Pictures: Netflix
It’s been a good start to the year with new Netflix Original movies and series, with well over 300 hitting our screens so far this year, but the best is yet to come. What are our most anticipated new movies and series scheduled from July through December? Here’s our top 20 picks.
There’ll certainly be some obvious picks on this list, but hopefully, we’ve gone deep enough to pick out some of the less obvious titles that are set to make their way onto your screens throughout the latter half of 2025. Want to see what’s coming to the streamer in 2026? We’ve already started putting together the 2026 Netflix release schedule here.
Frankenstein
Photo Credit: Ken Woroner / Netflix
What It’s About: It’s been a lifelong ambition of Guillermo del Toro to bring to life the world of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with his own twist, and Netflix was the partner he needed to bring it to reality.
Who’s In It: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, with Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz
Why We’re Hyped: Just look at the creator and the cast. That alone should get you hyped. While this may not break into the mainstream, given that it may lean more toward the fantasy angle, we suspect it is going to quickly become many people’s favorite movie Netflix has ever produced. It looks theatrical, features incredible sets and costumes, and, most importantly, looks like a rich and dense world to dive headfirst into.
The RIP
Picture: Netflix
What It’s About: This thriller, scheduled to drop this Fall, is one of at least two projects that Ben Affleck will be helming for the streamer (the other being Animals) and looks to be a combination of Bad Boys, Sons of Anarchy, and Reptile. When Miami officers stumble into a long-abandoned safe house piled high with unmarked cash, the camaraderie they’ve built starts to crack, and as news of the seizure spreads, every loyalty is tested, leaving them to wonder exactly who they can count on.
Who’s In It: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sasha Calle, Nestor Carbonell, Lina Esco, with Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler
Why We’re Hyped: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are an incredible combination whenever they collaborate on or off screen, and on this occasion, it’s both. From what we’ve seen from clips and the first look thus far (see above), the action looks incredible, and it struck me as a grounded and gritty action movie that will feature some neat set pieces thanks to its director, Joe Carnahan, and a storyline that doesn’t play second fiddle.
The Waterfront
The Waterfront. (L to R) Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley, Maria Bello as Belle Buckley in episode 104 of The Waterfront. Cr. Dana Hawley/Netflix © 2025
What It’s About: In The Waterfront, the Buckley family’s centuries-old fishing empire in coastal North Carolina teeters on collapse when patriarch Harlan Buckley’s health crises force his wife Belle and son Cane into reckless schemes to save the business, only for Harlan’s daughter Bree, battling addiction and a custody fight, to become entangled in a perilous relationship that could unravel their legacy forever—inspired by true events.
Who’s In It: Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, Rafael L. Silva, Humberly González, Danielle Campbell, and Brady Hepner
Why We’re Hyped: Every time we get a new glimpse of this new series from showrunner Kevin Williamson, we get a little more hyped. It’s certainly a mish-mash of other shows that have come before and have been executed well, and therefore doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but if it can get us invested in these characters as much as I hope, I think Netflix has an easy winner here.
French Lover
Picture: Netflix
What It’s About: This is a very traditional romantic comedy that hails from France. It’s about a man named Abel Camara who is labeled one of the biggest stars of the current era, and when Marion, who is the definition of the girl next door, does him a favor one day, neither of them believes this will be the beginning of a passionate love story.
Who’s In It: Omar Sy, Sara Giraudeau, Pascale Arbillot and Alban Ivanov
Why We’re Hyped: With Omar Sy becoming a certified Netflix star with Lupin being his flagship role, but soon moving over to a new Extraction series, it’ll be interesting to see him in roles outside of action fare. Add to that, we’ve heard internally they’re quite excited for this movie too, and it’s one of the big international movies of the second half of the year that could break through around the world.
You can read our full preview for the new Omar Sy movie in the link provided.
Billionaires’ Bunker
Picture: Netflix
What It’s About: Inspired by the global pandemic, this series essentially brings to life the Vault-Tec vaults from the Fallout video game franchise. Also known as El Refugio Atómico, the series follows the ultra-wealthy investors who pay €48 million to bunker down in Kimera Underground Park, an exclusive subterranean city of zen gardens, spa, gym, basketball court and fine-dining, only to discover that amid family legacies, buried secrets and forced proximity to their worst enemies, the real apocalypse is the claustrophobic tension boiling beneath the surface.
Who’s In It: Miren Ibarguren, Joaquín Furriel, Natalia Verbeke, Carlos Santos, Montse Guallar, Pau Simón, Alicia Falcó, Agustina Bisio, Álex Villazán
Why We’re Hyped: This new series comes from the creator of Money Heist, still one of Netflix’s most successful shows from Europe after all these years. The creator, who works with Netflix almost exclusively, has gone on to create the spin-off prequel series Berlin (renewed for a second season), White Lines, and Sky Rojo for the streamer, and this represents his biggest swing to date. Will it be a fad or will be be an engrossing drama? We’ll find out this September.
Stranger Things (Season 5)
Picture: Netflix
What it’s about: On our screens since 2016, Stranger Things comes back this year after an extended delay thanks to the strikes of 2023 and entire year in production for the epic showdown: Eleven going up against Vecna who has bought the apocalypse to the town of Hawkins.
Who’s In It: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Jamie Campbell Bower, Cara Buono, Amybeth McNulty, Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, Alex Breaux, and Linda Hamilton
Why We’re Hyped: The level of ambition in this final season, regardless of how it’s ultimately split up and released, is unparralled. There are a bunch of shows coming to an end in 2025, as we’ve covered before, but none quite has the level of expectation, not even Squid Game, that Stranger Things does. We’ve been on this journey for nearly a decade, and from the clips that we’ve seen, no expenses have been spared. It will be quite the event and an epic send-off, albeit it’s only the start of the Stranger Things universe on Netflix.
Amsterdam Empire
Picture: Netflix
What it’s about: Another Succession-style series again! When a public affair threatens Jack van Doorn’s high-stakes coffee-shop empire with a journalist, his ex-pop diva wife, Betty, who knows every one of his secrets, emerges as his most dangerous adversary, bent on destroying everything he’s built.
Who’s In It: Famke Janssen, Jacob Derwig, Elise Schaap, Jade Olieberg, Jesse Mensah, Yannick van de Velde, Romana Vrede, Victor Löw, Raymond Thiry, and Chris Nietvelt
Why We’re Hyped: We’ve seen before that when breakout actors known for their Hollywood careers return home to produce a local series, it often results in an elevated production, and we suspect that could be the case here. With a compelling plotline and some stunning visuals already showcased in screencaptures, we’re excited to see Famke shine in this role.
Pookoo
Picture: Skydance Animation
What it’s about: A small woodland creature and a majestic bird are the two at the center of this new animated film, which comes from Skydance Animation and director Nathan Greno, best known for the Disney movie Tangled and its sequel. Ordinarily, they are naturally sworn enemies, but an unlikely twist of fate sees them setting off on an adventure of a lifetime.
Who’s In It: TBD
Why We’re Hyped: We’re actually spoilt for choice when it comes to new animated movies coming up in the latter half of the year, with In Your Dreams and The Twits potentially being winners. The reason Pookoo was picked, though, is because Skydance Animation has a point to prove with a disappointing debut on Netflix in 2024 with Spellbound. A lot rides of getting Pookoo right and given the very limited information we’ve got thus far, this does look like a compelling offer.
House of Guinness
House Of Guinness Cast List
What it’s about: One of Europe’s most famous and enduring dynasties behind the black alcoholic beverage is at the center of this new limited series set in the 19th century. Set between Dublin and New York, you’ll follow the family behind the name and the fight for control over the vast empire.
Who’s In It: James Norton, Jack Gleeson, Louis Partridge, Anthony Boyle, Dervla Kirwan, Michael McElhatton, David Wilmot, Danielle Galligan, Fionn O’Shea, Emily Fairn, Seamus O’Hara, Niamh McCormack, Sam C. Wilson, Seán Duggan
Why We’re Hyped: Steven Knight, best known for Peaky Blinders (also getting a movie on Netflix this year), is a genius at crafting rich sandboxes in which to work. House of Guinness combines a Succession-style plot along with an incredible cast and story that very few will be familiar with. Given the streak that Netflix UK is on right now, we’re betting on House of Guinness to be another win.
Too Much
Picture: Netflix
What It’s About: The new series drops globally on July 10th.
Who’s In It:
Why We’re Hyped: From the footage released thus far and the extended clip debuted earlier in the year, this looks like it could be a howler featuring Dunham’s signature comedy style mixed with the dry and perhaps unwelcoming nature of the Brits. Looks like it’ll be highly bingeable and infinitely repeatable and the start of a new relationship between Netflix and the writer/actress.
Cashero (Season 1)
Picture: Cashero
What it’s about: Ordinary working man Kang Sang Woong is anything but thanks to his superhuman strength. However, his strength is dictated purely by the cash in his possession, so the richer Sang Woong is, the stronger he becomes. When lawyer Byeon Ho In discovers Sang Woon’s power, he suggests they team up to save the world, and they are joined by Bang Eun Mi, whose telekinetic power is dictated by the number of calories she eats!
Who’s In It: Lee Jun Ho, Kim Hye Joon, Kim Byung Chul, Kim Hyang Gi Kang Han Na
Why We’re Hyped: While the superhero genre has been oversaturated in the 21st century, finding new and quirky stories within the genre helps to stand out amongst the crowd. Cashero’s fun and lighthearted spin on superheroes subverts those expectations, which is arguably why the webtoon on which the series is based has amassed such a large fan following. Between the extremely talented cast, the story, and the excitement driven by the fans, it’s hard not to look forward to Cashero.
As You Stood By (Season 1)
Picture: Lee You Mi in As You Stood By
What It’s About: Two childhood friends, one the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her violent husband, are driven to the brink, resulting in the murder of the husband and burying his body. Are better days ahead? Or will their crime catch up with them?
Who’s In It: Jeon So Nee, Lee You Mi, Jang Seung Jo, Lee Moo Saeng
Why We’re Hyped: If there’s one genre K-dramas have excelled in on Netflix beyond romantic comedies, it is the crime drama genre. From My Name, DP, and A Killer Paradox, some phenomenal crime dramas have been produced by Netflix. We expect As You Stood By will follow in the footsteps of its crime drama predecessors thanks in part to the incredible story, which is adapted from Hideo Okuda’s crime novel Naomi to Kanako, and the show’s two leading actresses, Parasyte: The Grey’s Jeon So Nee, and Squid Games’ Lee You Mi.
Death by Lightning
Picture: Michael Shannon in Death by Lightning
What It’s About: This is based on the true story of James Garfield, the reluctant 20th President of the United States of America. His short run in office between March and September 1881 changed America forever, but his term was ended and define by his assassination at the hands of his greatest admirer, Charles Guiteau.
Who’s In It: Nick Offerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Betty Gilpin, Michael Shannon, Laura Marcus
Why We’re Hyped: We’re suckers for great period dramas, and arguably there aren’t enough productions centered on the Gilded Age of the USA. Not only does Death By Lightning offer a chance to be thoroughly entertained by great drama and acting, but also to educate audiences on one of the lesser-known or remembered US Presidents, James Garfield, which is a surprise considering he is only one of four US presidents assassinated while in office.
Wednesday (Season 2)
Picture: Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams
What It’s About: Following Wednesday Addams, a rebellious teenager with an emerging psychic ability, is sent to Nevermore Academy, where she begins investigating the mysterious and violent deaths that have terrorized the town.
Who’s In It: Jenna Ortega, Hunter Doohan, Emma Myers, Lady Gaga, Steve Buscemi
Why We’re Hyped: It’s crazy to think that Wednesday was first released on Netflix almost three years ago. In that time, Jenna Ortega has become one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood, but fans are beyond excited for her return as the iconic Addams family progeny. The series remains Netflix’s best-performing Original series since Squid Game, so naturally, we’re more than intrigued to see whether Wednesday will retain such a massive audience. What will surely help the series is the addition of exciting new cast members such as Steve Buscemi, Thandie Newton, and Lady Gaga.
Nobody Wants This
Picture: Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in Nobody Wants This
What It’s About: Joanne, a sex podcaster, and Noah, a rabbi, unexpectedly fall in love, much to the disapproval of their friends and family.
Who’s In It: Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn
Why We’re Hyped: For years, the success of Netflix comedies was few and far between. However, a wave of new comedy shows has bucked the trend, which started with Nobody Wants This. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody have bags full of chemistry, and we’re incredibly invested in what direction the romance between their characters, Joanne and Noah, will take next.
Black Rabbit
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 22: Jason Bateman is seen at the film set of the ‘Black Rabbit’ TV Series on April 22, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by METROPOLIS/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
What It’s About: The owner of a popular New York City hotspot allows his estranged brother back into his life, but the chaos brought by this decision threatens to destroy everything he’s built.
Who’s In It: Jason Bateman, Jude Law, Odessa Young, Abbey Lee, Dagmara Dominczyk
Why We’re Hyped: Thanks to his work on Ozark, which saw Jason Bateman not only emerge as an incredible dramatic actor but also as a phenomenal director and producer, has us fully invested in every project he’s involved in. So, after learning that not only is Bateman one of the leads of Black Rabbit alongside Jude Law, but he has also worked on the series as a producer and directed two out of the eight episodes, which has us incredibly excited.
A Man on the Inside
Picture: Ted Danson as Charles in A Man on the Inside
What’s It’s About: Charles, a retired widower, gets a new lease on lif when a private investigator hires him to become a mole in a secret investigation of a theft of a valuable necklace in a nursing home.
Who’s In It: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephanie Beatriz, Sally Struthers
Why We’re Hyped: The series continues Netflix’s recent string of great comedy shows, thanks to Ted Danson, who is at his charming best as the beloved retiree Charles. The second season will take Charles away from the retirement home and go undercover at a college, introducing us to a brand new cast of colourful characters. There’s something about the pairing of Michael Schur and Ted Danson that is just a recipe for success.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Filming Begins On Wake Up Dead Man
What’s It’s About: Netflix has yet to spill the details on the plot of Wake Up Dead Man, but from the little we know, it has been confirmed that the case will be Benoit Blanc’s most dangerous case yet.
Who’s In It: Daniel Craig, Cailee Spaeny, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis
Why We’re Hyped: Who doesn’t love an ensemble film? Especially one led by Daniel Craig, who not only loves his role as Benoit Blanc (and it shows!) but also with a brand new cast of incredible actors, whose characters will be at the centre of another mystery cooked up by director Rian Johnson.
Last Samurai Standing
Picture: The Japanese ensemble cast of Last Samurai Standing
What It’s About: Set in the late 19th century during the Meiji period, Last Samurai Standing takes place at the Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. Come nightfall, 292 skilled warriors gather, lured by the promise of a grand prize of 100 billion yen. Among them is our protagonist, Shujiro Saga, who enters this dangerous game with one goal: to save his ailing wife and child.
Who’s In It: Junichi Okada, Riho Yoshioka, Yumia Fujisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, Taichi Saotome
Why We’re Hyped: Squid Game meets Hunger Games is an apt way to describe Last Samurai Standing, which promises to deliver on some incredible action with actor Junichi Okada producing and choreographing the series. Not enough is being said about the series, which could be a sleeper hit for Netflix.
Those are our picks – what are yours? Let us know in the comments.
