Best movies and TV shows to stream in August

Summer’s red carpets and streaming slates are delivering a rare one-two punch of buzzy awards talk and a tidal wave of new premieres. Between surprise Emmy nominations and blockbuster movie moments, viewers have plenty to scroll through and argue about — whether you’re catching up on the biggest performances or planning your next binge.

If your plan for August includes staying in with the air conditioning on and a fresh queue ready, you’re in luck. Networks and platforms are dropping high-profile returns, slick reboots and original films that promise everything from nostalgic chills to clever comedies. Below, we break down the headlines and the can’t-miss streaming drops for the month.

Key industry moments: nominations, press tours and movie mania

The entertainment world hasn’t slowed down while everyone else enjoys pool days. The Emmy nominations arrived with some striking highlights: Ayo Edebiri earned recognition not only for her acting but also for directing work on The Bear — a rare dual nod that underlines her rapid rise. Kathy Bates made history as the oldest lead actress nominee ever, a milestone that’s generated wide conversation about age and recognition in Hollywood. And yes, Parker Posey’s scene-stealing turn on White Lotus kept her firmly in the headlines for the kind of performance that critics love to talk about.

On the theatrical side, the summer box office and press-tour circuit produced its own moments: Jonathan Bailey’s leading turn in Jurassic World Rebirth has converted plenty of viewers into committed fans, while The Fantastic Four: First Steps cemented Pedro Pascal’s status as the press-tour king. Even a dog sidekick made headlines this season — Krypto’s on-screen antics in the new Superman film coincided with a 513% spike in “adopt a dog” searches, proof that movie moments still influence real-world behavior. And for nostalgia hunters, the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot delivered a wave of millennial throwback energy.

New streaming releases worth scheduling into your weekend

Platforms are stacking August with titles across genres. Below are the standouts — release dates, where to watch and a quick taste of why each one might be your next obsession.

My Oxford Year — romantic drama with a transatlantic twist (Netflix, Aug. 2)

Think scholarly romance meets modern-day rom-com. Based on Julia Whelan’s novel, My Oxford Year follows Anna De La Vega, an American student navigating life at Oxford, and the charismatic literature tutor who complicates everything. The series swaps coronets for collegiate charm, giving viewers a dose of English-countryside atmosphere and an emotional tug-of-war when cultural differences and commitment fears collide.

• Where to watch: Netflix
• When: August 2
• Watch if you like: Love Rosie, Me Before You, About Time

Platonic — Season 2 (Apple TV+, Aug. 6)

After a first season that turned the “can men and women be friends?” debate on its head, Platonic returns with Will and Sylvia trying to keep their friendship intact amid changing romantic landscapes. Expect smart, salty dialogue and relationship dynamics that feel both sitcom-ready and surprisingly sincere as the pair navigate midlife disruptions.

• Where to watch: Apple TV+
• When: August 6
• Watch if you like: Friends From College, Adults, The Studio

Wednesday — Season 2 (Netflix, Aug. 6)

The gothic teenage antihero returns to Nevermore Academy for another semester of supernatural mystery and dark comedy. This season raises the stakes: Wednesday must contend with a chilling premonition about her roommate Enid and take on extra family duties when Pugsley joins her at school. New guest appearances add extra buzz — including an expected cameo by Lady Gaga — and Grandmama’s presence promises more macabre delight.

• Where to watch: Netflix
• When: August 6
• Watch if you like: Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things

The Pickup — high-energy heist comedy (Prime Video, Aug. 6)

If you want a one-day-bad-luck romp, The Pickup delivers. Eddie Murphy plays Russell, a security pro whose routine bank pickup goes sideways when a masked robber — played by Keke Palmer — forces a group of employees into an escalating caper. With Pete Davidson as the hapless sidekick and Eva Longoria in a key role, the film blends sharp comedic beats with genuine heart as characters improvise their way through chaos.

• Where to watch: Prime Video
• When: August 6
• Watch if you like: Oceans 8, Die Hard, Bad Boys

Alien: Earth — dystopian sci-fi reimagined (FX on Hulu, Aug. 12)

Executive produced by Ridley Scott and inspired by the iconic Alien franchise, Alien: Earth is set in 2120 where corporate powerhouses shape global life and technological boundaries blur. The plot centers on “Wendy,” a hybrid prototype — a robot fused with human consciousness — who, after a crash landing, must survive against unknown lifeforms with a small team of soldiers. If you like high-concept sci-fi with philosophical undercurrents, this one aims to provoke both thrills and ethical questions.

• Where to watch: Hulu (FX)
• When: August 12
• Watch if you like: Silo, Devs, Black Mirror

The Map That Leads to You — romantic road trip film (Prime Video, Aug. 20)

Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa star in a wanderlust-friendly romance adapted from the novel of the same name. The story follows a young woman who swaps her carefully planned life for a spontaneous European adventure, falling for a charming travel companion along the way. Beautiful locales, impulsive choices and the inevitable question of what happens when summer love meets real life make this a feel-good pick for fans of travel romances.

• Where to watch: Prime Video
• When: August 20
• Watch if you like: Eat Pray Love, Before Sunrise, Letters to Juliet

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox — true-crime limited series (Hulu, Aug. 20)

This limited series revisits the Amanda Knox story with a dramatic, investigative lens. The show traces how a U.S. student became the subject of an intense criminal probe in Italy after the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher — a saga that included conviction, international media frenzy and eventual release. For viewers who follow true-crime adaptations and courtroom dramas, the series promises a deep dive into public perception, legal systems and the consequences of relentless media coverage.

• Where to watch: Hulu
• When: August 20
• Watch if you like: The Staircase, The Dropout, Inventing Anna

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David Miller

David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.