Wow, it’s a beautiful month for Netflix fans in the USA. All the new and returning Netflix Original titles mean that they cover the whole spectrum of entertainment possibilities, from high-octane blockbusters, to indie-comedy, to heart-wrenching dramas. Netflix’s August titles have what I’m sure that every viewer will find something to be happy about whether you want to dive into an immersive cinematic experience, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or an inspiring underdog story.
This edition of 11 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix USA – August Edition provides an updated and spoiler-free look at the best movies streaming on Netflix right now with buzz. We have included the genre, three great reasons to watch each movie, and a longer and deeper summary for each movie so that you know what to expect.
11 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix USA in August:
1. The Gray Man
Genre: Action, Thriller
Reasons to Watch:
- High-octane stunt work and chase activity in stunning locations around the globe.
- Thrilling game of cat-and-mouse with Gosling and Evans.
- Perfect for fans of stylish, slick, and sophisticated spy thrillers.
Summary: CIA agent Court Gentry (codenamed “Sierra Six”) uncovers dark secrets within the agency and finds himself slated for termination. Now a hunter becomes the hunted in a fiery whirlwind of danger as, pursued by a relentless and erratic former colleague, Gentry is on the run around the globe. The Gray Man is a melting pot of exotic locations, an endless supply of action and sharp one-liners, and all glancing across the lenses of reconnaissance and blockbuster action movies – an absolute summer experience.
2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Genre: Mystery, Comedy
Reasons to Watch:
- A revelatory complex plot with final resolution
- Daniel Craig’s magnetism as detective Benoit Blanc in a murder mystery.
- The gorgeous sights in a Mediterranean setting.
Summary: Tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites some friends to his private island in Greece for a murder mystery party, and things go terribly wrong. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) must navigate a tangled web of secrets, egos, and ulterior motives to figure out the mystery. Glass Onion is sassy, fun, enjoyable, and full of tasty little twists that keep the audience engaged from start from finish.
3. Hustle
Genre: Sports Drama
Why Watch:
- Adam Sandler showcases an earthy, authentic performance.
- Amazing depiction of hard work and second chances.
- Slick basketball action, featuring actual NBA players.
Summary: Stanley Sugerman, an NBA scout down on his luck find a natural streetball player in Spain. So he decides to throw caution to the wind a as well as put his family time and reputation on the line to get this young man an opportunity to be a pro player. Hustle is a genuine and moving character based sports drama focusing on perseverance and mentorship.
4. Extraction 2
Genre: Action, Thriller
Why Watch:
- Stunning extended action sequences.
- Chris Hemsworth’s remarkable physical performance.
- Non-stop enjoyment from beginning to end.
Summary: Tyler Rake is back from the dead after his last mission, and now must face a whole new extraction mission, rescuing a family from a mafia bosses heavily defended prison. Rake needs to push his skills and stamina to the limits, behind a storm of gunfire, hand to hand fighting and escape plans.
5. The Adam Project
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure
Why Watch:
- A human-centered story swallowing the sci-fi spectacle.
- Ryan Reynolds’ humor and charm.
- Human themes of family, grief, and healing.
Summary: After a time-traveling pilot Adam Reed accidentally lands in 2022 and has an encounter with his 12-year-old self, the two embark on a mission to save the mankind’s future, respond to family wounds that have yet to be healed, and sort out what is truly important. The Adam Project is a film that weaves together humor, action, and heart that stays with you long after the credits roll.
6. Enola Holmes 2
Genre: Mystery, Adventure
Why Watch:
- Entertaining storytelling with a youthful, modern dynamic.
- Millie Bobby Brown’s beautiful performance.
- Victorian-era production design and detail.
Summary: Riding on the success of her first case, teenage detective Enola Holmes runs with a case on the disappearance of a young girl who worked in a match factory. As Enola scours the dimly lit corners of London, she unearths a conspiracy that puts her own safety at risk. With wittiness, courage, and her growth as a detective, Enola makes this sequel even sharper than the previous film.
7. Don’t Look Up
Genre: Satire, Drama
Why Watch:
- Brilliant mix of humor, urgency, and social critique.
- Stellar ensemble cast and strong performances.
- But mostly, it is a timely warning against ignorance and apathy.
Summary: Two astronomers discover a large comet is heading toward Earth. When they go to warn the world, they encounter political spin, sensationalism in the media, and apathetic public interest. Don’t Look Up turns a disaster into a vicious satire, while simultaneously provoking laughter, disgust, and thought.
8. The Power of the Dog
Genre: Drama, Western
Why Watch:
- Oscar-winning direction from Jane Campion.
- Benedict Cumberbatch’s chaotic performance.
- A slow burning story that pays off exceedingly well.
Summary: Set in Montana in the 1920s, the sadistic and charming, Phil Burbank, instills fear and intimidation into his brother’s new wife and her sensitive son. As tension mounts, very subtle movements of joy, love, hate, and hatred begin set in motion an unfortunate reckoning. The Power of the Dog is an exercise in story, atmosphere, psychology, and subtext.
9. Red Notice
Genre: Action, Comedy
Why Watch:
- Good chemistry between Johnson, Reynolds and Gadot.
- Cool combo of heist storylines and buddy comedy.
- Exotic, fast-paced set pieces.
Summary: When an Interpol agent has to partner with the most wanted art thief in the world, the team is racing around the globe to catch an even more wanted criminal. The double-crosses and foils are constant along the way, and with the comedic banter, Red Notice is popcorn entertainment.
10. All Quiet on the Western Front
Genre: War, Drama
Why Watch:
- A no-nonsense look at the wastefulness of war.
- Beautiful and staggering cinematography.
- Emotional weight that stays with you.
Summary: Young German soldier Paul Bäumer enlists in World War I driven by his patriotic beliefs. He soon realizes the horrors of trench warfare has completely tarnished his beliefs. This adaptation is wonderful visually, and serves as a stark visual war epic deserving of the word anti-war.
11. Marriage Story
Genre: Drama
Why Watch:
- An intensely heartfelt and truthful relationship portrayal
- Probably their best performances by Johansson and Driver
- Balanced storyline with no bias
Summary: Nicole and Charlie: A couple undergoing a painful divorce while trying to raise their little son. Marriage Story captures life-altering, heartbreaking, funny, and hopeful complications of love at the end of the line with artistry and humane approach. Rent, as he muses through the influences of art, love, and time. What an absolutely delightful, colorful, and true inspiring cinematic experience.
🎬 Final Thoughts
If you feel like being thrilled with action, satirical, or deeply moving drama, this 11 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix USA – August Edition has a few select titles you will definitely want to see. With the array of genres, excellent acting, and all-so-meaningful stories, these August picks have something on offer for anyone in need of a few hours spent away from the couch.
Did you like the list? Check out our other Netflix and OTT guides on InsiderXP for more worthy binge-watch shows.
