August on Netflix is stacked. The final season of Outer Banks drops on the 20th, there’s a Robert De Niro crime thriller, a genuinely creepy horror from the makers of Fast X, Ricky Gervais doing animation, and an Aussie period drama that’s getting serious buzz. Here’s what’s actually worth watching this month.
The Must-Watch List
Outer Banks Season 5 (Final Season) — August 20
This is the big one. The fifth and final season of Outer Banks drops all 10 episodes on August 20, and Netflix is doing it as a full binge drop this time (no more split-season nonsense like Season 4).
Season 5 picks up right after the devastating loss of JJ in Morocco. The Pogues are stranded, broken, and without the Blue Crown. They’re up against Chandler Groff, the Corsairs, and the Kooks, and they’ve got nothing left to lose. John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo are forced into a fragile alliance with Rafe to survive.
The cast filmed in Croatia for parts of this season, and Madelyn Cline has called it a “bucket list destination.” Creators Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke have said this is the ending they planned years ago.
If you need to catch up, Seasons 1-4 are all on Netflix. Clear your schedule for the 20th.
The Whisper Man — August 22
Robert De Niro headlines this crime thriller based on Alex North’s bestselling novel. A father and his young son move to a new town where they discover a connection to a decades-old case involving a convicted serial killer known as “The Whisper Man.” The cast is stacked, and the source material is genuinely unsettling. One to watch with the lights on.
The Last House — August 7
Directed by Louis Leterrier (Fast X, Lupin), this sci-fi survival thriller stars Greta Lee and Wagner Moura as a family of four who are suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out. They have to survive against dwindling resources and a mysterious force keeping them trapped. Think Panic Room meets Bird Box. The premise is simple but the execution looks tight.
Best New & Returning Series
My Brilliant Career — August (date TBC)
An Australian period drama that’s getting serious attention. Based on Miles Franklin’s classic novel, this adaptation brings the story of Sybylla Melvyn to screen with a fresh perspective. If you’re into well-made Australian drama (and there isn’t enough of it on Netflix), this is one to watch.
Tires Season 3 — August 13
Shane Gillis’ workplace comedy set in a struggling Pennsylvanian tyre shop is back for a third season. Critics weren’t impressed but audiences loved it, and honestly, if you don’t think too hard about it, it’s one of the funniest things on Netflix. Stavros Halkias’ Dave is a highlight, and Thomas Haden Church is perfectly cast as the long-suffering boss.
My Life with the Walter Boys Season 3 — now streaming
Already dropped at the start of August. The YA drama returns with more small-town drama and love triangles. It’s comfort TV and it knows it.
Alley Cats — August 7
Ricky Gervais returns with an adult animated comedy. If you’re a fan of his work, you’ll probably love it. If you find him exhausting, this won’t change your mind. He’s one of those comedians who genuinely divides opinion.
Best New Movies
Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy — August 5
Comedian Mo Gilligan goes on a 28-day experiment eating nothing but fried chicken across the UK and US to uncover the impact of the craving and the industry behind it. Part documentary, part food journey, part “what have I done to myself.” Looks entertaining and potentially eye-opening.
Princess Knight — August 8
An animated adventure where a princess reawakens as the Ribbon Hero to fight against a devastating monster called Nergal. One for anime and fantasy fans.
Licensed Highlights
Keep an eye on the licensed movies dropping throughout August. Netflix tends to add strong catalogue titles at the start of each month, and Spider-Man, Ex Machina, and several classic films are available this month. Check the “New on Netflix” section in the app for the full list as titles land.
Documentaries & Specials
MLB Field of Dreams 2026 — August 13 (Live)
Netflix’s big live sports event for August. The MLB plays a regular season game in the ballpark adjacent to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. If you’re a baseball fan or just love the movie, this is a nice crossover event.
Untold: Mr. T — August (date TBC)
Part of Netflix’s Untold sports documentary series, this one focuses on Mr. T. Yes, that Mr. T. The man, the mohawk, the legend.
Leaving Netflix Soon
Don’t forget to check what’s leaving Netflix at the end of August. Titles rotate out regularly, and there’s nothing worse than adding something to your watchlist only to find it’s gone. Spider-Man, Ex Machina, and Home Improvement are among the titles flagged as departing, so stream them before the month ends.
This guide is updated as new titles are confirmed. Last updated: August 2026.
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