There’s nothing the internet loves more than a shared cultural obsession. We never feel more united than when we’re all watching and talking about the same things, and this July is packed full with movies and shows that are bound to catch everyone’s interest. Summertime always comes with a packed watch-list, and June already had a few heavy hitters like The Drama, which sparked a lot of discourse, and a new season of House of the Dragon that has us all locked in. July promises to be even bigger and better with some highly anticipated movies and shows.
Movies to Look out for this July
The Odyssey
When Christopher Nolan announced that he would be adapting the classic Greek story, the world was immediately in a state of anticipation! The epic follows the Greek hero Odysseus on his decade-long journey home after the decade long Trojan War. Nolan is known for assembling incredible ensemble casts, and this movie is no exception with names like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway and even Travis Scott making up the cast. The Odyssey hits theatres on July 17.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
It’s a busy month for Tom Holland and Zendaya as they are also returning to our screens on July 31st in the next Spider-Man instalment. Following the fan-favourite spectacle of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Brand New Day will see Peter Parker dealing with the consequences of his choices in a world that no longer remembers him.
Minions & Monsters
People looking for the next family-friendly animated film need look no further than the latest instalment in the Despicable Me franchise. Minions and Monsters is the third movie in the Minions prequel series and follows the adorable yellow creatures in more hijinks as the Despicable Me world just keeps growing larger. The movie releases on the first of July.
Moana
Moana is the latest Disney animated movie to get the live action treatment. While audiences were skeptical about whether the movie was necessary, Moana remains a fan-favourite, and audiences are excited to see what the adaptation will bring to the table. The film comes out on July 10 and stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana in her film debut and Dwayne Johnson reprising his voice role as the demigod Maui.
Alechenu
Directed by Biodun Stephen, Alechenu is an upcoming Nollywood drama that already looks like it’s going to tug on some heart strings. The movie takes on an angle that Nollywood hasn’t explored yet, following an autistic boy named Alechenu. Stephen’s goal with this movie was to portray the nuance of living with autism. The movie stars Bimbo Ademoye, Ezuruonye, Jessica Obazi Stan and many more, and will be out in cinemas on July 3.
Upcoming TV Shows in July
All American Season 8 (The CW)
All American is a CW classic, and the beloved series will be coming to an end this July. Both the characters in the series and its audience have grown since it first premiered in 2018, and fans are hoping that season 8 will stick the landing with satisfying conclusions for their favourite characters. The season will pick up right where season 7 left fans hanging: the aftermath of the Beverly vs Crenshaw playoff game.
Elle (Prime Video)
Legally Blonde fans probably squealed with joy when Elle was announced. Produced by Reese Witherspoon herself, the prequel series will follow a young Elle Woods during her high school years. The series has already been greenlit for a second season ahead of the season 1 premiere and will star newcomer Lexi Minetree as Elle.
X-Men ‘97 Season 2 (Disney +)
Another highly anticipated July release is the second season of X-Men ‘97. When the hit 90s animated show was revived in 2024, audiences were pleasantly surprised by how it blended nostalgia with fresh material. The second season will pick up where season 1 ended, with the X-Men scattered across time and trying to find their way back.
Fightland (Starz)
Starz and 50 Cent first collaborated in 2014 to give us one of our favourite gritty, Black-led dramas, Power. This July, the two will collaborate again on the boxing drama, Fightland. The series follows Duke, a disgraced former boxer who, after his release from prison, resolves to take vengeance on the family that betrayed him.
Whether you’re finding your new favourite show or saying goodbye to your last one, there’s something for everyone this July.
