Here are the best new releases to watch on Netflix this August

For the second half of the summer, Netflix is releasing new instalments of beloved series, special editions of sci-fi movies and (surprisingly) several horror films. In August, you can visit 1940s Japan, explore modern-day Paris and even travel to a distant planet.

If you want to know the biggest shows available generally, check out our article on the best TV shows on Netflix. Also, check out our roundup of the best movies on Netflix.

This article is based on new content drops on Netflix UK, and the list of releases in the United States and other parts of the world may differ. However, you can get access to US Netflix via a virtual private network (VPN) such as NordVPN, one of the most popular and affordable options.

Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color (2024)

Releases 1 August

One of the most famous monsters returns in this black-and-white version of the epic Japanese movie. In 1945, kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Darren Barnet) lands for repairs on Odo Island. At night, Godzilla, a gigantic, mysterious creature, attacks the base, and Shikishima fails to help defend the garrison.

In 1947, Shikishima works on minesweeper tasked with disposing of naval mines from World War II. He and his crew are sent to stop Godzilla, now mutated after the U.S. nuclear tests on Bikini Atoll and heading to Japan.

Rebel Moon Part One: Director’s Cut (2024)

Releases 2 August

The first part of Zack Snyder’s epic sci-fi, A Child of Fire, debuted on Netflix in 2023. Now, fans can watch its extended and R-rated version.

The peaceful colony on the outskirts of the galaxy is threatened by a cruel Regent Balisarius (Ed Skrein). A young woman, Kora (Sofia Boutella), is sent on a mission to recruit warriors from neighbouring planets. She assembles an unlikely team of outsiders, peasants, and orphans who are ready to fight and take revenge on the vicious warlord.

Rebel Moon Part Two: Director’s Cut (2024)

Releases 2 August

Despite the bad reviews that gathered the first part of the sci-fi tale, Netflix released its second part, The Scargiver earlier this year. In August, fans can watch its R-rated edition.

Kora (Sofia Boutella) and the surviving members of her team are back on planet Veldt. They are convinced that Admiral Noble is dead. However, the Aris, a double agent working for the village people, informs them that the threat is not gone. Kora and her warriors are preparing for the invasion of the Motherworld forces.

The Umbrella Academy (Season 4)

Release 8 August

The time has come to say goodbye to the Hargreeves with the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy. Six years after the reset, new enemies arise, and the universe is threatened by the greatest danger ever. The siblings, now lacking their superpowers, have to figure out how to save the world once again.

All Creatures Great & Small (Season 1)

Releases 14 August

A television series set in 1930s Northern England is an adaptation of books about a veterinarian by Alf Wight, also known as James Herriot.

Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) is a vet in the Yorkshire Dales. He hires James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) for his clinic at Skeldale House. The new surgeon gets to know Siegfried’s brother, Tristan, and Mrs Hall, a housekeeper.

Emily in Paris (Season 4, Part 1)

Releases 15 August

After the ruined wedding in the season 3 finale, Emily struggles even more with her feelings. She still cooperates with Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) after their break-up, helping him get a Michelin Star. Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) is expecting a baby with his ex-fiancee, Camille. Meanwhile, Mindy (Ashley Park) and the band are preparing for Eurovision, and Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) needs to sort out her job and marriage issues.

Halloween Ends (2022)

Releases 16 August

The thirteenth instalment in the Halloween franchise brings back Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) to face off against serial killer Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney). After a tragic incident, Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell) is an outcast in Haddonfield. He crosses paths with Laurie, who lives now with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak). Michael, however, is still a danger, preparing another bloody massacre in a traumatised town.

Orphan: First Kill (2022)

Releases 22 August

A prequel to the 2009 film Orphan tells the story of the past of Leena Klammer (Isabelle Fuhrman), a woman with a rare hormonal disorder that gives her the appearance of a child. In 2007, Leena escapes a psychiatric hospital and pretends to be Esther, the missing daughter of a wealthy American couple, Allen (Rossif Sutherland) and Tricia (Julia Stiles). She travels to US and starts living with her alleged parents. However, events take a bloody turn when some people suspect Leena isn’t who she claims to be.

The Deliverance (2024)

Releases 30 August

Ebony Jackson (Andra Day) is a struggling single mother who moves to a new home. When strange events occur in the house, Ebony concludes that she is dealing with a possession. The film also features Glenn Close and Caleb McLaughlin.

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