July will be full of drama, comedy, and thrill as new and returning shows and movies roll out on streaming platforms and in theaters. From book adaptations to new seasons of fan-favorite shows, there is so much to binge-watch or buy tickets to see. Here is a list of all the must-watch shows and movies for the month of July.
Netflix
- Stranger Things 4: Volume 2 (July 1)
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The show that graces us with great music, wardrobe, and intriguing storylines is back again to fulfill your summer streaming needs. Stranger Things 4: Volume 1 first premiered on May 27, but the story isn’t over yet. Volume 2 is ready to stream on July 1 on Netflix. Will Vecna finally be stopped? Is Eleven ready to fight? The future of Vecna’s curse and the beloved friend group lies in the hands of the two-episode Volume 2.
- Boo Bitch (July 8)
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The Netflix rom-com queen, Lana Condor, is making her return to the streaming service with a comedy series called Boo Bitch. During their senior year, two best friends make it their mission to be seen by their peers, but their plan hits a bump when one of them (Condor) becomes a ghost. With the clock ticking, the ghost best friend has to live her best life and settle some unfinished business while she’s still on Earth. You can follow along with the show when it comes to Netflix on July 8.
- Persuasion (July 15)
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Based on the timeless love story of the same name by Jane Austen, the film Persuasion comes out on Netflix July 15. Anne Elliot, played by Dakota Johnson, must decide between what her heart wants or letting go of the past. Eight years after she was denied by her family the marriage of the man she loved, she is reunited with him. Do second chances at true love exist?
- Virgin River Season 4 (July 20)
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The Netflix series that takes place in a small town where there is love, family, friendship, and drama returns for Season 4 on July 20. Virgin River Season 4 will hopefully answer some unfinished questions from Season 3, such as the state of Hope’s Health, Mel’s baby, and the culprit behind who shot Jack. Though the new season will follow the story of the past season, there will also be new arrivals to the small town, new relationships forming, and new drama that will unfold. You can watch this teaser to get a sneak peek of what the new season has to offer, as well as other Netflix shows.
Hulu
- Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons (July 14)
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In a three-part docuseries outlining Victoria’s Secret’s rise to fame and severe downfall, Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons will showcase shocking truths behind the brand, the fashion industry, and Hollywood elites. The lingerie brand has had a problematic past with a lack of body diversity in their fashion shows and clothing. However, in 2021, the brand announced its mission to rebrand in a more inclusive and positive direction. You can dive deep into the controversy and where the future of the brand lies when the series comes to Hulu on July 14.
- Not Okay (July 29)
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Just as the trailer warns at the beginning, Not Okay follows an unlikeable influencer played by Zoey Deutch who uses current events to gain followers and fame, and curates an image of herself that is a total lie. This satirical movie calls out the clout-chasing reality of some influencers and the lengths they might go to to gain recognition, as well as the harsh reality of having a media presence while being hated by the internet. And for my Teen Wolf fans, Dylan O’Brien is featured in the film, so it’s a must-watch. You can stream the movie on Hulu July 29.
HBO MAx
- Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (July 28)
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Uh oh! A makes their return in this new streaming series for the Pretty Little Liars franchise. Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin follows a new generation of teen liars who are tormented by the infamous A, who is focused on punishing the group for the sins of their mothers and themselves. This new drama series takes place miles away from Rosewood — the town that once filled the screens of our childhood.
In Theaters
- Thor: Love and Thunder (July 8)
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Marvel superhero Thor returns to the big screens on July 8 with the movie Thor: Love and Thunder. After saving the universe from destruction in Avengers: End Game and going to space in Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor is taking some time for himself in this new movie, in which he is on a path to self-discovery and inner peace. However, his downtime is interrupted when galactic killer Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale, shows up with a mission to extinct the gods. Fans are excited to see Natalie Portman return to the franchise as Thor’s ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, but also as her superhero persona Mighty Thor. With the help of King Valkyrie, Korg, and Jane, Thor fights to stop the galactic killer.
- Where The Crawdads Sing (July 15)
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Based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Delia Owens, the movie adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat when it comes to theaters on July 15. The drama follows the story of a young woman who has been surviving by herself in the marshes of Barkley Cove, North Carolina after she was abandoned by her family as a child. However, her life takes a turn when a man she was involved with is found dead and all eyes look to her as the lead suspect. Swifties are excited to see the book come to life because Taylor Swift has a new song featured in it that she made specifically for the movie. Despite the love for Taylor’s song, however, some fans are skeptical because author Delia Owens was caught up in a controversy when she was thought to be involved in a murder case back in 2010.
- NOPE (July 22)
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Jordan Peele, director and writer of the fan-favorite Get Out, hopes to have another hit with his new thriller NOPE. The horror film follows the story of Californian caretakers of a Black-owned horse ranch that encounter a supernatural force, which affects the behavior of both the humans and animals. The movie will hit theaters July 22 and feature some familiar faces, such as Keke Palmer and Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya.