There is no better time to put your feet up, relax, and watch some high-quality movies than August in the UK. Whether you’re sheltering from the drab summer rain or just enjoying a pensive relaxed evening indoors, Netflix UK has a very full slate of movies this August 2023 with options for all tastes; thrillers, dramas, romances, and everything in between.
We’ve curated a list of the 11 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix UK – August 2025 Edition, with plot descriptions with no spoilers, and recommended reasons you must watch.
11 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix UK are:
1. Oppenheimer
Genre: Historical Drama / Thriller
Why to Watch:
- Christopher Nolan’s impeccable storytelling, combined with stunning IMAX cinematography.
- Cillian Murphy’s most notable performance to date, as J. Robert Oppenheimer.
- A tension-filled, dramatic involvement into history, with a thrilling and human element.
Summary:
This movie is a critical and box office success, which tells a powerful story about the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man that precipitated the nuclear bomb and its moral dilemmas through stunning visuals and touching performances that capture, tick-tock tension, the science, the politics and the ethical weight of launching a project that ushered in one of the most important societal advancements in the history of mankind.
2. Dune: Part Two
Genre: Sci-Fi / Adventure
Why to Watch:
- An epic world that is built around you, fully immersing you in the planet of Arrakis.
- The visuals and sound design are breathtaking with a big screen or a nice home mix.
- Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya’s transformative performances are truly captivating.
Summary:
We continue the saga of Paul Atreides as he set outs to avenge his family by uniting the Fremen to alter the course of the destiny of Arrakis. A grand and visually stunning continuation to Denis Villeneuve’s adaption of the Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic.
3. Maestro
Genre: Biographical Drama
Why to Watch:
- Bradley Cooper’s unique experience as both director and lead actor.
- Deeply personal and emotional journey through Leonard Bernstein’s life and relationships.
- Artistic and dynamic music performances that showcase a real genius.
Summary:
Maestro delves into the personal and professional life of renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein, with themes of love, fame and sacrifice, all intertwined with artistic greatness. The film accomplishes a unique blend of music and drama within a tender intimacy.
4. Poor Things
Genre: Fantasy / Dark Comedy
Why to Watch:
- Imaginative storytelling with surrealism and humor intertwined.
- New and unexpected risk-taking performance by Emma Stone that will surprise you.
- Visually stunning and remarkable, with a memorable artistic style.
Summary:
Poor Things follows Bella Baxter as she comes back to life in an alternative reality that is so absurdly beautiful, and is immediately propelled, by the madness of the world around her, to their own self-discovery and freedom. The film is eccentric, funny, disturbing and highly entertaining.
5. Leave the World Behind
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Reason to Watch:
- Tense, slow-burn storytelling with big payoffs.
- Great performances from Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali.
- An intense exploration of trust, fear, and survival.
Summary:
When a family vacation goes sideways due to the arrival of strangers and unwanted news about a cyber attack, what at first seems paranoid turns out to be more confusing as the truth slowly unravels, keeping the audience elevated in suspense all the way to the very last moment.
6. The Killer
Genre: Action Thriller
Reason to Watch:
- David Fincher’s uncanny ability to elicit tension and establish recreational and narrative tape.
- Michael Fassbender’s cold yet compelling performance works superbly in this work.
- Stylish from beginning to end as an assassin film.
Summary:
The Killer takes viewers through an unnamed assassin’s overly methodical yet morally flexible life, expertly fusing stylish cinematographic and slow-burn narrative styles and design into a character-centric story that leads viewers into the character’s thoughts and perceptions of being a hired sniper.
7. All Quiet on the Western Front
Genre: War Drama
Reasons to Watch:
- Beautiful cinematography that captures the horror of war.
- Very emotional performances by the ensemble cast.
- A new adaptation of a literary classic that seems hauntingly timely.
Summary:
This German-language adaptation of the classic novel depicts a young soldier’s harrowing experience while fighting in World War I. It is undoubtedly one of the most powerful war films in recent memory, due to its raw realism.
8. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Genre: Mystery / Comedy
Reasons to Watch:
- Rian Johnson’s clever writing and humorous twists.
- If you’re a Daniel Craig fan (who isn’t?!), you get to enjoy his glorious return as Detective Benoit Blanc.
- A beautiful, stylish mystery chock-full of layers.
Summary:
Detective Benoit Blanc finds himself on a lavish island in Greece awaiting a murder mystery game, only to later discover that the game is not a game. It has everything by way of sharp humor and layered cinematic storytelling that keeps the viewer engaged from beginning to end.
9. The Power of the Dog
Genre: Psychological Western
Why watch:
- An intense, complicated performance from Benedict Cumberbatch.
- A slow-burn crafted with expert precision by Jane Campion.
- Breathtaking cinematography showcasing the beauty and violence of the West.
Summary:
A charming rancher struggles with more than just his brother’s new wife and son when a deeper need for insecurity surfaces. Tensions build in a magnificent, atmospheric, crafted drama.
10. Extraction 2
Genre: Action / Adventure
Why watch:
- Non-stop action sequences that would pair with any modern Hollywood feature.
- Chris Hemsworth draws you in with his engaging lead performance.
- Incredibly choreographed fights filmed as a continuous take for maximum intensity.
Summary:
Tyler Rake returns for another dangerous mission as he participates in a high-pressure extraction of prisoners, overseas, and under extreme conditions. Edge of your seat action makes for some great thrill throughout the film.
11. The Dig
Genre: Historical Drama
Why watch:
- A gentle yet powerful expression of storytelling.
- Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fieness give stunning performances.
- Illustrates the simple beauty of discovery and human connection.
Summary:
The Dig, takes place just before World War II, chronicles the dig of Sutton Hoo, an archeological discovery that changes history. A powerful insight into history, relationships, and the human condition.
Final Thoughts
This list of the 11 Best Movies to Watch on Netflix UK – August 2025 Edition has something for every taste, whether it’s tense thrills, sweeping epics, emotional dramas, or a mix of quirky comedies. Whether you want to have a big blockbuster night or a quiet evening watching a heartfelt indie, we are sure Netflix UK has something for you this August.
Quick Picks Table
| Movie Name | Genre | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Oppenheimer | Historical Drama / Thriller | 9.5/10 |
| Dune: Part Two | Sci-Fi / Adventure | 9.3/10 |
| Maestro | Biographical Drama | 8.9/10 |
| Poor Things | Fantasy / Dark Comedy | 8.8/10 |
| Leave the World Behind | Psychological Thriller | 8.7/10 |
| The Killer | Action Thriller | 8.6/10 |
| All Quiet on the Western Front | War Drama | 9.1/10 |
| Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery | Mystery / Comedy | 8.9/10 |
| The Power of the Dog | Psychological Western | 8.8/10 |
| Extraction 2 | Action / Adventure | 8.5/10 |
| The Dig | Historical Drama | 8.6/10 |
Enjoyed this list of must-watch Netflix UK films? Click here to explore our other curated movie and series recommendations – and share your favorites in the comments to join the conversation!
