4 best Netflix shows to watch (and 2 to skip) in July 2024

Summer's officially in full swing, and Netflix has been dropping some of its biggest releases of the year yet. June brought the end of Sweet Tooth, Glen Powell's latest hit movie, new movies from big stars, and the conclusion of Bridgerton season 3. The streamer looks to keep the momentum going with its high profile new release movies and shows coming in July.

Keeping the theme of series endings going from Sweet Tooth, July marks the end of three fan-favorite Netflix original series. Vikings: Valhalla bids farewell with its third and final season one week before Sweet Home bows out with its own third and final season, which arrives one week before Elite's last hurrah. Meanwhile, Cobra Kai kicks off its swan song with the first part of its three-part sixth and final season.

Clearly, there's plenty of big new series coming to Netflix in July 2024, but what's worth watching and what's worth saving for a rainy day or leaving on the bench altogether? Here are the four best Netflix shows to watch in July and the two that you might be better off skipping, beginning below with Vikings: Valhalla.

Vikings: Valhalla season 3

Watch! If you're a fan of Vikings: Valhalla, there's no chance that you're skipping the release of season 3. You have to see how the series comes to an end! The final season takes place seven years after the events of the second season. Freydis, Leif, and Harald have each made different achievements as heroes, but they must now face some of their toughest challenges leading up to the show's final battle and big finish. Don't miss a minute when season 3 drops in full on July 11.

Cobra Kai season 6 part 1

Watch! It's the beginning of the end for Cobra Kai and its loyal fandom. Start preparing your goodbyes, but don't get too sad just yet. Netflix is splitting the super-sized 15-episode sixth and final season into three parts that will each consist of five episodes. The second part arrives in November and the third part drops sometime in 2025, but the bittersweet final season festivities begin on July 18 when the gang returns for a must-watch new competition on July 18.

Exploding Kittens

Skip! It's no secret that adult animated comedy series aren't for everyone, so it goes without saying that those who aren't fans of this genre will likely be skipping Netflix's new series Exploding Kittens. The series is based on the card game of the same name and ironically stars Lucifer favorite Tom Ellis as God, but he's trapped in the body of a house cat. As he takes on normal cat activities, Godcat also faces off against Devilcat. Sounds fun? Give it a watch on July 12, otherwise skip this one.

The Decameron

Watch! With HBO's House of the Dragon currently the biggest show on television right now, there's some interest in medieval stories, which brings us to Netflix's new period comedy-drama The Decameron. Based on the 14th century short story collection of the same name, the series takes place in 1348 as nobles and servants wait out the Black Death pandemic in a countryside villa. It leads to wild times and deabuchery. The Decameron could very well be the next big hit series when it makes its premiere on July 25. Join the party!

Sweet Home season 3

Watch! The bittersweet times keep rolling on Netflix in July with the release of the third and final season of the Korean apocalyptic horror series Sweet Home on July 19. The series takes place in a world where humanity begins again after "monsterization" comes to an end, though lines have been blurred and many stand to make a life-changing choice. Sweet Home has been a fan-favorite since its premiere back in 2020, and now it's coming to an end. Season 3 is a must-watch for fans!

Elite season 8

Skip! And finally, the third and final Netflix original series coming to an end in July is none other than Elite, the Spanish teen drama series that's been a staple since its debut in 2018. The series takes place in the Las Encinas private school as cultures clash between upper and middle class classmates. Over the years, Elite has seen plenty of cast changes, but the eighth and final season brings back an original character fans have been missing. Sadly, the show has kind of fizzled out, making its departure a little less exciting than to be expected.

What will you be watching and skipping on Netflix in July?