Top 10 Best New Movies on Netflix in July 2024

I’m always amazed by the eclectic lineups offered at the start of each month on Netflix. The mix of comedy, drama, romance, high-octane action, and slow-burning thrillers, combined with family-friendly adventures and dark social commentary, makes it quite challenging to pinpoint the ten best movies in a month like this. However, I have braved this task. July 2024 features some standout winners, like the return of an iconic comedic character from the 1980s, a defining romance from the past ten years, and the successor to Studio Ghibli’s latest tale of fantastical friendship.

Without further ado, let’s dive in. Below are the ten best new films added to Netflix so far this month. If the list seems daunting, remember, that’s a good thing!

The long-awaited return is here in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley”. Eddie Murphy reprises his role as the iconic Axel Foley, bringing back the hilarious series filled with just as much action as comedy. Directed by Mark Molloy and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this installment finds Axel in Beverly Hills, fighting to protect his family. When his daughter Jane (Taylour Paige) becomes entangled in a conspiracy, Axel teams up with Detective Bobby Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to solve the mystery, with old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) helping out. With Murphy’s signature humor and grit, the film provides a nostalgic yet modern experience.

Studio Ghibli fans need to know about Studio Ponoc, founded by Ghibli’s former producer Yoshiaki Nishimura. Ponoc’s “The Imaginary” is its first project with Netflix. Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, this animated film blurs the lines between reality and imagination. It follows Rudger, an invisible friend of a young girl named Amanda. When Amanda stops believing in him, Rudger is transported to the Town of Imaginaries. Nishimura aims to capture the essence of childhood wonder and the fear of being forgotten.

The 2017 sci-fi movie “Life” stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, and Rebecca Ferguson, three powerhouse actors. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, the film follows astronauts on the International Space Station who discover a rapidly evolving life form. The movie’s claustrophobic atmosphere and carefully controlled pacing create an engrossing experience. Despite little fanfare at its release, the movie stands as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Alex Gibney’s “Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief” is a gripping documentary that explores the secretive world of Scientology. Based on Lawrence Wright’s acclaimed book, the film features interviews with former high-ranking officials and members, revealing the inner workings and controversial practices of the organization. Gibney exposes the psychological manipulation and alleged abuses within Scientology, making it one of his most damning examinations.

Emma Stone’s rise to stardom includes “Easy A,” a witty modern take on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”. Directed by Will Gluck, the film follows Olive Penderghast, a high school student whose lie about losing her virginity spirals into a scandal. With performances from Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, and Amanda Bynes, “Easy A” is a vibrant, lighthearted film balancing humor and heart.

“Magic Mike XXL” is a celebratory experience that continues to be recommended. Three years after leaving the stripper life behind, Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) reunites with his old crew for one last hurrah. Directed by Gregory Jacobs, the film is filled with male camaraderie, laughter, and choreographed dance routines. With a stellar cast, the movie thrives on empowerment and positivity, focusing on companionship rather than conflicts.

“American Psycho” challenges perceptions with Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. Set in the 1980s, the film satirizes the era’s excesses and creates a disturbing portrait of a man consumed by vanity and madness. Directed by Mary Harron, the movie offers a satirical and darkly hilarious examination of American culture.

Joe Wright’s “Pan” reimagines the tale of Peter Pan with a fresh origin story. Starring Levi Miller as Peter, the film follows an orphan who discovers his destiny in Neverland. With performances from Garrett Hedlund, Hugh Jackman, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried, and Cara Delevingne, “Pan” offers a whimsical and innovative take on the classic story.

The “Saw” franchise continues with “Jigsaw”, directed by Peter and Michael Spierig. The infamous Jigsaw killer returns with gruesome games to test human willpower. Detectives race to uncover the mastermind behind the new wave of terror. With a cast including Matt Passmore, Callum Keith Rennie, and Hannah Emily Anderson, “Jigsaw” features dynamic camera work, intricate traps, and an exploration of morality and justice.

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, “Call Me By Your Name” is praised for its tender and evocative tale of first love. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Italy, the film follows the romance between 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer), an American scholar staying with Elio’s family. With lush cinematography, naturalistic performances, and a haunting score by Sufjan Stevens, the film captures the ephemeral nature of summer love beautifully.

Here is every new movie available on Netflix in July 2024:

• July 1: Amazing Antoine (2023); American Hustle (2013); American Psycho (2000); Annabelle (2014); Back to the Future; Back to the Future Part II; Back to the Future Part III; Becky & Badette (2023); Big Daddy (1999); Call Me by Your Name (2017); Captain Phillips (2013); Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013); Easy A (2010); Family of Two (2023); Jigsaw (2017); Kampon (2023); Life (2017); Magic Mike XXL (2015); Matilda (1996); Miraculous World: Shanghai, The Legend of LadyDragon (2021); Monsters vs. Aliens (2009); Mr Bean’s Holiday (2007); Pan (2015); Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021); Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno (2014); Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends (2014); Spider-Man (2002); Spider-Man 2 (2004); Spider-Man 3 (2007); The Blind Side (2009); The House Bunny (2008); The Karate Kid (1984); The Nun (2018); The Sweetest Thing (2002); Uncle Buck (1989); The Wiz (1978); Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005); Zombieland (2009)
• July 3: Beverly Hills Cop 4: Axel F (2024)
• July 5: Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief (2015); Goyo (2024); The Imaginary (2024)
• July 7: Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012); The Last: Naruto The Movie (2014); Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)
• July 8: Bad Boys (1995); Bad Boys II (2003)
• July 10: Tickled (2016); Wild Wild Punjab (2024)
• July 11: Kuyang Sekuta Iblis Yang Selalu Mengintai (2024); The Neon Highway (2024); The Peasants (2023); Vanished into the Night (2024)
• July 12: Blame the Game (2024); The Champion (2024)
• July 15: Bone Tomahawk (2015); Midnight Sun (2018); Trolls Band Together (2024)
• July 16: Fifty Shades Darker (2017); Fifty Shades Freed (2018); The Boy Next Door (2015)
• July 18: Land of Bad (2024); The Inspection (2022)
• July 19: 500 Days of Escobar (2023); Find Me Falling (2024); Skywalkers: A Love Story (2024)
• July 24: Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam (2024)
• July 26: House of Ga’a (2024); Non Negotiable (2024)
• July 27: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
• July 31: Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (2024)

Source: Netflix