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The 7 Best Movies New to Netflix in August 2021

August on Netflix tends to be a lot like August at the movies: A sweaty grab bag of fluff, comfort food, leftovers, and “that could be interesting” question marks. Netflix Original “He’s All That” certainly falls into the first category, though we’re crossing our fingers that Mark Waters’ dubious sequel to a teen movie classic is more than just another example of a streamer exhuming whatever IP it can (that Rachael Leigh Cook is returning bodes well, but Freddie Prinze Jr.’s absence has us nervous about the film’s commitment to hacky sack-related performance art). Also waiting in the wings is the Jason Momoa action vehicle “Sweet Girl,” which stars the once and future Aquaman as a big daddy hell-bent on punishing the pharma execs he holds responsible for his wife’s death.

So far as still-unseen Netflix Originals go, August’s most promising new title is Ferdinando Cito Filomarino’s “Beckett,” which stars John David Washington as an American tourist who’s framed for a crime while on vacation in Greece. That will premiere in Locarno early in the month, though Netflix — returning to the fall festival circuit after sitting things out last year — is saving most of its heavy hitters for awards season.

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Highlights from the month’s library titles include recurring Netflix staples like “Magnolia” and “Inception,” while Kelly Fremon Craig’s magnificent “The Edge of Seventeen” is making its way to the streamer just in time to get teenagers extra-hyped for the new school year (no hooking up with your best friend’s brother unless you’re both vaccinated!).

Here are the seven best movies coming to Netflix this August.

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