Netflix houses some of the best movies out there, that includes both original content and licensed blockbusters. This is not a sponsored post, it comes by the way of my recent quest to find a movie for wife and I to watch, and yes, even I was overwhelmed by all the options. With that being said, I have done a lot of the work for you, and what I hope to do, is leave you with ten movies that you will enjoy watching before August is up.
Let’s get started,
Back to the Future (1985) 1.21 gigawatts at 88 mph…
Interesting note, this film came about because director Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale were intrigued by the notion of going back in time and hanging out with their parents. The idea expanded into one of the biggest hits of the ‘80s, a comedy adventure science fiction time-travel love story with a boldly incestuous subtext. Michael J. Fox is time-traveling teen Marty McFly who must figure out how to get himself and his DeLorean Back to the Future, but must make sure his parents fall for each other first. The film remains a quintessential heart-warmer; a perfect blend of script and spectacle, and built around one of fantasy cinema’s goofiest and most lovable double acts even nearly four decades later.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 9.2/10
La La Land (2016)
La La Land is set in contemporary Los Angeles, but it is a glorious throwback to the MGM musicals of the ‘40s and ‘50s, for example, Singin’ in the Rain. Remembered for an Oscar debacle, the film kicks off with cinema’s most memorable of traffic jam scenes. And features, arguably, still a career best performance from Emma Stone and a on his A-game, Ryan Gosling. The movie is so grand and is guaranteed to make you break into grins like its characters break into song.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 8.7/10
The Breakfast Club (1985)
It’s the 1980s Hollywood High School Yearbook on display here. You’ve got the looker, the jock, the brain, a rebel without a cause, and the mysterious artistic type. Altogether, perfectly cast in John Hughes ‘80s teen triumph, the Brat Pack share detention with so much attitude you will see why this was their defining moment.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 8.5/10
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Next time you can’t seem to get your taxes done, this is your movie. This film is a hilarious and big-hearted science fiction adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman portrayed by Michelle Yeoh whose primary struggle is finishing her taxes.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 8.5/10
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) The police officer from Detroit who made us laugh.
With the new Netflix film Axel F doing well, it tells me most of you have seen the original. Whether you have or not, let’s take a trip back to 1984. Thanks to SNL and movies 48 Hrs. and Trading Places, Eddie Murphy was already a star. But Beverly Hills Cop sent that star soaring through the stratosphere. Oddly enough, he wasn’t even the actor set to play the role, stepping in at the last second for Sly Stallone, Murphy motormouths his way through the Oscar-nominated script that sees his Detroit detective stirring it up Beverly Hills style. Its classic fish-out-of-water material, though I do have to warn parents, there is a different f-word that dominate the proceedings; especially those that are more familiar with the Murphy of Disney films. In the ‘80s and showcased in this film, Murphy’s talent for swearing was matched only by his gift for mimicry.
For those of you that will go on to watch the sequels, there is a chance that you will find the ‘87 sequel too callous and ‘94s part three too tame, but the original gets the bullets and the belly laughs balance perfectly. Either way you view the sequels, Axel Foley remains Murphy’s greatest character due to his resourceful, irrepressible, high-decibel.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 8.1/10
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander star in this 2015 film which is a modern adaptation of the classic 1960s TV show and it brings a refreshing twist to the spy genre. Known for his thrilling adaptations, such as the Sherlock Holmes series, director Guy Ritchie breathes new life into the espionage genre with The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The movie is set in the Cold War era and combines sleek style and witty charm to deliver a viewing experience you won’t soon forget.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 7.9/10
Jumanji (1995) Roll the dice and unleash the excitement!
What happens when you get trapped inside a board game for 26 years? That’s exactly what happens to Alan (Robin Williams) who is stuck there until siblings Judy and Peter discover the enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, and unwittingly let him out right into their living room. But Alan’s only hope for true freedom lies in finishing the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinos, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 7.8/10
Glass Onion (2022)
Detective Benoit Blanc is back at in a sequel to the extremely successful gem Knives Out. When tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends to his private island, one of them is killed and Benoit Blanc must step in to solve the case. If you are a fan of movie sleuths, you are in a good spot, as it would be hard pressed to find a better one than Blanc. Created by director Rian Johnson and joyfully portrayed by Daniel Craig, he is top notch in this Oscar nominated film. This is your movie if you are looking for a complex but rewarding mystery to sink your teeth into.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 7.8/10
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Based on the characters from the 80s video games Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros., in this film Mario and Luigi are two struggling plumbers in Brooklyn. Mario and Luigi find themselves in the middle of a war between mysterious creatures when a plumbing accident sends the brothers across dimensions to another world. They, now have to find each other so they can return home while also trying to navigate the political landscape of the Mushroom and Jungle Kingdoms.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 7.7/10
Hit Man (2024)
This summer’s Netflix original, that quite honestly deserved a theater audience is one that if you have missed, now is the time to make it happen. It stars this year’s favorite leading man, Glen Powell. Not only does he shine here as the male lead, it is also notable that he co-wrote the story along with director Richard Linklater.
In the film, Linklater and Powell take a wild but true story about a fake hit man named Gary Johnson and spin it into something truly unique. Hit Man serves as a thriller, crime drama, and sexy rom-com all the while giving Powell a hilariously fun batch of fake identities to play around with. Of course, Hit Man would not have worked without a great leading lady and that is found in Adria Arjona. The chemistry between Powell and Arjona is off the charts. Again, it’s a shame that Hit Man didn’t get a theatrical release because this would have been a blast to watch on the big screen. But don’t let your summer go by without catching it now.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating 7.6/10
My hope is that I have made it easier for you as you are wading through all of your options on Netflix. Of course, I’m sure you will have some favorites that I missed. In the efforts of making this a community of people who share with each other, if you would suggest other options for your fellow movie enthusiasts, please let us know in the comments section below.
You can find some of my recent posts through the links below:
- Spotlight on Dwayne Johnson
- Upcoming Movie Red One is Not Your Typical Reindeer Games
- The Class of ‘99: Looking Back at the Best Movie Year Ever
- What’s New on Paramount + in October 2024
- 44 Fantastic Fall Movies to Celebrate the Season
