Not sure what to watch in August? Here are our top picks of some of the best new movies, shows, and K-dramas to catch this August 2025.
Best new movies and shows to watch in August 2025
After the superhero and blockbuster dominated July, it’s time for other IP’s to shine this August. From the anime phenomenon of Demon Slayer coming to cinemas again to the return of Jackie Chan on the big screen. In conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day we will also be showcasing the return of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga to Netflix. Here is what to watch in August to fill up your nightly binge sessions.
Highlights of what to watch in August
The anime phenomenon Demon Slayer returns with its fourth film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle. Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps must face off against the literal demons of the past after being trapped in another dimension by Muzan.
Meanwhile, Lindsey Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return in the sequel to the 2000s classic Freaky Friday with Freakier Friday. Watch hijinks and shenanigans ensue as Tess and Anna learn how to manage a new member to the family, Anna’s soon-to-be child.
Jackie Chan is set to return in the cold-blooded cop thriller The Shadow’s Edge as he faces off against Tony Leung Ka Fai. Prepare for explosive shootouts and fist fights in a nail-bitting cat-and-mouse thriller.
Finally, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga is coming to Netflix. A tale of brotherhood and betrayal, this gangster film became the second highest grossing Malaysian film of all time. Starring Sharnaaz Ahmad, Syafiq Kyle, and Amelia Henderson, this gangster flick was highly praised for its thrilling action set pieces and compelling performances. This film is definitely one you should add to what to watch in August.
New movies coming to cinemas this August 2025
Freakier Friday
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Release Date: 1 August 2025 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Two decades after the original switch, Freakier Friday brings back Curtis and Lohan for a multigenerational body-swap comedy with a new twist. This time, the chaos doubles as lightning strikes twice. With fresh comedic energy and heartfelt family moments, the sequel aims to capture the charm of the original while telling a new story about family and love.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie – Infinity Castle
Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kito, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Release Date: 2 August 2025 (Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan / Global Theatrical)
The climactic arc of the Demon Slayer saga arrives on the big screen with Infinity Castle, promising jaw-dropping animation and emotional payoffs. The Demon Slayer unite for a final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji which will make them face the demons of their past. This film brings together the best of animation studio Ufotable’s action choreography and storytelling.
Coolie
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan
Release Date: 14 August 2025 (Sun Pictures)
Bollywood legend Rajinikanth returns to the big screen as a gold smuggler who assembles a team to pull off one last great heist. This blockbuster is one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the year and is bound to be a complete cinematic experience.
The Shadow’s Edge
Director: Larry Yang
Cast: Jackie Chan, Zhang Zifeng, Leung Ka Fai Tony, Ci Sha
Release Date: 16 August 2025 (Universal Pictures)
Action legend Jackie Chan returns to the cop thriller genre as Wong Tak Chung, an expert who is tasked to take down the mysterious ‘Wolf King’ (Tony Leung Ka Fai). Wong assembles a team who will stop at nothing to take the Wolf King’s team of criminals down. What ensues is an action packed cat-and-mouse game as two acting giants go head-to-head in an epic clash of wits.
Nobody 2
Director: Timo Tjahjanto
Cast: Bob Odenkirk, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick, Braden Aftergood, Marc Provissiero
Release Date: 22 August 2025 (Universal Pictures)
Bob Odenkirk returns as Hutch Mansell in Nobody 2, the sequel to the cult-favourite action film. Hutch’s family vacation goes sideways when he is hunted by a crooked theme park operator, a suspicious sheriff, and a mob boss. Directed by Indonesia’s Timo Tjahjanto, expect the same crazy action and violence of the first film and higher emotional stakes as Hutch has to protect his own family.
Materialists
Director: Celine Song
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal
Release Date: 29 August 2025 (A24 / Global Release)
Celine Song follows up Past Lives with Materialists, a sharply observed romantic drama exploring the tension between wealth and love in a hyper-capitalist dating landscape. Dakota Johnson is a matchmaker who finds love for wealthy clients. When found between a wealthy man (Pascal) is exactly her type and her imperfect ex (Evans), she must now chose her own path and chose the love of her life.
New series and movies coming to OTT platforms (Netflix, MAX) in August 2025
Wednesday – Season 2
Creators: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán
Release Date: 6 August 2025 (Netflix)
Return to Nevermore Academy as the woeful Wednesday Addams faces a new term filled with dark intrigue and twisted secrets. In Season 2, Jenna Ortega reprises her breakout role in a storyline that puts her in the center of a conspiracy at Nevermore Academy.
Watch here.
Peacemaker – Season 2
Creator: James Gunn
Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee
Release Date: 21 August 2025 (Max)
Following the explosive success of its first season, Peacemaker returns with more chaotic energy, vulgar humour, and a soft reboot into the new DCU. John Cena returns as the foulmouthed anti-hero Christopher Smith as he attempts to join the Justice Gang.
Watch here.
Madame Aema
Director: Lee Hae-young
Cast: Kim Seo-hyung, Han So-hee, Lee Dong-wook
Release Date: 22 August 2025 (Netflix)
A re-telling of the behind-the-scenes story of South Korea’s first adult film, Madame Aema emerges as a bold Netflix limited series combining eroticism, social critique, and feminist introspection. Lee Ha-nee plays Jung Hee-ran, actress at the top of her game who decides to take on a bold step to establish herself in Korean cinematic history. An erotic, retro comedy about the highs and lows of filmmaking and the follies of the film industry, this series will be an entertaining watch.
Watch here.
Thursday Murder Club
Creator: Chris Chibnall
Cast: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley
Release Date: 28 August 2025 (Netflix)
Adapted from Richard Osman’s bestselling murder mystery novel, The Thursday Murder Club brings together an all-star cast in a charming, witty murder mystery set in a sleepy retirement village. When the residents uncover a real murder case in their quiet English town, their weekly crime-solving club becomes an unlikely investigative force. Starring British acting legends like Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley, prepare to cozy up for a good-old fashioned murder mystery.
Movies you may have missed coming to streamers (Netflix)
Blood Brothers: Bara Naga
Directors: Syafiq Yusof, Abhilash Chandra
Cast: Syafiq Kyle, Sharnaaz Ahmad, Shukri Yahaya, Amelia Henderson, Syazwan Zulkifly, Irfan Zaini, Wan Hanafi Su, Zamarul Hisham
Streaming Date: 10 August 2025 (Netflix, global release)
Directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, this gangster epic follows elite bodyguard Ariff (Syafiq Kyle), who is framed for betrayal and forced to reunite with his estranged brother Jaki (Syazwan Zulkifly) while escaping the leader of the ‘Bara Naga’ crime syndicate Ghaz (Sharnaaz Ahmad). A story filled with action, emotion, and twists, this gangster flick will keep you on the edge of your seat.
(Hero and feature image by Toho)
