The best new film and TV shows in August 2024

From blockbusters to binge-worthy series, here’s what to watch.

Summer means one thing when it comes to films, and that’s big blockbusters. Whether you’re looking for big screen or small screen entertainment, there’s something for everyone. From heartwarming comedies to gripping thrillers, here’s what to watch this August.

Cinema

Harold and The Purple Crayon: 1 August

Harold and The Purple Crayon, adapted by the book of the beloved children’s book of the same name, sees Zachary Levi as Harold, whose drawings come to life with his magical purple crayon. But things take a turn when this magical crayon falls into the wrong hands. Grab this one in cinemas for a perfect family day out.

Trap: 1 August

Director M. Night Symalan is behind some of the biggest thrillers – and plot twists – in cinema. His films includes Glass, The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. Now, he is releasing his new film, Trap. Starring Josh Hartnett and Ariel Donoghue, it follows a father and daughter as they attend a concert, and then find themselves around an awkward chain of events. 

Borderlands: 8 August

Borderlands brings the action-packed world of the popular video game to the big screen. Cate Blanchett stars as Lilith, who returns to the planet of Pandora to find the missing daughter of a powerful tycoon. Teaming up with a group of misfits, she faces alien species and dangerous bandits making this sci-fi adventure a must-watch.

Hit Man: 8 August

Get ready to have a laugh. The Oscar-nominated director Richard Linklater’s film Hit Man is inspired by a true story. It follows a straightlaced professor Gary Johnson, who moonlights as a fake hit man. He works for the New Orleans Police Department, and finds himself drawn into a crime. The cast includes Glen Powell and Adria Arjona. 

It Ends with Us: 8 August

Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, It Ends with Us follows Lily Bloom played by Blake Lively. While dating a neurosurgeon, named Ryle Kincaid, she reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan. Explores themes of love and self-discovery, this movie is one not to be missed, especially if you’re a Blake Lively or Justin Baldoni fan.

Stree 2: 15 August

Following the witch tales from 2018’s Stree, this movie sees a new supernatural emerging from the darkness to abduct young girls. In an effort to stop him, Stree — played by Shraddha Kapoor — returns. With a perfect blend of horror and humour, this Bollywood movie will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Fabulous Four: 15 August

This comedy sees lifelong friends reunite for a surprise wedding. Starring Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, The Fabulous Four is packed with humour, heart, and a touch of nostalgia. As the friends reunite, they face hilarious mishaps and romantic situations that change the course of their lives.

Blink Twice: 22 August

Blink Twice follows the story of tech billionaire Slater King and waitress Frida as they head out on a seemingly perfect vacation, which quickly turns into a psychological thriller. Strange events start to unfold and Frida must find her way out.

5lbs of Pressure: 29 August

Adam makes his way out of prison, and returns to his old neighbourhood. After serving a 16-year sentence for murder, he attempts to gain acceptance from his family. The cast includes Luke Evans, Rory Culkin and Alex Pettyfer. 

Streaming & Series

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder: 1 August

Based on Holly Jackson’s bestselling novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows Pip Fitz-Amobi as she reopens a closed murder case. She’s set out to prove that the wrong person was accused in the trial, and is on a hunt to find the real murderer. This six-episode Netflix series sees Pip taking dangerous paths to find the killer.

The Umbrella Academy: 8 August

The Hargreeves siblings are back in the final season of The Umbrella Academy, on Netflix. After the timeline reset, they must adapt to a world where they no longer have powers. Facing new threats and a mysterious organisation called The Keepers, they reunite for one final mission to save reality.

Industry: 12 August

The high-stakes world of finance returns in the third season of Industry. This time, Kit Harrington joins the cast as Henry Muck, taking this season — releasing on OSN+ — through another round of corporate power struggles. Expect more workplace drama and tension as the team at Pierpoint navigates new challenges.

Emily in Paris: 15 August

Emily in Paris’ season four returns with more romance and drama. This season follows Emily as she once again tries to navigate complicated relationships and professional challenges. With Eurovision dreams for Mindy and Michelin star aspirations for Gabriel, this season on Netflix is set to be a binge-watch.

Jackpot: 15 August

Jackpot starring everyone’s favourite, John Cena, is an action comedy set in the future. Here, winning the lottery means fighting to survive and as Awkwafina’s Katie Kim wins the prize, she must stay alive until sundown to claim it. With John Cena as Noel, they must fight the hunters. Promising a blend of thrill and comedy packed into one, this Amazon Prime Video movie is one not to be missed.