After a wild summer box office weekend—where Supergirl underperformed, Toy Story 5 held strong, and the horror hit Obsession kept audiences screaming—it's time to unwind with some top-tier streaming. Netflix has you covered with three standout films that span genres and generations. Whether you're in the mood for a heartwarming alien tale, a sharp '90s satire, or a tense crime thriller, these picks deliver.
1. 'Home' (2015): A Family-Friendly Alien Adventure
Summer often means more family time, and Home is the perfect pick for younger viewers. Often compared to Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—especially as his latest sci-fi project, Disclosure Day, hits theaters—this animated gem follows an alien who escapes to Earth and befriends a spirited girl named Tip, voiced by Rihanna. Together, they embark on a quest to find Tip's missing mother.
The voice cast is a who's who of talent, including The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons, Only Murders in the Building's Steve Martin, and Jennifer Lopez. While Home may not be a perfect animated film, its charm and star power keep everyone entertained. A simple, heartwarming story that's easy to follow, it's a feel-good choice for the whole family.
2. 'To Die For' (1995): A Satirical Thriller Classic
For those craving something darker, Gus Van Sant's To Die For is a must-stream. Based on Joyce Maynard's novel, this satirical thriller stars Nicole Kidman as Suzanne Stone, a weather reporter obsessed with fame. Convinced her husband is holding her back, she plots his murder with the help of a disillusioned high schooler, played by a young Joaquin Phoenix.
Released the same year as Batman Forever, Kidman delivers one of her finest '90s performances, supported by Matt Dillon, Casey Affleck, and Alison Folland. A sharp critique of celebrity culture, To Die For remains as relevant today as ever. For more films that twist expectations, check out our list of The Most Subversive Thriller Movies Ever Made, Ranked.
3. 'Wind River' (2017): Taylor Sheridan's Underrated Thriller
Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown, delivers a gripping crime thriller in Wind River. Jeremy Renner stars as Cory Lambert, a seasoned game tracker who discovers a body on a Wyoming reservation. He teams up with inexperienced FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) to solve the case, uncovering a web of secrets and violence.
This film is a perfect way to gear up for Avengers: Doomsday (due December 18), featuring two MCU alums in top form. Wind River is one of Sheridan's most underrated projects—a tense, immersive thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. For more on Sheridan's universe, read about how Taylor Sheridan's 'The Madison' Quietly Becomes Paramount+'s All-Time Streaming Hit.
Whether you're looking for family fun, a biting satire, or a chilling mystery, these three Netflix movies are your go-to this July. Grab the popcorn and dive in.
