7 Best New Movies on Netflix in August 2023

From emotionally-challenging documentaries to thrilling animated films.

As the Summer reaches its peak, Netflix gears up to release another set of original content, ensuring we stay entertained indoors during the scorching weather. In August 2023, viewers can look forward to Gal Gadot taking on a spy role in the franchise-driven film “Heart of Stone,” while the captivating tale of the Monkey King comes to life in an exciting new animated feature. Additionally, there will be thought-provoking documentaries and two movie adaptations from beloved mangas to keep us engaged. As always, Netflix caters to diverse tastes, offering something for everyone this month. So, if you’re searching for fresh entertainment options, be sure to explore their guide to the top original movies arriving on Netflix in August 2023 below.

Mark Cavendish: Never Enough

Available on: August 2 | Director: Alex Kiehl

Mark Cavendish, regarded as one of the cycling greats and one of only two individuals to achieve 34 stage wins in the Tour de France, faced a critical juncture in his career in 2016. Serious injuries put his future in the sport at risk, and it seemed like he might never compete again. However, in the documentary “Mark Cavendish: Never Enough,” director Alex Kiehl takes us through the cyclist’s remarkable journey of triumph, setback, and ultimate resurgence. Through exclusive interviews with Cavendish’s family and friends, the film showcases how his sheer determination and unyielding spirit propelled him back into the game against all odds.

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food

Available on: August 2 | Director: Stephanie Soechtig

The new documentary by Stephanie Soechtig delves into the notion that “we are what we eat,” but it raises an unsettling question: what exactly are we consuming? Titled “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food,” the film presents a gut-wrenching investigation into the U.S. food production chains, with a promise to uncover harsh realities about the food that ultimately reaches our plates. Through its compelling narrative, the documentary aims to shed light on how decades of lax regulations and corporate greed have rendered the American public susceptible to life-threatening pathogens like e. Coli and salmonella. While it may not be a movie that sparks your appetite, it serves as an essential and eye-opening release for Netflix in August 2023.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

Available on: August 3 | Director: Yusuke Ishida

Cast: Eiji Akaso, Mai Shiraishi, Shuntaro Yanagi, Kazuki Kitamura, Yui Ichikawa

In “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead,” the protagonist Akira (Eiji Akaso) finds an unexpected perspective on the apocalypse. As the world succumbs to a zombie outbreak, Akira sees this chaos as a liberating opportunity, especially from a job he despised. Despite being aware of the inevitability of becoming a victim of the undead, he doesn’t feel disheartened. Instead, Akira creates a unique approach to his predicament by compiling a list of 100 things he wants to accomplish before facing his fate. This bucket list gives his life newfound purpose and meaning, leading him to experience a sense of freedom and fulfillment for the first time.

The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 2

Available on: August 8 | Director: Bob Shirohata

Cast: Yûki Kaji, Ayumu Murase, Mikako Komatsu

“The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh” is the highly-awaited conclusion to a two-part movie series, drawing inspiration from the beloved manga created by Nakaba Suzuki. The manga revolves around the adventures of the titular group, the Seven Deadly Sins, a band of rebellious warriors tasked with liberating a kingdom from demonic control. Set fourteen years after the original manga’s conclusion, “Grudge of Edinburgh” centers on Tristan (voiced by Ayumu Murase), the son of one of the original Seven Deadly Sin warriors. Tristan faces the challenge of mastering his extraordinary powers while embarking on a quest to save his mother. The first part of this captivating tale premiered on Netflix the previous year, leaving fans of the franchise eagerly anticipating the epic conclusion to Tristan’s journey in this highly anticipated sequel.

Marry My Dead Body

Available on: August 10 | Director: Cheng Wei-hao

Cast: Greg Hsu, Austin Lin, Gingle Wang

Bringing together folklore and outrageous humor, the Taiwanese film “Marry My Dead Body” presents an exceptionally eccentric concept for an original Netflix movie. The plot revolves around Wu Ming-han (Greg Hsu), a cop with strong homophobic views, who becomes entangled with a spirit through the ancient ritual of “ghost marriage.” To his dismay, Wu Ming-han finds himself wedded to the soul of Mao Mao (Austin Lin), a homosexual man who tragically passed away just before his own marriage.

Desperate to rid himself of the persistent ghost, Wu Ming-han must reluctantly team up with Mao Mao to solve the latter’s murder case. This unforeseen alliance forces the cop to confront his prejudice and reevaluate his actions towards the LGBTQ+ community. As they embark on their journey, the film takes the audience through a hilarious and thought-provoking adventure, blending absurdity with social commentary on acceptance and self-reflection.

Heart of Stone

Available on: August 11 | Director: Tom Harper

Cast: Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, Alia Bhatt, Sophie Okonedo, Matthias Schweighöfer

Gal Gadot, renowned for her action roles in Fast & Furious and Wonder Woman, continues her success with Netflix’s Red Notice. Now, she kicks off another franchise with Heart of Stone, an electrifying spy movie reminiscent of Mission: Impossible and James Bond. Expected to be a blockbuster hit, the film follows Gadot’s character, a spy protecting a dangerous technology called “the Heart” from ruthless villains. Netflix aims to deliver thrilling entertainment for all audiences in August 2023 with Heart of Stone taking center stage.

The Monkey King

Available on: August 18 | Director: Anthony Stacchi

Cast: Stephanie Hsu, Hoon Lee, BD Wong

Netflix is bringing the 16th-century Chinese legend of The Monkey King to life in a visually stunning animated feature. The film follows the mischievous and magical Monkey, who uses his powers to outwit demons and gods. While the character deviates from the conventional Western hero archetype, Netflix’s track record of successful animated features that defy expectations, like The Sea Beast and Nimona, gives hope that The Monkey King will be another hit. It will be intriguing to see how the streaming platform adapts this complex character for a family-friendly audience, making it an eagerly anticipated addition to their animated offerings.