New on Netflix in August 2026: 5 best movies and shows to stream, plus full release list
Here are my top picks for what you need to watch on Netflix this August and the complete list of new releases
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
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'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
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Christina Izzo is a writer-editor covering culture, food and drink, travel and general lifestyle in New York City. She was previously the Deputy Editor at My Imperfect Life, the Features Editor at Rachael Ray In Season and Reveal, as well as the Food & Drink Editor and chief restaurant critic at Time Out New York.
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