July is looking like a gigantic month for Netflix—and if your watchlist is already in a state of riot, well, buckle up. The streamer is going all out with everything from retro throwbacks to hot new originals. Whether you’re pursuing that childhood rush, into dark fantasy, or just here for pop culture anarchy, July’s got something that’ll most likely hijack your weekend agenda. Let’s count down the 10 most hyped Netflix drops landing on screens this month.
10. Nostalgia Overload: Jaws, Mission: Impossible, Karate Kid & More
Netflix is getting retro in the best possible way. Kicking off the month with a throwback, the streaming service is adding a list of cinematic superstars—Jaws and its three sequels, the initial five Mission: Impossible missions, and the entire Karate Kid franchise. As discussed in Film reports, these movies are arriving on the platform just in time for your air-conditioned, popcorn-filled binge. It’s an informal film history crash course, sans homework.
9. Too Much
Lena Dunham comes back to the small screen with her offbeat style in Too Much. This time it’s set in London, and the heartbroken New Yorker Jessica (played by Megan Stalter) winds up there after a break-up and gets herself involved with Felix (Will Sharpe), a lovable Brit with baggage and charm to burn. Think Girls transatlantically refashioned. People who like Dunham’s style of cringe-but-relatable storytelling will find themselves at home. DiscussingFilm referred to it as a must-see comeback for Dunham’s television heritage.
8. Wall to Wall
K-dramas are masters at messing with your head, and Wall to Wall goes all the way into that psychological sweet spot. Directed by Unlocked’s Kim Tae-joon, this tight thriller watches Woo-sung, a homeowner, lose his grip as he’s plagued by weird noises, insidious fear, and neighbors who are maybe more than they appear. The Hollywood Reporter hyped it as a slow-burn, paranoia-inducing ride that’ll have you questioning every bump in the night.
7. Building the Band
Half competition show, half emotional tribute, Building the Band unites artists to create the next super group—but this season has a deeper layer. It’s the last on-screen appearance of Liam Payne, who tragically passed away earlier in the year. Presented by AJ McLean and featuring judges Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, the show walks a tightrope between talent showcase and emotional memorial. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Payne’s family consented to his footage being broadcast, and thus, this is a bittersweet moment of the summer.
6. My Melody & Kuromi
Sanrio is going all stop-motion with My Melody & Kuromi, and yes, it’s as cute as it seems. This animated show plunges the viewer into the pastel-filled world of Mariland, where these classic characters have wacky adventures. It’s made for die-hard fans of Hello Kitty and for anyone who just needs something clean and oddly soothing. DiscussingFilm referred to it as a visual serotonin shot—and really, they’re not exaggerating.
5. Quarterback: Season 2
Sports enthusiasts, rejoice—Netflix’s window into the NFL huddle is returned. Quarterback Season 2 shines the spotlight on Kirk Cousins (currently commanding the Atlanta Falcons), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), and Jared Goff (Detroit Lions). From Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, the show lifts the lid on the lives of these players on and off the pitch. Per The Hollywood Reporter, if Drive to Survive is your thing, try this one on your list.
4. The Old Guard 2
Charlize Theron’s immortal fighter, Andy, is returning, and this time she’s in an all-out battle with Uma Thurman’s Discord—new villain of the franchise and the supposedly “first immortal.” The Old Guard 2 raises the stakes, deepens the mythology, and introduces a couple of new characters to mix things up. According to DiscussingFilm, people have been waiting for this sequel since 2020, and since Theron and Thurman are appearing on screen together, it is definitely going to be explosive.
3. Happy Gilmore 2
Twenty-nine years after that, Happy’s got a reason to go back to the green—this time to fund his daughter’s ballet school tuition. Happy Gilmore 2 finds Adam Sandler reprising his cult-hit role, joined by an utterly absurd roster of cameos: Benny Safdie, Post Malone, Eminem, Bad Bunny, and Travis Kelce, to name just a few. It’s the sort of retro sequel that really has the potential to derail—but that’s precisely why everyone can’t wait. According to DiscussingFilm, this one has a real chance of breaking Netflix.
2. The Sandman: Season 2
The long-awaited sequel to Neil Gaiman’s gloomy, mystical classic finally arrives—and this time, it’s the last installment. The Sandman Season 2 will be released in two halves, delving further into the Dreaming with a special bonus episode on Death. Amidst the big-stakes storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and Gaiman’s masterful hand, the show is poised to go out on a high note. DiscussingFilm opines it has the potential to be one of Netflix’s greatest conclusions if they manage to land it.
1. The Sandman: Season 2
Let’s be real—The Sandman is the crown jewel of Netflix’s summer offerings. The fandom is abuzz, critics are tuning in, and casual fans are willing to get sucked into the dreamworld once again. With Tom Sturridge heading up a cast of returning legends and newcomers, and Gaiman’s narrative peaking on an emotional level, this is the summer’s binge-watch to beat. Rotten Tomatoes even included it in the most anticipated releases of July.
So whether you’re in the mood for a cryfest, action-adventure escapism, or cartoon nostalgia, July delivers. Just ensure that your snack drawer is adequately filled, because once you press play, it’s game over.