In a last-ditch attempt to save summer, we’re hoping we’ll be too busy sipping chilled rosé on the beach to catch any of this month’s biggest new releases. But should this soggy, shameful July continue into August, then at least we can rely on the sofa for support. Alongside follow-up seasons – say hello to the second season of Wednesday – we’ve also got our eyes on the highly-anticipated adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club and a new thriller starring and produced by Suranne Jones. So sit back, relax, and whatever you do, do not put that heating on yet.

Our Oxford Year, Netflix

Get your rom-com fix with Our Oxford Year, an adaptation of the 2018 book of the same name by Julia Whelan. Starring Sofia Carson as Anna De La Vega and Corey Mylchreest as Jamie Davenport, American student La Vega travels to Oxford to fulfil her dreams of studying abroad before she meets a man who will change her life. Plus, with much of the filming having taken place at the University of Oxford’s Magdalen College, St Hugh’s College and Hertford College, as well as in Windsor, it will definitely be one for spotting the sights. 

Release date: 1 August 2025

Chief of War, Apple TV+

Based on true events, Jason Momoa takes on the role of historic warrior Kaʻiana – one of the most famous Hawaiians everto have lived – as his islands come under threat. Set during the 18^th century, and with Hawaii divided into four kingdoms which are all warring with each other, Momoa embarks on a huge mission to unite his people as an existential threat looms. 

Release date: 1 August 2025

The Pick Up, Prime Video

Starring Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy, this thrilling heist film is our top pick from Prime Video this month. A routine cash pickup takes a wild turn when mismatched armoured truck drivers Russell (Murphy) and Travis (Davidson) are ambushed by ruthless criminals led by savvy mastermind Zoe (Keke Palmer). As chaos ensues, the unlikely duo must put their clashing personalities to one side to avoid serious danger. 

Release date: 6 August 2025

Wednesday season two, Netflix

Jenna Ortega returns as Wednesday Addams in the second series of the acclaimed show putting the spotlight on one of the Addams Family offspring. The first series introduced us to a now-teenage Wednesday, who should be more focused on her studies at Nevermore Academy than investigating a murder spree – but, alas, Wednesday has other plans. The second season promises more wit and funny deadpans, friends and foes, familiar faces (spot Morticia, Gomez and Pugsley) and a new supernatural mystery to enjoy. 

Release date: 6 August 2025

Hostage, Netflix

Prepare for a thrilling descent into a world of unexpected twists and turns with Hostage: a five-part series that stars and is executive produced by Suranne Jones, marking her first project with Netflix. When the British Prime Minister’s husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, may hang in the balance, can they work together to foil the plot that threatens them both? Starring Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Lucian Msamati and Ashley Thomas, this is definitely one to watch. 

Release date: 21 August 2025

The Thursday Murder Club, Netflix

One of the most highly anticipated releases of the month is The Thursday Murder Club: the film adaptation of Richard Osman’s international best-selling novel of the same name. Following the lives of four irrepressible retirees – Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) – the group spend their time (and retirement) solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunnit on their hands. 

Release date: 28 August 2025

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