6 Must-Watch Movies on Netflix This July

As summer approaches with its memories of sandy beaches and dripping ice cream cones, don’t forget that it also offers indoor comfort – the soothing hum of air conditioning and the warm glow of a screen on a laid-back evening. The Northeast recently experienced a heatwave, and the temperatures are predicted to rise even further. Therefore, it’s high time you scheduled some movie nights for July. The streaming platforms have refreshed their lineups, and while we’ve already suggested the latest Netflix movies and top picks on Netflix, we’re also sharing some of our personal favorites – one fresh addition, a few that are leaving soon, and others that you really shouldn’t miss out on. Here is your curated list.

A Brand-New Sports Comedy

Happy Gilmore 2

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=YKzRPFvky9Y

Year: 2025
Runtime: 2h 3m
Director: Kyle Newacheck

The Sandman has returned to the green once more! Over three decades later, Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, and Julie Bowen are stepping back into their roles from “Happy Gilmore”. In the upcoming movie, Happy Gilmore emerges from retirement for a financial reason – he’s saving up for his daughter’s ballet school tuition (portrayed by Sunny Sandler, as this is indeed a family-run affair). Although several other special appearances and cameos have been announced, we believe it’s best not to reveal them now. As you eagerly anticipate its release later this month, take a moment to refresh your memory with the original film and remember: “It’s all in the sway!

Streaming July 25
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An Older Sports Comedy

Slap Shot

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=MUuEWI6F3dQ

Year: 1977
Runtime: 2h 3m
Director: George Roy Hill

In the initial moments of the boisterous hockey movie “Slap Shot”, I find myself in a vulnerable position, confessing my state to my rival, Paul Newman, just before the puck is dropped: I’m so drunk that I can barely maintain my balance on my skates. (In his words, “Louise left me, and that bastard over there keeps playing me when he knows I’m hammered.”) The ensuing two hours encapsulate one of the funniest sports films ever produced, as “Slap Shot” masterfully blends two essential elements in both hockey and cinema: excitement and brutality.

Streaming now
watch on netflix

A Thriller

The American

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=hPYRslx1w4Y

Year: 2010
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director: Anton Corbijn

In the film titled “The American“, George Clooney’s character is trailed by two shadows – one of death, as he crafts weapons for criminal elements, and another of regret, due to the toll his profession takes on his interpersonal relationships. The movie is primarily set in an Italian countryside, where our protagonist relocates to create his next high-powered rifle. The cinematography of “The American” captures George Clooney’s emotional detachment and precarious proximity to danger – be it when he’s isolated in a cafe or driving through the landscape, which seems ready to engulf him.

Streaming now
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An Action Epic

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=FVswuip0-co

Year: 2024
Runtime: 2h 28m
Director: George Miller

In simpler terms, “Furiosa” is almost as good as “Beyond Thunderdome” in the Mad Max series, and some might argue it’s even better. This new film features Anya Taylor-Joy as a young Furiosa, offering the same pulse-pounding action and the intriguing apocalyptic background hinted at in “Fury Road.” Critic Bilge Ebiri noted that the movie is filled with the constant tension of resources running out and hope prevailing amidst chaos. This balance between weirdness, brutality, and hope is what makes it stand out.

Leaving Netflix July 16
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A Family Watch

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=G5kzUpWAusI

Year: 2022
Runtime: 2h 2m
Director: Jeff Fowler

In the sequel of Sonic the Hedgehog, despite Sonic remaining the swiftest character, the movie is larger and jam-packed with beloved video game characters like Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey). The film’s main objective revolves around a powerful artifact called Master Emerald, which if not protected by Sonic and Tails before it falls into the hands of Knuckles and Robotnik, will lead to disaster. Essentially, this movie can be compared to The Avengers, but in the world of video games. This isn’t a criticism, especially when considering family movie night viewing. A special mention goes out to Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, who skillfully revived and amplified the over-the-top villainy from his role as The Riddler in Batman Forever (30 years ago) to create an unforgettable Eggman character.

Leaving Netflix July 28
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An Oscar-Winner About Living Through a Military Dictatorship

I’m Still Here

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Qai_d6OGo3E&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD

Year: 2024
Runtime: 2h 18m
Director: Walter Salles

The military dictatorship in Brazil during 1964 was infamous for murdering and vanishing political adversaries. The movie “I’m Still Here,” which brought home Brazil’s initial Oscar for Best International Feature Film and a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Fernanda Torres), delves into the narrative of a family who endured this brutal regime. It’s a compelling and thought-provoking film that highlights the contrast between living under oppressive rule: one moment you could be relaxing on a beach, and the next, unidentified officials from the government would storm your home without a warrant, kidnapping you and your family members. Essentially, the movie, as its title hints, is also about surviving after such cruelty and emphasizing the significance of acknowledging it publicly, rather than allowing its victims to be erased from memory.

Streaming now
Watch on Netflix

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2025-07-02 00:55