Discover This Week’s Must-Watch Films on Netflix, HBO Max, and Beyond (July 20-26)
A highly anticipated film of 2026 has just made its streaming debut last week. Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, is an inventive horror feature now available on Peacock. This week, three new original films are set to premiere on Netflix, Paramount+, and Apple TV+. One film features the comedic talent of Kevin Hart, while another brings back a favorite animated icon.
My top pick of the week revolves around the rapidly expanding sport of pickleball. The other films have previously been shown in theaters over the past nine months. All five movies can be streamed in the U.S.
5
72 Hours
Kevin Hart and a lot of debauchery
If you’re a Kevin Hart enthusiast, Netflix has you covered. Earlier this year, Hart was featured in The Roast of Kevin Hart, a comedic showcase filled with jokes from fellow comedians. Now, he stars in a new film titled 72 Hours, which channels the vibe of the fun comedies we cherished in the 2000s.
In the film, Joe (Hart), a 40-year-old seeking thrill in his uneventful life, accidentally finds himself part of a bachelor party group chat. Seizing the moment, he travels to Miami to join a group of young party-goers (featuring Marcello Hernández, Mason Gooding, Ben Marshall, and Kam Patterson). While not as infamous as Vegas, Miami surely delivers wild experiences, as hinted by the 72 Hours trailer. Expect an exhilarating adventure.
72 Hours is set to premiere on Netflix on July 24.
4
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender
The lovable Nickelodeon character gets another adventure
This year has been quite eventful for Aang and the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Just last month, Netflix released the second season of its live-action adaptation. Now, the animated character returns in the Paramount+ film, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender. Having believed he was the last airbender after concluding the Hundred Year War, Aang (voiced by Eric Nam) discovers another airbender, Tagah (portrayed by Dave Bautista).
To protect Tagah and preserve his culture, Aang and his friends need to retrieve a powerful artifact before it falls into the hands of The Denied, a group posing a threat to airbenders. Fans of the original Nickelodeon series are sure to enjoy revisiting this universe, and newcomers can easily join the journey.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender will be available on Paramount+ starting July 25.
3
Mortal Kombat II
Finish him again!
The Mortal Kombat franchise made a comeback in 2021 with a reboot. Although the original video game is immensely popular, the first film faced limitations due to its budget. However, Mortal Kombat II steps up the game and expands its universe to include diverse realms beyond just Earthrealm and Outworld.
This sequel introduces the beloved character Johnny Cage (played by Karl Urban). The storyline centers around the tournament as Earthrealm enlists Johnny Cage to help secure their realm’s survival. Viewers can look forward to a lineup of familiar faces, including Kitana (Adeline Rudolph), Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), and Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). If you’re a fan of the action-packed vibes from the games, Mortal Kombat II is sure to satisfy.
Mortal Kombat II will be streaming on HBO Max as of July 24.
2
Masters of the Universe
Prime Video has the power!
He-Man is a nostalgic character for many who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks in part to Mattel’s beloved franchise known for its toys and the animated Masters of the Universe series. Following a disappointing live-action film in 1987, Amazon MGM Studios has revived the franchise with a new adaptation this year.
In the story, the nefarious Skeletor (voiced by Jared Leto) launches an attack on Eternia. A young Prince Adam (Artie Wilkinson-Hunt) is sent secretly to Earth with the Sword of Power. Fifteen years later, Adam (now played by Nicholas Galitzine) discovers the sword and reconnects with his friend Teela (Camila Mendes) as they prepare to confront Skeletor. Adam must now accept his role as He-Man to safeguard his home. While the movie might face scrutiny for its box office performance, it offers an engaging adaptation that balances intense action with a poignant story about strength and compassion.
Masters of the Universe streams on Prime Video on July 22.
1
The Dink
The case for pickleball
There’s a notable rivalry brewing between tennis and pickleball, with many tennis courts in my area being converted into pickleball venues. Although The Dink is a comedic piece, it effectively reflects the ongoing dynamics between these sports in America.
The lead character, Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson), is a former tennis champion now coaching young players at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) country club. Chuck despises pickleball, and seeking his father’s approval, Dusty initially supports this sentiment. However, an arm injury forces him to experience pickleball as part of his rehabilitation. Surprisingly, Dusty develops an affinity for the sport, leading to a conflict regarding the future of the club. Let the competition begin.
The Dink will debut on Apple TV on July 24.
What else is on tap for streaming?
As we look ahead, excitement builds for The Last House, a new movie set to launch on Netflix in August. For now, however, let’s revisit Christopher Nolan’s cinematic masterpieces, including The Dark Knight and Inception.
