July 2026’s Best Streaming Titles: Ghost in the Shell, The Prisoner, X-Men ‘97, Enola Holmes, Spider-Man

After hearing about the brutal murder of a Kansas family, acclaimed author Truman Capote becomes fascinated by the story, and insists on traveling to Kansas to document it for his next book (which would eventually become In Cold Blood). The late Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a bravura performance as Capote, portraying the author as a charming and talented man who is not above using manipulation to achieve his own selfish goals for fame.

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator was one of 2000’s biggest and most successful films, thanks to an epic plot, incredible special effects, and thrilling action sequences (read my review). Russell Crowe stars as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a disgraced Roman general who is enslaved and forced to compete in Rome’s brutal gladiatorial exhibitions. Gladiator also stars Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed (in his final film appearance), Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, and Joaquin Phoenix as the corrupt Roman emperor.

Ryan Gosling plays a taciturn, socially awkward young man who suddenly reveals his new girlfriend: an adult-sized sex doll named Bianca. At first blush, such a storyline sounds like it could easily be exploitative and prurient, or just weird for weirdness’ sake. In reality, Lars and the Real Girl is a gently humorous and affecting story about community and family… that just happens to star a sex doll.

If you’re my age, then Miami Vice brings to mind pastel jackets, sports cars and speedboats, and big hair. But for his 2006 big screen adaptation, director Michael Mann went for a grittier, rawer feel — and it worked pretty well. A lot of that had to do with some great casting, especially Luis Tosar as a drug kingpin and Gong Li as his paramour. But Mann’s striking use of digital photography also played a big role, giving the film a very immediate and distinctive look.

A group of former spies and special operatives are hired to steal a briefcase with unknown contents. It’s the sort of mission that’s bound to go smoothly without any betrayals or doubles-crosses… right? Ronin features a star-studded cast (Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce) and puts them through the wringer, including some of the greatest car chase sequences in movie history.

After his partner is killed by a ruthless counterfeiter, a Secret Service agent is willing to do whatever it takes to bring the killer to justice, even if that means breaking a few laws himself. Thanks to William Friedkin’s direction, Robby Müller’s cinematography, and Wang Chung’s soundtrack — yes, that Wang Chung — To Live and Die in L.A. is a solid ’80s exercise in style as substance (read my review).

The iconic anime franchise takes on a new look for its latest incarnation. Or rather, an old look that hearkens back to Masamune Shirow’s original manga from the ’80s and ’90s. Major Motoko Kusanagi leads Japan’s Public Security Section 9 in defending the nation against all manner cyber-terrorism threats, but an elite hacker may prove to be their biggest challenge yet. Originally produced by Production I.G, this new Ghost in the Shell series is animated by Science Saru (Star Wars: Visions, Devilman Crybaby).

Debbie Claybourne and Judith Burton have been best friends for years. They know everything about each other’s lives, but Debbie doesn’t know that Judith is actually a skilled assassin. And when that little secrets comes out in the open, all manner of chaos ensues. This action comedy stars Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham in the lead roles, along with Bill Nighy, Ed Skrein, and Sylvia Hoeks. The first two episodes will be directed by Peyton Reed (The Mandalorian, the Ant-Man movies).

The first season of Batman: Caped Crusader — which chronicles the superhero’s earliest days in the cape and cowl — was alright (read my review). But it was received well enough to merit a second season, which looks to be darker than the first season as Batman takes on the Riddler and possibly even the Joker.

Anya Taylor-Joy stars in this adaptation of Marissa Stapley’s best-selling novel as a young woman who must return to her criminal ways one last time in order to leave them behind. The original series also stars Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Clifton Collins Jr., and William Fichtner.

You know the story: two rock n’ roll-obsessed burn-outs are destined to save the world with their band Wyld Stallyns, but only if they can successfully complete high school with a kick-ass history presentation. Enter a time-traveling phone booth from the future and, well, the rest is history. Featuring what is arguably Keanu Reeves’ greatest role, this is truly a most bodacious movie. Be excellent to each other and party on, dudes.

Snake Plissken is one of cinema’s great anti-heroes, a cynical and violent man willing to do anything to survive. That survival instinct will come in handy, though, when Plissken is sent into Manhattan (which is now a maximum-security prison) to retrieve the President after Air Force One crashes there. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Isaac Hayes, and Adrienne Barbeau, Escape from New York is a classic example of dystopian cinema.

Based on Daniel Clowes acclaimed comic, Ghost World is an acerbic film following two best friends — played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson — who’ve just graduated from high school and are trying to figure out what’s next in life. The film’s humor is as dry and bleak as the Sahara, and yet it’s hard not to feel compassion for its disaffected characters. The film also stars Steve Buscemi, Brad Renfro, and David Cross.

One of the great cult TV series of all time, The Prisoner stars Patrick McGoohan, who also created the series, as a former British spy who suddenly finds himself living in the seemingly idyllic Village. But the Village’s picture-perfect veneer hides an inescapable prison, and McGoohan must use all of his wits to keep his identity, and more importantly, his sanity. Although it only ran for one season, The Prisoner would have a major cultural impact, influencing later TV series like Twin Peaks, The X-Files, and Lost.

When the authorities are helpless in stopping a serial killer, an FBI trainee (Jodie Foster) is sent to interview Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who might shed some light on the case. But Lecter, who also happens to be a cannibal and a psychopath himself, soon engages in a battle of wits with the young agent. The Silence of the Lambs was a massive commercial and critical success upon its release in 1991, and would receive numerous awards, including multiple Oscars. Fun fact: The Silence of the Lambs remains the only horror film win a “Best Picture” Oscar.

The modern revival of the classic X-Men cartoon from the ’90s — which I loved back in the day — returns for another season. This time around, the X-Men are scattered throughout time and must find a way to return to the ’90s to face their greatest threat yet.

I didn’t really know what to expect the first time I watched Evil Dead 2, but I don’t think I was expecting it to be as over-the-top funny as it is. The legendary Bruce Campbell — in his most iconic role — is Ash Williams, who just wanted a romantic weekend with his girlfriend in a remote cabin, only to find himself facing off against unimaginable evil with nothing but a shotgun, a chainsaw, and a perfect blend of gore and slapstick comedy (read my review).

Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall, a former government operative who just wants to be left alone, but always finds himself in the wrong place at the right time. After surviving his final mission, McCall lands in a quiet Italian town where he hopes to finally put his past behind him. But in a development that’ll surprise no one, brutal gangster activity forces McCall to return to his old ways to defend his new home. The third Equalizer film is easily the franchise’s most violent film, and it benefits from both Washington’s natural gravitas and some lovely Italian scenery (read my review).

Starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, The Mummy is a delightful throwback to the classic action serials of the ’30s and ’40s. When an Egyptologist discovers a map to a hidden city, she enlists the aid of an American soldier of fortune to help her, not knowing that they’re about to face a slew of supernatural threats. Filled with cutting edge (for the time) special effects, and more importantly, a sense of fun and adventure, The Mummy is popcorn cinema par excellence.

Even after you know the big twist, The Usual Suspects is still a fun noir film to watch due to powerhouse performances from Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, and of course, Kevin Spacey. But if you don’t know the big twist, then you’re in for a treat. And once you’ve seen the twist, you’re going to want to rewatch it, just to see how the film put everything together leading up to that sublime “A ha!” moment.

In this spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, it’s up to comic shop owner Stuart Bloom to save the multiverse after he accidentally breaks an invention by Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter. Whereas The Big Bang Theory was typical sitcom, this new series looks more post-apocalyptic, though still plenty silly. Several Big Bang Theory guest stars, including Wil Wheaton, Christine Baranski, Riki Lindhome, and Teller, will also make appearances in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

This classic Adam Sandler comedy from 1996 stars Sandler as a wannabe hockey player who discovers a secret talent at playing golf — which comes in handy when he needs to save his grandmother’s house from foreclosure. Needless to say, Happy Gilmore’s unorthodox playing raises the ire of professional golfers, most notably Shooter McGavin (played with slimy glee by Christopher McDonald). Happy Gilmore also stars Carl Weathers as Happy’s one-handed coach and The Price Is Right’s Bob Barker in a truly glorious cameo.

I don’t mean this as an insult, but Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is worth watching for the visuals alone. Of course, it has an emotional storyline, as an astronaut is forced to leave his family in order to find a new home for humanity. And Hans Zimmer’s score has become increasingly iconic. But the film’s visuals are simply jaw-dropping. Fun fact: Nolan worked with theoretical physicist Kip Thorne to make the black hole effects as realistic as possible, which ultimately advanced the scientific understanding of black holes and led to the publishing of several scientific papers on the topic.

Released in 2008, Iron Man marked the beginning of what we now know as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a bravura performance as Tony Stark, a brilliant inventor and arrogant industrialist who is forced to question everything he knows when he’s nearly killed during a terrorist attack. Rebuilding himself as Iron Man, replete with an advanced suit of armor, Stark soon comes into conflict with the U.S. government even as he faces betrayal from a close friend (read my review). Iron Man also stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow as Stark’s personal assistant, Virginia “Pepper” Potts.

When her boyfriend screws up a delivery for a local gangster, Lola has just 20 minutes to find the 100,000 Deutschmarks necessary to save his life. But as the film progresses, it shows the various ways that Lola’s Quixotic quest might unfold, for better or worse. With its kinetic non-linear plot, pulsing soundtrack, and striking lead performance from Franka Potente — who would later star in the Bourne movies — Tom Tykwer’s Run Lola Run was one of 1998’s most celebrated films.

One of 2022’s most acclaimed films, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a riotous journey through the multiverse as a Chinese woman (played by Michelle Yeoh) tries to file her taxes. Oh, and prevent the collapse of all of existence. Riffing on everything from Wong Kar-wai films to Ratatouille, with a heady dose of martial arts and existentialism and fantastic performances from Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a truly unique cinematic experience (read my review).

Nirvanna the Band — no, not that Nirvana — have spent years trying to get their dream gig at Toronto’s Rivoli venue, only to fail time and again. So they do what any band would do in their situation: they travel back in time to the year 2008 to ensure their success. Of course, time travel hijinks always prove to be just that — hijinks — and before too long, the duo’s plan spins out of control. Filmed guerilla-style throughout Toronto without permits, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie was a hit at the 2025 South by Southwest festival.

Millie Bobby Brown reprises her role as Enola Holmes, the plucky and enterprising younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. When the third movie begins, she’s getting ready for her own wedding. But the wedding plans get complicated when her brother Sherlock goes missing. Enola Holmes 3 also stars Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes, Himesh Patel as Dr. Watson, and Helena Bonham Carter as Sherlock and Enola’s mother, Eudoria.

Featuring cinema’s most infamous wood chipper scene, the Coen brothers’ Fargo is yet another twisted moral tale told with a sense of humor as black as the film’s wintry setting is white. When a hapless car salesman (played to perfection by William H. Macy) contracts with a couple of goons to hold his wife for ransom, he sets in a motion a twisted tragicomedy of errors that pulls in one of the Coens’ noblest and purest heroes, police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand).

John Cusack stars as a rumpled and cynical record store owner who decides to try and make sense of his failed relationships by seeking out his old partners. Based on Nick Hornby’s novel of the same name, High Fidelity is filled with music in-jokes, especially when Cusack spars with his employees, and specifically, Jack Black’s extremely annoying Barry Judd.

Building on the success of Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming stars Tom Holland as a young Peter Parker. You know the story, radioactive spider, etc., etc. As young Peter comes into his own as a costumed superhero, he soon finds himself clashing with the Vulture, a supervillain who utilizes illegal technology for his crimes. Oh, and he also happens to be the father of Peter’s love interest. Awkward. Spider-Man: Homecoming also stars Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, and Zendaya as Peter’s future love interest, MJ.

When a person spontaneously explodes on TV, Japan is thrown into a panic by a mysterious individual who can someone turn their body into vapor, making them all but unstoppable. The series, which is actually a remake of a 1960 movie by Ishirô Honda — who also directed a little film called Godzilla — is Japanese/Korean co-production led by Shinzo Katayama (Gannibal) and Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Peninsula).

Although it wasn’t his first film, 2000’s Memento was the film that made folks really take notice of Christopher Nolan, who wrote and directed the film. Leonard Shelby is determined to track down the men who raped and killed his wife. There’s just one problem: he has anterograde amnesia, meaning he can’t form new memories. Nolan takes that premise and delivers a modern noir classic featuring an unreliable narrator and a non-linear narrative that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

James Cameron is best known for the Terminator and Avatar movies, but of all his movies, I’ve probably watched The Abyss the most. This movie about deep sea workers who find themselves trapped at the bottom of the ocean between the military and an amazing discovery is filled with groundbreaking special effects, amazing attention to detail, intense disaster sequences, and some excellent performances from an ensemble cast. It’s also infamous for its grueling production, which found cast and crew coming to blows and suffering mental breakdowns from the stress.

David Norris is a would-be senator with aspirations of becoming the next president. But his life seems to be taking a different direction as he continues to meet a strange woman throughout New York. What seems like a burgeoning romance, however, runs afoul of shadowy men who seem intent on interrupting and even controlling David’s life. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt star in this philosophical sci-fi film based on a Philip K. Dick short story from 1954.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) returns in this 1994 thriller directed by Phillip Noyce. This time around, Ryan gets pulled into America’s war on the Colombia drug cartels after they kill a close friend of the President. Before too long, though, he’s caught in the middle of a conspiracy involving the highest levels of the American government. The movie also stars Willem Dafoe, James Earl Jones, and Anne Archer.

This is one of those movies that I’ll pull up every now and then just because it’s so solidly made and entertaining (read my review). Based on the best-selling Tom Clancy novel about an experimental Russian submarine, and starring Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery, The Hunt for Red October is classic Cold War action/intrigue that is eminently watchable. (But what else would you expect from director John McTiernan?)

Rian Johnson teamed up with Daniel Craig for this utterly delightful murder mystery whodunit. When a famed — and wealthy — mystery novelist apparently commits suicide, private detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) is hired to investigate, but the case grows increasingly convoluted and deadly. Knives Out boasts a star-studded cast, including Ana de Armas, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, and Michael Shannon, all of whom are obviously having a blast with Johnson’s witty script and clever direction. Knives Out subsequently spawned two sequels, 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and 2025’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

Released at the height of Will Smith’s box office dominance in the ’90s, Men in Black stars Smith as the latest recruit of a shadowy organization that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. Paired with a veteran agent (played with cranky glee by Tommy Lee Jones), he must prevent an alien menace from destroying the world. Men in Black is topnotch Hollywood blockbuster entertainment, filled with sci-fi action, imaginative alien designs, and most importantly, Smith and Jones’ wise-cracking comedy chemistry.

Bob Odenkirk is the most unlikely action movie star in this action thriller from writer Derek Kolstad, who created the John Wick franchise (read my review). Odenkirk plays Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary family man and office worker whose life has settled into tedium. In a previous life, though, Hutch used to be an elite government assassin, and those deadly skills will come in handy when he runs afoul of a Russian gangster. Nobody also stars Connie Nielsen, Michael Ironside, RZA, and Christopher Lloyd as Hutch’s elderly father, who possesses some deadly skills of his own.

Ocean’s Eleven is about as slick as heist movies come, as Danny Ocean (George Clooney at his most charming) assembles a team to knock over three Las Vegas casinos in one night. Directed with all assurance by Steven Soderbergh, Ocean’s Eleven is just a joy to watch, as the twists keep coming and the stakes keep getting higher (read my review).

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) returns in this 1994 thriller directed by Phillip Noyce. This time around, Ryan gets pulled into America’s war on the Colombia drug cartels after they kill a close friend of the President. Before too long, though, he’s caught in the middle of a conspiracy involving the highest levels of the American government. The movie also stars Willem Dafoe, James Earl Jones, and Anne Archer.

Now here’s a slice of prime ’90s Hollywood “so bad it’s good” cinematic fluff. In Demolition Man’s vision of the future, criminals are reprogrammed while in cryogenic stasis, leading to a utopian society. Until a psychopath breaks free, that is, and — of course — there’s only one man who can stop him. Come for the gratuitous violence and cheesy one-liners, stay for Wesley Snipes’ scene-chewing and Sylvester Stallone’s “man out of time” shtick.

There are certain movies that, if I ever come across them playing on the TV, I will stop everything I’m doing and watch them. Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element is one such movie, with its sci-fi tale about a great evil that can only be stopped by a young woman. Packed to the gills with stunning visuals and set design, as well as an intriguing mythology all its own and a manic sense of energy, The Fifth Element is a blast to watch.

Written and directed by David Lowery, The Green Knight offers up a very unique spin on Arthurian mythos. When the mysterious Green Knight challenges the Round Table to a bizarre contest, the only one who responds is the brash and immature Sir Gawain (Dev Patel). When ensues is a bizarre fantasy that challenges the notions of chivalry as Gawain journeys through an increasingly bizarre England to respond to the Green Knight’s call.

Robert Neville is the last human alive on an Earth filled with vampire-like monsters. But even as he fights for survival, he starts making discoveries that may complete undo his understanding of the world — or threaten his sanity. Will Smith plays the lead role in Francis Lawrence’s adaptation of Richard Matheson’s acclaimed novel.

In Satoshi Kon’s mind-bending final film, technology allows researchers to enter other people’s dreams. But after a “dream terrorist” steals the technology and starts using it, the line between dreams and reality threatens to unravel. Filled with stunning animation, a plot that’ll keep you guessing, and a trippy Susumu Hirasawa soundtrack, Paprika is anime par excellence (read my review).

This was my absolute favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a kid. Based on the classic movie, The Real Ghostbusters finds Peter Venkman and the rest of the Ghostbusters squad — along with their ectoplasmic sidekick Slimer — tackling all sorts of supernatural threats in New York City and beyond. Although there’s plenty of Saturday morning silliness, The Real Ghostbusters is noteworthy for all of the historical, folklore, and literary references packed into its episodes, including Lewis Carroll, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and even H.P. Lovecraft.