11 Best New Movies on Netflix: July 2020’s Freshest Films to Watch

Michael Mann’s Ali couldn’t be more timely. Based on the life of Muhammad Ali, Mann’s film follows the legendary boxer (played by Will Smith) from 1964 to 1974, a period that saw Ali convert to Islam, publicly criticize the Vietnam War, and exit the sport, only to return even greater. Ali bombed at the box office, but now that it’s on Netflix, viewers will have a chance to reevaluate the film and (hopefully) internalize its message.

Where to stream Ali

“If I were a rich man…” This month, the 1971 film adaptation Fiddler on the Roof will be coming to Netflix for musical lovers everywhere to enjoy. Norman Jewison’s musical tells the story of Tevye, a Jewish man and father of five daughters. As Tevye’s daughters look to marry, Tevye fights to maintain his family’s heritage and faith, a task that becomes even more difficult when the Tsar evicts all Jews from their shtetl.

Where to stream Fiddler on the Roof

Salma Hayek transforms into Frida Kahlo in 2002 biopic Frida. Directed by Julie Taymor, the drama follows Kahlo throughout the early stages of her career, her marriage to Diego Rivera (played by Alfred Molina), and her eventual death. Almost 20 years after its release, Frida remains an essential biopic about the Mexican artist’s life and career, which deserves far more on-screen representation than it has been afforded.

Where to stream Frida

This Martin Scorsese classic centers on Charlie (Harvey Keitel), a young Italian-American man, and his friend Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro), a small-time gambler. Charlie works part-time as debt collector, but when Johnny refuses to pay up, Charlie finds himself caught between his longtime friend and some very violent loan sharks. Between Mean Streets and The Irishman, you should have no problem queuing up a Scorsese-De Niro movie marathon this month.

Where to stream Mean Streets

The second boxing film on this list is quite the heavyweight. Million Dollar Bbay stars Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald, an aspiring boxer who turns to veteran trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) for help in the ring. Eastwood’s film cleaned up at the box office, earning more than $216 million, as well as the 2004 Oscars, where the drama nabbed wins for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor for Morgan Freeman.

Where to stream Mean Streets

It’s not the most uplifting subject matter, but that’s what makes Schindler’s List so important. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 drama tells the true story of Oskar and Emilie Schindler (Liam Neeson and Caroline Goodall), a German couple who saved more than a thousand Jewish children during the Holocaust. The film tracks the Schindlers as they employ the Jewish refugees in their factories and bribe Nazi officials to prevent them from being sent to the death camps. Schindler’s List went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, but more importantly, it remains a constant reminder of the evils of the Holocaust.

Where to stream Schindler's List

It’s about time we added some sci-fi to this list. In 2009, Vincenzo Natali released a biomedical thriller about two scientists who attempt to splice human DNA into animal genes. Unbeknownst to their superiors, the scientists develop a young female creature that begins aging at a rapid rate, and before long, they become attached to her. What follows is a story that questions everything we know about humanity, and then some.

Where to stream Splice

Where to stream The Karate Kid

Charlize Theron is back in action in this Netflix tentpole. The Gina Prince-Bythewood action flick stars Theron as an ancient warrior named Andromache of Scythia, or Andy for short, who leads a group of mercenaries across history. When a new immortal being is awakened and their secret comes to light, Andy’s group finds themselves in a fight for their long-lasting lives.

Where to stream The Old Guard

Another day, another Best Picture winner. On July 22, biographical drama Spotlight will be hitting Netflix, much to journalism junkies’ delight. Tom McCarthy’s film dramatizes the true story of The Boston Globe’s “Spotlight” team and its investigation into systemic sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Spotlight was lauded upon its release (it was nominated for six Oscars, winning two) and remains an extremely important take on institutionalized abuse in the pre-#MeToo era.

Where to stream Spotlight

Two years after The Kissing Booth first hit Netflix, the sequel is finally hitting the big (or small, depending on your device size) screen. The Kissing Booth 2 reunites viewers with Elle (Joey King), now in her senior year of high school. Elle and Noah (Jacob Elordi) have managed to make things work long-distance while he’s at college, but with college applications looming and a new friendship emerging, Elle is struggling to keep things afloat. Is this the end for Elle and Noah? Watch The Kissing Booth 2 on July 24 to find out.

Where to stream The Kissing Booth 2