As the summer season winds down, August ushers in an exciting wave of highly anticipated new movie premieres hitting various streaming platforms, promising a diverse array of cinematic experiences for every taste. From spine-chilling horror to heartwarming romance and laugh-out-loud comedies, this month’s August releases are set to captivate audiences from the comfort of their homes. This comprehensive streaming guide highlights the top films you won’t want to miss.
Leading the charge in the horror genre is “Final Destination Bloodlines,” making its highly anticipated debut on Max. This latest installment in the iconic franchise shattered box office records, becoming its highest-grossing entry with an impressive $285 million globally. The film reinvigorates the death-obsessed saga, following college student Stefani as she uncovers visions of an averted disaster from 1968, leading her on a perilous journey to save her family from a destined demise. Its ingenious and over-the-top kills promise the thrills fans expect.
Another significant horror film arriving this month is Neon’s “The Monkey,” heading to Hulu. Adapted from a chilling Stephen King short story and directed by Osgood Perkins, known for “Longlegs,” this horror-comedy also found box office success, grossing nearly $70 million worldwide. Starring Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood, the narrative plunges into the lives of twin brothers whose world is upended by a cursed toy monkey, unleashing horrific deaths and twisted humor.
For fans of indie scares, Shudder is set to premiere “Clown in a Cornfield,” a twist-filled horror film that has garnered significant buzz. Based on Adam Cesare’s novel, the movie focuses on a father and daughter whose move to a quiet small town turns nightmarish with the emergence of the killer Frendo the clown and escalating local tensions. This addition solidifies August as a prime month for horror enthusiasts exploring streaming entertainment.
Beyond the realm of frights, August also brings a strong lineup for non-horror aficionados. Netflix delivers “My Oxford Year,” a new original romance starring Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchrees, promising a heartwarming tale of an ambitious young American woman whose life takes an unexpected turn at Oxford University. Max counters with A24’s “The Legend of Ochi,” a family fantasy adventure, while Prime Video offers a fresh original comedy pairing the comedic talents of Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson in “The Pickup.”
Other notable new movie premieres include Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s “Freaky Tales” on HBO Max, a 2024 Sundance Film Festival debut boasting an ensemble cast including Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks. Netflix also presents “The Thursday Murder Club,” a murder mystery led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley, based on Richard Osman’s popular novel. These films represent a rich tapestry of genres for diverse viewers.
Animation enthusiasts can look forward to Genndy Tartakovsky’s R-rated adult comedy “Fixed,” a unique take on a dog’s final 24 hours before neutering, featuring a star-studded voice cast. Meanwhile, Vanessa Kirby headlines Netflix’s original drama “Night Always Comes,” a gripping adaptation of Willy Vlautin’s bestselling novel, where a woman risks everything to secure a future for her family by confronting her dark past.
Documentaries and thrillers also find their place among the August releases. Netflix unveils “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?”, delving into the controversial 2019 hate crime hoax with new evidence and interviews. Paramount+ introduces “The Infernal Machine,” a psychological thriller starring Guy Pearce as a reclusive author entangled in a dangerous quest triggered by an obsessive fan’s cryptic messages.
Rounding out the month’s streaming entertainment, Oscar-winner “Conclave” arrives on Prime Video, offering a compelling thriller about a cardinal overseeing the selection of a new pope, featuring a highly praised performance by Ralph Fiennes. Additionally, the box office hit “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” makes its free streaming debut on Prime Video, uniting Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. in a high-stakes crime thriller inspired by a real-life diamond heist, ensuring there’s no shortage of captivating streaming movies to watch.
