Summer is here, and Netflix has an outstanding list of new releases for July, including several movie trilogies to keep you busy! Viewers can enjoy some fantastic new originals as well as some beloved favorites released throughout the month.
In addition to the movie trilogies, there are also some great standalone movies to enjoy this month. Don't miss Beverly Hills Cop: Alex F, which was released on July 3. The film features Eddie Murphy in a reprisal of his role as Axel Foley.
We also have the Harry Connick Jr.-led rom-com Find Me Falling on July 19. Several family titles will be released this month, as well, including Matilda, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, and Uncle Buck. Netflix also has several new horror titles releasing in July, including Jigsaw, American Psycho, Annabelle, and the zombie comedy Zombieland.
Let's get those movie trilogies started with Back to the Future!
Back to the Future
The sci-fi comedy franchise Back to the Future was created by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. All three movies are currently available to stream on Netflix.
The film series follows teenager, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and his best friend, eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown (Christopher Lloyd), who time travel to the past and future in their town of Hill Valley, California. The first film received the best reception at the box office, and all three are considered '80s classics. This is an excellent choice for a fun adventure series the family can enjoy.
Spider-Man
Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy was released on Netflix on July 1.
Starring Tobey McGuire as the titular character, the film series features Peter Parker's growth from high school to college and the challenges he experiences with his dual life. The story also explores his relationship with his best friend, Harry Osborn (James Franco), his romance with Mary Jane Watson (Kristen Dunst), and the complications that arise as he tries to keep his identity as Spider-Man a secret. During the three films, he comes against super-humans: Green Goblin (Willem Defoe), Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), and Sandman (Thomas Haden Church).
Fifty Shades of Grey
The erotic romance Fifty Shades of Grey is available to stream, and on July 16, the second and third films, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, will be added.
Based on the novels by E.L. James, the Fifty Shades trilogy stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Doran as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, respectively. The dark romance follows the leads as they explore a deepening, unconventional relationship. Movie critics gave less than favorable reviews of the films, but moviegoers were thrilled with the movies that grossed over $1.32 billion worldwide.
The Conjuring
The Conjuring films are supernatural horrors that dramatize the real-life experiences of famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens are often scrutinized as people are unsure if their stories are true, but regardless, the stories make for outstanding horror movies.
The first film, The Conjuring, focuses on the Perron Family and the disturbing events they experience in their new Rhode Island home. The second, The Conjuring 2, features the controversial case of the Enfield poltergeist and the event that inspired The Amityville Horror. The final installment of the trilogy, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, uses the trial of Arene Cheyenne Johnson for a murder that was committed in 1981 in Connecticut.
The Nun, a spiritual spinoff of The Conjuring 2, is also available on Netflix.
Fear Street
The Fear Street trilogy of horror films are based on R.L. Stein's same-titled book series. These Netflix original movies were released in 2021 and feature an old-school slasher feel with supernatural elements.
The story is told in reverse order, beginning in 1994, then 1978, and the final film takes place in 1666. The town of Shadyside is said to have been cursed over 100 years ago, and the movies follow a group of teens who work together to end the curse that's plagued their town.
In March 2024, a fourth film, Fear Street: Prom Queen, was officially announced.
Bonus pick: Cobra Kai season 6 part 1
While not part of the 1980s Karate Kid trilogy of films, the Cobra Kai series continues those stories. The sixth and final season will be released in three parts, the first of which will be released on July 18.
The series features Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, who reprise their roles as Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence from the movie trilogy. Cobra Kai explores the story from Johnny's point of view when he decides to reopen the Cobra Kai karate dojo and readdresses his long-time rivalry with Daniel. Fans of the original films will love the newest addition to the Karate Kid franchise.
Netflix also features the 2010 movie, The Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.