With sunshine and sangria in the air, ‘tis the season to enjoy the summer rays – or so we thought. But if the heatwave is getting a bit too much to bear, we can all give thanks for the trusty sofa, and its good friend, the TV. While the world of film seems to have taken a month off in July, there’s still a few gems you’ll want to catch, from nail-biting thrillers and highly-anticipated releases such as the Legally Blonde prequel. So, sit back and relax – not on the coast, or in your back garden unfortunately, but in the comfort of your living room. Here are the best TV shows and films to stream in July. 

Elle, Prime Video

Release date: 1 July 2026

It’s the prequel no one asked for – but that doesn’t mean we’re not excited. Set in the years before Legally Blonde, this new series sees us meet Elle Woods in 1995, when she is navigating the tumultuous waters of high school. Starring Lexi Minetree as the titular character – who has revealed that the original Elle, Reese Witherspoon, who is also a producer on this series, would regularly check in on her during filming – expect laugh-out-loud moments as she deals with tricky friendships and even trickier dates, as well as plenty of ’90s nostalgia. 

Enola Holmes 3, Netflix

Release date: 1 July 2026

The third film in the Enola Holmes series sees Millie Bobby Brown reprise her role as Enola – the younger sister of Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes. As she prepares for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), her famous brother, played by Henry Cavill, suddenly disappears. Adventure chases her to Malta, where personal and professional dreams collide on a case more tangled and treacherous than any she has faced before. Perfect for those who love feel-good mysteries, a supporting cast featuring Himesh Patel, Susan Wokoma, and Helena Bonham Carter, promises to make this a hit. 

Little House on the Prairie, Netflix

Release date: 9 July 2026

Following two major Little House on the Prairie films, Netflix felt 2026 was the year it needed a revival for a third time. The most famous of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved 1930s Little House books, inspired by her own childhood on the American frontier, this new adaptation promises to be part-family drama, part-epic survival tale, and part-origin story of the American West. Starring Luke Bracey, Crosby Fitzgerald, and Alice Halsey, be transported to Minnesota to watch rolling landscapes unfold alongside one family’s fight for survival. 

The Dark, ITVX

Release date: 12 July 2026

Looking for a good thriller? The Dark is set to transport you to the Scottish wilderness where one detective investigates a potential serial killer. It may be summer here, but expect plenty of the wind, rain and rugged landscapes Scotland is famous for – alongside brilliant detective DI Monica Kennedy who, when a young man’s body is discovered, must catch the murderer before a small community is torn apart.

Lucky, Apple TV+

Release date: 15 July 2026

Based on Marissa Stapley's 2021 novel of the same name, this seven-part American crime series sees con artist Lucky, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, go on the run after a multi-million dollar heist goes wrong. Chased by both the FBI and a savage crime boss, she must find a way to survive – and thrive. Also starring Annette Benning and Timothy Olyphant, expect full prestige drama from this one.

The Hawk, Netflix

Release date: 16 July 2026

Lonnie Hawkins (Will Ferrell) was 2004's number one world golfer, but is now struggling to revive his glory days on the back nine of his career. His body may says retire, but his heart says he's not done yet. Add to that pressure from his ex-wife and his son Lance, who is golf's new golden boy, and he knows he's through. But with one more major to win to complete golf's Grand Slam, Lonnie refuses to believe he's anything other than one stroke away from the greatest comeback in golf history.

Heartstopper Forever, Netflix

Release date: 17 July 2026

One of this month's most highly-anticipated releases is Heartstopper Forever, a film which will serve as a conclusion to the series which started back in 2022. As Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) finally feel settled in their relationship, the idea of leaving for university and the prospect of a long-distance relationship weighs on both of them. Unsurprisingly, doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever? Find out on 17 July. 

Read more: Fridamania — Why the world can’t get enough of Frida Kahlo