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STREAM TOWN — I’d say we’re in the dog days of summer. But it feels more like the “groundhog days” of summer, considering we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic.
While Tuesday may look suspiciously similar to Thursday, at least there is something new now that it’s August: new streaming titles.
The eighth month of the year has some solid new title offerings on multiple streaming platforms, and I’m here to tell you about the ones you’ll want to check out.
Here are the best new titles streaming on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime and HBO Max in August:
Netflix
"Jurassic Park" (Available now)
There are just a few movies that were an experience for me when I saw them in the theater. In fact, I can only think of three. Funnily enough, two of them are on this list — starting with "Jurassic Park."
I’ll never forget seeing this movie for the first time, and the experience has stuck with me ever since. I love this movie and I’m excited to watch it on Netflix.
"Mr. Peabody & Sherman" (Available now)
Great family films that both parents and kids can enjoy aren’t always easy to come by. And while "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" isn’t the best one out there, it’s pretty great.
The movie is funny and will keep your kids entertained while giving you a few laughs.
"Cobra Kai" Seasons 1-2 (Aug. 28)
This is a bit of a nostalgic thing for me, but "Cobra Kai" is now on Netflix. If you liked "The Karate Kid" growing up, you should check it out.
The show was a YouTube original, and up until now you could only watch it there with a subscription. The show catches up with Danny and Johnny from “The Karate Kid,” who are now adults and still dealing with the stuff that happened between them when they were teens. The story is told mostly from Johnny’s perspective and how he saw Danny as a bully.
The show isn’t amazing, but you’ll find that you can’t stop watching once you start.
"Casino Royale" (Aug. 31)
I’m a James Bond guy through and through. I loved watching the old movies with my dad whenever there was a marathon on TBS. It is a cherished childhood memory watching those campy spy films.
Then "Casino Royale" came around when I was an adult and things changed. I realized how great a Bond film could really be. I still think this is one of the best of the entire franchise, and you can watch it on Netflix later this month.
Disney+
"Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" (Available now)
While the movie adaptation of the video game "Prince of Persia" isn’t a great movie, it’s still pretty fun. There is plenty of action and some humor in there, and it kept our kids — ages 9, 7 and 4 — entertained.
"The Greatest Showman" (Available now)
We own the Blu Ray of "The Greatest Showman," and I think it’s worn down to a nub considering how many times my kids have watched it.
Now that it’s headed to Disney+, it’s about to be on our TV all the time. And you know what? I’ll probably sit down and watch it once or twice, as well.
"Ant-Man and the Wasp" (Available now)
Disney is slowly getting the licensing rights back to all their Marvel titles, and the next one up is "Ant-Man and the Wasp."
The "Ant Man" movies are some of my favorite Marvel films because the filmmakers decided to step outside the Marvel box a bit and come up with something really fun and a little different.
"Beauty and the Beast" (2017) (Aug. 21)
Speaking of getting licensing back, the 2017 live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast" is headed to Disney+ this month. I didn’t love this movie, but it’s still good for a solid night in with the family.
Hulu
"Top Gun" (Available now)
It’s "Top Gun," people. What else do you need here?
Get ready to get your blood pumping to some Kenny Loggins and fast jets. Let’s do this.
"The Peanut Butter Falcon" (Available now)
Last year was one of my favorite years for films, and towards the top of that list for me was "The Peanut Butter Falcon."
This sweet, funny and poignant film is something I think everyone needs to see. I absolutely love this movie; and if you ignore everything else on this list, just make sure not to ignore this title. It’s also streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Amazon Prime Video
"Inception" (Available now)
Remember when I mentioned that "Jurassic Park" was an experience for me I have only experienced three times in a theater? Well, the second time I experienced it was when I saw "Inception" in 2010.
It’s hard for me to say what my favorite movie of all time is, but when people ask I usually answer, "Inception." This movie is brilliant in so many ways, and I have seen it dozens of times. People ask to borrow my Blu Ray of it all the time and I get nervous because it’s a bit of a prized possession. Now when they ask, I can just tell them to check it out on Amazon Prime.
This is truly one of the most brilliant movies I have ever seen, and I will be watching it again.
"Dora and the Lost City of Gold" (Available now)
Here is another one for family movie night. I was skeptical of "Dora and the Lost City of Gold," but I was wrong. This movie is funny, exciting and self-aware enough to be wildly entertaining.
If you are looking for something new to watch with the family, give Dora a chance.
HBO Max
"The Fugitive" (Available now)
I know a lot of you may not have HBO Max, but those of you that do know there are a lot of great titles offered — and there are some great ones being added in August.
One of those is the 1993 classic "The Fugitive" This movie is just so good. If you haven’t seen it, watch it. If it’s been a long time, it’s going to be worth watching again.
And if you say you don’t want to watch it, well, guess what, "I don’t care."
"Jojo Rabbit" (Available now)
I told you how much I loved the 2019 movie year when I wrote about "The Peanut Butter Falcon." Another film at the top of that list is "Jojo Rabbit," and it’s now on HBO Max.
This movie is equal parts funny, quirky and heartfelt. It’s a beautiful film in its own odd way, and I listed it as my favorite of a stellar 2019.
"Maverick" (Available now)
Mel Gibson is almost a bad word in Hollywood these days, but in the 1990s he was “the guy.” And one of his better under-the-radar films is "Maverick."
Based off the TV show of the same name that starred James Garner, this movie is a fun and silly western that shows off all that charm Gibson had back in the 1980s and 1990s. This was a favorite when I was younger, and now I get to revisit it on HBO Max.
