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.
Malcolm has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. Every week, he hunts down the top shows and movies to watch on Netflix.
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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