STREAM TOWN — We are now in the dog days of summer, and often, it’s too hot to even think about going outside.

When you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world because there are 10 titles that are streaming in July that will make staying inside on those incredibly hot days bearable.

Netflix

“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” July 1

Let’s kick one off for the families. The “Madagascar” franchise isn’t the perfect example of the best animated movies we’ve received in the last several years, but these movies have some fun moments and manage to get both kids and adults laughing.

“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” is now on Netflix, and while it has moments that will make your eyes roll, overall, this movie is pretty entertaining and something the whole family can enjoy together.

“Best in Show” July 1

Maybe you’re not a fan of mockumentary filmmaking, but if you are, one of the all-time best movies is “Best in Show.”

The movie follows several participants in a high-profile dog show and it is honestly one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. With superb acting, awkward humor and laugh-out-loud scenarios, this movie is a riot, and if you have not seen it, I highly suggest giving it a go.

“Lion” July 9

I cannot say enough about “Lion.” 2016 was a strong year for movies, and it could be easily argued that “Lion” was the best of the year.

The heart-wrenching movie tells the true story of Saroo Brierley and his 25-year journey. As a young child, Brierley became lost in Calcutta and the movie chronicles his attempts to locate his family. Be aware that you will likely start crying the moment the movie starts and won’t stop until long after the credits roll, but this is a beautiful film and one that should be experienced.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” July 18

That’s right Star Wars fans, “Rogue One” is headed to Netflix this month, and I’m not sure I have to sell you on this one. Out of the theatrical releases in the Star Wars canon, “Rogue One” is easily one of the best and is considered by some as the best.

The movie is full of action, emotion and contains a fantastic story. You’ve likely already seen “Rogue One” and odds are you’re about to watch it again.

Hulu

“Clear and Present Danger” July 1

Harrison Ford is the king of franchises. He’s Indiana Jones, Han Solo and let’s not forget, he was also Jack Ryan. “Patriot Games” is a great film, but in my opinion, the best of the bunch is “Clear and Present Danger.”

The political thriller is a smart film filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This movie is now 23 years old, but it still delivers on action and tension and holds up well in 2017.

“The Professional” July 1

Maybe you’ve never seen or even heard of “The Professional,” but it’s a really stunning film (that admittedly, may not be for everyone.)

The 1994 film introduced the world to Natalie Portman as well as one of the most disturbing Gary Oldman villains to date. The movie tells the story of a young orphan girl who is taken in by a professional hitman and follows the relationship they build.

The movie is gritty and at times brutal, but it is also a delicate story of change and relationships that will stick with you for days after viewing.

“The Professional” is rated R for scenes of strong graphic violence and for language.

“Misery” July 1

I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Stephen King. I have read a great number of his books and think he’s one of the greatest storytellers of all time. The movie adaptations of his works, however, are hit and miss at best. But one that was definitely a hit was “Misery.”

The film contains an Oscar-winning performance from Kathy Bates as an overly attached fan of an author who has captured and imprisoned him in her home. The movie is creepy, tense and enthralling, and it becomes even more intriguing when you learn King wrote the book as an allegory of his own struggles with addiction.

“Misery” is rated R for adult situations, language and violence.

Amazon

“Mr. Robot” Season 2, July 1

It seems that TV has figured things out recently with delivering highly entertaining and well-written shows and a great example of that is “Mr. Robot.”

The show plays on our modern-day fears of privacy and security and exploits them to the nth degree.

Season 2 is now available on Amazon, which means it’s time to let the binging begin.

“Eight Men Out” July 1

Sports movies aren’t for everyone, but “Eight Men Out” is more of a political thriller in a lot of ways than a sports film.

The movie reveals the story behind the Black Sox scandal of 1919 and how the team purposefully lost the World Series. The story engrosses you as you create relationships with many of the characters and refuse to believe they made some of these decisions.

“Eight Men Out” is an incredibly well-made film that exposes a dark time for America’s national pastime.

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” July 4

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is a curious film. Not everyone loved this movie and it has pacing issues at times, but when all is said and done, it’s a gorgeously shot film with some really fantastic performances and interesting ideas of social interactions and norms.

I think David Fincher has one of the most unique and engaging film styles of any working director, and that alone makes “Benjamin Button” worth a view. There will be moments that make you squirm a little and others that make you scratch your head, but overall, it’s a fine film that’s worth at least one view to see what all the chatter was about when it was released in 2008.

Related topics