Streaming
This week’s edition of the Queue gives you a comprehensive guide of which shows and movies to stream this month.
Clueless movie
August 8, 2026 | 4:33 PM
3 minutes to read
A typical edition of The Queue starts with me going in-depth on a single topic — whether it’s highlighting Matt Damon’s best roles, picking five movies to watch after “The Odyssey,” or breaking down the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — before offering some quick streaming recommendations.
Once a month, however, I’ll be sending you an all-recommendations edition of the newsletter, because the struggle of deciding what to watch is eternal.
With the start of a new month heralding a slew of new movies and shows being added to streaming libraries, we’ve got plenty of recommendations to help you make the most of your time on the couch.
The best movies to watch on Netflix in August
“Clueless” (1995)
Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz may seem like a prototypical ’90s kid in Beverly Hills, but her character — based on the protagonist of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma” — is relatable to any generation. Throw in a killer supporting cast (Brittany Murphy, Dan Hedaya, Donald Faison, a baby-faced Paul Rudd) and you’ve got the recipe for a classic that is still being watched 31 years after its debut in the summer of 1995. (Netflix, YouTube, Peacock, Pluto TV, Paramount+ )
“Eighth Grade” (2018)
Hamilton, Mass. native Bo Burnham’s directorial debut is a strikingly honest portrayal of the anxiety that pervades many middle schooler’s daily lives, as seen through Kayla (Elsie Fisher), a 13-year-old in her final week of middle school whose peers have given her the backhanded superlative of “Most Quiet.” Though he wouldn’t outright admit it in an interview with Boston.com, Burnham’s own experiences as an awkward teen who rose to YouTube fame clearly come through in the funny, heartfelt film. (Netflix)
“Something’s Gotta Give” (2003)
Nancy Meyers’s romantic comedies are always elevated by the director’s larger budgets and her keen eye for gorgeous set design (think kitchens that would make Martha Stewart jealous). In “Something’s Gotta Give,” the central performances lift the film as well, with Jack Nicholson playing a serial dater who falls in love with the mother (Diane Keaton) of his latest age-inappropriate fling (Amanda Peet). (Netflix, Hulu, Tubi)
3 more movies to watch this weekend
“Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender” (2026)
Almost 20 years after the series finale of this hit Nickelodeon series, Aang — known as the “Avatar” for his mastery of the four elements (water, fire, air, earth) — has grown into his role as a world protector. But when Aang awakens an ancient warrior (Dave Bautista), the balance of power between the four elements could change forever. (Paramount+)
“The Ballad of Wallis Island” (2025)
This charming comedy-drama from across the pond stars Tim Key (“The Paper”) as an eccentric two-time lottery winner (imagine the odds!) who uses his windfall to reunite his favorite folk duo (Tom Basden, Carey Mulligan) years after a personal and professional breakup. (Peacock)
“You, Me & Tuscany” (2026): It’s certainly formulaic, but if you give yourself over to the Italian vistas and the winsome chemistry of leads Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, you’ll have a pleasant time. (Peacock)
Play or Skip: Staff Edition
You’ve heard enough of my streaming picks already, so here’s what the rest of Boston.com’s staff is watching.
Have a show you can’t stop watching? Email me about it at [email protected], and your recommendation may appear in a future edition of The Queue.
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Season 4
Editor Peter Chianca thought Season 3 of this show was up-and-down, but is loving the new season so far: “Season 4 just got off to a strong start with an episode that’s about as Trekkie as you can get: Time travel, an unknown alien species, a philosophical conundrum, and (spoiler alert) dinosaurs! Even with the occasional misfire, ‘SNW’ — with its winning younger versions of old favorites like Spock, Scotty, Uhura, and even (occasionally) Captain Kirk — remains a treat for anyone who first got hooked on the original series. (Paramount+)
“Ted Lasso”
Initially worried this Emmy winning show (back for Season 4 this week) was “overhyped,” senior producer Heather Alterisio was happy her doubts were unfounded: “I was absolutely captivated by the depth of the characters and their struggles, the delicate balance of comedy and emotional turmoil, and the talented cast throughout the show. If there’s one word to describe the show as a whole, it’s just ‘genuine.’” (Apple TV)
“Voicemails for Isabelle” (2026)
She may have moved down the hall to work on our sister publication The B-Side, but producer Kelly Chan still has time to recommend this Netflix movie: “As a rom-com girl, this hit. Zoey Deutch and Nick Robinson have so much good chemistry, and the movie’s equally funny, heartwrenching, and wholesome.” (Netflix)
End Credits
That’s a wrap on this edition of The Queue. If you’re a fan, please consider recommending this newsletter to your friends.
Until next time, good stream hunting, everyone!
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