

Stream on Netflix from August 1

‘Nightcrawler’

Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a driven and unemployed man who discovers a new opportunity after witnessing freelance camera crews recording crime scenes and selling the footage to local news stations. Armed with a camera and police scanner, Lou begins chasing breaking stories across Los Angeles, capturing accidents, fires and criminal activity for profit. As his work gains attention from news director Nina Romina (Rene Russo), he builds a growing career alongside his assistant Rick (Riz Ahmed) while pushing further into the dangerous world of late-night reporting.

Stream on Netflix from August 1

‘Zero Dark Thirty’

CIA analyst Maya (Jessica Chastain) joins the decade-long search for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks. Working alongside intelligence teams around the world, Maya tracks a series of leads and focuses on identifying a key figure who could reveal bin Laden’s location. During the investigation, she becomes convinced they are closing in on their target despite uncertainty from others involved. The film follows the final stages of the operation, culminating in the 2011 mission carried out by Navy SEAL Team 6.

Stream on Netflix from August 1

‘Ingrid Goes West’

Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) is a young woman who moves to Los Angeles after becoming fascinated by Taylor Sloane (Elizabeth Olsen), a popular online personality whose glamorous lifestyle catches her attention. Determined to become part of Taylor’s world, Ingrid finds a way into her life and quickly forms an unexpected friendship. She meets new people, including Taylor’s brother Nicky (Billy Magnussen) and aspiring filmmaker Dan (O'Shea Jackson Jr.), while trying to maintain her place in this unfamiliar world.

Stream on Netflix from August 1

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 best new Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• 10 best Netflix movies and shows of summer 2026 (so far)
• 3 Netflix comedies to watch after '72 Hours'

Over the past couple of years, between price hikes and shifting priorities, even the best streaming services have become more akin to cable TV with prices to match, especially at the higher "ad-free" tiers.

Almost every streaming service, save Apple TV, has multiple subscription tiers, including one with advertisements. These ad-supported memberships tend to be less expensive than the higher tiers and in some cases offer fewer features, like a lack of live sports or no downloads.

With that in mind, how often are advertisements interrupting your movies or TV shows? We tested seven of the major platforms to find out.

Tom's Guide testing process

We tested seven streaming platforms with the same process for both movies and TV shows.

These are the streamers I looked at:

• Disney+
• HBO Max
• Hulu
• Netflix
• Paramount+
• Peacock
• Prime Video

We tried to test out shows and movies of similar lengths within five minutes on either side. For movies, we watched films that were 2 hours long. For shows, we tried to find two episodes of about 60 minutes each, within five minutes.

We charted how many advertising breaks were inserted into the media, including starting ads. We also tracked how much added time the advertisements added to the overall runtime of the shows and movies.

Movie advertising

Surprisingly, how platforms break up their movies varies wildly between the number of breaks and how much added time they have.

If you want to avoid advertisements, Paramount+ and Peacock may be the way to go with only one ad roll at the start of the movies and nothing while it plays.

Here's how it broke down:

Netflix had the most ad breaks with nine, but those breaks were typically only 30 to 45 seconds with one or two commercials.

HBO Max had five ad breaks, but like Netflix, they only totaled two minutes. There were a couple of times during "Howl's Moving Castle" when I looked away and almost missed a couple.

The longest ads came from Prime Video, which only had four ad breaks but each one typically lasted around a minute and a half. It added over eight minutes to the process.

Disney+ was close behind with five ad breaks that added seven minutes and 45 seconds to "Fantastic Four: First Steps."

We're not doing winners and losers with these tests, but Paramount+ and Peacock waste your time the least and actually let you watch the movie.

TV show advertising

Unlike movies, most streaming services insert the same number of ad breaks in shows — between four and five, including ads that run before the show starts. The big difference lies in the added time.

For this test, we picked a series and watched the first two episodes of the show as long as they were in the 55- to 60-minute range.

Here's how it shook out:

Of the streaming platforms, Disney+ comes out the worst again.

I will note that I was only able to sign up for Hulu and Disney+ as a bundle. The Disney platform is a mess, and Hulu stuff is jumbled in with Disney content, which can be quite annoying when you're trying to find just Disney titles or just Hulu titles. Even clicking the Disney+ tab still sees Hulu shows or movies shoved into the different panels.

I specifically watched the Disney+ original series "The Punisher" for this test, and found between the first two episodes an average of over eight minutes of added runtime. Paramount+ was second worst with exactly eight minutes of added time between the two episodes of "Halo" I watched.

During the Paramount test, I got an error code during the second episode of "Halo," and the ads all disappeared. I did check out "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Dutton Ranch" just in case and got similar results, though those shows' episodes don't exactly hit 60 minutes.

Netflix may be the best value at only two minutes added time per episode. While watching the recently canceled "The Boroughs," there were only four ad breaks, but they varied in length. One was a minute, but the shortest was a quick 15 seconds.

How much the ad-supported subscriptions costs

If you're considering downgrading or signing up for one of the ad-supported tiers, they cost about the same across every platform, save the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, which combines both for $12.99 a month.

Here's what watching all those ads will cost you:

Some services like HBO Max and Peacock offer annual subscriptions, which will save you a dollar or so per month. Plus, Amazon Prime Video comes with a Prime subscription if you subscribe to that for $139 a year or $14.99 per month.

Otherwise, beyond HBO, most platforms cost $8.99 for the ad-supported subscription. Peacock is the cheapest at $7.99 by itself.

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• Best music streaming services available right now, tested and rated
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If you’re wondering what new movies and shows Netflix is adding this week, I’ve got your watchlist covered. The streaming service is bringing a mix of new releases, returning favorites and some major catalog additions over the next seven days. Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping true story, a nostalgic movie marathon or a little late-night comedy, there’s something worth queuing up.

Leading the charge is “The Bombing of Pan Am 103,” a powerful drama that revisits one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in aviation history. But Netflix is also making room for some binge-worthy favorites, including “Hannibal” seasons 1-6 and seven of “The Fast and the Furious” movies.

If those aren’t quite your speed, there are still plenty of other options. "Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain” brings a fresh dose of stand-up comedy, while the Brazilian MMA drama “Wrath” offers a darker, more intense watch. Those aren’t the only movies and shows arriving on Netflix this week, though. Here’s the full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days, along with my top picks for what you need to stream.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

'The Fast and the Furious' movies 1-7

Genre: Action movies

What it’s about: Celebrate 25 years of "The Fast and the Furious" by revisiting where the ride began. The first seven films follow the evolution of Dominic Toretto’s crew from underground street racers to globe-trotting thieves, spies and superhero-adjacent drivers who treat gravity as more of a suggestion. It all starts with undercover cop Brian O’Conner infiltrating L.A.’s racing scene to investigate a crew of hijackers.

Why you should watch it: Before “family” became a meme and cars started launching into space-level absurdity, "The Fast and the Furious" was a scrappy street-racing saga with a surprisingly big heart. Netflix is bringing the first seven movies together, making it the perfect excuse to revisit the franchise.

Watch "The Fast and the Furious" movies 1-6 starting August 1

'The Bombing of Pan Am 103'

Genre: True crime drama limited series

What it's about: Based on the real-life investigation into the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, this miniseries follows the aftermath of Pan Am Flight 103’s destruction and the massive international effort to uncover who was behind it. It follows the Scottish police, U.S. law enforcement, and the families still seeking answers after one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on British soil.

Why you should watch it: This isn’t just a procedural whodunit; it’s a deeply human look at the lives reshaped by tragedy. With a stacked cast including Peter Mullan, Connor Swindells, Patrick J. Adams, and Merritt Wever, it promises a gripping history lesson that plays like a real-world mystery.

Watch "The Bombing of Pan Am 103" starting July 30

'Hannibal' seasons 1-6

Genre: Psychological thriller series

What it’s about: Gifted FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) has an uncanny ability to think like the killers he hunts, but the talent starts to unravel him. To keep him grounded, FBI boss Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) pairs him with Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a brilliant psychiatrist hiding a very dark appetite.

Why you should watch it: Bryan Fuller’s "Hannibal" is less of a crime show and more a beautifully plated nightmare: gruesome, elegant and weirdly romantic. Mikkelsen’s chilling take on Lecter and Dancy’s haunted performance helped make this a cult favorite.

Watch "Hannibal" seasons 1-6 starting July 27

'Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain'

Genre: Stand-up comedy special

What it’s about: Comedian Mary Beth Barone brings her sharp, self-aware brand of chaos to her debut hour-long special. Taped at New York City’s Skirball, Barone dives headfirst into everything from reproductive rights and dating apps to pop culture, ex-best friends, tattooed dudes and the bizarre phenomenon of NYPD merch.

Why you should watch it: Barone has built a reputation for turning modern life’s most ridiculous contradictions into brutally funny observations. Expect dark humor, internet-age absurdity and hyper-specific takes.

Watch "Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain" starting July 28

'Wrath'

Genre: Action thriller / MMA drama series

What it’s about: When Marcelo (Vinicius Neri) is pulled back from the brink of death, he wakes up with no memory of who he was. Taken in by an MMA coach, he builds a new identity inside the cage, chasing victory while trying to piece together the mystery of his past. But the deeper he digs, the more he discovers a dangerous history.

Why you should watch it: Think "Warrior" meets "Memento." Brazilian drama and MMA intensity add up to a story where every fight has higher stakes than just winning the match.

Watch "Wrath" starting July 29

Everything new on Netflix: July 26-Aug. 2

JULY 27

• "Hannibal" season 1-3
• "Tár"

JULY 28

"Mary Beth Barone: Galaxy Brain" (Netflix comedy special)

Is an ex-best friend the worst ex? Can dating apps save democracy? What's with NYPD merch? Mary Beth Barone has all the answers in this witty special.

• "The Exorcism"

JULY 29

"Final Project" (MX) (Netflix series)

New school, new start — until vicious online attacks and a classmate's twisted challenge spark a dangerous bond that pushes Tamara toward transformation.

"Wrath" (BR) (Netflix series)

A wounded amnesiac finds refuge with an MMA coach and steps into the ring, torn between hope for a new future and a dangerous past that keeps closing in.

• "A Private Life"
• "Gear Heads" season 1

JULY 30

"The Bombing of Pan Am 103" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

The tragic bombing of a transatlantic flight over Scotland in 1988 unites the local police and the FBI in a hunt for the attackers. Based on a true story.

JULY 31

• "Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours"

AUGUST 1

• "3 Ninjas: Kick Back"
• "About Last Night..."
• "Anaconda"
• "Annie"
• "Are We Done Yet?"
• "Bride of Chucky"
• "Child's Play 2"
• "Child's Play 3"
• "Clueless"
• "Cult of Chucky"
• "Curse of Chucky"
• "Daddy Day Camp"
• "Daddy Day Care"
• "Elysium"
• "The Fast and the Furious"
• "2 Fast 2 Furious"
• "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift"
• "Fast Five"
• "Fast & Furious"
• "Fast & Furious 6"
• "Furious 7"
• "Field of Dreams"
• "The Hitman’s Bodyguard"
• "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard"
• "Holmes & Watson"
• "Marie Antoinette"
• "Mile 22"
• "Minions"
• "National Security"
• "Nightcrawler"
• "Party Girl"
• "Seed of Chucky"
• "Selma"
• "Something's Gotta Give"
• "Speed"
• "Speed 2: Cruise Control"
• "Tears of the Sun"
• "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones"
• "Zero Dark Thirty"

AUGUST 2

• "Ingrid Goes West"

Leaving Netflix This Week

Leaving 7/27/26

"Sliding Doors"

Leaving 7/29/26

"Tallulah"

Leaving 8/1/26

"27 Dresses"
"A Million Ways to Die in the West"
"The Age of Adaline"
"Atonement"
"Borat"
"Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie"
"Chef"
"Click"
"Enough"
"Everest"
"Ex Machina"
"Father of the Bride"
"Father of the Bride: Part II"
"Fletch"
"The Five-Year Engagement"
"The Glass House"
"Hacksaw Ridge"
"Home Improvement: Seasons 1-8"
"Hunter X Hunter (2011): Seasons 1-6"
"I Feel Pretty"
"Kindergarten Cop"
"Midnight Diner: Seasons 1-3"
"Mississippi Grind"
"Pixels"
"Pretty Woman"
"The Proposal"
"R.I.P.D."
"Single White Female"
"Splash"
"There's Something About Mary"
"Tootsie"

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• Apple TV's new crime thriller show features two of my favorite actors but not much else
• Nearly 25 years later, 'Training Day' remains Denzel Washington's greatest performance ever

Netflix's Kevin Hart-led buddy comedy "72 Hours" became the latest No. 1 movie on the platform, which just goes to show that you can't always trust Netflix's ranking. It's currently sitting at a 14% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience reactions not quite as scathing but still lukewarm at 49%. I'm tired of pretending Kevin Hart is still funny, and that's coming from someone who raved about his early stand-up comedy specials. His Napoleon complex schtick has gotten old, and if you ask me, there are much better comedies on Netflix that are worth you precious streaming time this weekend.

I've rounded up a few of my favorites below, including a girl failure comedy that I return to again and again when it's just been one of them days, a new(ish) chaotic double act with John Cena and Eric André, and one of the most controversial buddy comedies to date that I still stand by, 20 years later.

Read on for three more comedies to watch on Netflix next after "72 Hours."

'One of Them Days' (2025)

Keke Palmer and SZA's girl failure buddy comedy "One of Them Days" is one of those movies I return to whenever I need a good laugh (one joke about a "tumble-weave" never fails to crack me up). Directed by Lawrence Lamont, it follows two broke besties, Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) who find themselves desperate for cash after Alyssa's boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua Neal) runs off with their rent money.

With just hours to cough up with $1,500 before their landlord kicks them out, the two scramble to hit a lick by any means necessary — and manage to piss off a major gang banger in the process. Though "One of Them Days" has plenty of laughs, beneath the chaos and a great cameo by Katt Williams is a genuinely sweet story about the lengths we go to for family. Palmer and SZA are hilarious together, and if you’re into comedies with a lot of heart, this one’s worth adding to your watchlist. Plus it has a 94% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a rare feat for a buddy comedy.

Watch "One of Them Days" on Netflix now

'Little Brother' (2026)

While it's fallen from the Netflix Top 10 since its debut last month, I still laughed way harder at "Little Brother" than I did at "72 Hours," so I opted to include it as a more recently released option to watch. If, like me, you're a big fan of both "The Eric André Show" and John Cena's unhinged straight man brand of humor ("Peacemaker" was one of my favorite shows last year), you should definitely check out Netflix's buddy comedy "Little Brother."

Cena stars as successful real estate agent Rudd, whose stable — if less-than-fulfilling — life is thrown into chaos when his former mentee Marcus (Eric André) crashes back into his orbit at the worst possible moment. A chaos magnet with a knack for turning every situation into a catastrophe, Marcus leaves Rudd scrambling to clean up the fallout his antics cause. "Little Brother" leans heavily into slapstick, with most of the humor coming from the clash between Cena's perpetually exasperated straight-man performance with André's off-the-wall energy.

Watch "Little Brother" on Netflix now

'White Chicks' (2004)

Another excuse to write about "White Chicks"? Don't mind if I do! Over 20 years after it hit theaters, "White Chicks" crept into the Netflix Top 10 earlier this month, which had me cackling and just goes to show how lackluster the streamer's summer lineup has been so far. My friends and I were just talking about how "White Chicks" is one of those unapologetically dumb comedies we'll defend forever, in the same vein as the original "Scary Movie" — which I still argue is the only good "Scary Movie."

Directed by the undisputed best Wayans brother, "White Chicks" stars Shawn and Marlon Wayans as FBI agents Kevin and Marcus Copeland, whose careers are not long for this world after yet another botched assignment. With one final chance to prove themselves, they're stuck babysitting wealthy socialites Brittany and Tiffany Wilson during a weekend in the Hamptons. To go undercover, the two Black agents disguise themselves as white women, resulting in one outrageous fish-out-of-water gag after another as well as an iconic serenade from Terry Crews.

Watch "White Chicks" on Netflix now

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• 10 best Netflix movies and shows of summer 2026 (so far) ranked by viewers — No. 1 is a twisting mystery thriller made for binge-watching
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The summer season is in full swing, and while you might be enjoying the sunny weather outdoors or traveling the globe on vacation, Netflix is giving you plenty of reasons to stay indoors with a strong lineup of new movies and shows to watch from the comfort of your home.

Here at Tom’s Guide, we recently polled our readers on their favorite Netflix movies/shows of the summer (so far), and after more than 4,300 responses, we’ve compiled the results into a top 10 ranking. These are the shows and movies that Netflix viewers have enjoyed the most so far this summer.

There’s particularly strong variety in this list, ranging from easy-watching romantic dramas to fantasy-action, mystery thrills to crude comedy, and lots more. Whatever you like to watch on Netflix, there’s sure to be at least one entry on this list that appeals to your personal tastes.

Top 10 Netflix shows/movies of summer 2026 (so far)

10. ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (season 2)

The second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved cartoon “Avatar: The Last Airbender” props up this ranking. The reception was roughly in line with the show’s first season, with fans and critics noting it was a huge step up from the awful 2010 movie take on the original show, but still a far cry from the quality of its animated predecessor. The show also quickly fell out of Netflix's top 10, suggesting that it might not have attracted many newcomers. However, Season 3 was filmed simultaneously, so it’ll get to wrap up on its own terms, which is good news for fans.

Watch "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on Netflix now

9. ‘Sweet Magnolias’ (season 5)

Netflix takes a lot of flak for canceling shows early, much of it deserved, but to give the streaming service some credit, when a show finds a consistent viewership (and presumably isn’t too expensive to produce), it will give it the runway to thrive. Romantic drama “Sweet Magnolias” is one such example; it dropped its fifth season in June, bringing the show’s dedicated watchers back to the small town of Serenity, South Carolina, for another scoop of messy melodrama. As of writing, season 6 has not been confirmed, but the show's passionate fans are already speculating online about what will happen next. Hopefully, new episodes are confirmed soon.

Watch "Sweet Magnolias" on Netflix now

8. ‘Office Romance’

Netflix’s glossy rom-com “Office Romance” attracted plenty of attention, even if reviewers (myself included) weren’t exactly in love with this generic genre effort. It scores a weak 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, but as our poll shows, at least some viewers fell under its moderately charming spell. It stars Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein as co-workers at a high-flying airline who begin a secretive workplace affair. Naturally, this leads to many professional and personal complications. Playing out like pretty much every other romantic comedy, “Office Romance” is anything but memorable, which is perhaps why it ranks lower down on this top 10 list.

Watch "Office Romance" on Netflix now

7. ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ (season 4)

“Sullivan’s Crossing” is another romantic drama, based on the Robyn Carr novel series about a neurosurgeon named Maggie (Morgan Kohan) who returns to her hometown amidst legal trouble to reconnect with her father, Sully (Scott Patterson). This one is actually a CW show that aired its fourth season weekly throughout the spring before dropping all at once on Netflix at the end of June. A fifth season is also in production, so expect that to arrive on Netflix sometime in the summer of 2027.

Watch "Sullivan’s Crossing" on Netflix now

6. ‘Little Brother’

Netflix’s comedy “Little Brother” leaned on a classic movie trope, the odd-couple dynamic. You have John Cena playing the straight man, with a successful real estate career and loving family. Meanwhile, Eric André has the wild-card role, a loose cannon who causes complete chaos everywhere he goes. It’s a reliable formula for comedy, and even with its low-brow gags, “Little Brother” is saved from total disaster thanks to the strength of its two stars. It’s not a Netflix comedy that is likely to live long in the memory, but it enjoyed a brief moment in the sun over the summer.

Watch "Little Brother" on Netflix now

5. ‘Little House on the Prairie’

Banking on nostalgia is usually a successful strategy for streaming platforms, and that seems to be the case with “Little House on the Prairie.” Whether you read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original 1941 novel in your childhood or watched the original 1970s TV series, this story of a 19th-century settler family building a home on a farm in the American Midwest is beloved by millions. Netflix’s new adaptation was warmly received, and the streaming bigwigs were clearly impressed with what they saw, because it was renewed for a second season before it even premiered.

Watch "Little House on the Prairie" on Netflix now

4. ‘Enola Holmes 3’

Netflix put plenty of marketing muscle behind the third installment in its “Enola Holmes” franchise (I saw real-world posters everywhere), and it seemingly paid off. The detective mystery flick went straight to No. 1, and, as our poll results show, viewers were seemingly satisfied with this latest outing for Sherlock Holmes’ little sister, the eponymous Enola (played by Millie Bobby Brown). Also bringing back Louis Partridge as Tewkesbury, Henry Cavill as Sherlock, and Helen Bonham Carter as Eudoria Holmes, this mystery film offers plenty of fun and is all set in sun-soaked Malta.

Watch "Enola Holmes 3" on Netflix now

3. ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’

The competition hasn’t exactly been fierce, but “Voicemails for Isabelle” is perhaps the best Netflix original movie of the summer to date. Sure, this rom-com also has a generic quality, but the chemistry between leads Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson makes rooting for its central relationship very easy. The movie also tackles grief in a way that feels authentic. Deutch plays a San Francisco chef reeling from the death of her beloved sister. To cope with her loss, she leaves voicemails to her sister’s old phone, which are intercepted by Wes (Robinson). Wes engineers a meet-cute, and a connection forms, but will his lie be revealed and ruin the romance?

Watch "Voicemails for Isabelle" on Netflix now

2. ‘Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea’

No list of the most-popular Netflix shows and movies would be complete without a gripping documentary, and “Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea” storms into second place with nearly 20% of the votes in our poll. This feature-length doc chronicles the sinking of the luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia in 2012. This maritime disaster became a global news story, tragically claimed 32 lives, and resulted in a 16-year prison sentence for the captain who abandoned his ship prematurely. “Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea” includes new footage of the events and insightful interviews with survivors who recount their chilling experience.

Watch "Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea" on Netflix now

1. ‘I Will Find You’

It’s no surprise to see “I Will Find You” claim the top spot. As somebody who tracks what’s popular on Netflix for a living, I can attest first-hand that the streaming service’s subscriber base loves binge-worthy mystery thrillers. This one marks Netflix’s latest collaboration with crime author supremo Harlan Coben, and packs the usual assortment of gripping moments and shocking twists that viewers have come to expect from a Coben-adapted TV show. It stars Sam Worthington as a man wrongly imprisoned for the murder of his son. When he learns his son might still be alive, he must break out to uncover the truth and clear his name.

Watch "I Will Find You" on Netflix now

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• New on Netflix in July 2026
• 3 top Netflix movies being removed at the end of July 2026
• Netflix has racked up 17 No. 1 movies in 2026 (so far)

The weekend is here, and if you're struggling to narrow down what to watch, I got you. Every weekend, you'll find me here, combing through the Netflix Top 10 to spotlight which movies that have subscribers buzzing are actually worth the watch. Because lord knows a few duds always manage to make the ranking. Just look at the No. 1 spot: a Kevin Hart comedy with a whopping 14% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Naw, I only recommend Netflix Top 10 movies that are actually worth the hype. This weekend's pick include an uplifting drama based on a true story, one of Netflix's craziest true crime documentaries yet, and a movie musical that'll dazzle you into a stupor.

If you want to see what other movies made the cup, the platform's complete, up-to-the-minute movie rankings are detailed below. So far this year, Netflix has had 17 No. 1 movies, and our streaming team narrowed down the only 5 worth watching of the bunch.

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

‘Wicked: For Good'

John Chu’s 2025 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, "Wicked: For Good," just landed on Netflix this week, and to absolutely no one's surprise, it's already in the top 10. Though if you ask me, there are much better musicals on Netflix that are more worth your time. With all the best songs of "Wicked" in the first half, I knew "For Good" would struggle to stack up, but Glinda's new song and a few smart creative liberties to help buoy the less prolific singers (*cough* Jeff Goldblum*) managed to delight well enough.

It picks up right after "Wicked's" gravity-defying conclusion, with Elphaba now in her Wicked Witch of the West era on the run from the Wizard (Goldblum). Many of her old pals from Shiz now lead the mob calling for her head. Glinda and Elphaba clash over what's best for Oz, but when a mysterious storm sends a young girl from Kansas (and her little dog too) crashing into their world, it changes their lives for good.

Watch "Wicked: For Good" on Netflix now

'A Toxic Love Story'

Another weekend finds another true crime documentary trending on Netflix. Based on the title, you might think you know what you're in for — and you'd be wrong. This is one of Netflix's wildest true crime docs yet, with plenty of WTF moments before the final reveal as the mystery unravels.

At the center of it all is U.S. Deputy Marshal Ian Diaz and his wife, Ashley, a couple who started receiving threats shortly after getting married. They traced them back to Ian's ex, Michelle, and she was eventually arrested. But this isn't your stereotypical "crazy ex girlfriend" plot. The search also surfaces a Craig's List ad suggesting Ashely was looking to fulfill a rape fantasy, and the story only gets crazier from there. If you're a true crime fan, this movie is a must-watch.

Watch "A Toxic Love Story" on Netflix now

‘Ordinary Angels' (2023)

This fan-favorite Alan Ritchson movie has a near-perfect 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it's a staple whenever I go to visit my in-laws back in Kentucky. Directed by Jon Gunn, "Ordinary Angels" is based on the true story of a Kentucky community that rallied together to help save the life of a young girl.

Hilary Swank stars as Sharon Stevens, a down-on-her-luck hairdresser who steps up to help widowed father Ed Schmitt (Ritchson) as he struggles to care for his two young daughters following his wife's sudden death. When one of the girls needs a life-saving liver transplant, Sharon unites the community to support the family through their darkest days, even as one of the worst snowstorms in Kentucky's history bears down on them.

Watch "Ordinary Angels" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "72 Hours" (2026)
2. "A Toxic Love Story" (2026)
3. "Sniper: No Nation" (2026)
4. "Ordinary Angels" (2023)
5. "Elize: Shadows of a Woman" (2026)
6. "Wicked: For Good" (2025)
7. "The Truthers" (2026)
8. "The Debt Collector" (2026)
9. "Desire" (2026)
10. "The Boss Baby" (2017)

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Another weekend is here, which means the question of what to watch is fresh on our minds. It's slim pickings this week among the new releases across the best streaming services, especially on Netflix, where a godawful Kevin Hart comedy is the main headliner this weekend.

Instead, I'd urge you to check out the much funnier sports comedy on Apple TV, "The Dink." It's got pickleball and "New Girl" star Jake Johnson's thirsting after an older woman; what's not to love? Over on paid video-on-demand platforms, you can catch "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" for more of the Pedro Pascal and baby Yoda dynamic duo fans fell in love with from the show. Paramount+ has a new Avatar movie, "Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender," that I'm not convinced needed to exist, but if it means more Toph kicking ass in my life, then yes, please.

Over on Prime Video, you can catch the darling animated adventure "The Wild Robot" from the same creator of "Lilo & Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon" series. Finally, Netflix just got the second part of "Wicked" if you're looking to get our sing-along on this weekend. So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies to watch this weekend.

'The Dink' (Apple TV)

One of the few original movies debuting on streaming this week is "The Dink," a new Apple TV sports comedy from director Josh Greenbaum ("Strays" and "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar"). My boy Jake Johnson stars as a washed-up tennis pro named Dusty Boyd who finds a shot at redemption in the unlikeliest of places: on the pickleball court.

Through a bizarre twist of fate, Dusty ends up joining a pickleball quartet made up of older women, where he quickly develops a crush on their charismatic leader (Mary Steenburgen). But his newfound passion for the sport comes with high stakes, as he’s forced to face off against his longtime nemesis with the future of his father's country club hanging in the balance. The film also features Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, Fortune Feimster, Chris Parnell, Ben Stiller, and a scene-stealing Aaron Chen as Dusty’s trusty sidekick.

Watch "The Dink" on Apple TV now

'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu' (PVOD)

The lowest-grossing Star Wars movie in history made its way to paid-video-on-demand platforms this week. You're better off waiting for it to arrive on Disney+ in a few months, but if you need your Baby Yoda fix now, have at it. "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" never quite justifies its full-length movie treatment, feeling instead like a mini "Mandalorian" marathon retrofitted to the big screen, which might explain the poor theatrical performance.

The galaxy's dreamiest bounty hunter and his pint-sized companion return for a new adventure. Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu take on a mission for the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (voiced by "The Bear's" Jeremy Allen White), Jabba's heir, from a rival crime syndicate to get some juicy intel on an Imperial warlord. Their assignment spirals into a galaxy-spanning adventure filled with all the blaster fights and Force magic you'd expect of a Star Wars outing.

Buy or rent "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" on Apple or Amazon now

'Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender' (Paramount+)

Did we really need more of Team Avatar? Eh. Debatable. Will I be sat down to watch this weekend? Absolutely. If only to see Toph (voiced by Dionee Quan) get the epic fight scenes we all hoped for in "The Legend of Korra." Directed by Lauren Montgomery, the film takes place after the events of the original animated series and follows an older Avatar Aang (voiced by Eric Nam), now grown up and setting out with his friends on a mission to rebuild the long-lost Air Nation.

To do that, he'll need an ancient power that could save his culture from extinction, but if it falls into the wrong hands first, it spells doom for the Air Nation's future. Expanding the world of “Avatar” with a new chapter in Aang’s journey, this has all the makings of an essential watch for longtime fans.

Watch "Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender" on Paramount+ now

'Wicked: For Good' (Netflix)

John M. Chu’s 2025 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, "Wicked: For Good," just landed on Netflix — though if you ask me, there are much better musicals on Netflix that are more worth your time. Let's be real, all the best "Wicked" songs are in the first act, so "For Good" was never going to stack up, but it was still a satisfying conclusion for the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) with plenty of earworms and big-budget set pieces to dazzle you into a stupor.

"For Good" picks up right after "Wicked's" dramatic conclusion, with Elphaba now in her Wicked Witch of the West era on the run from the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). Many of her old pals from Shiz now lead the mob calling for her head, though others lead the search only to find her before they do. Glinda and Elphaba clash over the Wizard's true intentions and what's best for Oz, but when a mysterious storm sends a young girl from Kansas (and her little dog too) crashing into their world, it puts their already strained relationship to the ultimate test.

Watch "Wicked: For Good" on Netflix now

'The Wild Robot' (Prime Video)

"The Wild Robot" is one of several animated movies I refuse to shut up about, so when I saw it landed on Prime Video this week, I knew I had to give it a shout-out. With Chris Sanders, the same creative tour de force behind "Lilo & Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon," at the wheel, you know you're in for a treat. This DreamWorks treasure had me full-on ugly crying in the theater when it came out, thanks in large part to Lupita Nyong’o’s deeply moving performance as Roz, a lost robot turned reluctant parent to an orphaned gosling (Kit Conner).

Also along for the ride is everyone's favorite zaddy, Pedro Pascal, as a fox that could give Nick Wilde a run for money. Oh, and Matt Berry makes a cameo as a beaver — I'm letting y'all know so you don't get jump scared like I was. It's your standard fish out of water tale, beautifully told with gorgeous animation that easily rivals the "Spider-Verse" films in both style and ambition.

Watch "The Wild Robot" on Prime Video now

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• 3 best new to Prime Video movies you should stream this weekend (July 24-26)
• 8 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video and more (July 24-26)
• 3 best new to Netflix movies you should stream this weekend (July 24-26)

Another weekend is here, which means it’s time for another movie marathon, especially for anyone looking to beat the brutal summer heat by staying comfortably indoors. Netflix is constantly churning out fresh content, but getting through that endless library can turn a cozy movie night into a frustrating chore.

To save you from that frustration, we’ve gone through Netflix’s lineup and narrowed down its massive catalog to three new movie additions worth streaming this weekend. That includes a new comedy starring Kevin Hart, the sequel to one of the biggest musical adaptations ever, and an iconic slasher flick for horror fans. So, here are the three new Netflix movies you definitely won't want to miss this weekend. And more more recommendations, check out the 8 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video and more.

‘72 Hours’ (2026)

Comedy fans will want to stream “72 Hours” this weekend, an R-rated flick starring Kevin Hart as a man who finds himself caught up in a series of increasingly silly situations. The film is directed by Tim Story, marking the eighth collaboration between Hart and Story after the duo previously found box-office success together with the “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man” franchises. It’s a fast-paced summer comedy about a midlife crisis and clashes between different generations.

Joe (Kevin Hart) is a 40-year-old advertising executive whose career is on the verge of collapse after he struggles to connect with a younger generation of consumers. When he’s accidentally added to a group chat for a Miami bachelor party, he sees the weekend as an unexpected chance to reinvent himself and prove he still has what it takes.

Joining a lively group of twenty-somethings, Joe is swept into three days of nonstop parties and wild misunderstandings as he searches for a way to turn his fortunes around.

Watch "72 Hours" on Netflix

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

“Wicked: For Good” is the cinematic conclusion to Universal’s two-part musical adaptation. Directed once again by Jon M. Chu, the film became another major commercial success for the studio, bringing the huge event to a close with impressive box-office numbers and strong fan engagement. It exploded out of the gate in November 2025, earning a massive $150 million domestically during its opening weekend and $226 million worldwide. This set the record for the biggest domestic debut ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.

Set after the events of the first film, “Wicked: For Good” follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as she lives in hiding after being branded the Wicked Witch of the West. Determined to expose the Wizard’s deception and protect Oz’s persecuted Animals, she continues her fight while avoiding capture. Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande) has become the celebrated face of the Emerald City, serving the Wizard’s regime as her growing fame masks deep personal conflict. Soon, a mysterious girl from Kansas arrives in Oz, and a furious mob closes in on Elphaba.

Watch "Wicked: For Good" on Netflix

‘Scream’ (1996)

We might still be in summer, but that doesn’t mean Halloween-loving horror fans aren’t already looking ahead to spooky season. Netflix has made that excitement arrive early by adding the first three “Scream” films to its library. I’d recommend starting with the original film, where it all began, as it helped revive the slasher genre in the late ‘90s. Beyond its jump scares, “Scream” changed horror filmmaking with its self-aware, pop-culture-obsessed approach.

“Scream” follows Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a high school student in the quiet town of Woodsboro, who becomes the target of a mysterious masked killer known as Ghostface after a series of brutal murders begin taking place. They soon find themselves surrounded by suspicion as the killer continues to strike while leaving behind cryptic phone calls and clues. With the body count rising, Sidney, her best friend Tatum (Rose McGowan), local deputy Dewey Riley (David Arquette), and reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) must uncover Ghostface’s identity.

Watch "Scream" on Netflix

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Netflix is always topping up its movie library to ensure you’ve always got something new to watch for your next marathon streaming session. That includes a steady stream of thriller flicks, which I can attest firsthand are persistently popular with Netflix subscribers.

I’ve combed through Netflix’s slate for July 2026 and picked out a trio of worthwhile thrillers deserving of a spot in your watchlist. Whether you want an awards-nominated indie movie, a biopic focused on a notorious whistleblower, or a psychological drama with one of the strongest leading performances I’ve seen in years, there’s a pick down below for you.

So, without further introduction, these are the latest thriller movies just added to Netflix; give them a watch if you’re in the mood for a movie that will have you enthralled from the start.

3 new to Netflix thrillers to watch this week

‘Zola’ (2020)

Whenever Netflix adds a movie with a high Rotten Tomatoes score, subscribers tend to take notice. With “Zola” boasting a strong 88% rating on the review aggregate website, this crime thriller with comedic elements is a recent arrival worth adding to your watchlist. Curiously, it’s actually based on a Twitter thread (now known as X), which might sound like a ludicrous source for movie inspiration, but it proves good ideas can spring from anywhere.

Earning multiple nominations at the 37th Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Film, Best Director (for Janicza Bravo) and two wins, for Best Female Lead (for Taylour Paige) and Best Editing, “Zola” sees a waitress (the eponymous Zola) invited by a customer to Florida for a weekend of partying. However, this 48-hour sun-soaked getaway quickly warps into a hedonistic odyssey of chaos involving gangsters, dimwitted boyfriends and illicit activities.

Watch "Zola" on Netflix now

"Snowden" (2016)

“Snowden” takes viewers inside one of the 21st century’s most fascinating (and controversial) news stories. Directed by Oliver Stone, known for “Scarface” and “Midnight Express,” it takes the actions of Edward Snowden and adapts them into a tense drama. It takes a few liberties with the truth in the name of crafting an engaging thriller, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives a strong performance as the eponymous whistleblower, and the supporting cast is strong, including Shailene Woodley, Timothy Olyphant and Nicolas Cage.

After an intriguing opening, in which Snowden holds a clandestine meeting with a journalist, this thriller flashes back to 2004 to explore how the former CIA employee went from working within the U.S. intelligence department to leaking classified information. The movie attempts to explore Snowden’s motivation, his internal conflict over whether to turn whistleblower on his own country, and how his actions led to major reforms and a wave of public scrutiny.

Watch "Snowden" on Netflix now

‘Tár’ (2022)

Speaking of taking liberties, I’m perhaps stretching the definition of a thriller by including “Tár” in this roundup of thrillers, but I can’t not recommend this ultra-compelling and impeccably well-made psychological drama whenever I get the chance. It features Cate Blanchett at her very best, delivering a powerhouse performance that really should have seen her walk away with some Oscar gold (sadly, she had to settle for merely a nomination).

Lydia Tár (Blanchett) has the musical world under her command. She’s the respected conductor of a Berlin orchestra, holds classes at Juilliard, and is days away from a live recording of Mahler's Fifth Symphony that will elevate her career even further. Just as she’s about to achieve immortality in her field, her life begins to unravel when a serious accusation is made against her character, and her psychological state soon deteriorates.

Watch "Tár" on Netflix starting July 27

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“No hijinks” is the only request that the Vulcan T’Pring (Gia Sandhu) makes of her fiancé Spock (Ethan Peck) when she agrees to visit him on the U.S.S. Enterprise. She could be echoing the concerns of many viewers of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” which may have gone a little too hard on the hijinks in its third season. The new fourth season dials them back slightly, although T’Pring’s request comes at the beginning of the most ridiculous episode, in which nearly all of the characters are transformed into puppets.

I didn’t necessarily mind the prevalence of goofy episodes in the previous season of “Strange New Worlds,” although I found the puppet episode to be the weakest of the six available for review (out of 10 total) in the new season. The episodic structure of “Strange New Worlds” is one of its greatest strengths, and the ability to switch genres, tones and styles from episode to episode — while remaining grounded in the traditional sci-fi of “Star Trek” — is a major part of what makes the show so entertaining.

That’s still the case in the fourth season, which mixes ongoing character development with creative, engaging individual adventures. It still represents some of the best storytelling of the modern era of “Star Trek” TV.

‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ sticks to what works

Although they may have toned down the wackiness a bit, overall the creators of “Strange New Worlds” haven’t made any major changes for the fourth season, which continues to follow the Enterprise on its five-year exploratory mission in the years before the events of the original 1960s “Star Trek” series.

At this point, the ensemble cast has become as cohesive and endearing as any crew in the history of “Star Trek,” and seeing them again is like spending time with old friends. That means getting emotionally invested when they find themselves in danger, and also finding amusement in their more ridiculous predicaments.

The new season starts in a relatively calm place, with Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) noting that the Enterprise has been on 15 straight “routine missions.” The first episode begins with the aftermath of one of those missions, with Pike and a couple of crew members dressed as cowboys and riding horses on the surface of an unnamed planet. It’s just enough to hint at all of the Enterprise’s missions that we’ll never get to see, and that slightly compensates for the much shorter seasons of the modern streaming era, versus the lengthy episode counts for vintage “Star Trek” shows.

The Enterprise quickly plunges back into peril, with a number of classic “Star Trek” set-ups. There’s time travel, complete with a Tyrannosaurus rex showdown, and there are ethical dilemmas that require the crew to make tough decisions that could affect the entire universe.

Especially in the sixth episode, in which the Enterprise is caught in a wormhole that could disintegrate the ship, there’s the satisfaction of watching skilled scientists, navigators, engineers and leaders working together to solve seemingly unsolvable problems. “Star Trek” has always been about the value of people collaborating for the common good, and at its best, “Strange New Worlds” beautifully captures that perspective.

The characters on ‘Strange New Worlds’ are as appealing as the sci-fi

Although the bulk of the main characters are younger versions of established figures from “Star Trek” continuity, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for personal growth or new discoveries. The third season may have focused a little too much on Spock’s love life, but his complex relationships with T’Pring, nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) and security officer La’An Noonien Singh (Christina Chong) are still rewarding, and the new season balances the Spock soap opera with substantial arcs for other characters.

In the best episode I watched, La’An continues to struggle with her dark side as a descendant of genetically engineered villain Khan Noonien Singh, while facing literal ghosts aboard a haunted ship. Among the show’s genre departures, the comedic episodes get the most attention, but veteran horror director Axelle Carolyn proves that “Strange New Worlds” can tackle the horror genre just as effectively. Carolyn delivers plenty of eerie moments as La’An, Spock and James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) are tormented by the ghost that stalks the corridors of an abandoned ship.

One of the season’s silliest episodes offers a sweet story of friendship between hotheaded pilot Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) and flustered engineer Montgomery Scott (Martin Quinn), and the camaraderie among the main characters remains a highlight that can carry the show past the occasional dodgy storyline.

Verdict: ‘Strange New Worlds’ remains a ‘Star Trek’ gem

Anyone who hasn’t already been watching “Strange New Worlds” probably won’t want to jump onboard with the fourth season, although the relatively standalone episodes make it easier to pick up than any other modern “Star Trek” show. For viewers who’ve been following the show since the beginning, though, this is another highly enjoyable season, with a slight course correction for past missteps.

With both the truncated fifth and final season of “Strange New Worlds” and the second and final season of “Starfleet Academy” already in post-production, and no new shows on the horizon, it seems like this current era of “Star Trek” may be coming to a close. If so, “Strange New Worlds” proves that it’s going out on a high note.

The fourth season of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” premieres July 23 on Paramount Plus

We love a good whodunnit in all formats, but especially when it's a mystery miniseries. You don't have to wait multiple seasons for a satisfying conclusion to the story, and yet there's more than enough run time to ramp up the tension and leave you guessing.

And Netflix, one of the best streaming services around, is home to plenty of pulpy, puzzling limited series that will keep you clicking "next episode" all weekend long. From a Nicole Kidman-led, New England-set mystery drama to a Spanish-language adaptation of a Harlan Coben page-turner (just one of many on the streamer, from "Lazarus" to "Stay Close" to "Missing You"), these Netflix miniseries will leave you equal parts entertained and engrossed.

So, if you want to spend a few days binge-watching some addictive streaming originals, here are three Netflix mystery miniseries that will have you hooked from the very first episode.

'The Perfect Couple'

Nicole Kidman, a crazy wig and a mysterious death to unravel—really, what more could you need from a Netflix show? Set over a lavish summer wedding on the picturesque island of Nantucket, "The Perfect Couple" is a soapy, sunkissed mystery based the Elin Hilderbrand beach read of the same name.

Kidman leads a star-studded ensemble (Liev Schreiber, Eve Hewson, Meghann Fahy, Dakota Fanning and Sam Nivola) as Greer Garrison Winbury, a famous novelist and the matriarch of the super-wealthy Winbury family. When a dead body shockingly washes ashore just hours before her son's nuptials, everyone becomes a suspect.

(And if you want more frothy mysteries full of complex family dynamics, here are 5 five shows like 'The Perfect Couple' to also add to your watchlist.)

Stream "The Perfect Couple" on Netflix now

'The Innocent'

Adapted from Harlan Coben's seventh standalone novel, 2005's "The Innocent," this twisty Spanish miniseries centers on Mateo "Matt" Vidal (played by Mario Casas), a Barcelona man who was imprisoned for four years for accidental negligent homicide after trying to break up a bar brawl. Matt is trying to start his life over and rebuild his relationship with his wife Olivia (Aura Garrido), when all of those plans are derailed by a mysterious phone call that sends him on the path to find the truth.

The eight-episode mystery has a picture-perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes; in her review for Fotogramas (translated to English), critic María Juesas praised the series for how "it approaches each chapter like a movie, focusing each time on a different character, telling us almost all his secrets as if he were adding one more piece to the puzzle...'The Innocent' knows how to play with a labyrinthine plot that hides a puzzle of crime, deception and mysteries."

Watch "The Innocent" on Netflix now

'Bodies'

Why have one detective story when you can have four? In this Netflix limited series based on the graphic novel by Si Spencer, four different investigators (played by Kyle Soller, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Amaka Okafor and Shira Haas) are working the same across four very different timelines: 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053, respectively.

As each dive into the case of a dead body in Longharvest Lane across eight episodes, it soon becomes clear that those seemingly disparate investigations might not be so disparate after all and may be linked to a larger conspiracy that has the potential to destroy all of London. (If you like your murder mysteries with a bit of a sci-fi edge, this one is for you.)

Watch "Bodies" on Netflix now

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It's been an unusually rough year for movie musicals, with Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas' "Power Ballad" and the live-action "Moana" both bombing at the box office. There's a glimmer of respite this week with John M. Chu’s 2025 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, "Wicked: For Good," landing on Netflix on July 20. But let's be real: All the best songs are in the first half of "Wicked," and "For Good" was always going to be stuck playing second fiddle.

That's reflected on Rotten Tomatoes, where "Wicked" (which you can catch on Peacock) earned an 88% critics score while "For Good" drags behind at 66%. However, it's worth noting that both have comparable audience scores: 95% and 92%, respectively. There are plenty of better musicals to be found on Netflix, if you ask me, so I figured now was the perfect time to shout them out.

If you’re looking for something to sing along to, tap your feet to, or maybe just something to lift your mood in these dark times, here are the best musicals on Netflix to watch right now.

'Merrily We Roll Along' (2025)

In my perfect world, all hit Broadway musicals would get the "Hamilton" treatment and eventually make their way to streaming, but until that glorious day, I never tire of getting an excuse to shout out the rare few that do. Directed by Maria Friedman, the acclaimed Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along” stars Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez and won four Tony Awards.

Spanning three decades, “Merrily We Roll Along” follows composer Franklin Shepard (Groff), writer Mary (Mendez), and lyricist Charley (Radcliffe), a trio of friends whose relationship is put to the test over the years. Originally debuting in 1981, the musical is considered to be among Stephen Sondheim’s finest works. A film adaptation that's been in the works for over two decades is currently in the works, but until it arrives (sometime around 2040), this version is more than worthy of your time.

Watch "Merrily We Roll Along" on Netflix now

'Matilda: The Musical' (2022)

As much nostalgia as I have for Danny DeVito’s 1996 "Matilda" adaptation, the 2022 musical version, based on the hit stage production, is somehow even better. Alisha Weir shines as Matilda, a precocious young girl with telekinetic powers who feels completely out of place in her neglectful family. After she's sent to a dreary school ruled by the terrifying tyrant Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson), Matilda inspires her classmates to revolt with the help of the kind-hearted Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch).

Featuring a score packed with catchy, uplifting songs by Tim Minchin, "Matilda the Musical" bursts with energy thanks to Matthew Warchus' direction. Returning after helming the stage production, Warchus preserves the darker edge and mischievous spirit of Dahl's beloved story while delivering a colorful, crowd-pleasing musical that's just as enchanting for adults as it is for younger viewers.

Watch "Matilda: The Musical" on Netflix now

'The Portrait' (2017)

I adore a movie musical adaptation that goes all out, and "The Portrait" does just that, embracing the spirit of Golden Age Hollywood. Set in the Philippines on the brink of World War II, it's a sweeping musical drama that follows two unmarried, broke sisters (Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro) who face desperate times after their father, a celebrated painter and party host, can no longer work.

To pay the bills, they take in a shady lodger Tony Javier (Paulo Avelino) and hope that their father's final masterpiece may be the answers to their troubles. Ampil and Alejandro deliver powerful performances as the sisters, whose conviction is put to the test as they cling to the belief that their father's portrait is worth far more than any fortune it could fetch. Clearly made with utmost dedication and care, "The Portrait" impresses with its meticulous production design and polished technical craftsmanship, making every frame feel larger than life.

Watch "The Portrait" on Netflix now

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Deciding what to stream can feel like an uphill battle, especially towards the end of the month when you’ve already worked your way through the biggest new releases and are left wondering what’s left to watch. Rather than wasting half your evening aimlessly scrolling through endless menus, keeping an eye on the trending lists on major platforms like Netflix offers a hassle-free way to the most popular movies and shows.

This week, the top 10 list includes the No. 1 sports comedy starring Will Ferrell, a picturesque family drama based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s bestselling novels, and a dark true crime doc that will rattle your nerves. So, I’ve narrowed down the standout trio that’s genuinely worth your time right now. If you want to scan the rest of the chart, the full top 10 breakdown is waiting for you below.

Note: This list is based on the Netflix U.S. top 10 shows as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Best shows in the Netflix top 10

‘The Hawk’

Netflix’s latest No. 1 show is “The Hawk,” marking Will Ferrell’s return to the world of sports comedies. Co-created by Ferrell, the 10-episode Netflix series takes a satirical look at the world of professional golf. It feels like a throwback to mid-2000s sports comedies, with the messy family dynamics of “Eastbound & Down” mixed in. Judging by the trailer, the series seems to swap traditional sports manners for bold outfits, unhinged arguments in public, and plenty of country club chaos.

Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins (Will Ferrell) was once the world's top golfer, but years after reaching the peak of his career, he finds himself struggling to compete against a new generation of talent. Refusing to retire, Lonnie sets out to win the one major championship missing from his résumé and complete a career Grand Slam. His comeback is anything but smooth, as he clashes with PGA officials and faces an increasingly strained relationship with his ex-wife Stacy (Molly Shannon) and his son Lance (Jimmy Tatro), an emerging golf star.

Stream "The Hawk" on Netflix

‘Little House on the Prairie’

Netflix's adaptation of “Little House on the Prairie” reimagines Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic books for a new generation. While previous screen adaptations focused heavily on one family’s isolated frontier life, the 2026 series expands its story by exploring multiple family perspectives and storylines, offering a broader look at 19th-century westward expansion. The warm-hearted family drama keeps the comforting nostalgia of the books and original TV series while bringing the world to life with upgraded production values.

“Little House on the Prairie” follows the Ingalls family as they leave Wisconsin and begin building a new life on the Kansas frontier during the 1800s. The series is centered around young Laura (Alice Halsey), her parents Charles (Luke Bracey) and Caroline (Crosby Fitzgerald), and her sister Mary (Skywalker Hughes) as they settle into unfamiliar surroundings while facing the challenges that come with their new home. Soon, they must navigate their changing lives in the American West.

Stream "Little House on the Prairie" on Netflix

‘Worst Neighbor Ever’

True crime fans will want to add “Worst Neighbor Ever” to their watchlist. This is the latest installment in Blumhouse Television’s true-crime anthology franchise, following the success of “Worst Roommate Ever” and “Worst Ex Ever.” Released as a four-episode docuseries event, the show shifts its focus from a toxic household to suburban horror stories unfolding right next door. It takes the relatable anxiety of having a difficult neighbor and explores how property disputes, deception, or obsession can spiral into violence.

This new doc explores real-life cases involving people whose relationships with those living nearby took unexpected turns. Featuring interviews with those involved, law enforcement accounts, body camera footage and reenactments, the series examines four separate stories, including disputes that spiraled into deadly encounters, a suspicious explosion, a prolonged conflict and a complex fraud case. Each episode focuses on the events leading up to the incidents and the people caught in the middle.

Stream "Worst Neighbor Ever" on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

1. "The Hawk" (2026)
2. "Little House on the Prairie" (2026)
3. "I Will Find You" (2026)
4. "The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On" (2022)
5. "Worst Neighbor Ever" (2026)
6. "Hot Ones: Extra Heat" (2026)
7. "Quarterback" (2023)
8. "Spooky in Love" (2026)
9. "Agent Kim Reactivated" (2026)
10. "Salish & Jordan Matter" (2026)

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This week’s crop of new movies across the biggest streaming services is one of the most packed of the year to date. There are new arrivals on popular platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Apple TV and Peacock. There's also a handful of buzzy newcomers on premium streaming.

With so much choice, picking a highlight is no easy feat. Star Wars fans will likely flock to the PVOD debut of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” while anybody looking for a different kind of sci-fi should consider Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day.” Alternatively, Netflix has a new Kevin Hart comedy, HBO Max has a fantasy action sequel, and Hulu has a feature film based on a cult web series that is one of the funniest movies I’ve watched in 2026.

You’re really spoilt for choice, so I’ve combed through all the most noteworthy new movies on streaming this week and picked out the ones you need to know about. For more recommendations, check out the 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to stream this week. And if binge-watching is more your speed, here’s a guide to all the top new TV shows this week.

‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ (PVOD)

The first theatrical-released Star Wars movie in seven years swaps the big screen for streaming this week, and it feels particularly appropriate in the case of “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” This feature-length continuation of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” was criticized for failing to go beyond its TV roots. Instead, the movie feels a whole lot like a handful of episodes stitched together, so if you skipped it in cinemas, it’ll feel right at home on digital.

Set between the original and sequel trilogies, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” focuses on the eponymous pair, bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young ward, Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). The New Republic enlists the duo to rescue Rotta (Jeremy Allen White), the son of former crime boss Jabba the Hutt. While it might not feel grand enough to justify its big-screen release, Grogu’s adorability factor is ramped up to a new level.

Watch on Prime Video (Buy/rent) starting July 21

‘Disclosure Day’ (PVOD)

Steven Spielberg made his return to the sci-fi genre with “Disclosure Day.” It’s not quite vintage Spielberg, but it tackles some interesting themes and boasts a career-highlight performance from Emily Blunt. I suspect some viewers will find the rushed conclusion disappointing, and there are some contrived narrative decisions, but it’s still a Spielberg movie, full of wonder and unspooling mystery. And it’s great to see him back in the sci-fi genre.

Blunt plays Margaret Fairchild, a television meteorologist who discovers she possesses psychic abilities. This leads her to link up with Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cybersecurity expert who has turned whistleblower against his employer, the Wardex Corporation. As the duo is hunted by the shadowy organization (led by Colin Firth’s Noah Scanlon), they discover a government-led cover-up of classified extraterrestrial activity, which all links back to a forgotten event in Margaret and Daniel’s childhood.

Watch on Prime Video (Buy/rent) starting July 21

‘Scary Movie’ (PVOD)

In this era of horror remakes, reboots and legacy sequels, it was only a matter of time before “Scary Movie” was revived to lampoon the current genre trends. This sixth installment in the parody series (named “Scary Movie” as a nod to horror sequels often removing the numeral) marks the return of the Wayans, who originally exited the franchise after 2001’s “Scary Movie 2.” It also sees original stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall return, too.

Mocking everything from “Weapons,” “The Substance,” and “Sinners,” to the series’ favorite punching bag, “Scream," 2026's “Scary Movie” hasn’t matured with age. It trades in the same slapstick, juvenile, incredibly low-brow humor it built its reputation on. Long-time fans might enjoy this revival, but the jokes feel tired, and the attempts at parody lazy. The comedic intellect doesn’t extend beyond the gags found in your average “Family Guy” skit.

Watch on Prime Video (Buy/rent) starting July 21

‘Masters of the Universe’ (Prime Video)

The new “Masters of the Universe” movie appears to be skipping the typical digital release window. Instead, this He-Man blockbuster is dropping straight onto Prime Video this week. Maybe that’s because it struggled in theaters, grossing a mere $113 million against a production budget reportedly close to $200 million. It would seem Amazon is hoping the MGM Studios-distributed movie can score a larger audience via its own streaming service.

Based on the ‘80s franchise of the same name, which Mattel launched to compete with rival Kenner’s range of Star Wars toys, “Masters of the Universe” is set in the land of Eternia. When the capital city is besieged by the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto), young Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) is sent to Earth for his protection. Years later, and now an adult, he must return to his fantasy home and embrace his destiny as He-Man to save the kingdom.

Watch on Prime Video starting July 22

‘72 Hours’ (Netflix)

Netflix is dropping a steady stream of original movies throughout the summer to keep you entertained and indoors. Its latest offering comes in the form of “72 Hours,” a Kevin Hart vehicle that sees the veteran comic actor play a 40-something executive trying (and seemingly failing) to hang with a younger crowd. Questions of its quality remain, but I have an inkling that it’s going to make a major play for the top spot in Netflix’s top 10 list.

Joe (Hart) is a middle-aged executive desperately hoping to save his flailing career when he’s accidentally added to the group chat of a group of 20-year-olds (Marcello Hernández, Mason Gooding, Kam Patterson, Ben Marshall). Soon he finds himself joining them on a wild multi-day bachelor party. As things get crazy, Joe might just rediscover his youthful spirit.

Watch on Netflix starting July 24

‘The Dink’ (Apple TV)

Sports comedies seem to be on trend right now. Last week Netflix dropped “The Hawk” with Will Ferrell, a series about a washed-up golfer trying to revive his career, and now it’s Apple TV’s turn to release a sports-themed comedy about a washed-up pro trying to savage his reputation and claw back the respect of his peers. Only in “The Dink,” Jake Johnson’s Dusty Boyd isn’t returning to the tennis court, but instead is picking up pickleball.

After aggravating an old injury, former prodigy Dusty swaps tennis for pickleball, and along the way rediscovers his competitive spark while rising in the ranks of a sport he never took seriously. Dusty hopes to earn his father’s (Ed Harris) respect, prevent the local country club from closing, and best his old childhood rival, Andy Roddick. Also starring Mary Steenburgen, Patton Oswalt and Ben Stiller, “The Dink” is for the underdog in all of us.

Watch on Apple TV starting July 24

‘Mortal Kombat II’ (HBO Max)

This fantasy action sequel based on the video series of the same name has its fair share of flaws. Its screenplay is muddled, the characters thinly sketched, and despite an $80 million budget, the extensive use of green screens is all too obvious. However, it gets the most essential component right: the gloriously gory fights. “Mortal Kombat II” delivers when it comes to well-choreographed showdowns between its roster of fan-favorite characters, and that makes several of its more egregious filmmaking sins a whole lot easier to forgive.

Ahead of the 10th Mortal Kombat tournament, in which the merciless Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford) is hoping to capture and take control of Earthrealm, the defenders of our planet recruit washed-up actor Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) to join their plucky ranks. What follows is a series of death matches in which the fate of our world is at stake. Stuffed with fan-favorite characters and references to Mortal Kombat lore, this sequel delivers when it matters most.

Watch on HBO Max starting July 24

‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ (Hulu)

I went into “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” without having seen even a clip from the original web series and television mockumentary on which this feature film is based. The fact that I still found it an absolute hoot speaks to its comedic quality. I can only imagine long-time fans of irreverent hijinks of leads Matt (Matt Johnson) and Jay (Jay McCarrol) will be even more impressed by this big-screen translation.

Quickly getting newcomers up to speed, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” follows Matt and Jay’s ongoing quest to play a show at the Rivoli bar in Toronto. Their madcap plans to book a slot always seem to backfire, but when their latest hare-brained scheme results in them accidentally traveling back to the year 2008, they discover what their lives would have been like if they’d gone their separate ways. This film is gloriously silly.

Watch on Hulu starting July 24

‘Pressure’ (Peacock)

Finding an original angle on World War II is tough. The historical conflict has been chronicled across movies and TV shows for decades, but “Pressure” finds an area of the war that hasn’t received significant attention until now. While it’s yet to be released in theaters in several European countries (including the U.K.), it made its Stateside bow back in May. During its theatrical run, “Pressure” scored 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set 72 hours before the D-Day landings, which would ultimately turn the tide of the war, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance. It’s up to General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) and meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott) to plan the invasion and determine if the weather conditions are favorable on the day in question. If Stagg’s forecast is inaccurate, it could spell disaster and cost the Allied forces dearly.

Watch on Peacock starting July 24

‘Chum’ (AMC+)

It’s the summer season, which means shark movies aplenty. We’ve already had a couple this year, and the next up is “Chum.” It appears to be another shark-themed horror-thriller that isn’t content with just forcing its cast to face the ocean’s most feared predator, adding the extra element of a human hunter to increase the tension. How successful is “Chum”? If you put stock in Rotten Tomatoes ratings, the 15% score might scare you off.

Set in Malta, members of a wedding party have their celebration cut short when they encounter a bloodthirsty shark, and things only get worse when a sinister fisherman named Roy (Jim Klock) arrives on the scene with plans to use the survivors as bait (or chum) to capture the shark. What follows is a battle for survival against predators both in the water and on dry land. Soon secrets come to light, and loyalties are tested. It's all very standard stuff.

Watch on AMC+ starting July 24

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If you're looking to find what new movies and shows Netflix is adding this week, I've got you covered. The streaming service is adding just 15 new movies and shows this week. But there are quite a few titles still worth adding to your watchlist.

Top of the list is "Ransom Canyon" season 2. The hit neo-Western is back for another round, and it's by far the biggest series arriving this week. But the biggest name coming to Netflix this week is "Wicked: For Good." If you've been waiting to see the conclusion to "Wicked," now's your chance.

If those aren't your speed, though, there are some other options. "72 Hours" is a new comedy movie from Kevin Hart and will definitely provide a few laughs. Or, if you prefer to be horrified, "A Toxic Love Story" features a twisted tale of stalking and betrayal. Finally, for the wrestling fans out there, "WWE Unreal" season 3 arrives this week to give you a behind-the-scenes look at John Cena's last time in the ring.

Those aren't the only movies, shows and live events to add to your watchlist this week, though. Here's the full schedule of everything new on Netflix over the next seven days, along with my top picks for what you need to stream. Don't forget to check out everything new on Netflix in July 2026 for even more movies and shows to check out.

New on Netflix this week: Top picks

'Ransom Canyon' season 2

Genre: Romantic neo-Western series

What it's about: "Ransom Canyon" centers around the romance between Quinn (Minka Kelly) and the rancher Staten (Josh Duhamel). Things looked promising in season 1, but fell apart as soon as they started. But Quinn is back after some time away in the big city, and the cowboy Staten is ready to win her back.

Why you should watch it: If you like a soapy drama, this should be right up your alley. While Staten hopes to get Quinn back, she's already got a new man (Ben Robson). So this season is guaranteed to get messy.

Watch "Ransom Canyon" season 2 on Netflix starting July 23

'Wicked: For Good'

Genre: Musical fantasy movie

What's it about? "Wicked: For Good" is the second half of John Chu's blockbuster adaptation of the musical "Wicked." In this reimagining of "The Wizard of Oz," the protagonist is Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the Wicked Witch of the West and the movie retells her complicated relationship with her college roommate, Galinda (Ariana Grande), aka Glinda the Good, using song and dance.

Why you need to watch it: If you saw "Wicked" and loved it, but have been waiting to watch "Wicked: For Good," now is the time. It's not as good as the first movie, but I found it surprisingly enjoyable when I saw it in theaters.

Watch "Wicked: For Good" on Netflix now

'72 Hours'

Genre: Comedy movie

What it's about: Joe (Kevin Hart) is a 40-year-old business executive who ends up accidentally added to the group chat of a bunch of 20-somethings. That could get crazy enough, but things go to a whole other level when he decides to join them on a three-day Miami bachelor party.

Why you should watch it: "72 Hours" might end up being funnier than good, but the trailer does show some promise that it'll at least be funny. Plus, the cast includes some "Saturday Night Live" cast members, Academy Award nominee Teyana Taylor and the legendary Andy Garcia. So, maybe it will be good after all.

Watch "72 Hours" on Netflix starting July 24

'A Toxic Love Story'

Genre: True crime documentary movie

What it's about: U.S. Deputy Marshal Ian Diaz and his wife, Ashley, were freshly married when she started receiving threats. They traced them back to Ian's ex, Michelle, and she was eventually arrested. But that's when everything started to fall apart.

Why you should watch it: "A Toxic Love Story" explores the truly messed-up tale of the Anaheim "rape fantasy" plot. It's got twists you won't see coming. If you're a true crime fan, this movie is a must-watch.

Watch "A Toxic Love Story" on Netflix starting July 22

'WWE: Unreal' season 3

Genre: Sports docuseries

What it's about: "WWE Unreal" takes you behind the scenes of the world's largest wrestling outfit. Normally, you get a look at all the stars, rising and established, on its roster. But season 3 is largely about one man: John Cena.

Why you should watch it: This season is perhaps the final chapter in Cena's goodbye. Make sure to add the show to your watchlist and watch the end of his journey. This season also highlights some of the stars hoping to take up Cena's mantle as the face of WWE at this past April's WrestleMania 42.

Watch "WWE Unreal" season 3 on Netflix starting July 21

Everything new on Netflix: June 20-26

JULY 20

• "Sesame Street Classics" season 1
• "Wicked: For Good"

JULY 21

"Bill Maher: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor" (Netflix comedy special)

Comedian Bill Maher receives the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for his comedy career.

"WWE: Unreal: Season 3 (Netflix sports series)

John Cena says goodbye, a fan favorite returns, and the next generation of Superstars rise to the occasion. WWE: Unreal takes viewers inside the writers' room as injuries, last-minute pivots, and career-defining decisions reshape WWE’s biggest season yet heading into WrestleMania 42.

JULY 22

"A Toxic Love Story" (GB) (Netflix documentary)

In a glamorous California suburb, a young woman’s arrest for a violent fantasy plot becomes a sensational scandal, but the truth remains hidden behind a sophisticated web of deception. As the investigation peels back layers of betrayal, it becomes unclear who is the true victim and who is the villain in a game where everyone is playing a part.

"Elite Force" (FR) (Netflix series)

After an unprecedented attack on his unit, a high-ranking officer set to leave the field leads a perilous mission that forces him to confront his past.

• "The Taste Test" season 1

JULY 23

"Kaulitz & Kaulitz" season 3 (DE) (Netflix series)

Health checkups, a stormy wedding and an overdue journey to the past: The twins are ready to confront life's big questions — and each other.

"Ransom Canyon" season 2 (Netflix series)

Staten and Quinn chase risky new ventures to bring hope and prosperity back to Ransom Canyon — and grapple with their true feelings for one another.

"The Debt Collector" (TH) (Netflix film)

Tormented by past mistakes and a terminal diagnosis, an ex-debt collector returns to the underworld to protect the victims of a violent organization.

JULY 24

"72 Hours" (Netflix film)

A forty-year-old executive hopes to save his flailing career by joining a group of twenty-somethings on a wild three-day bachelor party, after he’s inadvertently added to their group text.

"The Truthers" (ES) (Netflix film)

After her mother's sudden death, Ruth returns to her hometown and reunites with her father, whose odd behavior makes her question what really happened.

• "Scream"
• "Scream 2"
• "Scream 3"

Leaving Netflix This Week

There are no movies or shows leaving Netflix this week.

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A heist thriller is simple but enticing fun. You've got your crew, the plan and about a hundred ways for it to fall apart. Formulaic? Sure, but we like it that way! We want a great cast, an impossible scheme and an incredible payoff. And that's why we keep coming back to these kinds of movies.

Netflix has a ton of heist thrillers in its library — more than most people realize, especially once you start looking past all the front-page rows populated by the algorithm. The real trouble is knowing where to dig for the hidden gems. With so much content competing for your attention, these lesser-known thrillers are easy to miss.

To help you narrow it down, I've unearthed three fantastic Netflix heist movies that you probably haven’t seen and maybe haven't even heard of. Each one pulls off the job a completely different way, so just jump in and get ready to chase an impossible score as soon as you hit play

'Time to Hunt'

"Time to Hunt" takes place in a near-future South Korea where the economy has cratered, and U.S. dollars are the only money worth carrying. Jun-seok (Lee Je-hoon) gets out of prison to find his cut from the last job is now worthless, so he pitches his friends on one more: Rob a mob-run gambling den stacked with American cash.

The job is clean, but the problem is that they also walk out with the den's surveillance drives. That's when the owner puts an ex-cop turned contract killer named Han (Park Hae-soo) on their trail. Choi Woo-shik of "Parasite" is in the crew, and Park Hae-soo of "Squid Game" is hunting them, and director Yoon Sung-hyun shoots the whole 134-minute chase with a sickly yet gorgeous reddish haze. You'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.

Stream now on Netflix

'Robbing Mussolini'

In 1945 Milan, World War II is ending, the fascist regime is crumbling, and there's a mountain of treasure Il Duce has been hoarding to fund the fight, all of it about to be smuggled off to Switzerland. Enter Pietro "Isola" Lamberti (Pietro Castellitto), an arms dealer who calls himself a thief rather than a spy on the logic that spies don't make enough money.

He pulls together the usual crew: a nightclub singer (Matilda De Angelis), a sharpshooter, an acrobat, and a safecracker. Their job is to lift the loot straight out of fascist headquarters before the Nazis or history itself can stop them. If you're ready for a mega dose of history and the fun of a heist thriller without a significant body count, this is the flick to watch.

Stream now on Netflix

'Army of Thieves'

Sebastian (Matthias Schweighöfer, who also directs) is a meek German bank teller who posts safecracking tutorials nobody watches, right up until a jewel thief named Gwendoline (Nathalie Emmanuel) finds one and pulls him into her crew. Their targets are a series of legendary vaults built by a locksmith and named after the operas in Wagner's Ring cycle, each one supposedly harder to open than the last.

This particular heist flick is light and oddly romantic. Schweighöfer plays Sebastian with an anxious, giddy charm that makes watching a man listen to tumblers gripping. It runs a little over two hours, but it's a lean watch that's easy to get into, especially if you enjoyed the rest of the movies on this list.

Stream now on Netflix

Just the other day, I found myself in one of those dreaded moments where I scrolled through all of my streaming services without actually choosing something to watch.

That 30-minute-long bout of indecisiveness led me to just log off and tell myself I’d find something new to watch next time. But after sitting on that thought for a while, I realized that I’d most likely get stuck with my remote in my hand for another half hour and waste my time staring at cover art for shows, movies and anime that don’t interest me.

Today’s content overload has finally caused me to have a bit of trouble locking in on something and taking the time to give it the attention it deserves.

With so much media on offer from so many streaming services, I figured it’d be best if I just check in with ChatGPT and see if it could find me my next favorite piece of streaming content. And after telling it everything I recently watched, I was sure it would find a collection of comparable shows, movies and anime to keep me busy during my off-time.

After observing all the picks ChatGPT brought to my attention, my Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll watchlists got a whole lot fuller and stacked with quality material to sit through.

Prompting for my next binge-watch

To start my journey to find a new batch of worthwhile shows, movies and anime to enjoy, I generated this prompt:

Act as an expert entertainment recommendation engine.

I'm going to share my viewing history from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Crunchyroll.

Based on my viewing history, recommend:

• 10 TV shows

• 10 movies

• 10 anime

For every recommendation, include:

- Why it's a good match for me

- The strongest similarities to titles I've already enjoyed

- Streaming service(s) where it's available if known

- IMDb score and Rotten Tomatoes score (if known)

- Whether it's a hidden gem, popular favorite, or critically acclaimed

If my viewing history suggests I'm stuck in a recommendation bubble, point that out and recommend a few titles that expand my tastes without feeling completely different.

Netflix: Devil May Cry, Sakamoto Days, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Last Samurai Standing, The Night Comes for Us, Headshot, Wu Assassins, Revenger, Rapture, and Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam.

Amazon Prime Video: The Ghost in the Shell, Sailor Moon, Secret Level, and Them.

Crunchyroll: Black Torch, Gachiakuta, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Chainsaw Man, Megalobox, Dan Da Dan, Hell's Paradise, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Tougen Anki.

Right off the bat, the chatbot noticed some clear patterns in my viewing habits. It pointed out my appreciation for stylish & ultra-violent action, dark supernatural worlds, cyberpunk & sci-fi, anime that blends action with mature storytelling, underdog protagonists and visually distinctive animation. Then the chatbot noted how I may be missing out on some outstanding psychological and crime-themed shows that might fit my tastes without feeling like a huge departure from what I regularly watch.

The shows, movie and anime that stopped my endless scrolling

ChatGPT proceeded to give me a bunch of highly reviewed shows, films and anime that guarantee I’ll have something to watch every weekend until the year’s end:

• Show Suggestions: Blue Eye Samurai, Arcane, Gangs of London, Warrior, Alice in Borderland, Castlevania, Pantheon, Tokyo Vice, Twisted Metal and Shogun (2024).
• Movie Suggestions: The Shadow Strays, Upgrade, Bullet Train, Dredd, Nobody, District 13, Hardcore Henry, Hard Boiled, Merantau and Alita: Battle Angel.
• Anime Suggestions: Blade of the Immortal, Kaiju No. 8, 86, Dororo, Akudama Drive, Dorohedoro, Fire Force, Vinland Saga, Psycho-Pass and Parasyte: The Maxim.

The chatbot did a commendable job of giving me a thorough summary of why each show would appeal to me.

For instance, its recommendation of Alice in Borderland shined a light on its similarities to Devil May Cry & Hell’s Paradise, where it’s currently being streamed (Netflix), its critic scores (7.7 from IMDb and 91% from Rotten Tomatoes) and a description of what I can look forward to from the series (it offers dark survival thriller vibes, features plenty of style, is plenty violent and delves into psychological themes).

I also took note of the chatbot offering me another lineup of streaming content that can help broaden my horizons a bit:

• Scavengers Reign (Series) — Keeps the gorgeous animation and mature storytelling but shifts toward atmospheric sci-fi survival.
• Severance (Series) — Less action, more psychological mystery with the same thoughtful sci-fi appeal as Ghost in the Shell.
• Monster (Anime) — Trades supernatural action for one of anime's greatest psychological thrillers.
• Pluto (Anime) — A mature sci-fi mystery from the creator of Monster that explores AI, identity, and morality in a way that should resonate if you loved Ghost in the Shell.
• The Killer (Movie) — A slow-burn assassin thriller that emphasizes precision and tension over nonstop action.
• Blue Giant (Anime Film) — A dramatic character journey that swaps combat for music while retaining the intensity and emotional payoff you seem to appreciate.

The takeaway

Treating ChatGPT like my trusty entertainment moderator has resulted in new pieces of content to enjoy across every corner of my fandom.

That definitely happened here, as my Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll queues are now packed to the brim with a wide variety of shows that are just like everything else I consume. The chatbot sent me a group of shows, movies and anime that are mainstream bangers and hidden gems that I can’t wait to start watching.

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“The Walking Dead” is, without a doubt, my favorite show of all time. Yet, even as a die-hard fan, I’m the first to admit the flagship series eventually lost its stride, and several of its spinoffs have failed to live up to the legacy left behind by the main show. Unfortunately, “Daryl Dixon” fell into that same familiar trap by the time season 3 rolled around.

“Daryl Dixon” takes the iconic, crossbow-wielding survivor far from home, washing him ashore in a bleak, post-apocalyptic France, which is the very birthplace of the zombie virus. Tasked with protecting and escorting a young boy believed to be the savior of humanity, Daryl must navigate mutated walker variants and hostile local factions in his grueling quest to find a way back to America. It kicked off with immense promise, only to suffer from the franchise's classic issue of being needlessly dragged out.

Still, with season 3 officially dropping on Netflix, there is no better time to catch up if you are a franchise completionist who loves these characters. But if you are someone who only finished the main show, or are completely new to the wider universe, there is a far superior spinoff you should stream instead: “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.”

‘The Ones Who Live’ is the best ‘Walking Dead’ spinoff

There have been quite a few “Walking Dead” spinoffs now, and while I’m biased and will say they all have their own unique identity, it’s “The Ones Who Live” that stood out the most. Not only does it bring back the main star, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), but it also offers a deeply moving love story that the franchise hasn’t explored much so far.

If you didn’t know already, it centers around the rescue mission that finally unites Rick Grimes and Michonne. Trapped in different corners of a changing world and hunted by a military force, the two must fight through legions of the dead to return home.

“The Ones Who Live” was originally planned as a trilogy of feature-length theatrical films focused entirely on Rick, but I’m glad they chose to turn it into a series instead. The extra time allowed the show to explore Rick’s trauma and Michonne’s determination to find him, making their eventual reunion feel even more powerful. Directed in part by acclaimed duo Bert and Bertie, the series trades the usual zombie-of-the-week formula for a darker, more emotional, and romantic story that moves with real urgency.

Prepare to have some tissues on hand, though, because this series is an absolute emotional rollercoaster. There is a powerful wave of nostalgia that hits the second Rick walks back onto the screen, but your heart will instantly ache once you realize just how brutal his survival journey has been.

Rest assured, Rick hasn't gone soft, nor has he settled into his new reality under the CRM. His desperate, unwavering devotion to his family is the relentless engine that drives this entire narrative.

The groundwork for this reunion was cleverly laid during the 2022 series finale of “The Walking Dead,” which teased the star-crossed pair writing letters from different corners of the wasteland. If you've been paying attention, this spinoff beautifully connects those dots, tying up years of breadcrumbs left behind since Rick's departure. There is a genuine, cinematic satisfaction in watching all those scattered puzzle pieces finally lock into place without the story being dragged out.

Stream "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live" on AMC+

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Canada's on fire, and the summer air is still smokey as hell, though it's improved from earlier this week. If you're stuck hiding out inside this weekend, you're probably scratching your head about what to watch. The best streaming services don't make that decision easy with all the new movies and shows coming and going each month.

With that in mind, you'll find me parked out in the Netflix Top 10 every weekend, sifting through the overhyped duds to spotlight the best of the bunch so you don't waste your movie night. It's been slim pickings on Netflix all summer, with the streamer's biggest release, "Enola Holmes 3," already nowhere to be seen in the Top 10 barely two weeks after its release.

As for what is worth watching, my picks this weekend include my ultimate guilty pleasure 2000s comedy, a critically acclaimed western starring the best counselor in "Holes," and a fan-favorite prequel to one of the best dystopian series of our time.

To see all the movies that have Netflix subscribers buzzing, you can find the platform's complete, up-to-the-minute movie rankings are detailed below. Have you ever watched a Netflix Top 10 movie you ended up loving or hating? Let us know in the comments! Now, without further ado, let's dive into the best movies in the Netflix Top 10.

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

‘White Chicks'

"White Chicks" is in the Netflix top 10 for its second straight week, which goes to show how lackluster the streamer's summer line-up has been. My friends and I were just talking about how "White Chicks" is one of those unapologetically dumb comedies we'll defend forever, kind of like the original "Scary Movie" — which I still argue is the only good "Scary Movie."

Directed by the undisputed best Wayans brother, "White Chicks" stars Shawn and Marlon Wayans as FBI agents Kevin and Marcus Copeland, whose careers are hanging by a thread after a botched assignment. Given one final chance to prove themselves, they're stuck with babysitting wealthy socialites Brittany and Tiffany Wilson during a weekend in the Hamptons. As part of a ridiculous undercover operation, the two Black agents disguise themselves as white women, resulting in one outrageous fish-out-of-water gag after another as well as an iconic serenade from Terry Crews.

Watch "White Chicks" on Netflix now

'Old Henry'

I admittedly haven't seen "Old Henry," but between its impressive 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (and even more glowing 94% from critics) and the fact that it stars Tim Blake Nelson — a.k.a. the best counselor in "Holes" — it's one of the few modern Westerns that's genuinely tempted me to hit play.

Nelson stars as Henry, a widowed farmer who lives a quiet life with his son, Wyatt (Gavin Lewis). After the pair take in an injured stranger named Curry (Scott Haze), they soon find themselves in the sights of a posse led by lawman Ketchum, who claims Curry is a dangerous outlaw carrying a fortune in stolen cash. With his homestead caught in the crossfire, Henry proves he's far more skilled with a gun than anyone expects...

Watch "Old Henry" on Netflix now

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' (2023)

Set decades before the events of "The Hunger Games," this prequel explores the origins of Panem and the rise of its future dictator. "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" stars Tom Blyth as 18-year-old Coriolanus "Coryo" Snow, a.k.a. Donald Sutherland's character in the original film series.

As the 10th Hunger Games approach, Snow is assigned to mentor a tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler). Desperate to restore his family's fading prestige, he becomes increasingly willing to manipulate the Games and those around him in pursuit of power. His ambition ultimately sets him on the path to becoming the ruthless president that Katniss and crew topple in The Hunger Games. Although critics were divided on the film, many fans praised it as a faithful adaptation of Suzanne Collins' 2020 prequel novel.

Watch "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "Shipwrecked: Nightmare at Sea" (2026)
2. "The Body in the Locker" (2025)
3. "Boss Body" (2017)
4. "Nothing to Lose" (2026)
5. "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes" (2023)
6. "Voicemails for Isabelle" (2026)
7. "White Chicks" (2004)
8. "Minions: The Rise of Gru" (2022)
9. "Old Henry" (2021)
10. "Despicable Me 3" (2017)

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Netflix, like most streaming services, gives with one hand and takes away with the other. The platform adds dozens of movies to its library each month, but at the same time, it also removes plenty of old favorites to make room for all the new arrivals (or, to be more accurate, it removes existing content due to the expiration of various content licensing deals).

At the end of July 2026, dozens of movies will wave goodbye to Netflix, giving you just shy of two weeks to stream them before they (at least temporarily) vanish from the platform. With not much time and an almost overwhelming amount of choice, I’ve selected three essential Netflix movies that you should stream now, while you still have the chance.

Below you’ll find my top picks, and also the complete list of titles that will be removed on August 1, 2026. These are all the movies set to leave the Netflix library very soon.

3 top Netflix movies to watch while you can

‘Atonement’ (2007)

“Atonement” is a heartbreaking romantic drama. Calling it a tear-jerking tragedy is selling it short. Based on Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel, it stars James McAvoy and Keira Knightley as a pair of young lovers whose blossoming romance is ripped apart by a lie that spirals out of control. Directed by Joe Wright, who has form for helming period romances including “Anna Karenina,” this 2007 movie is a tough watch, but it’s very powerful.

Openning in the 1930s, Cecilia Tallis (Knightley) is the oldest daughter of a wealthy English aristocratic family, and Robbie Turner (McAvoy) is the son of the Tallis’ housekeeper. They begin a passionate affair after years of stolen glances. Unbeknownst to the couple, Cecilia’s younger sister, Briony, who is infatuated with Robbie, catches them in the act and spins a lie that Robbie is a sexual deviant and a rapist. This false accusation ultimately has grave consequences for Robbie, Cecilia, and even Briony herself.

Watch "Atonement" on Netflix until July 31

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)

“Hacksaw Ridge” is a different kind of biographical war movie that explores conflict on the front line from the perspective of Desmond Doss, an American combat medic who became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Andrew Garfield plays Doss and delivers an Oscar-nominated performance. The movie proves that wartime heroes come in many forms, and even without a weapon in hand, Doss displays true bravery.

After a childhood incident in which a young Desmond Doss nearly kills his brother while roughhousing, he becomes committed to the commandment “thou shalt not kill.” Even as the U.S. enters WWII in the wake of Pearl Harbor, he refuses to break from his position, but he’s not willing to stand on the sidelines of the conflict. He joins the army as a combat medic, putting his own life at grave risk to assist and save as many soldiers as possible. “Hacksaw Ridge” celebrates his remarkable story.

Watch "Hacksaw Ridge" on Netflix until July 31

‘Locke’ (2013)

“Locke’s” elevator pitch might not sound that appealing at first. It’s a single-location flick that takes place entirely within a car speeding down the highway (or motorway; it is set in Britain), with its titular protagonist the only character who appears on screen; the rest are voice-only, communicating with Locke via speakerphone. And yet, even with its restrictive setup, it’s one of the 2010s most riveting psychological thrillers, thanks in large part to the work of Tom Hardy in the central role.

Locke’s reason for traveling through the night is to be there at the birth of his child. The wrinkle is that this baby was conceived during an extramarital one-night stand, and is about to be delivered on the eve of the biggest moment in Locke’s career. As Locke makes his way from Birmingham to London, both his personal and professional life unravel.

Watch "Locke" on Netflix until July 31

Every movie leaving Netflix in July 2026

The last day to watch these movies on Netflix is July 31, 2026

• "27 Dresses" (2008)
• "48 Hrs" (1982)
• "76" (2016)
• "A Million Ways To Die In The West" (2014)
• "American Gangster" (2007)
• "Amy" (2015)
• "Atonement" (2007)
• "Bo Burnham: What" (2013)
• "Borat" (2006)
• "Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie" (2017)
• "Chef" (2014)
• "Click" (2006)
• "Enough" (2002)
• "Everest" (2015)
• "Ex Machina" (2015)
• "Father of the Bride" (1991)
• "Father of the Bride Part II" (1994)
• "Fletch" (1985)
• "Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991)
• "Hacksaw Ridge" (2016)
• "I Feel Pretty" (2018)
• "Kindergarten Cop" (1990)
• "Little Fockers" (2010)
• "Locke" (2013)
• "Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter" (2021)
• "Lucy" (2014)
• "Meet the Fockers" (2004)
• "Meet the Parents" (2000)
• "Mississippi Grind" (2015)
• "Mojave" (2015)
• "National Lampoon’s Animal House" (1978)
• "Ouija" (2014)
• "Ouija: Origin of Evil" (2016)
• "Pixels" (2015)
• "Pretty Woman" (1990)
• "River Wild" (2023)
• "Single White Female" (1992)
• "Smokey and the Bandit" (1977)
• "Smokey and the Bandit II" (1980)
• "Splash" (1984)
• "The Age of Adaline" (2015)
• "The Best Man Holiday" (2013)
• "The Five Year Engagement" (2012)
• "The Glass House" (2001)
• "The Mirror Has Two Faces" (1996)
• "The Secret Life of Pets" (2016)
• "There’s Something About Mary" (1998)
• "Triple 9" (2016)
• "Tootsie" (1982)
• "Uriyadi II: Thatthagida Thatthagida Thitthom" (2019)
• "Vertical Limit" (2000)
• "Warcraft" (2016)

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